Hidden beyond Solang Valley, the Anjani Mahadev Temple is one of those places where the journey is almost as nice as the destination. The route takes you away from the busy valley and towards a quieter mountain landscape, ending at a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also known for its seasonal ice formation, which becomes especially impressive in winter.
[📸 MAIN ANJANI MAHADEV PHOTO]
Why Visit Anjani Mahadev?
A few things make this trek special:
- The temple sits in a beautiful mountain valley surrounded by high peaks and forests.
- In winter, water freezing around the temple can create a large natural ice Shivling, which is the main attraction for many visitors.
- The walk is short enough for a half-day outing, but still gives you that feeling of being away from the usual tourist route.
- You may also find people reaching the temple by walking, horse or ATV, depending on conditions and local arrangements.
The trail can be uneven, so I’d wear proper shoes. In winter, snow and ice can make parts of the route slippery.
Places Nearby
Since Anjani Mahadev is in the Solang area, you can easily combine it with:
- Solang Valley – adventure activities and wide mountain views.
- Nehru Kund – a quick stop on the way from Manali.
- Palchan – a quieter village with beautiful mountain scenery.
- Kothi Village – great views of the Beas gorge and higher mountains.
- Gulaba – a scenic higher-altitude stop when accessible.
- Atal Tunnel & Sissu – a longer option if road and weather conditions are good.
[📸 TREK TRAIL / MOUNTAIN VIEW]
Cafés & Food
There aren’t many places to eat right beside the temple, so I would eat around Solang Valley before or after the trek.
Cafe Chalte Chalte, Ride Inn Cafe and The Avalon Cafe are some of the current options around Solang. For something simple, roadside tea, Maggi and momos are also easy to find.
And after walking in the cold, a hot cup of chai somehow tastes much better.
[📸 CAFÉ / CHAI PHOTO]
Where to Stay
If Anjani Mahadev is one of your main plans, staying around Solang makes the morning easier.
- Solang Valley Resort – comfortable resort with mountain and valley views.
- Hotel Iceland Solang – a convenient stay around Solang.
- Solang Heights Hotel & Cafe – another option close to the valley.
- Clifftop – Boutique Homestay – a quieter stay option around the Solang area.
You can also stay in Manali and make Anjani Mahadev a half-day trip.
Best Chill Points
The best part is not only reaching the temple.
- Stop along the trail for mountain views.
- Sit quietly near the temple for a few minutes.
- Have chai after returning to Solang.
- Spend some time in the open meadow of Solang Valley.
- If the weather is clear, stay around for the afternoon mountain light.
[📸 CHILL POINT / MOUNTAIN VIEW PHOTO]
Weather & Best Time to Visit
The experience changes a lot with the season:
- March–June: Pleasant days and comfortable for walking.
- July–August: Green surroundings, but rain can make the trail slippery.
- September–November: Cool, clearer and excellent for hiking and photography.
- December–February: Very cold, with snow and ice possible. This is when the temple’s famous ice formation is most likely to be seen.
Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cold, especially around Solang.
Crowd & Off-Season
Solang Valley gets busy during May–June, weekends and school holidays. Winter weekends can also become crowded when snowfall is good.
For a quieter trek, September–November on a weekday is a lovely option.
If you’re specifically going to see the ice Shivling, winter is the season to target, but check current snow, road and trail conditions before going.
If You Have 2–4 Hours
Keep the day simple:
Manali → Solang Valley → start the Anjani Mahadev walk → temple → spend some quiet time → walk back → chai/food in Solang.
If you have a full day, you can add Atal Tunnel or Sissu depending on road conditions.
[📸 SUNSET / FINAL MOUNTAIN VIEW PHOTO]
Anjani Mahadev is the kind of trek where the quiet trail, cold mountain air and the temple at the end make the short walk feel worth it.