Tucked on a hillside just across the river from Manali, the village of Vashisht is one of the loveliest half-day escapes you can make from Naggar. It's known for two things travellers love: a cluster of natural sulphur hot springs you can bathe in for free, and an ancient stone-and-wood temple wrapped in old Himalayan legend.
The hot water springs
Vashisht's hot springs bubble up rich in sulphur and glacial minerals, with water temperatures hovering between roughly 110 and 123°F (around 43–50°C). The springs feed stone bathing tanks, with separate areas for men and women, and there's no entry fee. Locals and travellers alike come to soak, especially welcome after a cold mountain morning — the mineral water is said to be good for tired muscles and skin. The baths are usually open from around 7 am to 1 pm and again from 2 pm to 9 pm.
The temple of sage Vashisht
Right beside the baths stands the Vashisht Temple, dedicated to the sage Vashisht and said to be thousands of years old. It's built in traditional Himachali style with intricately carved wood and stone, and there's a smaller Rama temple nearby. The temple is open from around 7 am to 9 pm, with no entry fee. Take a few quiet minutes inside before the village fills up later in the day.
How to reach Vashisht from Naggar
Vashisht sits about 3.5 km from the Manali bus stand, on the opposite bank of the Beas from the main town. From Naggar, drive up the valley to Manali (roughly an hour, around 22 km) and continue across the river to Vashisht; the final climb is a narrow uphill lane. From the Manali side you can also reach it in 10–15 minutes by auto, or on foot via a scenic 30–40 minute uphill walk. Parking near the temple is limited, so going early helps.
Make a day of it
- Best season: March to June and September to November for clear, pleasant weather.
- Carry a small towel and a change of clothes if you plan to bathe.
- The lanes above the springs are full of little bakeries and tea spots — perfect for a slow breakfast.
- Combine Vashisht with a wander through Old Manali, just a short hop away across the valley.
Vashisht is the kind of place that rewards an unhurried morning — a hot soak, a quiet temple, and mountain views in every direction. If you'd like a calm, homely base to return to in the evening, Ghar in the Hills in Naggar is a short drive down the valley and makes an ideal launch point for day trips like this one. Pack a towel, head up early, and let the hills do the rest.