Mandi

Packed with a thick green cover of pine and deodar trees, the town of Mandi is situated at the junction of Kullu and Dharamshala. It is often referred to as 'Varanasi of Hills', or 'Choti Kashi' as the town has as many as 81 temples spread across its area. Lying on the banks of River Beas, Mandi also displays some old palaces and temples that can be dated back to the 5th Century AD. Serving as a gateway to some famous valleys such as Kullu, Manali, Spiti and Lahaul, Mandi is must on your north India itinerary which never fails to enchant its visitors. Mandi is also the nearest town to various treks like Prashar lake and Janjheli.