Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara sits on the banks of the Parvati River in Himachal Pradesh’s Parvati Valley, about 4 km from Kasol and about 35 km from Bhuntar. It’s one of the most important Sikh pilgrimage sites in North India, but that’s only part of the story. People come here for faith, yes. They also come to witness the natural hot springs that bubble out of the ground all year round. It’s not something you see every day.
What makes Manikaran different is that it isn’t sacred to just one faith. The Gurudwara honours the visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji during his third Udasi, while the nearby temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati have made the town equally significant for Hindu devotees. Add forest-covered mountains, the roar of the Parvati River and clouds of steam rising from the geothermal springs, and you have a place that feels peaceful without trying too hard. It stays with you long after you’ve left.
The boiling hot springs that bubble naturally from the earth are used to cook the Gurudwara langar. Bathing in the hot kunds (pools) is believed to cure skin diseases and provide spiritual cleansing.
Take a dip in the natural hot water kunds
Attend the morning Gurbani (prayers)
Eat langar — free, hot, delicious community meal
Visit the ancient Shiva temple nearby
Explore the small market for local handicrafts
The Gurudwara remains open throughout the day, allowing devotees to visit at any hour for prayers and darshan. The langar is served daily, while accommodation is available for pilgrims, subject to availability.
Tips: Although the shrine is accessible all day, visiting early in the morning or during the evening prayers offers a quieter and more peaceful experience before the daytime crowds arrive.
Whether you’re a Sikh pilgrim, a Hindu devotee or simply someone exploring the Parvati Valley, there’s something about this riverside town that makes you want to slow down and stay a little longer. For Sikhs, the Gurudwara marks the visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji during his third Udasi through the Himalayas in the early 16th century. When there was no way to cook food for the langar, Guru Nanak asked Bhai Mardana to lift a stone. A hot spring is believed to have burst from the earth, allowing the food to be cooked naturally. Even today, the langar is prepared using the heat from these geothermal springs.
Local legends say that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati meditated in the valley for thousands of years. During their stay, Goddess Parvati is believed to have lost her precious jewel, or mani, in the waters. This is said to be how the town got its name i.e., Manikaran, from the Sanskrit words Mani (jewel) and Karan (ear). Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Rama stand just a short walk from the Gurudwara, making it a shared place of worship for two faiths.
Then there’s the setting itself. Snow-draped mountains, the fast-flowing Parvati River, clouds of steam rising from the hot springs and prayers echoing through the valley create an atmosphere that’s both peaceful and unforgettable. You could come here for the legends, the architecture or the views. Chances are, you’ll leave remembering the feeling instead.
What makes Manikaran different is that it isn’t sacred to just one faith. The Gurudwara honours the visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji during his third Udasi, while the nearby temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati have made the town equally significant for Hindu devotees. Add forest-covered mountains, the roar of the Parvati River and clouds of steam rising from the geothermal springs, and you have a place that feels peaceful without trying too hard. It stays with you long after you’ve left.
You can spot them before you reach them. Clouds of steam rise from the ground, even on chilly mornings, making Manikaran town look like it’s wrapped in mist. These natural hot springs are the town’s biggest talking point, and for good reason. The water emerges from deep beneath the earth at temperatures close to boiling, hot enough to cook rice, lentils and vegetables without a stove.
Inside the Gurudwara complex, the hot spring water is still used to prepare parts of the langar. You’ll often see cloth bags filled with rice or lentils placed directly into the steaming water to cook.
If you’d like to experience the springs yourself, the Gurudwara has separate bathing areas for men and women. Bathing is generally free of charge, though voluntary donations to the Gurudwara are always welcome. Many pilgrims believe the mineral-rich water helps soothe tired muscles and certain skin conditions. These beliefs are part of local tradition and religious faith, not medically proven treatments.
Shared taxis from Kasol to Manikaran run frequently and cost ₹20-30 per person. The ride takes 10-15 minutes.
October to June. Avoid July-August (heavy rains).
If your Kasol itinerary includes Tosh, Chalal or the Kheerganga trek, adding Manikaran Sahib is an easy decision. It’s only a few minutes from Kasol, yet the atmosphere feels completely different.
Here, snow-covered peaks overlook steaming geothermal springs. The Parvati River rushes past ancient temples and a Gurudwara where the langar has welcomed visitors for generations. It’s an unusual combination, yet everything feels perfectly in place.
Kasol
Ram Temple Manikaran
Hot Spring Bathing Ghats
Pulga Village