Manali Some people consider the Kulu  Valley the most beautiful on earth . The RiverBeas , rising near the Rohtang Pass which separates Kulu from Lahaul to the north , flow south toward Mandi , through the Kangra Valley and across northern Punjab to join the Indus in Pakistan. A car journey is quicker and there are also flights from Delhi, Shimla and Chandigarh  to Bhuntar , 10 Kms south of Kulu.  One of the interesting stops enroute  is the old hill - state capital of  Mandi .Kulu , is one of the most enjoyable Himalayan towns ; Manali is even more attractive. The Raghunathpura Temple is a 5 minute walk from the town .The views are worth the climb , and another 45 minutes of climbing leads to the small Vaishno Devi Temple . A road lead to the hot springs of  Manikaran , 45km into the Parvati  Valley is full of bountiful orchards.  The small town of Manali is the focal point for most visitors to the valley. July to September are the best for high altitude treks over the Rohtang pass and on to Lahaul , Zanskar and Ladakh. The wooden Dhoongri temple with its four  tiered pagoda roof is concealed in the deodar wood. Beyond  Manali, the road crosses the Rohtang pass into the barren region of Lahaul, the pass act as a barrier to the monsoon and the area is similar to the Ladakh region further north. The main town is Keylong, 117 Kms from Manali .It is possible to travel all the way to Leh by bus, with permission obtained.