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Manikaran
is at the bottom of dark gorge with hot
sulphur spring emerging from the rock strewn
banks of the Parvati. According to Hindu
mythology while Parvati bathed in the river, Naga, the serpent god stole her "Manikaran"
(earrings).
There are
both Hindu and Sikh pilgrim centers offering "Langar" (community
food) and stay to devotees. One can see food
being cooked with the help of boiling
sulphur waters. Manikaran sulphur water is
said to have miraculous healing properties
for skin ailments. People take bath and many
claim to have being cured with its
therapeutic properties. There are separate
baths for men and women.
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 From
Manikaran there are short treks to Pulga and
Kheer
Ganga beyond while a foot path
(affected by landslips in places) lead to the
Pin
Valley in
Spiti.
Manikaran though not attractive in itself, provides a brief halt for
trekkers. It has
become a popular place for dropouts.
Cheaper
guest houses are available in Manikaran & nearby towns like
Kasol with
both traditional and modern amenities. Local families also take paying
guests. Eating the Sikh Gurudwara does excellent meals, steam cooked at
the springs (donation only). There are way side “Dhabas” (economic food
joints) serving local food, while some near the spring cater for Westerns.
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