Lion King Rock Manali (Timings, Entry Fee, Images, Best time to visit, Location & Information)

Lion King Rock, also called Bada Patthar by locals, is a natural rock formation overlooking the Manali valley. It’s an ideal place for trekking if you're looking for a half-day hike in the woods of Manali.

The rock comes after a short trek on the Lama Dugh trail. It’s an offbeat tourist spot hidden by pine forests; not many people know about it. So, you can visit it with your family or friends and relax in the serene surroundings.

Lion King Rock formation provides you with a mesmerising view of the region. On a clear, sunny day, you can see all the snow-capped peaks surrounding Manali.

Where is Lion King Rock in Manali?

Lion King Rock Manali (or Bada Patthar) is a short trek away from Hadimba Devi Temple. It takes a little over half an hour of walking among the pine trees to reach the rock. It’s a must-visit site if you want to see Manali from up top.

Things to do at Lion King Rock

Lion King Rock is for trekking. If you’re fond of outdoor excursions, this trail beside Hadimba Devi Temple is a must-try. It’s a steep but short trek, running along the border of Manali Wildlife Sanctuary. And the place offers scenic views and a mesmerising experience.

The trail narrows as you start and takes you deep inside the dense forest of pine and deodar trees. Follow it into the woods, and you’ll reach the rock high up on the edge of a hill. The rock offers a panoramic view with white glaciers hiding the horizon and Manali in the valley below.

Give yourself some time to relax in the dead silence. And you'll feel yourself connecting with the inner you.

It’s an excellent spot for picnic and camping. Photography lovers, too, love the charming place surrounding Lion King Rock. You can even hike up to Lama Dugh for better views and the thrill of trekking through pine trees.

Lion King Rock Timings and Entry Fees

Although Lion King Rock is open 24 hours, it’s best to visit it during the day for the best views. So, the ideal visit timings are from 8 AM to 5 PM. You can also set up tents around for overnight camping. It’s open all around the year.

You don’t need to pay any entry fee to visit Lion King Rock.

Best time to visit Lion King Rock

The best time to visit Lion King Rock is in the winter and spring, from October to April. The temperature during these days is comfortable to trek and explore the area. You can enjoy trekking and see Manali from above. On a clear day, you can see all the snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Time to explore Lion King Rock

The trek to Lion King Rock Manali is a half-day affair. During ideal conditions, it takes about 30-45 minutes to trek the 2 km long trail and the same time to be back. You can spend an hour or two relaxing and enjoying the surrounding views from the top.

You can also extend your visit to Lama Dugh. It’s a full-day trekking experience, and you can be back by the evening. You can even set overnight camps.

Things to keep in mind when visiting Lion King Rock

• Wear warm clothes.
• Carry plenty of water.
• Pack some snacks.
• Keep an umbrella.
• Camera and binoculars are also a must.
• Put on comfortable trekking/walking shoes.
• Pack a torch if you’re going to stay overnight.

How to reach Lion King Rock Manali?

Lion King Rock trekking spot is about 4 km from the Manali bus stop. The nearest railway station is in Kalka (282 km away), and the nearest airport to Lion King Rock is in Chandigarh (317 km away). Bhuntar (53 km away), in Kullu, also has a small airport.

And following are the ways to visit Lion King Rock Manali:

By motorbikes – Rental motorbikes are available in Manali. You can hire one to go to the start point of the trek and walk your way down to Lion King Rock.

By auto-rickshaws – Auto-rickshaws can also be easily found in Manali. They’re a common way to explore Lion King Rock and nearby tourist spots.

By taxis/cabs – Private cabs and taxis are the most comfortable option for tourists in Manali. You can book one for the entire day from top car rental companies in Manali to go to the Lion King Rock trekking spot. Walk down the trail, enjoy your time, and be back to your hotel in your comfort.

Book a Manali tour package with us to visit this charming hill station and explore all the popular sightseeing places of Manali comfortably. At Manali Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, we offer customised packages to our customers to select from, according to their budget and other preferences. Please fill the Contact Us form to know more.

Location Map for Lion King Rock Manali