Manali is a well-known tourist spot in the Indian subcontinent. Majestic mountains, distinct culture, snow-capped peaks, lip-smacking cuisine, scenic landscapes, and lavish hotels personify the beauty of this resort town to seek the attention of travellers throughout the year.
Due to the high altitude location in the foothills of the Himalayas, Manali enjoys a moderately cool temperature all year round. During winter, one can enjoy heavy snowfall in Manali, making the town a popular ski resort. If you’re planning to Manali, Himachal Pradesh, here’s a brief guide to snowfall in Manali to help you make your journey wonderful, enjoy the best and remember for a lifetime.
Top 5 Best Places To Visit In Manali To Witness Snowfall in 2025
Here are some of the most enchanting places to visit in Manali to witness the magic of snowfall:
1. Solang Valley
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Solang Valley is located just 14 km away from the city centre. Showcasing the beautiful glaciers and snow-capped mountains, Solang Valley in Manali is a side valley at the top of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is a famous tourist hotspot popular for its picturesque views, adventurous activities like trekking, and also experiencing snowfall in Manali to enjoy unlimited fun.
Best Time To Visit: December
Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Things To Do: Zorbing, Quad biking, Solang Valley Ropeway ride, the Winter Skiing Festival
Also Read: Manali In January
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2. Gulaba
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Longing for the first snowfall in Manali? Then, travel to Gulaba instead. This place is situated at a height of 4,300 meters and is an evolving tourist attraction in this area. The best time to visit this place is in December, when Rohtang Pass is closed due to heavy snowfall in Manali. While visiting this place, you can relish the fascinating views of the nearby snow-clad mountains.
Best Time To Visit: November and February
Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Things To Do: Paragliding, trekking
3. Rohtang Pass
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One of the most visited and well-known places to visit during the snowfall season in Manali is the famous Rohtang Pass. It’s like a dream come true when you experience the snow on both sides of the road. Enchanting sights of glaciers, snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and rivers continue to amaze nature lovers as they ride the unforgiving bottlenecked roads that don’t entertain novice drivers. The place also offers ice skating, trekking, skiing, and paragliding.
Best Time To Visit: May to November
Ideal Duration: 2 Days( to complete trek)
Things To Do: Heliskiing, Snow scooter driving, paragliding
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4. Manali Mall Road
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Manali Mall Road is known as the heart of the Manali tourist destination. It is one of this hill station’s busiest places, with many hotels, local shops, restaurants, and emporiums throughout the walkway. It is one of the top places to visit in Manali to experience heavy winter snowfall.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Things To Do: Shopping, food crawling
5. Sethan
Perched 12 km from Manali, the Sethan Valley is a beautiful small village overlooking the Dhauladhar Range. The Valley is usually covered in snow throughout the winter, making it a perfect place to try snow activities like skiing and snowboarding. Additionally, Sethan is an ideal location for trekking and hiking, accommodating many tourists in nearby resorts and campsites. The snow-covered pristine alpine landscapes and pine forests invite thrill seekers to experience the glory of skiing and snowboarding in Sethan. It is one of the best places to visit during snowfall in Manali.
Best Time To Visit: February and March
Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Things To Do: skiing, Snowboarding, Camping, Trekking
Related Post: Trekking In Manali
6. Kothi Village
If you want a quick getaway from Manali’s busy streets, visit Kothi village. Kothi Village is perched at more than 2500 metres above sea level and situated at the base of Rohtang Pass. Witness the snow-capped mountain, forests cover with snow, wildflowers, Himalayan animals, and tranquil surroundings here. Due to its location, it is among the beautiful offbeat destinations to visit during snowfall in Manali, where the mighty Beas River flows through with its pristine waters and charged flow. The Kothi Village is a nature lover’s delight and a dreamy place for an adventure enthusiast.
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Things To Do: Camping, Trekking, hiking, visiting temples
5 Best Things To Do During Snowfall in Manali
Here are some of the best things to do during snowfall in Manali to enjoy every aspect of this beautiful season:
1. Skiing
Adorned with miles of thick snow coating around, Solang Valley, Gulaba, Marhi, Rohtang Pass, and Dhundi are flawless for a skiing reverie. You don’t have to go alone while skiing; professionals always accompany you to ensure your safety. You can also enjoy cross-country skiing during snowfall in Manali, adding incredible views to your skiing experience.
Price: Starting from INR 500
Highlights: Visit from December to February and carry good hiking shoes and skiing pants.
Related Post: Adventure Sports In Manali
2. Snowboarding
Snowboarding is among the newer snow activities in this area. The board will get attached to your feet, and a slight push takes you moving down the thick sheets of ice in no time. Professional snowboarders guide you to ensure your safety. You will enjoy the curves and slopes of the snow-clad mountains. It is advised to experience it once if you want to go for it repeatedly.
Price: Starting from INR 11,999
Highlights: A 6-day tour is planned so that a beginner with no prior snow experience can easily learn snowboarding activities.
3. Heli-Skiing
Are you interested in pushing the limits of skiing to an all-new level? Experience Heli skiing during a season of snowfall in Manali. The heli-skiing expeditions include helicopters that drop you onto the high peaks. You can enjoy this sport near Manali in places like Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Chanderkhani Pass, etc.
Price: Starting from INR 1,60,000
Highlights: One can witness the aerial view of Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chandrakhani Pass.
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4. Sledding
Try sledding this December in Manali! Get into the shoes of our beloved Santa Claus, and the magnitude of the experience will take over you. You must be seated atop a wooden sledge to race down the snow-capped Himalayas. Keep adjusting to the fun-filled twists and turns with this fun snow activity in Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass.
Best Place: Rohtang Pass
Highlights: A totally fun activity in snow
5. Ice Climbing
Do you want to climb snow-laden peaks? Manali is a fantastic destination to help you discover the frozen world with ice climbing. It is one of the much-loved and popular snow activities in the area. This activity will help you scale the mountains with a thick snow coat.
Price: Strating from INR 3,000
Best Place: Beas Kund Glacier
Related Post: Best Places In Manali For Honeymoon
5 Best Places To Stay in Manali
Are you tired of your busy life schedule? Want to get some time for yourself? Spend some time amongst Manali’s clouds and snow-covered peaks and relax. Now, you might be thinking of the best places to stay while visiting there. Here’s a list of some of the best places to stay in Manali, which has scenic views of the Snow-Laden Mountains.
1. Solang Valley Resort
Solang Valley Resort is the perfect choice for you to stay in Manali! It is one of the finest luxury resorts in the area , close to heaven for adventure seekers – the Solang Valley. It claims the spectacular views of the White Mountains and melting glaciers. You can enjoy these mind-blowing sceneries from the windows or balconies of your room. It’s also one of the best 5-star resorts in Manali near the River Beas.
Location: Palchan, Manali Tehsil 175131
Tariff: Starting from INR 8,600
2. The Orchard Greens
The Orchard Greens is well-known for its refined architectural beauty or for the dedicated enjoyable services provided. It resembles other famous hotels in Manali, but its warmth of greetings set it apart from its competitors. You can enjoy the view of snow-laden mountains in your hotel room. So, plan your trip when there is the possibility of an expected snowfall in Manali. Be it a corporate meeting, family tour, or other business deal arrangement, the hotel has extraordinary facilities, majestic halls, and outstanding customer care facilities that can successfully meet your requirements.
Location: Log Huts Area, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Tariff: Starting from INR 1638
Related Post: Manali Festivals
3. The Allure Grand
The Allure Grand is located 4 kilometres away from Manali Road. It is among the most modern hotels, and the main attraction is that it is a riverside hotel offering a fantastic view of snowfall in Manali. You can also enjoy the panoramic view of snow-capped mountains from your balcony. If you are on your honeymoon, you will be offered a sightseeing package in Manali. This hotel’s activities and amenities include a gym, spa, conference hall, coffee shop, large green lawns, rain showers, private rain front, multi-cuisine restaurants, and more.
Location: Manali Rohtang Road, Bahang, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175103
Tariff: Starting from INR 4,083
4. River Side Guest House
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The hotel is hosted by a family with an army background and is the most famous option to consider for your homestay in Manali. This simple and inviting homestay provides three room options starting from the bare, deluxe, and luxurious rooms. However, each of them comes with its own balcony.
Location: Opposite Clubhouse Rd, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Tariff: Starting from INR 1,800
Related Post: Best Cottages In Manali
5. Pir Panjal Cottage
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This homestay in Manali is located in Village Chidiyari, just 1.5 km from the area. The cottage overlooks the Pir Panjal Mountain Range and perfectly balances peace and hustle-bustle. Two guest bedrooms are presenting spacious porches, Wi-Fi, and hot baths. If you’re a chef inside, you can also access the kitchen. This is one of the best homestays in Manali for travellers looking for a pragmatic stay unlike any other.
Location: Kanyal Road
Tariff: Starting from INR 1,800
How To Reach Manali
The best way to reach Manali during snowfall is via road. You can board a bus from Delhi or hire a taxi. The best route to avoid roadblocks during snow would be taking NH1 until Ambala. From there, take NH22 to Chandigarh and take the diversion to Manali from Chandigarh, called NH21.
Related Post: Camping In Manali
Tips For Visiting Manali During Snowfall Or Winter
You must remember several things while travelling to Manali during snowfall or winter to have a safe and peaceful trip.
- The weather is chilly during winters, i.e. around 10 to -5 Degrees. So, pack your clothing accordingly. Heavy woollen clothing is suggested.
- As there will be heavy snowfall, you may rent gumboots from roadside vendors to walk down the street.
- Stay as far as possible from Mall Road, Manali as the hotels in the region are extremely expensive and the area is very crowded. Opt for a homestay instead. They might offer food on a complimentary basis.
Carry your medication in case of any emergency. - Never overeat while travelling to a higher altitude to avoid nausea/ vomiting.
- It is always recommended to avoid travelling or driving during the night due to low visibility and safety issues.
- Don’t forget to bring a printout and an original copy of your identity proofs as you have to show them to check-in.
- It is highly recommended not to stand near any cliff near the river bank or to step into the river for photography or any other activity, as the river currents are powerful in this region.
You May Also Like To Read: Things To Do In Manali
Plan a trip to Manali before the winter season ends to witness this hill-town at its best. Catch the magical effect of snowfall in Manali and let nature amaze you. The snow-laden landscapes, steaming food, chilling activities, and cosy rooms with views will make your vacation amazing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Snowfall In Manali
Is Manali worth visiting?
How many days are sufficient for Manali?
Manali can be covered completely in 3 to 4 days.
Which is a better place to stay Kullu or Manali?
If you are looking for a cold place to stay then Manali is the better choice. Kullu is quite warm with that compared to Manali and is not recommended for staying there for the whole trip. Also, the hotels in Kullu, are located near the busy market area.
How much does it cost to visit Manali?
On average, your trip to Manali will be economical and costs you around 10,000 INR per person.
What is the temperature in Manali during winters?
The weather is quite chilly during winters i.e. around 10 Degrees to -5 Degree.
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