A Guide To Snowfall In Manali – Mountains, Snow, and Adventure

25 Oct 2021

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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 travelers 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 the winter months, one can often enjoy heavy snowfall in Manali making the town a popular ski resort. If you’re planning to Manali, Himachal Pradesh then here’s a brief guide to snowfall in Manali to help you in making your journey wonderful one to enjoy the best and remember for a lifetime.

Places To Visit In Manali To Witness Snowfall

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 center. It is one of the famous tourist hotspots that is 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
Places to Visit: Great Himalayan National Park, Rohtang Pass, Kothi
Places to Stay: Solang Valley Resort, Solang Ski Resort, Hotel Solang Holiday Inn
Things To Do: Zorbing, Quad biking, Solang Valley Ropeway ride, the Winter Skiing Festival

Must Read: Manali In January: Know What Makes It A Great Time To Explore This Paradise

Himachal Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

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.

Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Things To Do: Paragliding, terkking

3. Rohtang Pass

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One of the most visited and well-known places to visit during the season of snowfall 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. The place also offers you a chance for activities like ice-skating, trekking, skiing, and paragliding.

Best Time To Visit: May to November
Ideal Duration:
Places to Visit: Solang Valley, Rahala waterfalls, Chandra And Bhaga Rivers, Lahaul And Spiti valley, Khoksar village
Places to Stay: Highland Park, Golden Tulip, The Orchards Green, Geto Hotels And Resorts, Snow Valley Resorts
Things To Do: Heliskiing, Snow scooter driving, paragliding

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 the busiest places of this hill station having a large number of hotels, local shops, restaurants, and also emporiums throughout the walkway. It is one of the top places to visit in Manali to experience heavy snowfall in Manali during the wintertime.

Things To Do: Shopping, food crawling

5. Tosh

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Tosh is another well-known village of Parvati Valley that leads to the spectacular Pin Parvati Pass. It is one of the most popular places to witness snowfall in Manali with the convergence of the Tosh and Parvati Rivers.

Places to Stay: Sunrise Guest House, Whoopers Hostel Tosh, Mysterious Kutla in Tosh Uphills, Mysterious Kutla in Tosh Uphills, Third Eye Tosh
Things To Do: Sightseeing

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 as professionals always accompany you to ensure your safety. You can also enjoy cross-country skiing during snowfall in Manali, adding icy incredible views to your skiing experience.

2. Snowboarding

Snowboarding is among the newer snow activities in this area. 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 definitely enjoy the curves and slopes of the snow-clad mountains. It is advised to experience it once and you would want to go for it again and again.

3. Heli-Skiing

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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 at places like Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, and Chanderkhani Pass et al.

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 need to be seated atop a wooden sled 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.

Suggested Read: Top 12 Hotels In Manali For Honeymoon

5. Ice Climbing

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Do you want to climb snow-laden peaks? Manali is an amazing 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. Trying this activity will help you scale the mountains that have a tremendously thick coat of snow.

Places To Stay In Manali

Are you tired of your busy life schedule? Want to get some time for yourself? Spend some time amongst the clouds and snow-covered peaks of Manali and get relaxed. 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 with scenic views of the Snow-Laden Mountains.

1. Solang Valley Resort

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Solang Valley Resort is the perfect choice for you to stay in Manali! It is one of the finest luxury resorts in the area located 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
Prices Starting From: INR 8,600

2. The Orchard Greens

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The Orchard Greens is well-known for its refined architectural beauty or for the dedicated enjoyable services provided. It has resemblance with other famous hotels of Manali, but its warmth of greetings set it apart from its competitors. Staying at your hotel room, you can enjoy the view of snow-laden mountains.
So, plan your trip when there is the possibility of an expected snowfall in Manali. Be it a corporate meeting, family tour, or some other business deal arrangement, the hotel has extraordinary facilities, majestic halls, and outstanding customer care facilities that can meet your requirements successfully.

Location: Log Huts Area, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131

3. The Allure Grand

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The Allure Grand is located 4 kilometers away from Manali Road. It is among modern hotels and the main attraction is that it is a riverside hotel offering an amazing view of snowfall in Manali and not to miss the panoramic view of snow-capped mountains from your balcony.

If you are on your honeymoon, then you will be offered a package of sight-seeing in Manali. The activities and amenities that this hotel provides is a gym, spa, conference hall, coffee shop, large green lawns, rain showers, private rain front, multi-cuisines restaurants, and more.

Location: Manali Rohtang Road, Bahang, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175103

4. River Side Guest House

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The hotel is hosted by a family with an army background and is definitely the most famous options to consider for your homestay in Manali. This simple and inviting homestay provides you with three rooms options, starting from the basic room, deluxe room, and luxurious one. However, each of them comes with its own balcony.

Location: Opposite Clubhouse Rd, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Tariff per night: Starting from INR 1,800

5. Pir Panjal Cottage

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This homestay in Manali is located in Village Chidiyari, which is just 1.5 km away from the area. The cottage overlooks the Pir Panjal Mountain Range and is the perfect balance of peace and hustle-bustle.

There are two guest bedrooms presenting spacious porch, Wi-Fi, and hot baths. If you’re a chef on the inside, then you can also access the kitchen. This is one of the best homestays in Manali for travelers looking for a pragmatic stay, unlike any other.

Location: Kanyal Road
Tariff per night: INR 1,800

Tips For Visiting Manali During Snowfall Or Winter

There are several things you need to keep in mind while you’re traveling to Manali during snowfall or winter to have a safe and peaceful trip.

The weather is quite chilly during winters i.e. around 10 Degrees to -5 Degree. So, pack your clothing accordingly. The heavy woolen 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 personal medication in case of any emergency.
Never overeat while traveling to a higher altitude to avoid nausea/ vomiting.
It is always recommended to avoid traveling or driving during the night due to low visibility and safety issues.
Don’t forget to carry a printout and an original copy of your identity proofs as you have to show it to check-in.
It is highly recommended not to stand near any cliff near the bank of the river and to step into the river for photography or any other kind of activity. As the river currents are very strong in this region.

How To Reach Manali

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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 season would be taking NH1 until Ambala from there take NH22 to Chandigarh and take the diversion to Manali from Chandigarh, called NH21.

Further Read: 37 Awesome Things To Do In Manali For Solemn Joy

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 cozy rooms with view will make your vacation amazing.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Snowfall In Manali

Is Manali worth visiting?

Manali is one of the top adventure travel destinations in India. It’s perfect for spending time in the great outdoors, and indulge in the abundant activities that can be done in the area.

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.