Snowfall in Manali - Weather, Best Time & Activities

Manali is one of the India's best and most visited hill stations. People always backpack here, especially in winter when the town gets laden with a pearly white sheet of snow. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to experience a magical winter getaway. Each year, from December to February, Manali transforms into a winter wonderland as snow blankets the town, attracting tourists eager to experience its chilly yet enchanting beauty. Here’s a list of the best places to visit and the best activities that can be done during snowfall in Manali. Have a look!

When Does it Snow in Manali?

The season of snowfall in Manali falls during the months of December and January. However, places like Rohtang Pass are shut down during this time during this season due to the risk of landslides and other hazards. Snow Point and vantage points at higher heights also experience rainfalls occasionally between the months of August and March. The temperature keeps fluctuating between -5 degrees to 10 degrees celsius.

Places to Visit During Snowfall in Manali

1. Solang Valley

Located at a distance of just 14 km from Manali city centre, Solang Valley is a known vantage point which lets you offer sweeping views of the valley below and of the majestic mountains in the backdrop. Here you can enjoy several adventure activities and sports that include quad biking, ropeway ride, skiing etc.

2. Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass is a popular spot while visiting Manali. Mostly known for trekking and horse riding expeditions, the pass stays abuzz with tourists during the holiday season. The sloping mountain peaks is a great attraction where you can also enjoy activities like ice sledging, snow scooter, paragliding, ice skating and more.

3. Gulaba

Gulaba is mostly the first place to receive snowfall in the Manali region. The dainty hamlet is tucked away at a towering height of 4300 m and is one of the most visited places here. It gets especially popular during the hard winters when the Rohtang Pass is shut due to snow blockage. This is more of a leisure vacay destination where you can come to have a bit and sip piping hot tea while enjoying breathtaking views of the valley and the surroundings.

4. Manali Mall Road

Endearingly known as the heart of Manali, Mall Road is the shopping hot spot of the city, which stays crowded with tourists at all seasons. When the streets are lined with snow, and the pavements are brushed with falling snowflakes, shopping is all the more enjoyable. Here, you can buy woolen, footwear, home decor items, souvenirs, quirky knick-knacks, etc.

5. Tosh

Tosh is another well-known village in Manali that boasts enchanting views and offers a plethora of adventure activities. To begin with, the village can be best reached through trekking. Boasting spectacular trails and dainty cottages, the hamlet is perfect if you are traveling with your partners and are looking forward to a little quality time with your loved ones.

6. Hampta Pass

Hampta Pass, located at an altitude of around 4,270 meters (14,100 feet), is a stunning trekking destination near Manali, known for its lush green valleys, towering mountains, and breathtaking views. During winter, when heavy snowfall blankets the entire region, it turns into an ethereal white trekking destination, with snow-covered peaks, frozen rivers, and thick layers of snow lining the trails. 

Things to Do During Snowfall in Manali

Skiing

Skiing is considered to be one of the best snow activities anywhere in the world. While the amateurs can practice on slanter slopes, the professionals can resort to the steeper ones. You can enjoy beautiful views of the valley and you can also choose to get a trainer along. Solang Valley is particularly popular for skiing during the winter season.

Snowboarding

Another activity that is pretty popular during the snowfall is snowboarding. You can hit the slopes at Solang Valley or Rohtang Pass to enjoy the thrill of gliding through powdery snow.

Heli Skiing

Heli Skiing is the latest and one of the newest activities that has been added to the list of thrilling and chilling activities during snowfall in Manali. Heli Skiing is basically when the volunteers are taken to a mountain peak in a helicopter. The passengers are dropped off for a certain duration of time to wander around and explore. The places where you can enjoy this include Deo Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Hanuman Tibba, Chanderkhani Pass, and more.

Sledding

Sledding is like sledging and has been derived from the Santa Claus and the Christmassy experiences. Especially popular among the children, this activity is quite popular in Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass. You can race down the slopes and even make trails before hand with twists and turns for a yet more thrilling ride.

Ice Climbing

Ice climbing is one of the most thrilling and challenging activities that can be enjoyed during snowfall in Manali. While we do not discourage you from undertaking the adventurous activity, we do urge you to take all the necessary precautions and safety measures before plunging in. Climbing the ice peaks is an experience beyond words and also when you are at the top, the bird’s eye view and the panoramic vistas are surely going to make up for all the strenuous work.

Ice Sledging

Ice Sledging is a popular age-old activity that people from all age groups love. Here, you require a wooden sled just like the one Santa Claus had (maybe a little smaller), and all you need is a push from the top of a slope when you are comfortably seated inside it. You can carry your sled, or several guys are wandering around from whom you can rent a sled for nominal prices.

Tips and Things to Keep in Mind

• The temperature is very chilly during snowfall in Manali, so remember to carry enough woolen, such as sweaters, jackets, caps, gloves, boots, and mufflers. 
• You can also rent gumboots from local vendors to help you walk in the snow.
• During the holiday season, the hotels and resorts in the main city and on Mall Road are priced high. To escape this, you can resort to homestays and other modest options on the outskirts.
• Carry a basic medical kit for emergencies. Include high-altitude medicines, antibiotics, and medications for nausea, colds, coughs, and flu. Antiseptics, bandaids, balm, and more are also carried.
• Avoid traveling at night, as there is low visibility due to fog and mist and a higher risk of accidents.

Here is an elaborate list of activities, places to visit, and places to stay. Going through tour packages in Manali will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip without giving much thought to travel conditions and transport. Plan a trip this winter season to have the best time of your life during snowfall in Manali. Let us know about your experience in the comments below.