Manali & Solang Valley

Manali · Himachal Pradesh

A Himalayan resort town of snow peaks, adventure sports and riverside charm — gateway to the high mountains and a backpacker favourite.

Timings

Open destination; activities daytime

Entry

Free town; activities & permits charged

Best time

March–June & October–February (snow)

Time needed

3–4 days

Cradled in the Kullu Valley beside the rushing Beas River, Manali is one of India's most popular mountain getaways — a lively town backed by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, with a heady mix of honeymooners, backpackers, adventurers and pilgrims. It's the gateway to some of the country's most dramatic high-mountain routes.

Nearby Solang Valley is the adventure playground — paragliding, zorbing and skiing in winter — while the Rohtang Pass, old Manali's cafés, the Hadimba Temple and the hot springs at Vashisht round out the appeal. It's a base for spectacular road trips to Leh, Spiti and Lahaul.

Don't miss

›Adventure sports at Solang Valley.
›The ancient wooden Hadimba Devi Temple.
›Old Manali's cafés and the Vashisht hot springs.

Good to know

The Rohtang Pass and high roads need permits and are seasonal (often closed in winter). Peak season is busy — book ahead. A base for epic Himalayan road trips.