July 13th, 2018 by OYO Team

Manali is considered one of the prime holiday destinations in India. Situated towards the northern end of the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh, it is at the height of 2050 m. Willing to spend some time away from your busy schedule? Manali is the place to be!.

If you are on the road to Ladakh, you can plan a stay for a day or two in Manali and experience the thrill along with some scenic views.

How to Reach Manali

  • By Air:

The nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu) about 50 km from Manali. Flights ply from Delhi to Kullu on a regular basis. Taxis and buses are available here for Manali.

  • By Rail:

The closest broad gauge railheads are Chandigarh (310 km) and Ambala (355 km) from Manali. You can board a train from New Delhi Railway Station and reach Ambala. From Ambala, it’s approximately a 10-hour bus ride to Manali.

However, the closest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar, 165 km away from Manali.

  • By Road:

Manali is well connected to various cities by motorable roads:

Delhi: 556 km – 13 hours

Ambala: 331 km – 9 hours

Kullu: 43 km – 1.5 hours

Chandigarh: 306 km – 8 hours

Best Time to Visit Manali

One can visit Manali anytime during the year.

  • Summers (March – June) is the best time to visit Manali if you want to enjoy paragliding, rafting and other mountain sports. Temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C and the snow is only found at higher altitudes.
  • Monsoons (July to mid-September) is not considered the best time to travel by road, as you might face blocked roads en route.
  • Winters (November – February) marks the onset of snowfall and if you want to enjoy winter sports like skiing, these months are perfect to plan a holiday.

Accommodation

Manali offers a range of hotels to stay in, ranging from budget to luxury. It’s one of the top tourist destinations in the country. Hence one can enjoy a comfortable stay at various resorts or splurge and relax at various heritage villas too.

Skiing In Manali

Manali is situated along River Beas, thus one gets to admire this river along with the slopes of Manali, both prove to be great sites for adventurous activities like skiing, trekking, paragliding, river rafting, biking tours, etc.

The ranges of Manali offer skiing and other winter sports to its visitors during months of December- February.

River Skiing In Manali

Experience the thrill as you ski down the wild and rapid waters of Beas. The river skiing season in Manali is enjoyed all year round except monsoons (when water current is very high) and extreme winters (as water levels go down).

A water sports centre has been established here that offers briefing and training about various water sports.

Manali has also developed arrangements for Heli-Skiing.

Solang Valley

Solang Valley (locally known as Solang Nullah) is located 16 km away from Manali, Himachal Pradesh. At an altitude of 8,500 feet above sea level, Solang offers picturesque views of snow-capped peaks and a lush green valley.

Solang Nullah derives its name from Solang (nearby village) and Nullah (water stream from a mountain). A serene atmosphere created by the vastness of the ultramarine sky, the green valleys and the distant snow-capped peaks, this is nature at its best!

How to Reach Solang Valley

Solang Valley is well connected to cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla via motorable roads. One can hire a taxi or board a bus from these cities. Taxis can be hired from Manali to cover the 13 km distance to Solang.

Note: All transport mediums are stopped a few kilometres before the valley. One has to completely rely on local transport or walk to reach the heart of the valley.

Skiing In Solang

Solang offers challenging slopes for skiing to both beginners and advanced skiers.

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Solang Ropeway

The Solang Ropeway is a favourite with tourists as it’s a convenient way to view Solang.

It helps the skiers to go at higher slopes and glide down with cold wind gushing into their faces and the level of adrenaline pumping up.

Some Facts about Solang

  • This fabulous place is also the centre of the Annual Winter Skiing Festival.
  • There are workshops held for teaching amateurs/day tourists the basics of skiing.
  • Solang Valley is also the place where the Ski School of Manali is located.
  • The National Senior Alpine Skiing Championship is organized every year in Solang Valley in January-February.
  • Many Bollywood movies have been shot at this location.
  • The start of International Skiing Competition like Alpine Premier League has made the valley popular among foreign tourists.

Things to Carry

  • Proper woollens (especially if you are travelling in winters). You will need layers of clothes.
  • Carry a good pair of socks, gloves, comforters, jackets, pullovers, trousers, etc.
  • Carry water and windproof jackets.
  • A good pair of gum/snow boots is advised.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Torch with an extra battery.
  • Carry a personal first aid kit.
  • The tourists who are interested in skiing may bring the equipment of their choice with them. However, Ski equipment is also available here on hire.
  • Carry an SPF 35> sunscreen and moisturiser and other toiletries.

Tips for Skiing In Manali

  • Tie your life jacket and helmets properly. It’s helpful in case of an emergency.
  • Avoid skiing in late evenings. Follow specific rules laid by government agencies and concerned associations.
  • Avoid touching river water by lying down or leaning your body towards the river.
  • Focus on the quality of equipment and team of professionals who will guide you through your skiing.
  • If you have kids (age 6>)  in your group, try to adjust them in between rather then at corners of the raft.

Planning a trip to this marvellous place? All you need is some warm clothes and your adventure gear to make the most of Manali.

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Enjoy exciting discounts by OYO

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About OYO Team

We’re people who love to travel and it’s a pleasure to share our experiences from around the world with you here. You’ll see our favourite destinations, quirky stays and budget stay. Also the best wedding banquet halls and the most lit party destinations. You’ll also find insightful opinions about why we travel in the first place and what it’s really like out there. Enjoy the blog and please tell us what you think - feedback welcome!