Ever thought about what it would be like to step into a scene that feels enchanted and out of the world? A place where all you feel is excited and mesmerised by your surrounding, and you just can’t stop wondering how nature can be so surprisingly beautiful. Snowfall in Manali is that magic touch you need to experience once in your lifetime.
Imagine soft white clouds drizzling over the valleys and mountains, decorating the greenery and town like elegant frosting, and the cool you feel is just alluring. The snowfall season in Manali starts around November and lasts till the end of January, giving travelers abundant time to visit this fascinating place. The destination not just turns picturesque but comes alive with some thrilling adventure activities to enjoy.
Want to solo? Getaway with your plus one? Or, plan a family vacation? It’s a yes to all of them. The place is just the perfect winter destination for anyone and everyone. While your heart is already tempted to take a vacay, get your mind going with all things you can do during this season.
Things to do during snowfall in Manali for an adrenaline rush
1. Skiing
Yes, we hear you. Skiing needs skill and practice, but it’s not only for professionals. Anyone can have a go at it during the snowfall season in Manali. For someone who would love to try this activity, Manali is one of the best places to do it as it has some easy and safe slopes where you can have fun sliding down the snow. All the places where you can participate in this sport provide gear and a trainer to give you some tips on how to do it. If you are too scared to try, there’s no harm in just clicking some fabulous photos with the gear on.
Places to do the activity:
Solang Valley: Around 11 kms away from Manali
Rohtang Pass: Around 35 kms away from Manali
Approx. cost range: Depends on the skill level and the place where you do it.
- For amateurs or people who are trying for the first time and need a trainer, it costs around Rs.300 – Rs.800.
- For people who have practice and can explore on their own in a safe zone, it ranges from Rs.1000 – Rs.2000 as the terrain will be different.
2. Paragliding
You gotta try this in winter when the sun is shining, and the land is covered in sparkling snow. The experience is just unforgettable as one gets to enjoy a view of the snowcapped valleys and mountains like never before from the sky. Take precautionary measures and try this sport in the right place and under the right conditions. Not all places are suitable for paragliding during snowfall in Manali, and sometimes most of the locations are closed as well. But Solang valley is one such place that fits the bill. It might be scary, but once you take off and fly into the open sky, nothing else matters as you get engulfed in the beauty and the thrill of it all.
Places to do the activity:
Solang Valley: Around 11 kms away from Manali
Kangra Valley: Around 198 kms away from Manali
Bijli Mahadev: Around 63 kms away from Manali
Approx. cost range: Rs.1000 – Rs.5000 depending on the flying time.
You can stay at one of these beautiful hotels in Manali when visiting the snow-filled destination during the winter.
3. Snowboarding
A sport that is extremely fun if you can balance yourself well is snowboarding. Many valleys during snowfall in Manali offer the opportunity to try this activity, and we suggest you do it. All you have to do is slide, navigate and keep yourself aligned on the board. It might sound tough and is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, but we assure you that you will enjoy it once you get the hang of it. For professional snowboarders, this vacay spot is all you need to get you rocking the snow.
Places to do the activity:
Solang Valley: Around 11 kms away from Manali
Rohtang pass: Around 35 kms away from Manali
4. Snow Scooter Rides
Snow scooter rides are enthralling, and the rush of moving through the snow covered surroundings is just magnificent. One can opt to ride this themselves or take a guide to drive them around. The electric scooter moves smoothly and lets you enjoy every bit of the ride. If you are not someone who likes to put in all the effort to ski or snowboard, this is your calling. The area to do the activity is usually on plain lands or paved paths in the snow, so it’s easy for even an amateur to make the most of it.
Place to do the activity:
Solang Valley: Around 11 kms away from Manali
Approx. cost range: Rs.1000 per person
5. ATV Rides
All terrain vehicles known as ATVs are some of the most exhilarating rides for those who want to indulge in the next level of adventure. As the name implies, one can move through various terrains with this mini monster vehicle. You will need strength and good biking background to handle an ATV. One can take it for a spin if they are confident enough, or they can go as a pillion with a professional rider. You will need to hold on tight as there will be a lot of movement based on the path you are on, but it is worth all the effort.
Places to do the activity:
Solang Valley: Around 11 kms away from Manali
One can also try the activity near Kullu.
6. Snow Zorbing
Keep rolling rolling rolling! Literally, just roll down the snow covered hills in a zorbing ball. The experience of this fun sport will leave you feeling like you are in a magical movie where you pass through a portal and get to see the fast moving places you are going through before reaching a destination. It is one of the most exciting things to do during the snowfall season in Manali.
Places to do the activity:
Solang Valley: Around 11 kms away from Manali
Approx. cost range: Rs.300 – Rs.1500 based on the distance
Visit these scenic destinations in Manali for a relaxed time.
Our top stays in Manali to add to your travel bliss:
Treebo Trip Robin View Cottage
Things to do during snowfall in Manali for those who love to explore
1. Snow treks
Ahoy to the trekking aficionados who are just waiting to go on a snow trek to indulge in the beauty of the great Himalayas. Trekking during snowfall in Manali is an altogether different affair as you need a lot more stamina and fitness to bear the cold and to move through the snow. This mystical experience is a must-try for those who love to hike the mountains. Everything is painted glimmering white, and the whole place turns mellow and mesmerizing. The soft crunch of the snow while you walk on it forms a soothing rhythm along with the buzzing cool wind. It’s a once in a lifetime must-do activity for adventure seekers.
Snow treks to go on from Manali
- Deo Tibba Trek
- Chandrakhani Pass Trek
- Hampta Pass Trek
2. Hot water spring dips
Hot water spring dips in the chilled weather is just the most soothing thing to try. Nature has blessed this hill town with the abundant beauty of lush forests across the ranges of the Himalayas and singing water bodies from rivers and streams to cascading waterfalls. All of this turns whimsical during snowfall in Manali and is something one shouldn’t miss.
Amidst all of this, there are hot springs near the river beds of this destination where one can enjoy taking a bath in it. It’s supposedly therapeutic and holds immense benefits for your body. Vashisht is located around 16kms from Manali and is one of the most popular places to enjoy the hot water sensation in nature during winter.
It’s not just the stars that shimmer here but also the town. Enjoy the twinkling night lights of Manali in these places.
While you indulge in all of these amazing things to do, treat yourself to these relaxed and beautiful stays in Manali to make it a great vacation.
We hope you’ve now been charmed by our tale of how beautiful the snowfall season in Manali is and what you can to do enjoy the most in the soft white snow.