India is a country that offers varied experiences to travelers. It is a country that offers something for every type of traveler. It is a haven for those seeking adventure, relaxation, history, heritage, culture, and art alike. One popular destination which attracts crowds in huge numbers is Manali India situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Both the summer and winter months are the best time to visit Manali.
Here it is worth noting that destinations like Kullu Manali in India which are summer destinations have their own unique charm during winters also.
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Top 5 Reasons To Visit Manali in Winter
Many people throng this place in summers to escape the scorching heat making it one of the busiest places in summer. But, many tourists also visit both Manali and Shimla in winters to experience the solitude and serenity and enjoy the beautiful snow-covered landscapes. Manali dons a different and fascinating avatar in winter and is a sight to behold and experience.
Best Time To Visit Manali
Winter season is the best time to visit Manali. October to February is the winter season and is considered to be the best time to visit Manali.
Have you visited Manali in winter? If not, here are the top 5 reasons why you should visit Manali especially in winter as October to February is the winter season and is considered to be the best time to visit Manali is during winter.
Best Time To Visit Manali – Less Crowd, More Fun
Many tourists choose summer as the best time to enjoy a perfect vacation in Manali, making it as busy as any other of the crowded cities of India. This results in big crowds and traffic snarls which totally defeats the purpose of a relaxing vacation. However, Manali in winter is an altogether different experience with lesser crowds and more solitude. The roads are relatively empty resulting in a much better driving experience as well. Manali is best experienced and explored in the winters as it is graced by snow almost every other day. If you want to get relieved from the stress of your daily chores, come and experience Manali, the land of serenity this winter as the best time to visit Manali is during the winter.
Best Time To Visit Manali – For the Snow Activities
Winters make Manali engulfed with snow. Snow points near Rohtang Pass give you the pleasure of diving and sliding. If you love playing with snow, then these snow points are something you should not miss. You can also enjoy activities like snow scooter rides, skiing, snow sledding, snow tubing, etc. The snow points at Gulaba and Marhi offers these activities to the tourists at a reasonable price in winters. If you have not taken any of these, you must not miss out this winter. You are definitely going to get more value for your money and experiences to cherish during a winter vacation in Manali. Snowfall in Manali, Gulaba, Solang or at Rohtang Pass is a treat to experience!
Best Time To Visit Manali – Huge Savings!
Summer is a vacation season when many tourists prefer to travel to Manali with the consequence that prices skyrocket. To have a luxurious trip within your budget, winter is the right time to make a visit to Manali. Flights are cheaper with airlines like Indigo, Spice jet, etc. offering huge discounts on your round or a one-way trip. You also get very good deals in accommodation options in Manali with discounts that could range from 30 to 50 percent. You can have the privilege and indulgence of enjoying the luxury of a 5-star hotel at a reasonable cost if you head to Manali during the winter season. Himachal Pradesh Tourist Department also offers major discounts on Log huts and Hadimba Cottages. These winter discounts end by March. So, this is another reason people prefer Manali in winter.
Best Time To Visit Manali – Cheaper Commuting Rates
In winter you not only save on your flights and hotel accommodation in Manali, but you can also travel with discounted rates on taxis or local transport. With low demand for local taxis in winters, the drivers are willing to negotiate on the price and you are sure to ride away with a great deal. A good tip is to arrange your ride with the local drivers after negotiating with them instead of booking online. You can even hire a cab at a reasonable price and cover what is known as the travel triangle of Manali- Shimla- Dharmashala or Manali- Rohtang Pass- Kullu.
Best Time To Visit Manali – Manali Winter Carnival
If you visit Manali in any of the winter months, especially January, don’t miss out on the delightful Manali winter carnival, a rich blend of Manali’s culture and heritage. You can also enjoy food festivals that showcase local cuisine, folk dance, and street plays. Many competitions are also held during this carnival where participants from around the world take part. The carnival which is being organized every year from 1977, is an enriching and entertaining experience that draws many domestic as well as international travelers.
The chill mountain breeze of the Himalayan ranges, golden rays of the sun touching the silvery-white peaks, birds chirping in delight, quaint and tranquil streets and beautiful snow-capped mountains, Manali has it all.
Manali Tourism
How To Get To Manali
- Manali is situated in the Northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh
- Manali is at a distance of about 536 kilometers from Delhi
- Manali is at a distance of about 246 kilometers from Shimla
- The nearest airport to Manali is at Bhuntar about 50 kilometers away
If you are planning for a trip to Manali then you can book an inexpensive flight through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here. You can fly to Delhi or Chandigarh and then from there you can travel to Manali by road. Some of the options to reach Manali could be by self-drive car or cab or bus.
Manali In Winter FAQ
Which month in winter is the best month to visit Manali?
You must visit Manali in the month of December to truly enjoy its winter avatar.
Is skiing possible during the winter months in Manali?
Yes, skiing is one of the winter attractions of Manali.
Is the Rohtang Pass open during the winter?
The Rohtang Pass may be open during the beginning of the winter season, however, it depends on the weather conditions.
Will Solang Valley be open in the winter months?
Solang Valley is generally open throughout the year and in winter offers many adventure activities including skiing.
What kind of clothes to wear during a winter trip to Manali?
One needs to carry warm clothes and also a pair of good shoes or boots when traveling to Manali during the winter months.
Where to stay in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
If you are planning to visit Manali, Himachal Pradesh, then you must be wondering where to stay in Manali or the best hotels in Manali, or the best resorts in Manali. There are plenty of options to stay in Somnath. There is a choice of budget accommodation as well as luxury hotels. One can book hotels through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline and get some amazing offers too.
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Tours/Activities available in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
Manali points of interest are many and if you are wondering what to see in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India or what to do in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India, then look no further. Manali attractions pass are available for the best Manali tours. You can now book tours and activities in and around Manali. Plan the best places to visit in Manali and the best things to do in Manali. Experience Manali – a Himalayan resort town in Northern India!
Driving around Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
Places to visit in Manali are plenty. If you are looking at getting the best deals on car rental then look no further. You can rent a car by choosing either self-drive or chauffeur-driven to explore and experience amazing Manali and in and around areas and embark on a road trip of exploration and discovery of Kullu Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India. Alternatively, if you have a valid Indian driving license then you could also rent a self-drive car from Delhi to Manali which includes free fuel and insurance. Delhi to Manali distance by road is around 557 kilometers. You could also drive down from Shimla to Manali. Shimla Manali distance by road is about 250 kilometers.
Manali is indeed a winter paradise. Manali temperature in winter months can go down to -1 °C. Kullu Manali weather necessitates the requirement of warm clothes. Don’t forget to pack those woolens. Sweaters, jackets and all the extra layers of clothing to protect your body from the winter chill of Manali.
After reading this post, we hope you agree that the best time to visit Manali is during the winter. A trip covering Shimla Kullu Manali will rejuvenate and refresh your mind, body, and soul.
So plan your Manali trip, pack your bags, and head to Manali in the winter. An unlimited experience of beauty and calm awaits you.
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OK you have totally convinced e to visit Manali now! We have friends who live in India so that has been a trip on our radar for a while now. Thanks!
I have never been to India and it sounds like there is so much to see. This looks like a wonderful place to explore. I don’t think of skiing when I think of India, but that would be a lot of fun!
I definitely love to travel and I’ve never been here. It’s so beautiful. Very compelling reasons to visit in winter. South Texan here, and I would love to experience this.
I honestly didn’t know that there is a place like this in India. So gorgeous and the activities look so fun!
Manali looks like a beautiful place to visit in the winter. I would love to experience their festival.
I personally like traveling off season.
There certainly are some very pretty sights to be seen! I would love to see this place in the winter months.
This looks incredible. We live in Arizona where it’s very warm and my daughters would love the opportunity to vacation in the cold.
What a beautiful place this is! I never heard of Manali but I sure look forward to bringing my family there someday.
I’ll definitely agree on visiting a place off-season for cheaper price and less crowds. Good to know that visiting Manali during winter is a great idea especially for those, like me, wants to get away from stress and just simply relax! 🙂 The various snow activities and the Manali Winter Carnival sounds like a wonderful activity to enjoy!
So we spent a month in India but only on the west coast so when I read about other parts like areas in Himachal Pradesh, India I am always blown away how different they are.
Manali is beautiful and it reminds me of parts of Europe. It may sound totally ignorant but seeing people skiing in India just totally blew my mind. I dont like the cold but I would definitely explore Manali when its cold especially during the Festival Season!
Manali is so nice! Last year I went to India and stayed for 3 weeks in the Himachal Pradesh region but in McLeod Gang… I was so close but I didn’t visit Manali, now I definitely have to go!! Want to see the Manali Winter Carnival!!
Someone was telling me about Manali just yesterday and I assumed in winter it would be closed for business but it seems it is pretty happening! Definitively looking to visit will the road to leh be closed in winter though?
I love that photo of the Manali Winter Carnival! That looks like an event I would be sure to enjoy. Thx for introducing me to this part of India.
Manali seems like a great place to visit during winter. I love off season travel for the rates, but the Winter Carnival makes it look fun too. The skiing reminds me of skiing back home in Ohio, with about the same elevation change and average ability. It looks like a place you can be sure nobody will be hot-dogging around you.
I agree that travelling in winter can be cheaper. I have no idea and I’m surprised to know that one can go skiing in India. Manali is a cool place worth checking out.
Wow I definitely want to visit Manali after reading this article.. although from India never really had the chance…
I’ve never been to Manali, it really shows me a different side to India than the one I’ve seen in my childhood visits, It’s so beautiful and peaceful, no doubt more so in winter?
I’ve never heard of this place but it sounds amazing! I’ll have to put it on my “list”
I am happy to read this because I will be back in Himachal Pradesh in January. I didn’t know about Manali and thanks for peaking my interest. Of particular interest to me is the winter carnival! Even though I have been there it’s interesting to see so much snow there, and potential to ski – in India! Goes to show how geographically different the country is.
It’s actually a great idea you’ve given here, to visit Manali during the winter time when it is not only less crowded but full of snow so that you can experience all these amazing snow activities! Of course, it’s an added benefit that the prices will be low at the time because of it not being the peak season. I had no idea that they have a winter carnival, that seals the deal!
I love visiting hill stations during winters mainly because the crowd is so less. I am really keen to experience Manali winter carnival. Hopefully I can time my visit there.
I have never associated India with winter, or snow activities so this post is really awesome! The whole place looks really amazing!
We completely agree with you on this. Winter is actually the perfect time to visit Manali. Definitely it is less crowded, one can save a lot, and it is much more picturesque when painted in white. Great post.
What a nice write up and photos. We did go to Manali in December once. It was pretty nice. Since it had just started snowing the day before , it was not so white! I guess we should have waited for a few more days. The Manali winter carnival looks so colourful and lively , I feel like going there once again. 🙂
Well, I too think that the hill stations in India (the summer destinations) are best visited in winters. The reasons you stated are absolutely correct. I too recommend everyone to visit Darjeeling and Gangtok in the winter months. Darjeeling has a special charm in the winters just like Manali!
I have visited Manali mostly during the summers. Been there a few times, but as you say, when the winters are on, is probably when the town moves at a slow pace (without tourists) and the town has its own glow. I remember how crowded Manali was during those trips in April-May,and the last thing I wanted was a traffic jam in the hills. Its a bit like visiting Goa in the monsoons. There is a local old world charm to exploring places in a season when tourists don’t come!
Manali looks like so beautiful place. Your blog inspired to visit this place. Literally, winter is the best time to visit Manali.
I have been to Manali as a child and I would love to go back again. Carnival time sounds just perfect for me. Avoiding the crowds would be high on my agenda when I go.
Hey really cool writing.
But if you visit Manali in Snow fall season it gets really Costly and busier