Ah, thank goodness, winter has arrived in India! Before we jump to our next fun-packed destination, let’s take a moment to appreciate ourselves for enduring one of the hottest summers in history this year. Haha, the fun part! Winter is undoubtedly a pleasant season, and we eagerly wait for it to arrive so we can pack our bags and lose ourselves in the snow-packed mountains of the Himalayas. So, are you with me on this mid-winter trip to one of the breathtaking destinations of Himachal Pradesh, Manali?
1. Ultimate Guide for your FIRST trip to Manali:
I am always honest and straightforward when it comes to traveling, and when it’s about my favorite destinations, I become the most enthusiastic person in the room. Manali was one such place, always fascinating me and urging me to visit as soon as possible. Thanks to my favorite vloggers and filmmakers, my desire to visit Manali doubled as I watched videos and read blogs about this enchanting place. I think many of us do this for our dream gadgets and destinations we long to visit, it’s common and wonderful at the same time. One of my favorite movies ever is Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani (YJHD), and when I learned that the movie was shot in Manali, it only fueled my excitement.
I wish Doraemon could give us his magical gadget, the Anywhere Door!
Well, dreams are meant to come true. Finally, I got the chance to visit Manali last year, and it was a dream come true for me. I couldn’t contain my emotions and gratitude when I saw Solang Valley, the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas, the tallest bamboo trees at Hadimba Temple, and the snowfall from my hotel’s balcony. It was all unbelievable, and to this day, I can’t fully express my experience in words.
Enough about my experience. Allow me to add colors to your upcoming trip to the magical snow land of Manali with my pencil, filled with all the enchanting hues of this beautiful place.
2. When should I plan my trip to Manali ?
When planning a trip anywhere in the world, we all worry about the best time to go and the weather conditions. This is a good practice. Manali, one of the most visited destinations in North India, requires careful consideration of several factors beyond just the weather when planning your trip.
Want Snowfall ?
When I visited Manali, it was February, almost time to bid winter farewell. This season is considered off-season in North India, but winter is at its peak from December to February. During these months, you have a high chance of experiencing proper snowfall. I was lucky to witness my first snowfall, which was purely magical and quite heavy.
If you want to experience snowfall and play in the snow, plan your trip between December and February!
Want Everything?
Winter is off-season for the entire North India region, so it’s less crowded. However, if you want to experience the full essence of Manali and everything it has to offer, you should plan your trip in the spring or summer. During this season, you won’t encounter the heat and high temperatures typical in other parts of India. It’s the perfect escape when it’s hot elsewhere.
If you’re not a hardcore fan of snow, plan your trip between March to June. This way, you can enjoy Manali’s charm without the cold, experiencing its beauty in a more comfortable climate.
3. How can you Reach Manali ?
Reaching Manali is easy and not that difficult regardless of season you are planning. Let’s discuss the different way of reaching Manali.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), located about 50 km from the town. Regular flights operate from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh to Bhuntar. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Manali.
By Train
There is no direct train service to Manali. The closest railway stations are Joginder Nagar (about 145 km away), Chandigarh (about 310 km away), and Kalka (about 300 km away). From these stations, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Manali. Chandigarh and Kalka are well-connected to major cities across India, and from there, you can travel by road to Manali
I personally, took a train till Delhi and took a bus to Manali in a night, that’s common and great option if one want to reach from Delhi, as there is no direct railway station in Manali.
By Road
Manali is well-connected by road to various cities in North India. You can choose from state-run or private buses, taxis, or self-drive options.
The distance from Delhi to Manali is approximately 540 km. You can take an overnight bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, which usually takes around 12-14 hours. Alternatively, you can drive via NH3 and NH44, which offers scenic views of the mountains and valleys.
You can reach Manali by road from various cities like Chandigarh, Shimla and Delhi.
By Bus:
Several private and state-run buses operate from major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla to Manali. Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private operators provide comfortable and convenient bus services, including Volvo, deluxe, and semi-deluxe options. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
4. Reached Manali? These places are awaiting for you
Manali is not a small town, it has so much to offer whether you’re a first-time traveler or have visited multiple times. Each visit presents something unique. Typically, we travel for 4-5 days or up to a week if we’re students or working professionals. However, I have many friends who have spent more than a month here. It’s important to organize your trip systematically to make the most of it.
Here are some must-visit places for those traveling to Manali for the first time. These are some of my favorite and most visited spots in Manali.
Mall Road, Manali
Every hill station in India has its own charm, and one of them is Mall Road. Mall Roads in the North India region have a unique vibe, and the Mall Road of Manali is no exception. This vibrant part of Manali will make you fall in love with the place. Here, you’ll find everything to buy or take home, including Himachali shawls, souvenirs, woolen jackets, local dry fruits, and much more.
I highly recommend taking a stroll every night for however many days you are in the city. I still get goosebumps whenever I recall the memories of walking slowly, wearing heavy jackets, and dancing in the light snowfall. You must experience this feeling too, folks!
Hadimba Devi Temple
This sacred and peaceful place is just a 10-minute walk from the main center of Manali, which is, of course, Mall Road. You will find vendors along your way to Hadimba Devi Temple. You’ll climb some stairs that feel like a short trekking experience. Make sure to take a short break and taste some delicious Maggi and momos. I’m telling you, you just can’t skip this. You’ll have one of the best Maggi experiences of your life here. It’s not just the Maggi that makes it special, but the place and your surroundings add to its charm.
Once you reach Hadimba Devi Temple, sit for a while and meditate if possible. You’ll see the tallest bamboo trees around you, and the temple’s structure is also incredible. If you have time, visit the nearby Ghatotkach Temple as well.
Solang Valley
Once you’ve visited the Hadimba Devi Temple, head back to your hotel to recharge your devices and take a rest because the next destination is one of Manali’s most beautiful spots: Solang Valley.
Solang Valley is a stunning snow-covered valley and a must-visit location. As it’s located outside the main center of Manali, you’ll need to take a taxi or cab from Mall Road. Keep in mind, the taxi will only take you as far as the road is accessible. From there, you’ll need to take a 4×4 jeep to reach the top of Solang Valley, where the real snow adventures begin.
Solang Valley is renowned for its snow sports and adventures. You can purchase tickets for various activities. I recommend opting for a combo of 4-5 selected activities rather than paying individually, which will save you a lot of money.
Jogini Waterfall:
Jogini Waterfalls is situated approximately 7.5 kilometers from Manali, and around 3 kilometers from the famous Vashisht Temple, known for its hot springs. The waterfall can be accessed via a scenic trek that begins from Vashisht Village. The trek is relatively easy, making it suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. The trail winds through dense forests, apple orchards, and quaint Himachali villages, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
The trek to Jogini Waterfalls is an experience in itself. The journey takes you through narrow paths lined with towering pine trees, vibrant wildflowers, and the soothing sound of the Beas River flowing nearby. Along the way, you will encounter several small streams and traditional wooden bridges, adding to the charm of the trek. The entire trek can be completed in about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and the number of stops you make to soak in the natural beauty.
I personally missed this place to visit due to lack of time and then we moved forward next day to Delhi to cover remaining places in Delhi.
5. How to Find Affordable Stays in Manali?
Wondering where to stay for the next couple of days? Don’t worry, I have some great recommendations that are perfect in terms of location and price.
Firstly, avoid looking for accommodation in areas outside the main center such as Vashisht and Simsa Village. Resorts in these areas offer majestic views of the Himalayas and luxury amenities, but they tend to be expensive.
The best decision is to stay between Hadimba Devi Temple area and Mall Road, where you’ll find some of the most affordable hotels. During our stay, we found Hotel Rising Star to be a great choice, offering cozy rooms for approximately Rs. 1200-1500 per night.
Read this : Top 5 Breathtaking Stays in Manali—Luxury & Budget Picks
6. 3 Snow Activities, you can’t miss to do :
Once you reach Solang Valley, you’ll find a plethora of thrilling rides and snow activities to choose from. While you can try all if time permits, here are the top 3 activities that are an absolute must:
1. Zip-line
Experience the exhilarating zip-line amidst the breathtaking Himalayan Mountains in Solang Valley. It’s a surreal winter adventure that you shouldn’t miss. Consider taking a GoPro action camera to capture your zip-lining moments for an additional Rs. 500. Remember to click the shutter button before recording, Hahaha!
2. Skiing
For skiing enthusiasts, Solang Valley offers an exciting opportunity to hit the slopes. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or trying it for the first time like me, skiing here is a memorable experience. While it may not be as extensive as Gulmarg in Kashmir, it’s definitely worth a try. Challenge your friends and siblings to see who can navigate the slopes with style!
3. Snow Tubing
Snow Tubing involves sitting on a tube and sliding down the snow-covered hills. It’s one of the highlights of the combo package rides we selected. Although the ride lasts for a short 40-60 seconds, the thrill is unmatched. Don’t skip this unique experience, it’s something you won’t find anywhere else in Manali!
These are the top 3 snow activities that you must try on your first trip to Manali. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure and ultimate fun in the snow!
Conclusion:
This is your complete guide for a first-time visit to the dreamy destination of North India, Manali. I’ve made sure to include everything I researched before planning my own itinerary to Manali, filling in the gaps I found in other online guides. Now, book your tickets, pack your coolest and most colorful clothes for those perfect Instagram photos. If you have any more questions about Manali or winter trips in general, let me know in the comments below. Until then, enjoy the winter wonderland and happy travels!
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