Best time
March to June is the main season, with pleasant days and snow still on the high points; Rohtang usually opens around May. Mid-September to November is clear and quieter, with the Kullu Dussehra in October. December to February is for snow in Manali and Solang, and July and August are the monsoon, when landslides can slow the hill roads.
- March to June, 8 to 28°C: The main season: pleasant days, snow still at Solang early on and on the high points, and Rohtang usually opening around May. May and June are the busiest weeks in Manali.
- July to mid-September, 15 to 25°C: The monsoon: heavy rain on the hill roads, landslides that can hold up a drive for hours, and mist over the views. The valley is green, the hotels quiet, and the road on to Leh is open.
- Mid-September to November, 2 to 20°C: Clear skies and crisp air after the rain, with fewer crowds; the Kullu Dussehra fills the valley in October, and nights turn cold by November.
- December to February, -5 to 10°C: Winter: snow usually falls on Manali and Solang from late December, Rohtang is shut, and heavy snow can close the road beyond Solang for a day or more. Christmas to New Year is busy.
What to pack
From March to June, light woollens and a jacket for the evenings, which turn cold in Manali even in May. From October to February, thermals, a heavy jacket, gloves and a woollen cap, and waterproof shoes with a good grip for the snow at Solang; snow suits and boots can usually be hired at Solang and on the Rohtang road. In the monsoon, a rain jacket and quick-dry clothes. Carry sunglasses and sunscreen for the glare off the snow, comfortable walking shoes for Old Manali and Mall Road, a scarf or cap to cover your head at the Manikaran gurudwara, and a neck pillow and a light jacket for the overnight coach from Delhi.
Getting there
From Hyderabad, fly or take the train to Delhi, where most of our Manali trips start, or fly to Chandigarh for the trip that begins there. From Delhi the journey is by road, about 530 km: an overnight AC coach of twelve to fourteen hours or a private cab. Manali's nearest airport is at Bhuntar near Kullu, about 50 km away, with a few flights from Delhi that bad weather can cancel. The journey to the start city is not part of the package.
From Bengaluru, fly to Delhi or Chandigarh and join the trip there. Most Manali trips start in Delhi and go up by overnight AC coach or private cab, about 530 km; from Chandigarh it is about 300 km and eight to nine hours by road. Manali has no railway, and the flight is booked separately.
From Chennai, fly or take the train to Delhi, the start point for most of our Manali trips, or fly to Chandigarh for the trip that begins there. From the start city the whole trip is by road into the hills, since Manali has no railway and its small airport at Bhuntar has few flights. The journey to the start city is not part of the package.
Permits and fees
Rohtang Pass needs a vehicle permit issued online by the Kullu administration, with a limited number each day. The pass usually opens around May once the snow is cleared and closes on maintenance days, so our trips plan it as an add-on when it is open; the permit and the local vehicle to the snow point are not in the fare. Solang Valley, Old Manali, Vashisht, Kasol and Manikaran need no permit. Rules change from season to season, so confirm before you book.