Manali and Shimla are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Himalayas and I bet all over India too. Every year thousands of people visit Manali and Shimla and this number just keeps increasing every year. In the last few years, the people visiting Manali in winters are not just limited to honeymooners looking for seclusion 🙂 …
You will find plenty of people from different walks of life who prefer visiting Manali in winters nowadays. I am one of those too, and I always prefer to visit Manali in winter as there are many reasons for it.
In my previous article, I have shared details about How to Plan a trip to Shimla and Manali?. In this article today, I will like to share these reasons in detail so that it helps other fellow travelers too.
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Let's quickly dive into the details:
Why you should travel to Manali in Winters
In the article below, I will suggest five reasons for traveling to Manali in winters. It will be helpful to those who are having difficulty in making up their minds and finalizing the plan for a trip to Manali coming winters. Let me know what do you think about them.
1. Chance to play in the snow and make snowmen
Winters in Manali means snow, snow, and snow, especially when going towards Rohtang Pass snow points. This presence of snow means you can dive, slide, and throw snowballs at each other and of course, make those snowmen seen in the movies or foreign land.
Manali is the most popular and probable place to find snow or snowfall near Delhi. The other major attraction in Manali, known as Rohtang Pass, gets closed by mid of November. So, tourists are not allowed to visit Rohtang Pass until April end.
However, authorities set up snow points at Gulaba about 20 KMs from Manali and Marhi about 37 KMs from Manali depending on the safety of tourists. In case Rohtang Pass is open, you can visit it in your vehicle or a local Manali taxi. You should read about Permit for Rohtang Pass and Updates. Snow is the major attraction for anyone traveling to Manali in winter.
You can read my comprehensive travel guide of Manali at the link Delhi to Manali, Himachal Pradesh – Travel Guide
2. Chance to enjoy the snow activities
When visiting Manali in winters, you can also enjoy all types of snow activities like snow tubing, snow scooter rides, snow sledding, skiing, zorbing in snow, etc.. The snow points near Manali at Gulaba and Marhi flourish with numerous local vendors offering these activities for the tourists visiting Himachal.
Though a bit touristy, it is surely a fun of its own in case you have not experienced it. You need to shell out some money, but if you are with your family, they will enjoy it, especially the kids.
By the way, if you are interested in making an offbeat trip to Himachal Pradesh, then you can also refer 5 Must Visit Offbeat Places in Himachal Pradesh
3. Less tourist rush & lesser overall crowdedness
Summers is the peak time when roads in Manali looks no different than old Delhi roads or any other crowded market near your home. In summers, you will witness herds and herds of people flocking the narrow roads, honking, and traffic everywhere. Parking is so much difficult to find, and with a lack of patience on the road, people are also restless, including tourists and locals.
However, when you will visit Manali in winter, you will find there are fewer tourists and the crowd. Plenty of empty spaces to hang out and easy traffic movement. However, there are times even in winters, like X-mas and New Year Eve, then again, Manali gets flocked and locked with tourist rush. In general, you will find the space and quaintness you are looking to experience in Manali in winter.
Pro Tip: If you are doing a self-drive to Manali in winters, then make sure to read the article 40 Must-Have Things to Carry on a Self Drive Trip to the Himalayas
4. Great deals on hotels & other stay Options
Needless to say but all the stay options or hotels in Manali offer an excellent discount and deals with accommodation packages. Most discounts fall under the range from 35%-45% discount on regular prices. The winter discounts on hotels and stay options in Manali starts around mid-November and ends by the end of March.
These discounts are not limited to private hotels but tourist department run HPTDC also offers 40% discounts on their Log huts / Orchards huts and Hadimba Cottages. So, another reason to make a trip to Manali in winter that is easy on your pocket too 🙂
You should always carry your water bottle and refill it as many times as you need water. It will not only keep you hydrated always, but you will also help in saving the Himalayas from plastic garbage. Remember, every tiny step counts and your step in this direction can help save the Himalayas too !! 🙂 🙂
5. Cheaper taxi and commute rates
Likewise hotels and stay options, you can expect good discounted rates on local taxis and local commute options as well in Manali. In winters, the local taxis are less in demand, and hence, drivers are ready to offer good discounts. I will suggest getting in touch with a local taxi driver directly to benefit the most.
You can call the local drivers directly to connect with them and check the more comprehensive List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali with recommendations/reviews for DoW community members.
Conclusion
When making a trip to Manali in winter, do not forget to carry proper woolen clothes including thermals and jackets.
I am sure now you know how fun and wonderful it could be when visiting Manali in winter. I will look forward to hearing updates about your trip to Manali in winters.
Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.
In the end, if you know a friend or the family person who is making a trip to Manali in winters, please feel free to share this article with them as well 🙂
13 Comments
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Lovely post. What are the chances of Rohtang Pass be openend in Febuary time?
There is no chance Rohtang Pass being open Lalit. You will only be allowed up to Gulaba snow point at the max which is about 20 KMs from Manali.
Nice article. I had a question. I am planning to travel now in Jan. How is the place for solo women travellers?
Manali is fine to travel in January as the tourist rush of new years eve fade away.
Dear
Infact we couple are planning to visit Manali on Jan 2nd. Would like to know how safe is Delhi Manali highway for both of us. We will be taking zoom car from Delhi or Chandigarh. Is it safe to drive or should we go by VOLVO from Delhi to Manali????. What you suggest by your expertise views.
In general, it is safe to drive but if you are just a couple, going by Volvo will be much cheaper and comfortable as well. So, I will suggest going by Volvo for a more comfortable trip and then hire a local taxi.
Yeah sure thanks for the valuable advice.
Dear
Am more worried like if we take up a zoom car will we get affected by snow road blocks or something like that??? Any such incidents as per your knowledge on previous years??? Bcze for more privacy I would like to go with zoom car than Volvo. But if there is any problem I can change to Volvo itself as per your suggestion
It may be possible as around that time snowfall happens and in case the road is closed due to snow then yes, you will not be able to drive.
However, if privacy is preference then you can go with Zoomcar. Also, if the road closes because of heavy snowfall then well, Volvo will be blocked too 🙂
Dear
Is any sort of danger if we stay there while road us blocked??? As it’s a off season weather we will be almost alone or can we expect the somewhat crowd on dis days??? Sorry to bother you with lot of quires
Yes, there will be other folks as well. Also, the road closes very near to Manali, so in the worst case, you can drive back towards Kullu to stay at some hotel. As you will be traveling post new year eve, their won’t be too much tourist rush so hotel availability should not be an issue at all.
No problems, you can ask as many questions as you feel comfortable. I am here to help only !!
Good post,loved it.
Thank you.