5 Reasons for Traveling to Manali in Winters

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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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.

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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 🙂