A Himalayan favourite for snow, adventure and mountain cafés, Manali is both a relaxing hill escape and the gateway to Spiti, Leh and Lahaul. Here's how to plan your trip.
March to June brings pleasant weather and is the best time for sightseeing and snow at higher passes. October to February is cold with snow in and around town (great for snow-lovers). The monsoon (July–September) is green but carries a landslide risk on mountain roads.
Solang Valley is the hub for paragliding, zorbing and winter skiing. Rohtang Pass (permit required, seasonal) is the classic snow day-trip. Explore Old Manali's cafés, the ancient Hadimba Temple, Vashisht's hot springs, and Jogini Falls. Manali is also the launch point for road trips to Spiti and Leh.
Old Manali is the backpacker and café heart; Mall Road is central and convenient; Vashisht is quieter with hot springs. For quiet valley views, look at stays a little outside town. Compare verified Manali hotels for your dates on the hotels page.
The easiest option from Delhi is an overnight Volvo bus (about 12–14 hours); you can also fly to Bhuntar (Kullu) airport, about 50 km away. In town, autos and taxis are easy; hire a cab for Solang and Rohtang day trips.
Carry warm layers even in summer, book a Rohtang permit in advance, and give yourself time to acclimatise before high-altitude trips. Roads can be slow — build buffer time into any onward journey to Spiti or Leh.
Manali and nearby areas usually see snow from December to February; for guaranteed snow at higher points, visit Solang or Rohtang in the winter and early spring.
An overnight Volvo bus from Delhi (12–14 hours) is the most common route; the nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu), about 50 km away.