What Makes Snowfall In Manali A Unique Experience? A Guide

There is snow place like home! Want to experience the beauty of Manali? Snowfall in Manali in 2023 saw a rush of tourists! Snowfall in the Lahual-Spiti District had many travelers rush to the winter wonderland for Christmas Vacations.

Further, people started moving to Koksar and Sissu in Lahaul Valley from Manali, creating a 4 to 5 Km traffic jam in the Solang Valley.

Christmas was on a Monday last year. Further, from Saturday, 23rd, to 10:30 am on Sunday, 2023, the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang saw 12701 vehicles crossing. However, this craze about snowfall in Manali in 2023 is not a one-off instance.

Even in 2022, 1.51 crore visited Himachal Pradesh, and many found Manali to be their main destination. Again, in 2023, the number of visitors saw a 6% hike, taking the number to 1.60 crore.

Now, why is Manali becoming more important in the tourism landscape of Himachal Pradesh? Mukesh Thakur, the president of the Manali Hoteliers Association, said that Atal Tunnel in Rohtang has become the new gateway to Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. Thus, it has become a tourist hotspot.

In the 2024 budget speech, Sukhvinder Singh Sukkhu, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, mentioned a special plan to develop “Chandratal, Kaza, and Tandi in Lahaul-Spiti and Rackchham and Nako ‘ Chango’ Khab in Kinnaur as tourist destinations.”
Moreover, Manali in Kullu will be one of the nine chosen places to have heliports in the first phase.

So, as you can see, Manali is the go-to destination for Indian and foreign travelers across seasons. Further, the town is especially beautiful in the winter, and the Winter Carnival Committee of Manali is committed to making the Winter Carnival special for Manali tourists. So, do you want to know about the beauty of Manali during its snowfall time?

In 2023, the Winter Carnival Committee of Manali arranged a mega folk dance event on Mall Road at Christmas. Further, “100 Mahila Mandals of Left Bank of Manali Assembly Constituency” participated. There was also a DJ Dance organized at night.

When Can We See Snowfall In Manali?

November to February is the best time to see snowfall in Manali. However, if you are lucky enough, you can witness snowfall even in late October. Having said that, if you want to experience Manali at its snowy best, January is the month for you.

Further, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Gulaba, Old Manali, Manali Town, and Atal Tunnel are some of the best sites in Manali to see snowfall. Winter is also the time to participate in adventurous activities such as skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, etc.

Moreover, Manali can experience snowfalls even during the remaining eight months of the year. As I pen down this article, I have data about the snowfall in Manali and Rohtang Pass in 2024 so far. It will act as a guiding light when you plan for a trip!

There was a snowfall in Manali even on the 4th of September 2024. So, check out the table below for the data about the snowfall in Manali in 2024.

Snowfall Dates 2024 (As Per Latest Data from Local Sources)	Snowfall Locations in Manali
30th January	• Manali • Solang Valley • Rohtang Pass • Atal Tunnel • Lahaul Valley • Hamta Pass
19th February	• Atal Tunnel • Hampta Pass • Rohtang Pass • Lahaul Valley • Sissu • Gulaba • Kukumseri in the Lahaul-Spiti District (Experienced the highest snowfall in the state, with a snowfall of 50.6 cm) • Kalpa in Kinnar District
16th March	• Kothi • Hampta Pass • Fatru • Solang Valley Lahaul Valley and Rohtang Pass were closed due to heavy snowfall.
21st March	• Atal Tunnel • Gulaba • Rohtang Pass • Solang Valley • Lahaul Valley
30th and 31st March	• Solang Valley • Rohtang Pass • Atal Tunnel • Gulaba • Marhi • Kothi • Hamta Pass
20th April (Light Snowfall)	• Sissu and Koksar in Lahaul Valley • Atal Tunnel
29th April	•Solang Valley • Rohtang • Kothi • Gulaba • Atal Tunnel • Lahaul Valley • Hamta Pass
5th May	• Koksar and Other Parts of Lahaul Valley, • Atal Tunnel
17th May	• Beas Nullah, and • Koksar in Lahaul Valley
30th May	• Rohtang Pass • GramphuKoksar, and • Kunzum Pass
27th August	• Peaks Near Rohtang Pass
4th September	• High Peaks in Manali

Snowfall in Manali during August and September 2024 has caused a drop in the temperature, causing a welcome relief from the summer rampage. Further, after the snowfall on 4th September, the temperature went below 15 degrees Centigrade.

Is There Snowfall In Manali In May?

Yes, there is snowfall in Manali in May. Further, as you can see in the table above, the 5th, 17th, and 30th May of 2024 had a significant snowfall in Manali. Also, on 30th May 2024, Rohtang in Manali had a fresh snowfall.

Moreover, this snowfall was a welcome relief, considering Shimla and Una Town recorded the highest temperature on 29th May.

Una Town recorded 46 degrees Celsius temperature on 29th May 2024. Further, this is the highest temperature recorded here in the last 19 years.

That said, the highest temperature in Manali remains between 15-28 degrees Centigrade in May. Also, the lowest temperature remains around 8-13 degrees.

However, if you want to have the best snowfall experience in Manali in May, you must visit Solang Valley and Koksar Village. In addition, you can plan a trip to the highest point, Rohtang Pass. You have to apply for an online pass to be at this site.

Moreover, if you are looking for the best live snowfall destination near Manali in May, you can take a drive to the Baralacha Pass. It is a 150 Km drive from Manali.

Manali Weather Throughout The Year

Located at a 2,050 m height, Manali is the adventure capital of Northern India. Further, here is a table showcasing the highest and lowest temperatures of the resort town throughout the year.

Month	Highest Temperature (In Degree Celsius)	Lowest Temperature (In Degree Celsius)	Rainfall (Approximately)
January	3 to 4	-5 to -6	200 mm
February	6 to 7	-3 to-5	125 mm
March	7 to 9	-3 to -4	137 mm
April	6 to 7	-4 to -5	180 mm
May	15-28	8-13	50 mm
June	17-28	7-13	45 mm
July	19-29	12-14	15 mm
August	20-29	13-15	30 mm
September	21-30	10-15	30 mm
October	14-15	4-5	105 mm
November	9-10	0 to -1	205 mm
December	6-7	-5 to -7	180 mm

Manali is a year-round popular destination escapade, while in Monsoon, the resort town becomes the most tranquil destination in the hills.

However, if you want to cherish the beauty of the valleys and snowy mountains together, winter is the time to visit Manali. Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Hadimba Temple, Bhrigu Lake, and Nehru Kund are some of the best destinations to explore in Manali during the snowfall time.

With the Monsoon season leaving, Manali gears up for another rocking tourist season in 2024.
“We are hopeful that from September 15 onwards, the tourist season will see a significant improvement.” –
Anup Thakur, President, Manali Paryatan Vikas Mandal

Places To Visit Manali In The Snowfall Time

When snowfall starts in Manali, many destinations get ready to welcome tourists. Here, I have curated some suggestions and tried to keep it eclectic so that every type of traveler finds a match here.

⁍ Rohtang Pass

Elevation: 3,978 Meters

Range: Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas

Distance from Manali – Around 51 Km

Rohtang Pass is one of Manali’s most popular destinations for watching snowfall. Also known as Rohtang La, it connects the Kull Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. Further, you can enjoy panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains, valleys, and glaciers from here. However, you must collect the Rohtang Pass Permit at INR 500 to visit this pass.

Rohtang Pass remains covered with snow from December to April. Snowboarding, skiing, zorbing, and snowball fights are some of the most popular activities during the snowy season.

In addition, it is an important passage for popular treks in Himachal, such as the Chandratal Lake trek, the Bhrigu Lake trek, and the Hampta Pass trek. You can even enjoy mountain biking here and nature walks in the presence of Alpine flowers and distinct wildlife.

⁍ Solang Valley

Elevation: 2560 Meters

Distance from Manali: 13 Kms

Solang Valley in Manali’s adventure hub is the IT place to go. Paragliding and skiing are the two most popular outdoor activities here. However, if you seek tranquility, you can camp in the valley and enjoy a walk to the Jogini Waterfall. The Beas River here flows as the source of life and solace.

Further, for the religious souls, the Vashisht Temple, Hadimba Temple, and the Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Temple are some important locations in Solang Valley.

⁍ Hadimba Temple

Hadimba Temple in Manali is where mythological connection meets modern psychology, and architectural excellence meets rich history. According to the Mahabharata, Hadimba Devi was a demoness and the sister of Hidimba, a demon.

She married Bhima, the second Pandava. They also had a son, Gatotkach, who fought bravely in the Kurukshetra Battle on the Pandava’s side and lost his life.

Further, Raja Bahadur Singh had built this temple in the 16th century. This wooden temple has detailed carvings that depict human stories from ancient times. In addition, it looks all the more enchanting with the natural beauty around it.

Today, Devi Hadimba is worshipped as a symbol of selflessness and devotion. The Navaratri Festival in Manali is focused on the worship of Goddess Hadimba.

Further, the temple is an expression of the heart of the faithful. Being a cultural and religious hub, it also fuses traditions with the modern world.

The symbolism of Hadimba Temple may be a great example of Carl Jung’s “Collective Unconscious Theory.” Today, the temple is associated with ancient beliefs and instincts, deep-seated in many people’s minds. These beliefs can result from the “deepest unconscious mind is genetically inherited and not shaped by personal experience.” Indeed, Devi Hadimba, an important Hindu mythological character, is indeed a popular and revered character made familiar across generations through stories.

⁍ Manali Mall Road

The Manali Mall Road is the best place to try local delicacies and indulge in your shopping spree. Further, in the heart of Manali town, Mall Road gets decked up at night, and the shops are decorated with lights.

Also, once you are done picking the best Tibetan souvenirs and woolen clothes, you can visit the Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple. Moreover, a prayer ceremony here will be the most immersive experience amidst the hustle-bustle of the town.

⁍ Manu Temple

Manali is said to have gotten its name from “Manu.” In the ancient scriptures of Sanata Dharma, Manu is the forefather of the human race. Manali is also where the Saptarishis, or the seven celestial sages, lived.

So, the Manu Temple, on the banks of the Beas River, is an important religious place in Manali. King Raja Manu built this temple around 400 years ago after Sage Manu had appeared in his dream. However, the modern version you see, with a pagoda-style roof and a new shrine, is a renovated architecture by the Raja of Kullu in the 19th century.

Moreover, a visit to the temple is free and remains open daily from 6 am to 5 pm.

Sage Manu saved Lord Vishnu from the attack of a small carp fish. Further, the sage received a warning about the upcoming flood that would destroy the world. So, he made a big boat and traveled in it with his family and nine species of seeds, birds, and animals.
Moreover, the site of the Manu Temple is where he reached after the flood and started meditating.

Old Manali, Vashist Baths, Atal Tunnel, Bhrigu Lake, Nehru Kund, and Gulaba are other important places to visit during snowfall in Manali.

Important Festivals During Manali Snowfall Time

Winter Carnival – January 2nd Week sees this gala celebration at Manu Kala Kendra. Popular artists and cultural groups from various parts of the country participate in this carnival.
Lohri – Lohri is observed in January to celebrate the harvesting of Rabi crops.
Losar Festival – It is celebrated as the wedding ceremony of Lord Padmasambhava with the local princess. Also, it is a popular festival celebrated by the Tibetan Community of Manali and falls on the first day of February.

Things Very Few People Know About Manali (Exploring Myths, History, And Culture)

Before you set out to visit snowfall in Manali, you must look at some lesser-known facts about this town.

‣ Kasol, a small town near Manali, has many cafes run by Israelis. You can also see Israeli flags in many places here.

‣ Gata Loops on the Manali-Leh road has a Ghost Temple dedicated to a dead person who was struck in a truck and died of hunger and thirst. So, every traveler has to offer a packet of cigarettes and a bottle of water as they pass this temple to avoid fatal consequences.

‣ Moreover, Gulaba has the highest sky bicycle track in India at an elevation of 9000 feet.

‣ The Anjani Mahadev temple near Solang Valley has a 10-foot-high Shivlinga. It is called the “Ice Lingam of Manali.” Further, during the Manali snowfall, it can become as long as 20 feet in height.

Also, Prakash Puri, a saint, discovered it over 35 years ago. Moreover, it is said to be the place where Anjani, the mother of Lord Hanuman, worshipped.