Overview
A winter trip built around the snow. From December to March, the slopes of Solang valley and the land beyond the Atal Tunnel are usually deep in snow, and Manali itself gets falls most winters. This five-day package gives you four nights in Manali and three snow days: Solang for skiing lessons and snow play, the tunnel and Sissu for the frozen Chandra valley, and Gulaba or Kothi on the old Rohtang road when it's open. The car is a 4x4-capable SUV or Innova with snow chains, and the driver knows when roads will close.
Best for: Families and groups from the plains who want to see and play in real snow
- Three snow days around Manali
- Skiing lessons and snow play at Solang
- Frozen waterfall and white valley at Sissu
- Gulaba or Kothi on the Rohtang road
- Hotels with heating
- Driver experienced in snow driving
Day by day
- Day1
Chandigarh to Manali
About 305 kmOvernight: Manali
An early start from Chandigarh for the seven to nine hour drive into the Kullu valley. In winter the light goes by 5.30 pm, so we aim to reach Manali before dark. Warm dinner at the hotel.
Road guide: Chandigarh to Manali → - Day2
Solang valley snow day
About 30 kmOvernight: Manali
Solang is usually the main snow point near Manali in winter. Hire snow suits and boots at the bottom, try a ski lesson with a local instructor, ride a snow scooter or just build a snowman. The ropeway runs when the wind allows.
Road guide: Manali to Solang Valley → - Day3
Atal Tunnel and Sissu
About 90 kmOvernight: Manali
If the road is open, drive through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu in Lahaul, where the river, the waterfall and the slopes are often completely white. Authorities sometimes allow only 4x4 vehicles or close the road after fresh snow; we check each morning.
Road guide: Manali to Sissu (Atal Tunnel) → - Day4
Gulaba, Kothi or Manali town
About 40 kmOvernight: Manali
Gulaba and Kothi, on the old road to Rohtang, usually have deep snow in winter and are quieter than Solang. If they're closed, spend the day in Manali: Hadimba temple under snow, the Vashisht hot springs and Old Manali.
- Day5
Manali to Chandigarh
About 305 km
The drive back down the valley to Chandigarh, leaving early to allow for slow stretches. Drop-off at the airport, station or hotel.
Road guide: Manali to Chandigarh →
What a snow day looks like
Snow days start early, because the queues of cars build up on the Solang road by mid-morning. You'll stop at a hire shop for snow suits and boots, spend three or four hours on the slopes, and be back at the hotel by mid-afternoon as it gets cold.
Snow activities are run by local operators at their own prices. Your driver can point you to the reliable ones.
Winter driving and closures
After heavy snowfall, the police and road authorities close the road beyond Solang or the Atal Tunnel until it's cleared, sometimes for a day or two. When that happens, we switch plans: there's always snow somewhere near Manali in mid-winter. Allow for the possibility of a delayed return if the valley road is blocked.
What to pack
Bring thermals, a warm jacket, a woollen cap, gloves, two pairs of thick socks, sunglasses and sunscreen, because snow glare burns. Waterproof shoes with a good grip help on icy lanes in town. A small thermos is useful for hot drinks on the slopes.
Children and older travellers
Snow days are tiring for small children and older travellers, mostly because of the cold and the waiting in traffic. Keep the Solang day short, take breaks in the warm cafés at the bottom of the slopes, and don't plan more than one snow outing a day. The hotel days in between are part of the plan for a reason.
Route and price at a glance
The Manali Snow Trip trip covers about 770 km by road over 5 days, with overnight stops in Manali. The car is priced on the same basis as our private car tours: 1,250 billable km (the larger of the real distance and 250 km a day) at the vehicle's per-km rate, plus 4 nights of driver allowance, with fuel, tolls and parking included.
For two travellers on standard hotels, that comes to ₹14,000 for 4 hotel nights with breakfast and dinner, ₹41,600 for the car and driver and a ₹8,340 service fee: ₹63,940 in all, or ₹32,000 each. Larger groups share the car and pay less per person.
- Day 1: Chandigarh to Manali (about 305 km, overnight Manali)
- Day 2: Solang valley snow day (about 30 km, overnight Manali)
- Day 3: Atal Tunnel and Sissu (about 90 km, overnight Manali)
- Day 4: Gulaba, Kothi or Manali town (about 40 km, overnight Manali)
- Day 5: Manali to Chandigarh (about 305 km)
Manali Snow Trip price
Per person, by hotel tier and group size. Prices last calculated 21 October 2026 from current rate cards and hotel listings.
3-star hotels, standard camps and homestays
| Travellers | Per person | Group total | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | ₹32,000 ≈ US$375 | ₹64,000 | Innova |
| 4 | ₹20,000 ≈ US$235 | ₹80,000 | Innova |
| 6 | ₹21,000 ≈ US$245 | ₹1,26,000 | Tempo Traveller |
Per person, twin sharing, all-inclusive of the items listed below. Dollar prices are approximate (₹85 = US$1). Your exact price is confirmed in writing before you book; it depends on dates, hotel availability and group size.
Where the money goes: 2 travellers, standard hotels
- Hotels and camps (breakfast and dinner)₹14,000
- Private car and driver for the whole trip₹41,600
- Our service fee (15% on hotels and transport)₹8,340
- Total for both₹63,940
Included
- 4 nights in Manali, twin sharing, with breakfast and dinner
- Private car with driver for all 5 days (sedan or Innova for two, Innova for four, Tempo Traveller for six), including fuel, tolls, parking, state taxes and the driver's allowances
- Pickup from Chandigarh and drop at Chandigarh
Not included
- ×Train, bus or flights to Chandigarh
- ×Lunches, drinks and snacks
- ×Entry fees, ropeways, activities and snow gear hire
- ×GST on the package, travel insurance and tips
Good to know: roads, permits and safety
- The Atal Tunnel and the roads beyond it are sometimes closed or limited to 4x4 vehicles after snowfall; the plan changes on the day to whatever is open.
- Snow suits, boots and gloves can be hired at Solang and Gulaba; agree the rental price first.
- Temperatures fall well below freezing at night; thermals, a warm jacket and waterproof shoes are essential.
When to go
The whole year at a glance
- Best time
- Snow likely, roads can close
- Monsoon, landslide risk
- Fine, check weather
Kullu, Manali and the Parvati valley
- Manali2,050 mManali: Best: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov; Snow: Jan–Feb, Dec; Monsoon: Jul–Aug
More places
- Solang Valley2,560 mSolang Valley: Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov; Snow: Jan–Feb, Dec; Monsoon: Jul–Aug
- Sissu3,100 mSissu: Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct; Snow: Jan–Mar, Dec
- • Late December to February is the most reliable time for snow around Solang and the tunnel.
- • March often still has snow at Solang and beyond the tunnel, with clearer weather.
- • Christmas and New Year weeks are very busy; hotel prices rise and roads jam near Solang.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Manali Snow Trip package cost?+
About ₹21,000 per person for six travellers on standard hotels, or ₹32,000 per person for a couple, for all 5 days. Comfort hotels cost more; the price table shows every option.
Is snow guaranteed in Manali?+
Not guaranteed, but from late December to February, Solang and the area beyond the tunnel almost always have snow.
Can we go to Rohtang Pass in winter?+
No. Rohtang is closed from about November to April. Gulaba and Kothi are the closest points on that road.
Is it safe to drive in snow?+
Our winter drivers are used to snow and carry chains. We follow road closures and police advice.
Do we need to hire snow clothes?+
Bring warm layers; heavy snow suits and boots can be hired cheaply at Solang.
Which car do we get on the Manali Snow Trip trip?+
A Toyota Innova for two travellers, an Innova for up to four and a Tempo Traveller for six, with the same driver for the whole trip.
Plan the rest of your trip
Price and route sources: Wikipedia: Solang Valley · Wikipedia: Atal Tunnel · Wikipedia: Manali, Himachal Pradesh · TravelTriangle: Himachal tour packages and prices
