During my recent trip to Manali in the First week of April (on the 7th), our group of friends noticed something unexpected—very little snow and unusually warm temperatures in Manali. Hoping for a snowy landscape, we planned to visit Rohtang Pass, but unfortunately, it hadn’t opened for the season yet. That’s when a few locals suggested visiting Koksar, a lesser-known village beyond the Atal Tunnel, accessible via Solang Valley.
Curious, I looked up Koksar Manali online—and was surprised to see fresh photos of the area still blanketed in snow. It instantly caught our interest, and we decided to head there the next day.
Koksar covers a distance of around 41 km from Manali and takes approximately 2 hours to reach, depending on road and weather conditions. It is the first inhabited village of Lahaul Valley, situated beyond the Atal Tunnel. Nestled along the Chandra River and surrounded by dramatic Himalayan terrain, Koksar sits at an elevation of about 3,140 meters (10,300 ft). Known for its long snow season, it’s one of the first snow-covered destinations accessible from Manali when Rohtang Pass remains closed.
Far less crowded than Manali or Solang, Koksar offers raw Himalayan beauty, snowy fields, and surreal views. It’s not commercialized, but that’s exactly what makes it feel untouched and special—perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and experience pure mountain landscapes.
How to Reach Koksar?
To reach Koksar, you’ll first need to get to Manali, which serves as the main base for exploring high-altitude regions in Himachal. Manali is easily accessible by overnight Volvo buses from Delhi and Chandigarh, or you can drive up in your own vehicle if you’re confident navigating hill roads.
From Manali, Koksar is around 41 km away, and it takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to reach. The quickest and most scenic route is via the Atal Tunnel, which bypasses the longer and riskier Rohtang Pass route.
We hired a private taxi from Manali, and the round trip cost us around ₹4000 for the day. It was definitely worth it—the roads were clear post-tunnel, and having an experienced local driver made the journey smooth and stress-free, especially with snow patches along the way.
Public transport is limited or unreliable for this route, so the most practical options are either booking a cab, renting a self-drive car, or hiring a local driver. Some people also rent bikes, but it’s best suited for experienced riders due to changing weather conditions and hilly terrain.
The drive through the Atal Tunnel and into the stark, snow-covered landscape of Lahaul is breathtaking—Koksar is not just a destination, but an experience in itself.
Journey from Manali to Koksar: A Himalayan Adventure
Just after the day of our arrival, we planned our second day for the Koksar visit. Our driver suggested we leave early in the morning due to traffic. Since it was a Sunday, he warned it might get crowded there. So, after having our breakfast at 7:00 AM, we left for Koksar around 7:45 AM.
From the beginning of our journey, we could see the snow-covered mountains, which instantly made us curious and excited. The sight of those white peaks in the distance felt like a dream coming to life.
After a drive of around 45 minutes, our first stop was Solang Valley. We took around half an hour to explore the place, where tourists were enjoying horse riding and paragliding. Solang Valley is mainly known for adventure activities and photography. After exploring for a bit, we continued our journey via the Atal Tunnel towards Koksar.
The journey was incredible. There was a little snow on the mountains, and just after crossing the Atal Tunnel, we were greeted by a continuous flowing river, connected directly to the snow-covered mountains. That whole scene gave me goosebumps—I was so thrilled by the view. We took so many pictures even before reaching Koksar. On the way, we tried some famous food of Manali like Siddu, momos, and pahado wali Maggi.
After about 2 hours and 45 minutes, we finally reached Koksar. Due to traffic and parking issues, our driver dropped us a little before the snow point. So, we walked the remaining distance. The view was surreal—endless snow around us. We clicked lots of pictures and had some snacks again. Since it was daytime and the sun was out, it wasn’t too cold, which made it even more pleasant.
After spending some amazing time there, we left for our hotel around 3:30 PM. We had just started driving when we got stuck in a long traffic jam. We later found out that a tree had fallen on the road. It took the road authorities almost an hour to clear it. Finally, we reached our hotel around 7:00 PM—tired but completely satisfied with the day’s adventure.
Things to Do in Koksar
The whole journey from Manali to Koksar is breathtaking—full of scenic mountains, roaring rivers, long tunnels, snow-capped peaks, and mysteries waiting around every bend. Yet, when you finally reach Koksar, the real magic begins. Includes followings:
Play in the Snow (Seasonal)
Although this activity depends on the time of year you’re visiting—if you’re planning to visit Koksar anytime between late October to the first week of April, you’ll see a lot of snow. You can enjoy simple snow activities like playing in the snow, clicking snow-filled selfies, or even building a snowman. It’s a peaceful alternative to the crowded snow points of Rohtang.
Drive Through the Atal Tunnel
One of the major highlights of our visit to Koksar was the drive through the Atal Tunnel. The tunnel connects Manali to the Lahaul region. It’s a surreal transition—from lush green hills on one side to snow-draped mountains on the other. The tunnel itself is an engineering marvel, stretching over 9 km and cutting down hours of travel time. If you’re visiting here during the heavy snow season, you can expect the tunnel’s north portal near Koksar to be blanketed with thick layers of snow.
Capture the Raw Himalayan Landscape
Koksar offers unfiltered views of the Himalayas—untouched, quiet, and powerful. Snow-covered peaks, flowing rivers, and vast open valleys make it perfect for landscape photography and travel reels. The view just after exiting the Atal Tunnel often leaves visitors stunned. We took so many Instagrammable pictures with the river and snow-covered mountain views. You’ll find plenty of photo points and monasteries along the way. I’d recommend taking breaks and enjoying the mid-points during the journey.
Visit the Chandra River Banks
The Chandra River, which flows beside Koksar, offers a scenic backdrop and a peaceful place to just sit, unwind, or take a walk. The sound of the river against the silence of the mountains is something every nature lover will cherish. The water of the flowing river was extremely cold—of course, that’s expected. Also, wear shoes with good grip so you don’t get hurt, as there are lots of stones around.
Try Local Himalayan Food
Roadside stalls and local dhabas offer Siddu, Pahado wali Maggi, momos, and Laphing—especially comforting in the chilly Koksar air. The food isn’t just tasty but also part of the experience of being in Himachal. For proper meal options, you can have Rajma Chawal, Tibetan Thukpa, Tudkiya Bhat, and various other choices at the food stalls.
Relax and Disconnect
Koksar is quieter than most tourist spots. There’s no commercial rush, fewer people, and no forced activities—just you, the mountains, and fresh air. If you’re looking to slow down, this is where you let nature do the talking.
Best Time to Visit Koksar
It really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you want to see snow and feel that raw winter vibe, you can visit the place between late October and early April. During this time, you can expect freezing temperatures and snow-covered views.
But if you prefer clearer skies, open roads, and stunning mountain landscapes without the extreme cold, May to September is perfect. This is the time when Koksar feels calm, bright, and beautifully alive.
We visited the place in April—there was still snow on the mountain peaks, the roads were open, and the whole valley had a peaceful charm that made the journey even more special.
Travel Tips for Visiting Koksar
Here the few essential tips to consider during your visit to Koksar:
1. Dress in Warm Layers
Koksar can be chilly even in summer, with temperatures dropping significantly at night. Pack thermal wear, fleece jackets, waterproof outer layers, gloves, and woolen caps. Layering is essential to adapt to changing weather conditions.
2. Watch Your Footwear
You can expect a lot of walking here, and since it’s a hilly region, try to avoid wearing slippers or heels. Wear shoes that don’t slip—especially if there’s snow around. Be cautious near the Chandra River side, as there are lots of stones that can poke your feet and cause injuries.
Wearing sturdy trekking shoes with good grip is the best option. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea if you’re visiting during the monsoon or winter.
3. Stay Hydrated and Protect Yourself from the Sun
High altitudes can lead to dehydration, so be prepared in advance and carry a reusable water bottle. Also, use sunscreen and wear sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong mountain sun.
4. Experience Local Cuisine
Local food in Manali is a total vibe. Your travel isn’t complete until you take a dip into the local cuisine here. We tried siddu, momos and Laphing here. some other local delicacies you can try are Dham, Trout, and Chana Madra. These dishes are not only delicious but also offer a true taste of Himachali culture.
5. Respect Local Customs and Environment
Koksar is home to a rich cultural heritage. The people here are very friendly and welcoming. Engage respectfully with locals, and if you visit monasteries, dress modestly and maintain silence. Also, ensure you don’t litter; carry your trash back to keep the environment pristine.
6. Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity
Mobile networks can be unreliable in Koksar. I was using a Jio connection, which was the only one working there. BSNL prepaid also works in some areas. So, it’s better to inform your driver in advance about the meeting point and departure timings. Coordinating without a proper signal—especially in a crowded spot—can get really frustrating.
7. Carry Essential Medications
At high altitudes, some travelers may experience altitude sickness. Carry necessary medications, and if you feel unwell, descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention.
8. Keep Cash Handy
Due to very little internet or network connectivity at the Koksar viewpoint, only limited payment options are available. Also, ATMs are scarce in and around Koksar. To avoid any last-minute hassle, keep plenty of cash with you, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.
Is Koksar Worth It?
If you love snow and happen to visit during the months when Koksar Manali is covered in it—usually from late October to early April—then it’s definitely a place to be. Compared to Rohtang Pass, which typically opens around late May or June depending on weather conditions, Koksar is accessible earlier in the season because of the Atal Tunnel.
The best part? It’s much less crowded than the usual tourist spots, so you get to enjoy the views and snow peacefully, without the rush.