Solang Valley is one of the most beautiful and famous tourist places near Manali in Himachal Pradesh. It is situated around 14 km away from Manali town at an elevation of around 8,500 feet above sea level. The Valley is very popular among tourists and adventure lovers who come to enjoy various snow activities like skiing, sledging, parachuting and more. The Valley has vast green meadows surrounded by mighty snow-capped mountains, which make the scenery look like a visual treat. In the winter months, the whole area gets covered in thick white snow which attracts tourists.
Where is Solang Valley?
Solang Valley is a popular hill station near the Parvati Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh. It sits around 14 km away from the popular town of Manali.
The distance between Delhi to Solang Valley is approximately 515 km. it may take you 13-14 hours to reach there if you drive non-stop.
If coming from Chandigarh, the travel distance is relatively shorter at 304 km, which may take 7-8 hours to reach there.
No matter which route you take, that final 14 km stretch from Manali to Solang Valley is an incredibly scenic mountain drive. You can experience stunning views of snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, and verdant valleys along the winding Himalayan roads.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Solang Valley?
The ideal time to plan a trip to Solang Valley varies depending on the type of experience you want to have. if you’re going to do activities like skiing, sledding, and zorbing, then December to March is the best time to visit. During this time, you can expect snowfall in Solang Valley, which raises its beauty to the top level.
If you want pleasant weather with lush green natural beauty without snow, then late March to June are the ideal months to visit Solang Valley.
Summer (April to June):
The summer days are mostly sunny and pleasant here, with maximum temperatures ranging from 15-25°C. This is considered one of the best times to visit to enjoy the lush green scenery.
Monsoon (July to September):
During monsoon, Solang Valley receives moderate to heavy rainfall with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C. The whole area looks very scenic, with waterfalls and greenery.
Winter (October to March):
In the winter, the whole Valley gets covered in thick snow, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to as low as -10°C. This is the peak tourist season when visitors come for snow activities.
How To Reach Solang Valley From Delhi?
To reach Solang Valley from Delhi, you can follow this travel route:
- First, take a bus, private car, or taxi to Manali, which is around 501 km away from Delhi. This journey takes around 11-12 hours by road, depending on traffic conditions.
- Another option is to first take a train from Delhi to Chandigarh, which takes around 4 hours. Then, from Chandigarh, you can hire a taxi to cover the remaining 304 km distance to Manali town.
- Once you reach Manali, hire a local taxi or cab to cover the remaining 14 km distance to Solang Valley. This short journey takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on road conditions.
- In winter, when heavy snowfall occurs, chains may need to be installed on the vehicle tires to reach Solang safely.
Things to Do at Solang Valley
There are many fun and adventurous things that you can do when visiting Solang Valley. Some of the main activities are:
1. Skiing & Snowboarding:
In the winter season, when there is plenty of snow, Solang offers excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities. The gentle slopes are perfect for beginners to learn, while advanced skiers can try the steeper terrain. All the required equipment is available on rent.
2. Cable Car Ride:
A major attraction is the cable car ride that takes you from one end of the Valley to the other while giving amazing aerial views of the snow-covered landscapes below. The ride is delightful, especially for kids.
3. Sledging:
Another popular snow activity is Sledging, where you can sit on a sled and slide down the snowy slopes at high speeds. It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience that is super fun. You can expect a lot of snowfall in winter at Solang Valley, which makes it the perfect spot to do Sledging.
4. Paragliding:
For the adventurous souls, Solang offers opportunities for paragliding and zorbing (rolling down slopes inside a inflatable ball). These activities require trained instructors and all safety gear. Local tour operators offer Solang valley paragliding activities year-round, from winter to summer.
5. Camping:
Want to wake up with a view of snowy mountains or mountains covered with incredible greenery? Camping at Solang Valley can give you a breathtaking experience of how stunning nature can be. You can book with tour operators providing camping activities in the Valley. It may cost you around INR 1000 per night, depending on the amenities they offer.
6. Snow Activities:
Simply playing and rolling around in the snow, making snowmen and having snowball fights is something that kids absolutely love doing in Solang during winter. You can also capture the surreal view of Parvati Valley in your camera, a sight you’ll never forget in your lifetime.
7. Visiting Anjani Mahadev Temple:
Located within the Valley is an ancient Shiva temple where you can go and offer prayers. The temple remains open throughout the year. Solang valley to Anjani Mahadev distance is around 2.5 km. There is only one way to reach the temple: trekking or riding mules and horses. You will find the temple in Solang Valley quite clean and calm, as fewer visitors manage to reach here.
8. Shopping:
After all the adventure, you can shop for local woolens, handicrafts, and souvenir items from the many small shops and stalls in Solang bazaar. This is the most scenic local market in the town. You can also try street food at stalls in the market.
What Are The Nearby Sightseeing Places?
Several other places near Solang Valley are worth visiting:
1. Rohtang Pass:
One of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world at an altitude of 13,051 feet. The place offers amazing views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks. Solang Valley to Rohtang pass distance is around 51 km. You must take a permit to visit the Pass, with a fee of INR 500. You will be required atleast 2-3 hours to explore the Pass fully. Remember that Rohtang Pass experiences heavy snowfall in the winter, so it is only accessible from May to September. You can enjoy a variety of snow activities here.
2. Rahala Falls:
A picturesque waterfall is located on the way to Solang Valley, around 19 km before it. The water plunges from a height of nearly 500 feet. You can reach here via leh manali highway. The waterfall’s water comes from melting glaciers, which makes it super cold. The best time to visit the Kahala waterfall is from May to September.
3. Kothi Village:
A small scenic village located about 7 km from Solang, where you can experience authentic rural Himachali life and culture. It is the perfect camping spot near Solang Valley. The village offers an unforgettable experience with its views of snow-covered mountains and glaciers, peaceful environment, and scenic cafes and restaurants.
4. Gulaba Viewpoint:
This popular spot, around 7 km from Solang, offers panoramic views of the mighty Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. The viewpoint near Manali looks breathtaking in winter, with incredible views and heavy snowfall.
Where To Stay At Solang Valley?
For those planning to stay overnight or for a few days in Solang Valley Manali, here are some of the best hotels and resorts:
The Whitescape Resort:
It is a luxury resort set amidst snow-capped mountains, offering an indoor heated pool, spa, and deluxe cottage stay. Here, you can enjoy the best view of Solang Valley. It is a 4-star hotel with friendly staff. A night’s stay at The Whitescape Resort may cost you between INR 6,500 to INR 8,000.
Solang Valley Resort:
Providing cozy wood-paneled cottages and tents with attached bathrooms and beautiful valley views.
Holiday Heights Resort:
A well-rated resort located on the main Solang road with modern amenities and an in-house restaurant.
Hotel Valley Corner:
A budget-friendly hotel providing basic comfortable rooms with free parking and a travel desk.
Where To Eat At Solang Valley?
Every vacation is complete with trying out the local cuisine and snacks. Some of the top cafes and eateries in Solang are:
Kilta Cafe & Restaurant:
The cafe is near Solang valley, Serving delicious Indian, Continental, and Chinese dishes and hot beverages. You can enjoy a cozy ambiance and a fantastic view of nature here.
Arlinio’s Bakery & Cafe:
Famous for its fresh baked goods like cakes, pastries, pies, sandwiches, and coffees.
Sunshine Café & Restaurant:
A multi-cuisine restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating areas offering Himachali, Indian and Israeli cuisines.
Black Coffee Cafe:
A stylish coffee shop where you can relax with a hot coffee or shake and snacks like burgers and fries.
So, Solang Valley offers the perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and modern amenities, making it an ideal holiday destination for all ages. Just make sure to carry enough warm clothes when visiting in winter!
Faqs-
How much does paragliding in Solang valley cost?
The paragliding price in Solang Valley, Manali, is approximately INR 1000 for a low fly and INR 3200 for a high fly.
When should I visit Solang valley for snowfall?
You can visit Solang Valley in the winter months, from December to February, to experience snowfall.