SOLANG VALLEY

Located 13 kilometers from Manali, Solang Valley is nestled away between the Beas Kund and Solang Village. The valley is famous among tourists for its stunning views of snow-capped mountains and magnificent glaciers that attract ski fanatics from all over the world.

The beauty of Solang Valley is unparalleled and many people visit the valley every year just to enjoy its pristine, snow-white magnificence. Especially in winter, when the entire place is covered by fluffy, milky white snow, the whole place appears as if it is straight out of a movie. groves of emerald green trees dotting the pure white landscape, clear blue skies, and magnificent mountains as far as the eye can see – Solang is truly at its most splendorous in winters.

Besides admiring its unmissable picturesque landscapes, people also visit Solang Valley to enjoy various winter sports. Adventure enthusiasts love skiing in the pure, driven snow here, and when the winters ease off a little, you can also try zorbing and paragliding.

The views of the place from the open sky as you paraglide through the valley are truly indescribable and need to be witnessed to be believed. If you really want to get a full dose of the pristine beauty of this valley, try camping here amidst its lush green meadows.

You can also try other adventure sports like quad biking and snowmobiling in Solang Valley. For the true thrill chasers, there is Solang Ropeway – a state of the art cabin to enjoy the sweeping views of the valley. However, if you are traveling with family, there are several places you can check out too.

The Great Himalayan National Park, Kothi, and Rohtang Pass make for very interesting sightseeing places. Whether you go to Solang Valley with friends or family, there is a lot to explore and enjoy here. Whether you're on a solo adventure or a family trip, Solang Valley, included in your Shimla Manali tour package, promises endless exploration and enjoyment amidst its natural splendor.

How To Reach

You can reach Solang Valley via train, by air, and by road:

Via Train – The closest railway station to Solang Valley is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, which is located at a distance of 175 km from the valley. Once you get off the train at the station, you can hire a cab or taxi to reach the valley.

By Air – The Kullu Manali airport situated in Bhuntar is the closest airport to Solang Valley. It is 63 kilometers away from the valley, and you can take a cab or taxi to the valley once you get off the plane at the airport. It will take you anywhere between two and two and a half hours to reach the valley.

By Road – Solang Valley is very well connected to the rest of the country via a network of roads. In fact, there are a number of buses that go from Manali to Delhi on a regular basis. You can get a private bus if you want to be comfortable on your journey, or a state transport bus if you are travelling on a budget. If you want to take an overnight journey, you can also book a semi sleeper bus. Or if you don’t mind driving, you can take you own car.

Best Time To Visit

Although Solang Valley looks magnificent and awe-inspiring throughout the year, the best time to enjoy the pristine beauty and unparalleled vistas of this place is between April and December. This is because the weather during this time is pleasant enough to partake in the various adventurous activities during this time.

Moreover, since the temperature is neither too high, nor too low – you can also go sightseeing around the valley and even to Manali during this time. However, if the primary goal of your visit to Solang Valley is to enjoy the various thrilling sport activities and winter sports like skiing, then it might be better to plan your visit during December and January.

This is because during this time, the valley sees tonnes of snowfall that will allow you to get the most out of these activities. Lastly, if your main goal is to soak in the mesmerizing views of this place via paragliding, it is best advised to visit the valley during the month of June, when the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy this activity.

It is also advisable to avoid visiting Solang Valley during the monsoon months, because you will not be able to go sightseeing or enjoy any of the activities at this time.

Other Essential Information

Location: between Solang Village and Beas Kund, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India

Height: 2560 meters, or 8400 feet above the sea level

Solang Valley Snowfall Time: mild snowfall can be seen in the valley since the beginning of October. As the winter months progress, the snow levels increase, from November to January.

Distance from Nearest Airport: the nearest airport near Solang is Bhuntar town, which is located 63 km away from the valley.

History of Solang Valley

Solang Valley, also known as Solang Nala derives its name from a combination of two words – Solang and Nullah. Solang means ‘nearby village’ and Nullah means “water stream”. Since the valley is comprised of magnificent slopes of lawn, it is quite famous as a ski resort.

Over the year, Solang Valley has gained a reputation among tourists as the ski paradise of North India, and you will find many ski agencies here offering courses for learning skiing. The valley is also popular for the delicious local tea that is sold here.

Places to Stay in and near Solang Valley

Here are some of the best places to stay near Solang Valley:

1. Club Mahindra Manali – located in the charming town of Manali, this hotel is nestled amidst the lap of nature and offers some of the most stunning views of the mountains around it. There are grooves of apple orchards near the resort, so you will be able to soak in the views of golden and red apples from the resort too.

If you want to enjoy adventure sports for a couple of days in the valley, this is your best bet. Since the resort us easily reachable from both Chandigarh and Delhi, it is quite popular. Plus, it is only 50 km from the nearest airport, and offers many modern amenities like WiFi.

2. Club Mahindra, White Meadows – located on the banks of the River Beas, this place offers stunning views of the Himalayan ranges. It is set amidst the lush green parts of the village, and all the rooms in the resort offer stunning views of the natural beauty all around.The resort offers amazing hospitality and is equipped with all the amenities you could ask for, like, LCD TVs, gyms, spas, tea and coffee makers etc. There is also an in-house restaurant within the hotel where you can enjoy piping hot North Indian food.

3. Hotel Solang Holiday Inn – encircled by picturesque natural beauty that will awe and inspire you, and magnificent ski slopes – this place is ideal for people who are traveling on a budget. The cozy hotel offers modern amenities and comfortable stay without breaking your bank. Most of the rooms have balconies that have a clear view of the mountains too.

Places to Eat in and Near Solang Valley

Here are some of the best places to eat near Solang Valley:

1. Solang Holiday Restaurant – one of the most famous restaurants in the region, it is a must-visit place if you get puckish during your visit to the valley. The cozy and comfortable décor, the friendly staff, and warm and delicious food will make you want to come back here again and again.

2. Manali Sweets – situated in the Siyali Mahadev Market, this place is famous for offering some of the best Indian sweets in the valley. And if you are also craving some hot samosas and masala chai in the cold weather, just head over here and get the most delicious snacks you will ever have in this region.

3. Pizza Olive – this international restaurant is popular in the region for some of the most well-crafted pizzas and pastas in the region. The décor is gorgeous too, and if you want to enjoy the views of the valley while munching on your pizza, they have options for seating outside too.

Tips for Visiting Solang Valley

Here are some of the most important tips to keep in mind before visiting Solang Valley:

1. Make sure you check the weather in the valley before you plan your itinerary.

2. Since it can get quite cold in the valley, you should keep some warm clothes with you before you go here. Alternatively, if you visit the valley during summer, you should pack light cotton clothes.

3. If you are visiting during peak tourist season, you should book a hotel before going.

4. To capture memorable shots of this picturesque place, make sure you carry a camera and pack extra batteries.

5. If you wish to continue your trip ahead and enter Rohtang Pass, you will have to get the permit for the same.