Solang Valley

Solang Valley is Manali's playground for snow and adventure sports. This guide explains what runs in each season, how to get there and what to check before booking an activity.

Solang Valley, also called Solang Nullah, is a side valley at the head of the Kullu Valley, about 13 km from Manali according to Himachal Tourism and on the road towards the Atal Tunnel. It is an open meadow on a slope, ringed by deodar forest and high peaks, and is busy in both summer and winter. When snow covers the slopes in winter, it becomes the area's ski ground, and state and national ski championships have been held here.

Ski agencies rent equipment and run courses during the snow season. After the snow melts from May, the activities change to paragliding, zorbing, quad-bike rides, horse riding, parachuting and ballooning. A gondola ropeway climbs from the valley floor to an upper station for wider views of the surrounding peaks. Solang is also a base for mountaineering expeditions to Hanuman Tibba, Anjani Mahadev and Patalsu peak, and for camping and rock climbing.

Nearly all activities are run by private operators or concessionaires, and prices vary by season, operator and duration, so agree the price and check safety equipment before you start. Winter temperatures fall well below freezing and roads can be closed after heavy snowfall, so check conditions in Manali before setting out. The valley becomes crowded on peak-season weekends.