Short answer: Keep four days so that one can be lost to weather. Do the town on arrival day, Solang on the first clear day, the Atal Tunnel and Sissu only if the administration has the road open, and keep the last day for Naggar or a repeat snow day.
The plan at a glance
| Day | Route | Night at |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive; Hadimba, Old Manali, Mall Road | Manali |
| 2 | Solang Valley snow day | Manali |
| 3 | Atal Tunnel and Sissu, if open | Manali |
| 4 | Naggar or buffer day; depart | Overnight bus home |
Who this plan suits
Couples, families and friends coming for snow who can live with changed plans.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrive; Hadimba, Old Manali, Mall Road
- Rest and warm up.
- Hadimba temple in the snow-dusted forest.
- Mall Road in the evening.
Day 2: Solang Valley snow day
- Go early; vehicles are sometimes stopped short of Solang after heavy snow.
- Skiing, sledging and the ropeway when running.
- Hire snow boots and suits locally if needed.
Day 3: Atal Tunnel and Sissu, if open
- Check the morning advisory; tourist vehicles are regularly held back in bad weather.
- If open: tunnel, Sissu and back by early afternoon.
- If closed: Vashisht hot springs and a slow café day.
Day 4: Naggar or buffer day; depart
- Naggar castle, or a second snow outing.
- Evening bus; confirm it is running.
Best time for this trip
Snow in and around Manali is most likely from late December to February, with January the coldest month. No date is guaranteed.
Practical notes
- Book a room with proven heating and hot water.
- Use a local taxi with a driver used to snow; 4x4 vehicles are required beyond certain points after snowfall.
- Carry thermals, a down jacket, gloves, waterproof shoes and sunglasses.
- Keep bookings refundable; highways close for hours or days.
What it costs
We do not publish a fixed price: the cost depends on your dates, group size, vehicle and the standard of stays. Tell us those and we will send a written quote that states exactly what is included.
Read more
- Manali in winter
- Atal Tunnel guide
- Best snowfall destinations in India
- Seeing snow without going to Rohtang
Check before you go
- India Meteorological Department — forecasts and warnings.
- Himachal Pradesh Tourism — official destination information.
- HRTC online booking — state bus timetables.
Want this itinerary planned for you?
Funtoor can adapt this plan to your dates, pace and starting city, and arrange transport and stays. Request a custom itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rohtang Pass open in winter?
No. It is closed by snow for the winter.
Will I definitely see snow?
From late December to February it is likely at Solang, but never certain.
Is the Atal Tunnel open in winter?
It is designed for all-weather use, but tourist movement is restricted during and after snowfall.
Is Manali safe to drive to in winter?
The highway is usually open; take a bus or an experienced driver and avoid night driving after snow.
Compiled by the Funtoor team from published sources and official pages, last reviewed in October 2026. It is a sample plan, not a first-hand trip report or a fixed package: driving times are approximate, and rules, fees and road status change, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you travel.
Written by
Funtoor Travel Team
Travel planners based in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. We plan and arrange trips — stays, transport and experiences — across the Himalayas.
