Solang Valley
Solang Valley lies about 14 km north-west of Manali, a wide meadow at the foot of snow-capped peaks and glaciers. It is the place most Manali trips include for adventure — in summer the slopes fill with paragliders, and in winter they turn into the region’s main ski and snow-play area.
Beyond Solang, the road climbs to Dhundi and the south portal of the Atal Tunnel, which runs about 9 km under the Pir Panjal range to Sissu in Lahaul — so Solang and the tunnel are easy to combine in one day.
Best time
December to February (snow), April to June
Altitude
~2,500 m above sea level
Ideal trip
A full day from Manali
Nearest airport
Bhuntar Airport (~65 km)
Why visit Solang Valley?
If you want snow or adventure on a Manali trip, Solang is where you’ll find it — all within an hour of town.
Tandem paragliding
Skiing and snowboarding in winter
Ropeway with valley views
Snow play for families
Easy access to the Atal Tunnel
Gateway to the Beas Kund trek
Top places to visit
Solang Slopes
The main meadow where paragliding, zorbing and ATV rides run in summer, and where skiing and snow tubing take over in winter.
Solang Ropeway
A cable car from the valley floor up the mountainside — one of the best ways to see the valley from above, especially in snow.
Atal Tunnel
Opened in 2020, the 9.02 km Atal Tunnel is the longest highway tunnel in the world above 10,000 ft. Its south portal is a short drive beyond Solang.
Beas Kund
A glacial lake at about 3,700 m, believed to be the source of the Beas River, reached by a popular 2–3 day trek from Solang.
Anjani Mahadev
A temple and waterfall near Solang where a natural ice lingam forms in winter, reached by a short walk or pony ride.
Sissu
A village with a waterfall in the Lahaul valley, just across the Atal Tunnel — a popular extension of the Solang day trip.
Adventure activities
Solang is all about adventure, with something new in every season.
Popular treks
Food to try
Food at Solang is simple — roadside stalls and small cafés. For a proper meal, head back to Manali or Old Manali.
Best time to visit
Summer
April to June
- Paragliding season
- Green meadows and cool weather
- Busy with Manali tourists
Monsoon
July to September
- Rain and mist
- Paragliding usually suspended
- Landslide risk on roads
Winter
December to February
- Snow-covered slopes
- Skiing and snow-play season
- Roads may close after heavy snowfall
Mountain Village Life
Solang takes its name from the small village of Solang, at the head of the valley where the Beas River begins its journey. The surrounding villages still live by farming and herding, and their temples — like Anjani Mahadev — are important local pilgrim sites.
Traditional Himachali villages
Anjani Mahadev temple and its winter ice lingam
Gaddi shepherds and their flocks in summer
Woollen shawls and caps from local weavers
Ski training by the national mountaineering institute
Close to Old Manali’s café culture
Best Things to Do
Paragliding
Short tandem flights over the valley with licensed pilots
Snow Sports
Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and snow scooters in winter
Ropeway
A cable-car ride up the mountainside for wide views of the valley
Atal Tunnel
Drive through the 9 km tunnel to Sissu and the Lahaul valley
Photo Gallery
Travel Tips
Start early — traffic at Palchan and the Solang turn-off builds up by mid-morning in peak season.
Book activities at the official counters and agree on prices before you start.
Rent snow boots and suits in Manali or at Solang before playing in the snow.
Paragliding usually pauses during the monsoon and in bad weather.
After heavy snow, private cars may not be allowed beyond a point — use local taxis.
Nearby Destinations
Frequently asked questions
How far is Solang Valley from Manali?
When will I find snow in Solang?
Can I visit the Atal Tunnel from Solang?
Is Solang good for families?
Ready to Explore Solang Valley?
Join our curated trips to Solang Valley and experience the best of this amazing destination
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Bleezebub (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Madhumita Das (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Shashikant71 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Jagseer S Sidhu (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Gaurav Dhingra (CC BY-SA 4.0) · reza mazaheri (CC BY-SA 3.0)