Manali sits at about 2,050 metres at the head of the Kullu valley in Himachal Pradesh, on the Beas river. Beyond the town, the valley narrows towards Solang, the Atal Tunnel and Rohtang Pass, with snow peaks close on every side. That geography makes Manali one of the busiest adventure bases in India, with activities that change with the seasons.
This guide covers adventure activities only. For sightseeing, temples, cafes and stays, see our guide to things to do in Manali and the Manali travel guide.
Quick answer
The best adventure activities in Manali are paragliding and the ropeway in Solang Valley, skiing at Solang from about January to February, river rafting on the Beas near Kullu in spring and autumn, and treks to Hampta Pass, Bhrigu Lake and Beas Kund in summer. In winter, snow trips via the Atal Tunnel to Sissu are popular. Paragliding and rafting pause in the peak monsoon.
Key takeaways
- Solang Valley, about 14 km from Manali, is the hub for paragliding, the ropeway and winter skiing.
- Beas river rafting runs near Kullu in spring and autumn, with Grade II to III rapids.
- Hampta Pass, Bhrigu Lake and Beas Kund are the classic treks from Manali, from about June to October.
- The Atal Tunnel gives year-round access to snow at Sissu in Lahaul.
- Monsoon rain from July to August brings landslides; the 2023 floods badly damaged roads in the valley.
Air adventures
Paragliding in Solang Valley
Short tandem flights launch from the slopes above Solang Valley, and some operators run longer flights from higher points in the Kullu valley. The best months are spring and autumn. Paragliding is suspended during the monsoon, as across Himachal.
- Where
- Solang Valley and Kullu valley
- Season
- About April to June, mid-September to November
- Duration
- 5 to 15 minutes
Solang ropeway
A cable car climbs from Solang Valley to a viewpoint high on the slopes, useful for views and, in winter, for snow above the valley floor.
- Season
- Most of the year, weather permitting
Snow and skiing
Skiing and snowboarding at Solang
When there is enough snow, usually in January and February, instructors teach beginners on Solang's slopes and rent equipment. The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali runs structured skiing courses.
- Season
- About January to February
- Good for
- Beginners
Snow trips to Sissu and beyond
The Atal Tunnel, about 9 km long, runs under Rohtang to Sissu in Lahaul, where snow lies for much of the winter. In summer, vehicles need an online permit to cross Rohtang Pass itself.
- Season
- December to March for snow
- Good to know
- Roads can close after heavy snowfall
River rafting on the Beas
Rafting on the Beas usually runs from near Pirdi, a short distance from Kullu, on a stretch of around 14 km with Grade II to III rapids through pine and orchard country. It suits beginners and families above the operator's minimum age. Rafting is paused when the river is in flood, typically in the monsoon.
Beas river rafting
A short, easy to moderate run from near Kullu.
- Grades
- II to III
- Season
- About March to June, September to November
- Duration
- About 1 to 2 hours on the water
Treks from Manali
Hampta Pass
Four to five days from near Manali over a pass at about 4,270 metres into Lahaul, often with a side trip to Chandratal.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Season
- June to September
Bhrigu Lake
A high alpine lake at about 4,200 metres above Gulaba and Vashisht, usually done in three to four days through meadows.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Season
- June to October
Beas Kund
The source of the Beas, beneath peaks such as Hanuman Tibba, reached from Solang via Dhundi and Bakarthach in about three days.
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate
- Season
- June to October
Jogini Falls and day walks
A short forest walk from Vashisht to Jogini waterfall, and village walks around Old Manali and Naggar, are good for acclimatising.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Season
- Most of the year
Friendship Peak
A trekking peak of about 5,289 metres, climbed from Solang via Bakarthach after a mountaineering course or with an experienced team.
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Season
- May to June, September to October
Other adventures
Mountain biking
Rental shops in Manali hire mountain bikes for rides to Naggar, Solang or along village roads, and operators run supported rides towards Lahaul.
- Season
- April to June, September to November
Rock climbing and bouldering
Granite boulders around Vashisht and Old Manali and crags near Solang are used for bouldering and introductory climbing sessions.
- Season
- April to June, September to October
Camping
Camps along the Beas and in the forests near Solang and Sethan offer nights outdoors, and trek campsites begin just above the valley.
Road trips over the passes
Manali is the start of the Manali to Leh highway and the Kunzum route into Spiti.
- Season
- About June to October
Manali adventure calendar
| Months | What to do |
|---|---|
| January to February | Skiing and snow play at Solang and Sissu |
| March to June | Paragliding, rafting, day hikes, biking |
| July to August | Rain and landslides; rafting and paragliding paused; Lahaul side treks such as Hampta Pass |
| September to November | Paragliding, rafting, treks, clear skies |
| December | First snow, short days, quieter slopes |
Safety
- Acclimatise before high-altitude activities, drink plenty of water and descend if altitude sickness symptoms get worse.
- Use registered paragliding and rafting operators, and check equipment before starting.
- Check road status before driving to Solang, the Atal Tunnel or Rohtang after snow or rain.
- Avoid riverbanks and rafting when the Beas is high; it rises fast after heavy rain.
- On treks, go with a guide or experienced group, and carry warm layers even in summer.
- Book activities directly or through reliable agents, and avoid pressure from touts on the road to Solang.
What to pack
- Warm layers and a waterproof jacket
- Waterproof shoes for snow in winter
- Quick-dry clothes for rafting
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Cash for activities at Solang
Plan the trip
FAQs
What are the best adventure activities in Manali?
Paragliding and skiing at Solang Valley, Beas rafting near Kullu, treks to Hampta Pass, Bhrigu Lake and Beas Kund, and snow trips through the Atal Tunnel.
When is paragliding available in Manali?
In spring and autumn, roughly April to June and mid-September to November. It is suspended during the monsoon.
Can I ski in Manali?
Yes, at Solang Valley when there is enough snow, usually in January and February. ABVIMAS in Manali runs ski courses.
Is river rafting available in Manali?
Yes, on the Beas near Kullu, usually from about March to June and September to November.
Which trek is best from Manali?
Hampta Pass is the most popular multi-day trek; Bhrigu Lake and Beas Kund are shorter options.
