Snow in Manali during May

[Jay]

We are planning a family holiday to Manali in May, and the kids want to see snow. As May is a very hot month and temperatures in Manali are decent I am in doubt that whether there will be any snow in May or not. I know there is snow during the winter season but we don't really want to travel in the winters.
If there is no snow in Manali during May, please suggest any other place near by where we would be able to see snow.

 

[Gori Bride]

There wont be any fresh snow at Manali in the month of May. You could go to Solang vally or snow point if you want to see some old snow.

 

[amitsharma1424]

I was there at manali last week and there was no snow there at all...but you can go to Solang valley (aprox 15-20km from Manali). snow will be there...or you can check for Rohtang pass if roads are open.

 

[briannagodess]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Here's some places in Manali where there's snow in the summer (all-year round as well!):

• Rohtang Pass. This is open from May to October only or from June to November only. It depends on how early heavy snowfall sets in. Although there's snow in here during the summer months, it won't be the purest kind or the whitest kind. Expect some mud and dirt along with the snow. Kids can still play with the snow though and the climate is a bit cooler here than in the city. Some opt to do some snow activities like scooter rides, skiing or paragliding.

• Rani Nala. This is located en route to Rohtang Pass. This is a glacier point so there's snow all-year round here as well. However, unlike other destinations, there's not much activity you can do here. In fact, it's just picture taking and sightseeing that you can do here.

• Solang Valley or Snow Point. This is also en route to Rohtang Pass. This is a famous spot for skiing and other snow activities. Snow might be dirty and muddy here as well during the summer season though. Horse riding is another famous activity here.

Then, here's some nearby places in Manali where there's snow in the summer:

• Kufri. This is about 263 kms from Manali. You might be able to find snow here, depending on how far off the summer you are. Some snow activities like skiing and tobogganing can be done here as well.

• Narkanda. This is about 209 kms from Manali. You can even its highest peak the Hattu Peak. There's snow all-year round here as well.

I hope this helps!

 

[Dhruv]

Great to hear you're planning a family holiday to Manali in May! May is indeed a wonderful time to visit Manali for pleasant weather, but as you’ve rightly pointed out, the presence of snow in the town itself may be limited. Let me guide you through what you can expect and suggest nearby options for snow experiences.

Snow in Manali in May:

• Manali Town: By May, the snow in the main town of Manali is mostly melted, and you'll find that temperatures are pleasant and mild, usually ranging from 10°C to 25°C. It is not likely to have snow at this time unless there's a late snowfall (which happens occasionally but is rare).
• However, the surrounding snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas will still be visible, and you can visit nearby locations to experience snow.

Where to See Snow in May Near Manali:
If you're looking for snow and want to stay close to Manali, here are some places that are great for snow in May:

1. Rohtang Pass (51 km from Manali)

• Distance: Approximately 51 km from Manali, and it is accessible by road.
• Snow: Rohtang Pass is one of the most popular destinations for snow, and you can expect to see snow here even in May. This high-altitude pass is open seasonally, usually from May to November, and is accessible by jeep or taxi.
• Activities: You can enjoy snowball fights, snowman making, and sledging in Rohtang Pass. The scenery is breathtaking, and it’s an ideal spot for families with kids who want to experience snow.
• Tip: The road to Rohtang Pass is often closed for maintenance or due to weather conditions, so it's best to check road conditions before planning your visit.

2. Solang Valley (14 km from Manali)

• Distance: About 14 km from Manali.
• Snow: Solang Valley is a great alternative to see snow in May, particularly at higher altitudes. It is famous for snow sports, and even in May, you can find snow at the higher reaches of the valley.
• Activities: Apart from snow activities, there are options for paragliding, skiing, snow scooter rides, and zip-lining.
• Tip: The snow levels vary depending on the altitude, so you may need to go a little higher in the valley (towards Solang Nullah) to enjoy a snow experience.

3. Gulaba (22 km from Manali)

• Distance: Approximately 22 km from Manali.
• Snow: Gulaba is a small village on the way to Rohtang Pass, and you can often find snow here in May as well. It’s a quieter spot than Rohtang and perfect for a family outing with snow activities.
• Activities: You can enjoy snow-based sports, tubing, and sledding here.

Alternative Snow Destinations Near Manali:
If you’re willing to travel a bit further from Manali to see snow, consider these destinations:

4. Kullu (40 km from Manali)

• Distance: Around 40 km from Manali.
• While Kullu itself may not have snow in May, it is well connected and can be used as a base to visit nearby areas like Great Himalayan National Park or Manikaran. These regions may have some snow at higher altitudes, especially in early May.

5. Naggar (22 km from Manali)

• Distance: Around 22 km from Manali.
• Naggar is a scenic town where you can enjoy the charm of the Himalayas, and while snow is not guaranteed here in May, you can visit surrounding areas such as Kullu Valley to find more altitude and potential snow spots.

6. Keylong (120 km from Manali)

• Distance: 120 km from Manali via the Atal Tunnel.
• If you're open to a longer drive, Keylong is a town in the Lahaul Valley that has snow even in late spring and early summer. It’s more remote and less crowded compared to Rohtang, but it can be a peaceful snow getaway.

Conclusion:

• Manali in May will likely not have snow in the town itself, but you can definitely experience snow in nearby areas like Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley.
• Rohtang Pass is the top recommendation, where you can experience snow activities and enjoy the scenic beauty of the snow-covered landscapes.
• Solang Valley is another excellent option with snow sports and family-friendly activities.
• For a more serene experience, you can explore Gulaba or Naggar for quieter spots to see snow.

Travel Tip:

• Weather Conditions: May is the perfect time to visit for snow and avoid the harsh winter temperatures. However, be mindful of the fact that Rohtang Pass can sometimes be closed due to snow-clearing work, so it’s always a good idea to check road conditions in advance.

I hope this helps with your planning! If you need any further details, feel free to ask! Enjoy your trip to Manali!