6 things to do in Solang

One of my friends recently visited Solang Valley, Manali, and Kullu. I spoke with him to learn more about the place. I drew on their experiences to write the below post. I am sure that you will learn more about Solang Valley. So here is everything you need to know about things to do in Solang Valley. 

Solang Valley is one of Himachal’s most stunning tourist places. It is characterized by snow-capped mountains and breathtaking glaciers, and it is transformed into a paradise during the winter months when a heavy blanket of snow covers the area. 

If you want to go somewhere other than Kullu or Manali in Himachal Pradesh, you can spend a day in Solang Valley, where you can explore a variety of adventure sports.

Things to do in Solang Valley

How to get to Solang Valley

Solang valley is located 13 kms from Manali, Himachal Pradesh. There are no direct buses from Delhi/ Chandigarh to Solang Valley. The only option is to reach Manali and then hire a taxi from Manali to Solang village. 

Taxi charges start from Rs 2000 to Rs 4500, depending on the taxi operators, Vehicle size, hours, and season. Few government buses are available from Manali to Solang valley, but you need to check the timings from the Manali bus stop.

Bhuntar Airport is the nearest airport from Solang Valley (Distance 65 km approx). You can hire a taxi from Bhuntar airport and the fare starts from Rs.1000.

Manali is easily accessible by road and air. The closest airport is in Bhuntar, which is about 50 kilometers from Manali. Bhuntar has domestic flights to Delhi and Chandigarh. You can take a pre-paid taxi to Manali from the airport. Flights, on the other hand, are not the most reliable mode of transportation to or from Manali due to weather conditions.

The bus journey from Delhi to Manali is 550 kilometers, and it is advisable to book your tickets in advance from HRCTC or private operators. 

Best time to visit

Suitable throughout the year, visiting Solang depends on your needs from the valley. To avoid crowds during the day, it may be a good time to plan your travel in non-peak summer months, i.e. May to August.

In October, the first snowflakes begin to fall. The temperature gradually goes below 0 degrees Celsius as the winter months progress. The months of December and January are the snowiest in Solang Valley. This is the ideal time to participate in winter sports.

Hotels in Solang Valley 

Usually considered as a weekend getaway, Solang has very few choices in accommodation and other activities such as shopping and eating. It is a quiet valley surrounded by nature. Staying at Manali is preferable since it has many cozy and affordable resorts.

Enjoy spectacular views

The popular hill station of Manali doesn’t remain as quaint as it used to be. However, the Himalayan valley of Solang allows you to enjoy some breathtaking views of the mountains. 

One of the popular places to stay, Solang Ski Resort, offers some fine prospects. Consider staying here amidst nature’s lap with the mountains behind and the river flowing in front. Nothing short of a paradise-like experience.

Experimenting with summer sports

While Manali may be buzzing with activities and options, the adventurous pursuits of a person will attract her to Solang. This valley sees a large influx of tourists who wish to involve themselves in paragliding, zorbing, and ziplining. 

A one-stop destination for both adults and children, zorbing sees a larger number of curious trials than the relatively more thrilling paragliding. Below are the details of various summer sports activities you can experience in Solang valley.

1. Paragliding – The cost of paragliding varies between INR 1000 and INR 3500, depending on whether you fly low or high. You will be charged extra if you want to video record the action. Paragliding is legal and deemed safe in Himachal except July to September.

If you decide to paraglide, double-check your gear, the pilot’s license, and the adventurer team’s review. The most important aspect of tandem paragliding is landing. Avoid wearing sandals and chappals, as they can injure your legs. 

Never request that your pilot perform acrobatics such as wingovers, spirals, or top landings, as these have a high risk of causing a parachute stall. Only professional paragliders are allowed to perform the stunts. 

If you become ill while in the air, do not panic or scream. This may cause the pilot to become stressed, causing him or her to make a poor decision under duress. Instead, calmly inform him that you are ill and that he should land as soon as possible. Avoid paragliding if you have a knee, back, heart, or respiratory problem.

2. Zorbing – This thrilling sport allows you to roll down the Solang Valley in a large transparent ball while taking in spectacular views of the valley from every aspect. You just cannot afford to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure sport. 

Rolling down gentle grass slopes in a massive inflated transparent ball will be an unforgettable experience. There is no need for any prior training for this adventure sport. The best time to try this activity is from January to May and October to December. Charges start from INR 500 per person.

3. Ziplining – One of the most adrenaline-pumping and heart-racing adventure activities that people tend to fall in love with is ziplining. Avoid wearing sandals or skirts and instead choose comfy shoes and outfits. 

Charges start from INR 1000, depending upon the agency you book. There is a weight constraint for zip lining and zorbing,i.e persons above 130kg of weight are not allowed for undertaking such activities.

5. Ropeway – If you do not want to experience any adventurous sport, but want to enjoy nature you can try the ropeway in Solang valley. Charges start from INR 500 for ropeway activity.
6. River rafting – River rafting in Manali / Solang is a must-try for those who want to conquer the harsh currents of water. Rafters are given a brief orientation and warned about the potential dangers before rafting. 

When going for river rafting, please carry towels and an additional set of clothes. While aboard a raft, you are not permitted to jump into the river. You can still go rafting if you don’t know how to swim. 

If this is your first-time river rafting, please choose the shortest distance. If you are not comfortable sharing a raft, you can hire the entire raft for your family by paying the full raft price.

If you do not reserve river rafting in advance online, it will cost you a lot of money on the ground. Please note that due to their commission, local agents or drivers will ask between 2000 and 2500 rs per person, and they may direct you to a counter that pays them more. 

To avoid this, it is recommended that you book it online and pay a deposit of 30% in advance, with the balance paid at the time of visit.

6. Horse riding – You can try horse riding at Solang valley. It’s an 8-kilometer ride to Dhundi. It provides a lovely tour through the Himachal Valley’s scenic surroundings. It is an enjoyable safari ride for both new and inexperienced tourists as well as seasoned tourists. 

You will be charged INR 1000 per person depending upon the distance and season. You will be accompanied by horsemen, so follow his instructions and enjoy the horse ride.

Skill up at winter sports

Needless to say that Solang is synonymous with skiing in Himachal Pradesh. The winter months of January, February, and March fill this beautiful terrain with fresh snow, making it a haven for skiers and snowboarders from across the world. 

After the construction of the ropeway, this summer meadow has established itself as a sought-after ski destination after Gulmarg and Auli. Many sports agencies run basic and advanced courses in skiing. 

Depending on your time there, be sure to try some fresh powder while gliding through beautiful landscapes.

The timings to avail this activity is between 10 AM to 4 PM. You can participate in the activity for a minimum of 20 minutes and enjoy the snow paradise by downhill skiing. Charges start from INR 600 for 20 minutes per person. Extra charges are applicable for Skiing gear. 

Visit the Shiva Temple

At a short distance of 3 kilometers above the village is a Shiva Temple. According to the locals here, the Shiva Lingam has been naturally formed by ice and was discovered some 15 years ago. Thereafter, the temple was built and a large number of people visit this temple during the winter months to see it in its natural appearance.

Kothi village

Kothi is 13 kilometers from Manali, on the way to Rohtang Pass, and 8 kilometers before the Gulaba checkpoint. You will begin traveling towards Palchan via Vashisth and Nehru Kund from the main Manali town. 

The road divides at Palchan. The one on the left leads to Solang Valley, while the one on the right leads to Rohtang La. You will arrive in Kothi Village after turning right and driving for another 3 kilometers.

What makes Kothi so unique? It is a quiet hamlet that acts as a base for a variety of adventure activities such as paragliding and skiing. Because the picturesque Solang Valley is only a short drive away, a trip to Kothi can be combined with a visit to Solang Valley.

Spectacular View Of Solang with a trek to Beas Kund

The beautiful alpine lakes of Himachal Pradesh are well articulated by the hike to Beas Kund. This place is the source of the river Beas and is only 14 kilometers away. 

With a well-defined trail through Dhundi and Bakarthach, it is possible to do this trek solo as well as with a group of friends. The opportunity of camping by the shores and enjoying the majestic views of the Pir Panjal Range are too irresistible to not undertake this simple walk to the mountains! 

Camp out on a starry night

Ever wondered what it feels like to spend a night under the stars? With Solang being a perfect destination, camping outdoors during the spring or autumn months is ideal. If you are traveling with a group of friends, make arrangements for a bonfire night to add to the memories. 

The neighborhoods of this valley are safe and peaceful for an overnight camping experience. After a night of wonder, be sure not to leave behind any litter around these green environs. 

Also, carry mosquito repellent and warm clothes for your camp night. You will be charged INR 1500 to 2000 per night for camp stay depending upon the season.

What to pack for Solang Valley in winters?

Basic fleece pullover is always a good idea. If you are skiing during winters, don’t forget to gear up well. Do carry your winter layering essentials like base thermal layer, mid-layer in fleece or merino wool and shell waterproof jackets. Remember to keep your ears, fingers and toes covered with a beanie, gloves and socks.

Carrying windproof pants can help you stay comfortable when skiing. Keeping your arms warm while skiing in valley Manali is possible with the use of warm gloves and socks. Carry a raincoat, which will protect you from getting wet and keep you safe during the storm.

Check out Kosha’s winter wear collection here!

Base layers 

The base layer is the one that touches your skin the most. It provides us with a safe haven. Consider a T-shirt that also functions as a base layer. As a base layer, Kosha offers a selection of gender-neutral coloured T-Shirts. 

Check out base layers for men here 

Check out base layers for women here

Sweaters and Pullovers

Pullovers and sweatshirts make up the mid-layers. After the base layer, this is worn. Kosha offers women’s merino wool pullovers, fleet sweatshirts, and buttoned cardigans.

Kosha’s sweater for men

Kosha’s sweater for women

Outerwear like puffer jackets, parkas or a coat

The finest thermal layer you can buy is Kosha’s waterproof jackets. The jacket’s sleeves are made in such a way that no air can pass through.

Check the Fleece-lined puffer jacket for men here

Check the Fleece-lined puffer jacket for women here

Woolen bottoms – Snow Pants

Nobody wants to climb the mountain in a pair of too-tight pants. Comfortable snow pants from Kosha are essential for any winter trip. 

Check out cotton and woolen bottoms for men here.

Check out cotton and woolen bottoms for women here.

Warm accessories

Gloves, socks, caps, mufflers, and shawls are included in the Accessories set. Gloves save our fingers from going numb. We can use monkey caps/mufflers to cover our ears. 

Check out the winter accessories from here.

Warm socks 

Socks are necessary when the temperature lowers at night. Socks are available from Kosha in two different materials: cotton and merino wool.

Check out Kosha’s socks for men here

Check out Kosha’s socks for women here 

Apart from the above clothing recommendation for the Solang valley trip, I request you to keep the below points in mind while you do backpacking for the tour. This will be useful for any North India trip that you plan in winter be it Kullu Manali, Shimla, or Spiti.

1. Carrying comfortable clothing will help you enjoy any activity to the fullest. Do not wear skirts or lightweight dresses if you are participating in any of the above activities.

2. Hiking shoes might help you when heading to a skiing location. The shoes can help you in slippery places.

3. Carrying sunglasses and goggles during your skiing activity will protect your eyes from hot and cold weather respectively.

4. Take a camera with you to capture your beautiful moments while participating in the activity.

5. Carrying a water bottle with you on your trip is usually a good idea. It will keep you hydrated as you participate in adventurous activities. In a way, you are saving money and nature by refilling your water bottle instead of buying plastic water bottles repeatedly.

6. If you have been prescribed personal medication, it is recommended that you carry it with you.

7. Carry necessary Id proofs, you do not require any special permit for Solang valley. But it will be useful if you are visiting Rohtang pass or Spiti valley.

8. Follow the instructions provided by the travel guide, especially when you are indulging in winter sport activity, or visiting places during snowfall.

9. Personal safety is important in any trip, so don’t reveal too much personal information to your travel agents or local people. Be aware of your routes, at least check them before a day, take care of your valuable belongings and documents. 

There may be fewer ATMs in remote places, so carry enough cash. Likewise, there will be fewer toilets, medical shops, clinics, snacks shops, so be prepared for everything.

10. Last but not least, compare the tour package offered by various travel agencies. Many agencies have come up with the best deals since the travel opened up after almost two years. 

There are customized packages that include only adventurous activities, some covering the entire Himalayan national park – including Pirpanjal, Solang, and Rohtang Pass. Read the terms and conditions, inclusions, and exclusions before you click the payment option.

I hope this blog will help you to plan your Solang trip. Have a safe trip and create memories:)

This post is written by Amrita Das: Amrita is a freelance travel writer and a full-time travel blogger at Travelling Ides of March. She is a solo traveler and practices sustainability. She has traveled across twenty states in India and has briefly explored Nepal, Switzerland, Italy, Singapore, Indonesia, and Paris. She tweets at @Amrita_Dass and shares regular photo stories through her Facebook page.

Post updated by: Keerthiga Rani.

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