Places To Visit In Manali In January: List Of Winter Adventures For An Exhilarating Trip

Rohtang pass is one the must places to visit in Manali in January with its snow covered hills

Manali is every Indian’s affordable and accessible winter vacation spot with their friends or family. There are many places to visit in Manali in January, each offering a unique experience and adventure. From wandering around the vintage Mall road unveiling authentic Manali or capturing the majestic of Himalayan range and witnessing snowfall, Manali in January is a winter wonderland. Along with offering a variety of experiences, the snow-covered landscapes and crisp mountain air create your ideal winter canvas for your next vacation.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Manali In January

Here is a list of places to visit in Manali in January, offering, with snowfall at its peak, an enchanting experience for travellers to explore:

1. Solang Valley

This valley offers tourists many adventurous activities like paragliding, trekking and skiing.

Photo: Ravi Raj Gupta / Wikimedia Commons

The foundation of your trip to Manali relies on a visit to Solang Valley, the adventure hub of Manali. With snow-clad slopes, it offers access to a variety of unique adventures, including skiing, snowboarding and more. You can also engage in a simple sledge ride down the snow-covered slopes in Manali. Additionally, the valley’s gentle slopes are perfect for beginners, while more experienced enthusiasts can challenge themselves on the steeper areas.

Location: 12 Km from Manali
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM

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2. Rohtang Pass

 Tourists sleighing down the majestic snow clad mountains of Rohtang pass

Photo: Subham / Wikimedia Commons

Another one of the tourist attractions in Manali in January that you must visit is the Rohtang Pass. This high mountain pass is located on the Manali-Leh Highway, offering a spectacular winter experience in January. If you enjoy high-altitude thrills, embarking on a journey to Rohtang Pass during January is necessary. At the pass, you can soak in the views of the snow-covered surroundings, engage in snowball fights and enjoy the panoramic views too.

Location: 35 Km from Manali

3. Old Manali

Old manali offers a glimpse into the more authentic, old school, and cultural side of the city

Photo: Chennai Passangai / Wikimedia Commons

The cultural glimpse of the city is offered by Old Manali specifically. In January, the area transforms into a picturesque snow-covered retreat, with charming cafes, vibrant markets, and traditional Himachali houses adding to its appeal. Unlike New Manali where you can experience vastness and a modern way of life, Old Manali is quite old-school, vintage and rustic, which adds to the charm of this place.

Location: 3 Km from Manali

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4. Vashisht Hot Springs

 Vashsiht hot springs is one of the places to visit in Manali in January for a hot comforting retreat

Photo: Netherzone / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Vashisht Hot Springs offers tourists a contrasting experience. The springs are located in Vashisht village, which is roughly 3 Km from Manali. With the cold temperatures in the surroundings, these hot springs offer respite and comfort. You can take a dip in the mineral-rich hot springs, which are renowned for their healing and therapeutic properties. In January, the hot springs are particularly inviting, offering a soothing retreat from the cold. Also, once done, stop by to seek blessings at the Vashisht temple, which is nearby.

Location: 3 Km from Manali
Timings: 7AM – 9 PM

5. Mall Road

Tourists can witness the famous Manali winter carnival on this road to enjoy tradition and culture

Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons

One of the main attractions of Manali is the bustling Mall Road. Beyond the staple shops, stalls and cafes, in January, this area comes to life with the Manali Winter Carnival. It is usually held during the first week of January and is one of the most anticipated festivals in the area. The entire area is decorated and you get to witness local cultural dances and traditions. There are performances and you get a glimpse into the Himachali and Tibetan culture that influences Manali heavily.

Location: Main Street of Manali in Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM

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6. Rumsu Village

 This village offers a more off beat experience for nature lovers with a touch of local city life

Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Rumsu village is one of the places to visit in Manali in January, especially for tourists who want a laid-back experience exploring the surroundings. This remote village is around 28 Km from the main town of Manali and is a lesser-known gem that not many tourists are aware of. In January, the village is covered in snow, providing a picturesque backdrop for exploring its charming houses and terraced fields. You can interact with the locals, engage in local festivals and even try the traditional Himachali cuisine.

Location: 28 Km from Manali

7. Jogini Waterfalls

Jogini waterfalls is one of the perfect places to visit in Manali in january for picnics and relaxation

Photo: The.sgr / Wikimedia Commons

Up next on the list of best places to visit In Manali Himachal Pradesh in January is Jogini Waterfalls. Besides witnessing the waterfall from the base, you can also trek to the top of the waterfall. The waterfall itself remains a beautiful sight and a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers. Due to the freezing glaciers and snowfall during the winter months, the water isn’t as fast-flowing as it is during the summer and monsoon months yet the views of the cascading waterfall with the backdrop of the lush greenery are quite enchanting.

Location: 5 Km from Manali
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM

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8. Hampta Pass

Hampta pass offers magnificent views of the snow covered mountains around

Photo: Raja Selvaraj / Wikimedia Commons

Hampta Pass is a high-altitude trek that offers spectacular winter scenery. Like a lot of the other high-altitude mountain passes across Himachal Pradesh, even Hampta Pass is covered in snow. However, it is still accessible via snow trekking, provided that you have an experienced guide with you for the journey. The pass connects the Kullu Valley with Lahaul and offers breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks and valleys. You can witness the views of the Pir Panjal range, from an elevation of 4270 metres. Even during the summer months, the contrasting views of the lush greenery in Kullu and the snow-capped mountains in Lahaul create a beautiful spectacle.

Location: 15 Km from Manali
Timings: 24 Hours

9. Great Himalayan National Park

Snow covered Himalayan national park is one of the best places to visit in Manali in January

Photo: Vishrutpanday / Wikimedia Commons

Exploring wildlife and the native biodiversity is a must when you are visiting Manali. To make that happen, consider visiting the Great Himalayan National Park as one of the tourist places in Manali in January. In January, the park’s snow-covered landscapes offer a unique opportunity to explore its diverse range of animals and the vegetation that grows around the national park. There are safaris and guided treks available through the nature trails in the park.

Location: 50 Km from Manali
Timings: 24 Hours

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10. Manikaran

Picturesque view of a stream beating through the rocks under Manikaran bridge

Photo: Aksh Patial / Wikimedia Commons

Located about 80 kilometres from Manali, Manikaran is a holy town renowned for its natural hot springs. The sacred Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib is a major pilgrimage site for Sikhs, and the town’s religious significance adds to its allure. You can dip your feet in the warm, mineral-rich waters, explore the gurdwara, or simply relax amidst the serene surroundings. Not just the religious significance, Manikaran also offers a lot of unique trekking opportunities around the nearby nature trails.

Location: Manikaran, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 24 Hours

Manali in January is a magical experience that offers something for everyone. Given the number of different places to visit in Manali in January, you have the opportunity to indulge in adventure, nature exploration and exploring the local culture and traditions too. There’s something for every traveller to immerse themselves in. So, sort out your vacation bookings to Manali for January with TripXL to avail the best deals.

Cover Photo: BIPROJYOTI / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The average temperature in Manali during January ranges from -5°C to 5°C. Snowfall is also common in some places.
Since the temperature is freezing, you must pack warm, woollen clothes and layers so you can keep yourself warm and comfortable.
While no festivals are celebrated, you can experience the Manali Winter Carnival at Mall Road during January.
Yes, some treks are possible in Manali in January, but the options are limited compared to other seasons.
The early morning is generally the best time to visit Solang Valley to enjoy the snow and avoid crowds.

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