More and more people are starting to hear of this great skiiing location called Auli. Competitions are starting to happen over there, and with current security related problems in the ski resort type location, Gulmarg (In Jammu and Kashmir), Auli has become known as Indias skiing capital. Inside Auli, Auli Ski Resort is India’s currently best ski resort (resting at 8,200 feet), in the Chamoli district of Uttaranchal. The resort is close to China and Nepal. It is a place where you just want to ski for the fun of it. The awesome beauty around is extremely pleasing.

Map to get to Auli

The skiing opportunity in Aui is located at an altitude of 2,500-3,050m above sea level, and the 3 KM long slope in Auli offers some exciting skiing opportunities to both beginners as well as professional skiers (in these 3 km, the height drops by 500m). The background of lofty snow clad mountains heightens the sprit of the skiers.

History of Auli: Way back in the 8th century ad, the great Guru Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have tread on these snowfields of Auli and he built the temple at Joshimath, which you can still visit. For hundreds of years, the colorful semi-nomadic tribes of the Bhotiyas, of the Mongolian stock, traversed the trails at Auli, locally called Thatauli and conducted trade with neighboring Tibet, using their yaks laden with goods.
Before Auli was developed as a ski resort by the Government (including getting experts from abroad to view the slopes), its slopes were the training ground for men of valor and courage, the ski-equipped men of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force. Among the awesome, legendary peaks ranged round Auli, is the 23,490-feet-high Trishul. It 1958 in an expedition mountaineers took four days to climb the peak and only 90 minutes to ski down to the base camp.
In the summer, Auli looks down, but is nothing compared to the view and pleasures in winter. In the winter it is irresistible with some excellent snowy mountain slopes and incredible skiing facilities. From January to March, the Auli slopes are usually covered with a thick carpet of snow, about 3m deep. The stretch of 3-kms with a drop in elevation of 500m is considered to be a very good skiing ground by international standard. The skiing season starts around December and goes uptill March. It is during this time only that the resort sees maximum visitors, mainly ski lovers from across the country. It is also during this time that the ski festivals and National skiing championships start. In case you plan your visit to Auli between December and March then you may check out the ski courses conducted by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam. These courses are conducted for both amateurs and advanced learners.
An 800m long chair lift connects the lower slopes with upper slopes in Auli, making it easy for skiers to zip up in moments. Once reaching the ski start point they can ski down rapidly, while other can walk down the snow-paths at leisure. Auli has about 10-20 km of ski slopes for all elevels from beginners to advanced skiers. You can enjoy downhill skiing, cross country skiing and slalom on the slopes of Auli, (and these very same slopes also host the National Winter games in India).
Part of the reason it is even more popular is because of the surroundings; Oak and Conifer trees flank the slopes, you get a 180 degree view of the Himalayas and the prominent peaks, Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri hills. The beauty of the place is awe inspiring and this is what makes Auli ski resort such a hit with the tourists.
To get there, from Joshimath, Auli can be reached by road or ropeway. It provides an excellent panoramic view of the giant mountain peaks like Nanda Devi, Kamet and Dunagiri. The 500m ski-lift system, the longest such system in Asia, or the trolley, as it is known locally, connects Joshimath with Gorson, located above Auli. A short distance beyond Gorson lies the hill of Gorson Top, which provides excellent views of the mountains and also lies on the 24-km trek to Kauri Pass. From Gorson, Auli’s only chair lift travels to the base lodge, which is a small building that marks the starting point of all the ski runs.
By road, Auli is accessible from Joshimath through a 16 kilometer drive.
However, it is not as close as you might like, and is actually quite distant, with
the nearest railway station being Haridwar at 299 kms and the closest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 273 kms.
On the way to Auli there are various food-outlets private as well as government run restaurants available. in terms of equipment, tourists are advised to bring woollen clothing’s, cap, socks, dark glasses, gloves, mufflers, pullovers, wind-proof jacket, gum/snow boots and a torch light in their travel kit. These accessories are a must for the tourist, keeping in mind the weather conditions of Auli, where the temperature drops to as low as – 8 degree Celsius in winters, although it is moderately cold in the summers.

Auli – How to reach

The nearest airport is Dehradun, about 298 km away. Rishikesh, about 235 km away, is the nearest railhead. Regular road services are available from Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh and Hardwar to Joshimath, 16 km away. From Joshimath one can hire jeeps to Auli. One can also trek the five kilometer between Joshimath and Auli. For further information, contact the GMVN office at Rajpur Road, Dehradun or the UP tourism offices located all over the country.

BY ROAD – Regular road services are available from Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh and Hardwar to Joshimath, 16 km away. From Joshimath one can hire jeeps to Auli. One can also trek the five kilometer between Joshimath and Auli. For further information, contact the GMVN office at Rajpur Road, Dehradun or the UP tourism offices located all over the country.

Places to stay:

1. Cliff Top Club, Auli
2. Auli skiing resort

Places nearby:

Hemkund Sahib: Considered to be one of the most sacred Sikh pilgrimage centre, Hemkund Saheb also makes an ideal trekking spot.

Valley Of Flowers: If one is fond of flowers then is a must visit place for him.Witness the endless galore of multihued blooms and you’ll just wish to stay in this oblivion flowery world forever.

Articles:

India Travelogue (link)
India Travel Forum (link)
Skiiing in Auli (link)
Walks in India (link)
Kauri Pass (link)
Travel Pod (with lots of photos) (link)
Sankalpindia.net (link)
Travelworldzone.net (link)
Youngsters Ignited (link)
Shrirang Patil’s Blog (link)
India Travel Blog (link)
Trekking around Auli (link)

Photos (all from flickr):
Snow Boarding, Snow storm, Landscape, Sunrise, Himalayas, Rainbow, Trekking, Clifftop Club Auli

One of the picturesque hill stations of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is located at a distance of 40 km from Kullu and 521 km from state capital of India, Delhi. One of the preferred tourist destinations of Himachal Pradesh, Manali offers an excellent opportunity for adventurous sports activities like trekking, mountaineering and river rafting. Apart from the these, tourists can travel to Manali to witness century old temples and monasteries like Hadimba temple, Manu temple and the Gadhan Thekchhokling monastery. The small town was the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh and, from there, over the Karakoram Pass on to Yarkand and Khotan in the Tarim Basin.
While planning a tour to Manali, keep in mind the climatic condition of the region, an ideal time for the tour would be mid-May to June and September to November. Monsoon months are to be avoided because of fear of landslides.
Manali derived its name from Manavalaya i.e. the abode of Manu. According to myth, Manu the divine law-giver, was the only survivor of the Mahajal Pralay – the great flood – and is said to have fathered the human race. The valley of gods, as the Kullu valley has come to be known, is perhaps the most delightful region in the western Himalayas. The ancient Hindus regarded it as the furthest limit of human habitation – Kulantapitha, and its original name finds mention in the epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata as well as Vishnu Purana. The actual myth is:
One day, Vaivasvata, the seventh incarnation of Manu found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look after it with devotion for one day it would do him a great service. Manu cared for the fish till it grew huge and he released it into the sea. The the fish warned Manu of an impending deluge when the entire world would be submerged and bade him to build a boat that could save humanity. When the flood came. Vaivasvata and the Seven Sages were towed to safety by Matsya the fish (regarded as the first avatara of Lord Vishnu).

View Larger Map

* Kothi – This is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the Rohtang pass, 12 km away Manali town, situated on the Lahaul-Spiti Leh Highway. It offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers and an awe inspiring gorge below Kothi, where for more than a kilometre the river Beas flows through a deep gorge, almost a subterranean passage, 30 metres or more in depth, and the cliffs which flank both sides of the canyon are a favourite haunt for rock pigeons.
* Van Vihar: This is just off the Mall with pathways between towering deodhars and also leads to a boating pond.
* Tibetan Market and Mall: The Tibetan Market is an interesting cluster of shops. Nice to browse around for knick knacks, handicrafts and imported goods. Located on the Mall. The Mall also has other shops selling local handicrafts and clothes. It also has some good restaurants. Buses, taxis and autos are easily available from the Mall for local sightseeing or excursions.
* Rohtang Pass – Situated at an altitude of 3979 mtrs above sea level and 51 kms outside Manali is the mighty Rohtang Pass – the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti valley. Open for just about four months a year, it affords a wide panoramic view of the mountains. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendour. At the top of the pass the air seems to glitter against the snow as you look down over herringboned ridges into the Lahaul valley. There is the beautiful Dashohar Lake left of the pass. A few km away from the pass is the Sonapani glacier and slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Gaypan-jagged pyramid of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned peaks.
* Solang Valley – 13 kms outside Manali is the Solang Valley, offering spectacular views of the snow-clad mountains and the glaciers all around. Solang is the venue for paragliding and the annual skiing courses. The plateau is frequently used for holding camps by trekking enthusiasts.
* Rahla Falls: 2 km from Kothi. Here the river Beas hurtles down from a height of about 50 metres. Charming spot for picnics.
* Manali Sanctuary: A bridle path from the Manali log huts goes past the Dhoongri Temple and wanders into the dense deodar, kail, horse chestnut, walnut and maple forest that form a part of this sanctuary. Camping overnight in tents at Lambadug or Galiani Thatch is possible. You can see various animals such as Musk deer, monal and brown bear over here.
* Gadhan Takechokling Gumfa : Close to Tibetan Monastery, Gadhan Takechokling Gumfa is another tourist spot which was constructed in 1969. The Lakhang or the shrine hall of the monastery was built by the contributions of local people. The Gadhan Takechokling Gumfa has the idol of Shakyamuni.
* Jagatsukh Temple – About 6 km from Manali is the famous Shiva Temple in “shikara” style and nearby is the old and interesting Devi Sharvali Temple.
* Roerich Art Gallery – In Naggar, the museum, houses a collection of the paintings by the Russian artist. It is located in a grove of deodhars and has lovely views all around. Naggar is very serene and picturesque.
* Hadimba Temple – Also known as the Doongri Temple, this four-tiered pagoda-like wooden temple stands in a clearing amid tall and stately deodar trees and has beautiful carvings on its ornamental door. Dedicated to Hadimba, the wife of Bhim, this temple is the venue for an annual fair held during May. Built in 1553 and with a superbly crafted four tiered pagoda roof. It is famous for its exquisitely carved doorway.
* Vashist Spring – Across the Beas river, about 3 km away from Manali, at an altitude of 1,982 meters (6,200 feet), are the natural sulphur springs. There are old temples dedicated to the sage Vashishth and to Lord Rama. The village itself is perched on a steep hillside across the river Beas.
* Tibetan Monastery – These are new and colorful (3 of them). A pleasant place to visit. Two are located in the town and one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas river.
* Beas Kund – The tiny roundish igloo like stone hut shelters the Beas Kund, the very source of the holy river Beas. Water flows at the source of the river likfe a spring, so clear and icy cold that it almost numbs the fingers. All around is the rocky terrain with very little vegetation. The great rishi, Vyas performed “Tapa” here during the Mahabharat times.
* Manikaran: 85 km from Manali and 45 km from Kullu, lies in the Parvati Valley, the holy pilgrimage place of Manikaran. Here icy cold waters of the Parvati river co-exists with boiling water side-by-side. The hot water springs are reputed for their healing properties.
* Triloknath: Located in the Pattan Valley, its an important pilgrimage centre. Noted for its temple dedicated to six armed statue of Avalokiteshwara Bodhisattva.
* Arjun Gufa (Arjun Cave): 4kms. from Manali towards Naggar, the cave is situated near Prini village 1km. above the road where Arjun had meditated. This is good 1/2 a day excursion with a beautiful view of the striking mountains.
* Nehru Kund: 5 kms. on National Highway to Leh,a natural spring of cold clear water named after Pt. Jwahar Lal Nehru, who used to drink water from this spring during his stay in Manali. This spring is believed to originate from the Bhrigu lake situated high-up in the mountains.

Things to do: Manali is famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, para gliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking.

Skiing: 13 km from Manali, Solang Valley has good skiing slopes equipped with an excellent lift. A splendid valley between Manali and Kothi, it also offers views of the glaciers and snow-capped mountain peaks. Season: January – March. Gulaba slopes also provide good skiing. Facilities for skiing are available at Solang Nullah (January-March) and Rohtang La (during summer). The Mountaineering Institute at Solang Nullah is a good training institute.

Trekking: There are several good hikes from Manali. The 12 km hike up the western banks of the Beas to the Solang Valley is noteworthy. Lama Dugh meadow is a 6 km hike up to the Manalsu Nala, west of Manali town. Another great trek is from Solang Valley to Dhundhi onto Dussar Lake and terminating at Manali (a good 5 day trek)

Whitewater River Rafting: Many organized adventure companies organise rafting along the River Beas between the stretch from Manali to Aut. The points where the rafting trips start from are Raison and Mohal. Season: May to mid June.

Angling and Fishing: River Beas is said to abound with trout and salmon.

Paragliding – Organized by the local adventure companies in the summers in Solang Valley.

How to get there:
By Air: Manali has no airport of its own. The nearest one Bhuntas is around 10 km south of Kullu town and about 50 km from Manali.
By Train: Chandigarh, about 280 km away and Joginder Nagar, about 200 km away.
By Road: Manali is well connected by road to Delhi through NH-21 which goes on to Leh and is the world’s highest motorable road.

Places to stay:
Good reference article (link)
Span Resorts: Phone : (01902) 240138, 240538
Manali Resort
Holiday Inn: Tel.: 01902-52563, 53312
Manali Heights: PH no: 01902-252621-252061
Apple Country: Phone: +91 – 1902 254187 – 89
Banon Resorts: Tel: +91-1902-253026, 252490, 253994
Lords Regency
Orchard Greens
Sun Park
Ankit Palace
Beas View
Evergreen
Snow Crest Manor
Manu Allaya (Ambassador Resorts): Tel.: 01902 – 252235 – 38 Fax: 252173
Quality Inn River Country
Hotel Honeymoon Inn
Hotel Sagar Resort
Hotel Shingar regency: Tel:+91 1902 252251-52
Hotel Lord’s Regency
Glacior Resorts
Hotel Evergreen
Snow Valley Resorts (link)
Hotel Vintage
Hotel Mountain Top
Hotel Sunpark
Club Mahindra: Tel : (01902) 254181 / 82/ 83
Highland Park, Manali: Phone: 01902 256501/02/03
Vacred Manali Resorts
Hotel Manali Ashok
Piccadily Hotel
Sagar Resort
Kanishka Hotel
Hotel Chandramukhi
Glacier Resorts
Hotel Regent Centre Point

Other articles:
Some good photos (link)
Book a luxury bus (link)
Blog 1
Sandeepinlife blog (link)

Kullu is the capital town of the Kullu District, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located on the banks of the Beas River in the Kullu Valley about ten kilometres north of the airport at Bhuntar. Kullu is more famous when twinned along with Manali to form the Kullu-Manali tourist destination.

Historical information: Kullu was once known as Kulanthpitha – `the end of the habitable world`. The earliest recorded information of this area goes back to 1st century AD, when this valley began to be inhabited. In the medieval period, Kullu and the area around it was ruled by a number of local rulers. The Kullu valley was isolated from other parts of the country for many centuries until it came under British rule. Kullu got its first motorable access only after Independence. The long centuries of seclusion have however allowed the area to retain a considerable measure of its traditional charm.

The town of Kullu has been a centre of faith. Raja Jagat Singh in 17th century installed here an idol of Lord Raghunathji brought from Ayodhya. He positioned the idol on his throne as a mark of his penance, which became the presiding deity of the Kullu valley. Kullu is known for the multihued Dussehra festival. To pay homage to the reigning deity, Raghunathji, decorated palanquins and processions convey Gods and Goddesses from temples all over the valley to Kullu.

A nature’s paradise on earth, Kullu is often described as the ‘Silver valley’ of Himachal Pradesh, which is located at a distance of 40 km from Manali and 570 km from state capital of India, Delhi. Located in between Dhauladhar Ranges and Pir Pamjal Ranges of Indian Himalaya, Kullu is one of the famous holiday destinations of Himachal Pradesh. Kullu attracts huge number of tourists every year as a beautiful vacation and tour. As a part of this, the Travel & Tourism Department of Himachal Pradesh offers various kinds of tour & travel packages to the tourist that covers major attractions of Kullu like Bijli Mahadev temple, Raghunath Temple, wild life sanctuary and hot springs. Further, over a period of time, Kullu has become the center of many adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering and river-rafting that can be performed in the vicinity of Kullu valley.

The weather in Kullu is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November – February). It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September. In winter, the temperature gets quite low and heavy woolens are required. Summer is much more pleasant, and cottons are recommended.

Places to see near Kullu:

Raghunath Temple: In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu wanted to atone for a sin committed by him, and for this purpose, he sent a senior courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Raghunath – Lord Rama. This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and is now very famous, attracting many many devotees.

Bijli Mahadev Temple: This temple is much known for its 20-meter high rod that occasionally draws lightning, which shatters the ‘Shivalinga’ and lit the building. Using only butter as bonding agent, the ‘linga’ is then carefully pieced together by the temple authority. Mythological explanation of the myth about lightning and the lingam (link)

Shoja: At 2692 m, this is a vantage point for a complete panorama of the Kullu area – snow peaks and valleys, meadows and forests, rivers and streams.

Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Bajaura: This temple is renowned for its intricate stone carvings.

Deo Tibba: As per mythology, Arjuna performed Tapa at this temple under the guidance of Maharashi Vyas to get the powerful Pasupata Astra from Indra. Also known as Indralika, Deo Tibba is 2,953 metres (9,687 ft.) high.

Jagatsukh: Situated on the left bank, between Nagar and Manali, Jagatsukh is the most ancient Kullu capital. The small shrine of Gaurishankar and the larger chalet-roofed temple to the goddess Sandhya Devi is there.

Naggar: For 1400 years this was the capital of Kullu. Its 16th century stone and wood castle is now a hotel run by Himachal Tourism. Here, a gallery houses the paintings of the Russian artist, Nicholas Roerich. Naggar also has other old shrines.

Other Attractions

Kullu Dussehra: When Dussehra celebrations come to an end in the rest of the country, they begin at Kullu. Over 600 local deities come to pay homage to Lord Raghunath. This is a time when the valley is at its colourful best.

The river Beas offers excellent opportunities for white water rafting.

Fishing and Adventure: The Kullu valley has numerous places for trout fishing. These include Katrain, Raison, Kasol and Naggar, then along the river Tirthan near Larji, in the Sainj Valley and in the Hurla khud. Angling & Fishing in Kullu:

Raison – This place by the banks of the Beas-and on the Kullu-Manali Highway is the ideal spot for adventure and holiday. Himachal Tourism runs a camping site here.

Kasol: Kasol is an idyllic holiday destination. Kasol comprise a glade by the banks of the river Parvati. This place is famous for trout fishing.

Bathad: Bathad lies at a distance of 67-kilometer. Bathad is a charming location, approachable by road from Kullu. It is famous for pastimes such as trout fishing, hunting, and beautiful sites.

Katrain: Katrain falls on the midpoint of Kullu-Manali road. Katrain is very famous for bee keeping and trout fishing.

Banjar: At an altitude of 1,534m (5,000 ft.) Banjar is famous for its panoramic beauty and trout fishing in river Tirtham. It is about 58-km from Kullu.

Largi: 34-km south of Kulu via Aut, Largi is a small hamlet. Largi offers the best trout fishing and scenic beauty in the valley.

More adventure

Kullu Valley is known all over the World for Heliskiing.This sport has been conveniently arranged near Bhrigu peaks in the Hamta pass and Solang Nala too is another convenient place for the furtherance of this high on-adrenaline-sport. River Beas and its thunderous gushes are also perfect places for river rafting in certain stretches.

Trekking in Kullu

The valley is the nucleus of several trek routes. Some major ones are over the Chanderkhani Pass to Malana and Pin Parbati Pass to Sarahan. The Jalora Pass lies 5-km beyond Shoja and gives access to the outer Seraj region of the Kullu Valley. From Chamba to Udaipur (Lahaul) over Sach Pass, can be completed by trekkers within a day span of nine or ten days.

How to reach Kullu:

By Air: The airport at Bhuntar is 10 km from Kullu, where taxis and buses are available.

By Road: By road, the distance from Delhi via Mandi is 530 km and from Shimla this is 240 km. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Kullu. The main bus stand is by river in the northern area of the town.

By Rail: The closest narrow guage railhead is at Jogindemagar, 95 km from Kullu.

Places to stay:
Snowcrest Manor
Hotel Sangam
Hotel Vaishali
Whispering Rocks Resort
Chevron Valley View
Apple Valley Resort
Adventure Resort Raison
Poornima Guest House
Sheetal Hotel
Nest Hotel
Silvermoon Hotel
Snow Princess Hotel
Sunbeam Hotel
Shobla International
Evergreen Hotel
Kullu Valley Hotel
Forest Rest House
Classic Hotel
Hotel Kanishka
Span Resort

Other articles:
Beautiful photo (link)
More photos (link)
Interesting article on the Kullu shawl (link)

Kufri is a tiny hill station located 13-kms from Shimla on the National Highway No.22. The region around Shimla including Kufri was once a part of the Kingdom of Nepal and the region remained obscure from the rest of the world until the British `discovered` it in 1819. Now it is a very popular spot, with the pine scented air and the beautiful views around, attracting travelers to this serene hill resort. The main attraction of the town definitely is the pond called as ‘Kufer’, and the reason behind the name of the town.
You can do a lot of things in this town: Some great Hiking, some skiing, some beautiful scenes and a cool environment best explains what Kufri is all about. It is famous for its trekking and hiking trails. You may have heard about winter adventure sports in Kufri: Adventure-seeking travelers throng Kufri in winters to enjoy skiing and tobogganing along its snow-covered slopes. Many skiing enthusiasts tour Kufri in winter, when the hill resort dons the white sheet of snow. The Skiing season spans between November to February and leads to a large number of tourists thronging Kufri in the winter months.
Kufri hosts an Annual Winter Festival in the month of February. During this festival skiing enthusiasts and adventure seekers from all over the world, come in large numbers. This festival aims at the promotion of skiing and other winter sports in Himachal Pradesh.
In addition, there are more things that you can do. Kufri is popular for its trekking trails and hiking. If you are not into skiing and other adventurous pursuits, you can visit the hill station during the months of April to June. The weather is pleasant and cool and just perfect for enjoying your much-awaited vacation!

Places to see:
Kufri has a Himalayan Nature park and close by is the Indira Tourist Park with HPTDC`s Cafe Lalit. Indira Park provides some great views of the nearby places. Here one can enjoy a Pony or a Yak Ride.
Mashru Peak: One can hike through thick forest around Kufri to the Mahasu Peak- the highest peak in Kufri.
Indira Tourist Park: The Indira Tourist Park is near the Himalayan Nature Park and provides panoramic view of the locations around.
Another adventure option in Kufri that you cannot do without enjoying is Yak and Horse Safari. This is one of the best way enjoy the landscape but you need to be patient and have immense stamina as the Yak covers steep mountains. You get to see the great scenery and landscape of the region.
Himalayan Nature Park: The Himalayan Nature Park, which has a collection of animals and birds native to Himachal Pradesh.

Places to stay
Hotel Snow View Shelter,
Kufri Hill Resorts,
Koti Resorts,
Kufri Holiday Resort,
HTPDC Winter Sports Club,
PWD Rest House,
Chini Bungalow or the Indira Holiday Home.
Holiday Inn Hotel,
Shelter Hotel
Hotel Woodpark (link)
Kufri Pacific
Shilon Resorts, Kufri
Toshali Royal View,Kufri
The Chalets, Kufri
Park Woods, Kufri
Hotel Peach Blossom
Galleu Hill Resort

How to Reach Kufri
Special conducted bus tours can be hired from Kufri to Shimla. Regular buses and taxis are also available from Shimla. But to fully savour the scenic views between Shimla and Kufri nothing could be better than trekking the 16 kms way.

Solang is a place where you go to for enjoying nature, as well as for getting some great adventure sports. If you are the adventurous sort, then the Solang valley is a great place to go to. Solang is about 1 hours drive from Manali; 13 km northwest of Manali and famous for its 300-meter ski lift. Popularly known as ‘snow point’, the valley has an extensive view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. It is a place where you get away from the city life, where there are mountains, dense forests and snowcapped peaks, and all of them seemingly your next door neighbours. In a city, with the pollution, you hardly get to see the night sky, but in a place such as Solang, the lights of a hundred thousand stars switch on automatically at nightfall. As for enjoying yourself, the towering cliffs challenge you to heights where only eagles dare.
Solang Valley itself offers some spectacular views of the famous peaks in the Kullu valley. The Solang Valley has some lush meadows, totally green and very natural. In addition, nearby is the 3963-metre high Patalsu peak from where great views of the surrounding mountain peaks can be had.
Solang is the venue of national level skiing competitions and the major attraction is the Winter Carnival held around the middle of February. The Winter Games are organised by Himachal Pradesh Government through the training institutes in collaboration with the Indian Olympic Association and the Winter Games Federation of India.
For the beginners, Solang is an ideal skiing spot with introductory slopes and ski lifts. Its ski slopes offers a paradise for skiers and offers unexpected excitement with smooth-curved ridges and gentle gradients. You get to meet people who are great at skiing, and who are provide you great training. Cross- country skiing is also practiced here. You can also do snow-boarding. These are winter sports and the best months are January-March though some years there is adequate snow till mid-April. The season then begins again in November-December. Solang has a great atmosphere and you get to know many of India’s top skiers. But there is only one slope and the ski lift is not as efficient as the one in Auli.
Ballooning can also be done in Solang Valley and the best season during summer. The cliffs offer some great chances for other adventure sports such as hang gliding and para gliding, an adventure that provides thrills. The best time to go far paragliding is from May till September as the conditions are suitable and fair winds are with you. And of course, Solang forms an integral part of many treks.
Apart from skiing, the Solang resort offers an array of special snow sports, snow sledges and snow scooters for children and women and those on the 800m-long ski run.

Map to Manali (close to Solang)

View Larger Map

One Adventure sports link:
One week ski course by Mystic Himalayan Trails (link)

Domestic Airport: Kullu Bhunter Airport 49 km. From Bhuntar one can hire a taxi or bus.
Railway Station: The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar which is about 135 km from Manali and about 95-km from Kullu. Chandigarh Railway Station 320 km is the nearest broad gauge station.
International Airport: New Delhi International Airport – 570 km

Places to stay:
- Solang Valley Resort (link)
- Snow Nest
Hotel Iceland, Sollang Valley, Village Solang, PO Palchan 175103, Tehsil Manali, Himachal Pradesh, Tel: 91-1902-256008 Cell:91- 98160-6508

Good reviews:
AmitBhatnagar.com (link to article)
Review on the TripAdvisor Site (link to article)