The first snow of the year has come, transforming Manali into an awe-inspiring Himalayan landscape. From the snow-dusted pine woods of Solang to the immaculate white valleys across the Atal Tunnel, this land has become one of the most photogenic winter destinations in India.
If you want to visit soon, here are 10 ideal snow photography spots near Manali – handpicked by the Manali Tour Planner team, who are out on these routes every week to provide updated information.
Before You Go: Essential Snow Photography Tips
Best time to shoot: Early morning (7-10 AM), when the golden light is softer, and late afternoon light, which is a gentle blue, is ideal for capturing shadows on the snow.
Gear up: Carry extra batteries, warm and waterproof gloves, and microfiber cloths; the cold severely drains battery life.
Ideal months: Late October to February 2025, when the majority of the routes are open, and the snow cover is consistent.
Pro tip: When cleaning off your lens, don’t use tissue to wipe; use microfiber to keep it from fogging from the melting snowflakes.
Atal Tunnel North Portal – The Gateway to Snow
From the north portal of the Atal tunnel, winter begins in earnest. Moving from Kullu into Lahaul, the geography has an extreme change from rocky terrain to white wonderland.
Frame idea: Show the black tunnel arch opening into a field of snow, as you can see the twisting Sissu road.
When to go: Between 8 and 9 AM when the sunlight hits the valley.
Sissu Village and Frozen Waterfall
Just a 5 km or so from the tunnel is little Sissu Village, quaintly nestled under the snow cover. The frozen waterfall in the village acts as an ice sculpture, glistening in the winter sun.
Frame idea: Position yourself on the lower bridge with a wide-angle lens and capture the waterfall, river, and surrounding cliffs in the frame.
Solang Valley – The Classic Snow Playground
Solang Valley is a winter playground, catering to skiing and photographic opportunities alike. The open meadows, or rather, white fields, gives visitors an opportunity to photograph paragliders, snow bikers, and families enjoying the snow.
Frame idea: Include some skiers or snow bikers in the foreground photograph to show the valley’s depth, with the Dhauladhar peaks rising in the background.
Koksar Bridge – The River of Ice
Located 15 km from Sissu, Koksar Bridge overlooks the half-frozen Chandra River as it winds its way through the snow-laden cliffs acting as a visual treat for cold-weather landscape photographers.
Framing idea: A mid-bridge or drone shot is best, as it shows the turquoise river making its way through the endless white expanse.
Hamta Valley Ridges
For pristine snow and soft morning light, Hamta Valley has untouched slopes and unobstructed views of the Pir Panjal range.
Framing idea: Use a polarizer to accentuate the pastel sky and crisp textures of the snow during sunrise or sunset.
Naggar Castle Viewpoint
The Naggar Castle viewpoint is perfect for contrasting photography, green belts of pines below, and brilliant white peaks above. The raised terrace produces a panoramic view of the Kullu Valley.
Framing idea: Frame the snow capped peaks through the stone arches provided by the castle during the golden hour.
Keylong Town Ridge
A longer drive but worth every kilometer, Keylong becomes a snowy citadel after a fresh snow. The colorful monasteries with their prayer flags juxtaposed against the white slope creates exceptional compositions.
Framing idea: A telephoto lens to capture Kardang Monastery layered among snow capped peaks behind it.
Rohtang La (Lower Approach Zone)
The Rohtang Pass closes by mid-November but there is still access in the lower zones around Gulaba and Marhi early in the season. These lower slopes collect some of the first snowfalls outside of Manali.
Frame idea: A shot along the winding Manali–Rohtang road, as it disappears into mist and early snow patches and deodar trees.
Old Manali Bridge and Beas Riverside
Old Manali looks cinematic in a light snowfall. The wooden bridge, rustic cafés and Beas River create that cozy, human scale narrative winter frame.
Frame idea: For perfect golden hour shot, capture the reflecting light from the sun as it sets into the river with glowing café lights in the background.
Gulaba Snow View Point
Gulaba is one of the first snow points to open each winter, and is one of the most accessible for families and beginner photographers, with pine forests, open meadows and winding roads, adding natural depth and texture to your shots.
Frame idea: Use your wide lens to capture the pine silhouettes and the snowy road cutting through the misty air.
Local Tips from Manali Tour Planner
- Arrive early: Fresh snow is best photographed before 10 AM, as it melts quickly or gets disturbed by other visitors.
- Drive safely: Roads beyond Atal Tunnel and Koksar are slippery – please only travel with local drivers who have driven the route often.
- Stay updated: We post daily road and snow updates via official Instagram or WhatsApp for Sissu, Keylong and Lahaul regions.
- Take a guided tour with us: Our Snow Photography Circuit takes you to 8-10 snow photo points in a day and has a local guide available with a private cab.
What to Carry for Snow Photography
- DSLR / Mirrorless camera with a wide + telephoto lens
- Lightweight tripod
- Extra batteries and a power bank
- Warm waterproof boots, gloves, hand warmers
- Polarizing or ND filters for contrast/sky control
Capture Manali’s Winter Magic Before It Melts
The first snowfall of the season comes and goes fairly quickly, disappearing as temperatures rise. If you have been waiting to photograph white meadows, frozen rivers and peaks of the Himalayas with a silver sky, this is your moment.
Every snow flake here feels like a picture book waiting to be made.
Plan Your Snow Photography Tour with Manali Tour Planner
Our team in Himachal Pradesh tracks real-time road conditions and weather conditions throughout Atal Tunnel, for Sissu, Keylong, and Solang, to keep you safe and reach you to the best snow spots at the right time.
Why we are chosen by travellers:
- Professional snow-terrain trained drivers
- Custom day tours designed and curated for photographers, families
- Verified inside hotels/homestays with mountain views
📞 WhatsApp Now: +91 70185 37498
🌐 manalitourplanner.com/snow-photography-tours
Travel safe, shoot timeless, and let the Himalayas do the storytelling.
Also read: Where to Find Snow in Manali in October 2025 (Live Updates & Best Spots)