Best family friendly snow spots near Manali in May offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy snow even as summer begins in the valley. While Manali itself experiences pleasant weather during this time, several nearby high-altitude locations remain covered in snow, making them ideal for families traveling with kids and elders. From easily accessible viewpoints to scenic drives with breathtaking snowy landscapes, this guide helps you explore safe, enjoyable, and memorable destinations where everyone can experience the charm of snow without any difficulty.
Quick Answer
If your family is visiting Manali in May and wants to play in real snow, you will almost certainly need to drive to a higher point outside Manali town. The town itself sits at around 2,050 m and by May the snow there is long gone.
Your best bet is Rohtang Pass, provided it is open and you have a permit. When Rohtang is not accessible, the most practical family-friendly alternatives are Gulaba and Marhi on the Rohtang road, or Sissu on the Lahaul side via Atal Tunnel. Solang Valley is the easiest drive but do not count on finding meaningful snow there in May.
In our experience, the families that have the smoothest snow day are the ones who decide their plan based on what is actually open that week, not what they read on a blog six months ago. Conditions shift fast in the mountains. If you want help figuring out what will work on your specific dates, Talk to our Manali team and we will give you a straight answer.
Is There Really Snow Near Manali in May?
This is where most families get confused. When people search for “snow in Manali in May,” they picture Manali town blanketed in white. That almost never happens in May. The town is a green valley by then, warm enough for t-shirts during the day.
The snow is at higher altitudes, typically above 3,000 m. Points like Rohtang Pass at nearly 4,000 m, or the stretch between Gulaba and Marhi, or across the Atal Tunnel near Sissu, are the places where snow persists into May and sometimes well beyond.
There is also a big difference between early May and late May. In the first week or two, snow is usually more widespread and thicker at these higher points. By late May, melting accelerates and some lower snow patches may disappear entirely. So if snow is a priority for your family, earlier in the month tends to be more reliable.
The right way to think about it is this: search for snow spots near Manali, not snowfall in Manali town.
Best Family Friendly Snow Spots near Manali in May
Here is how we generally rank the options for families in May, based on snow reliability, how comfortable the drive is, whether the spot suits kids and seniors, and how practical the whole day trip feels.
रोहतांग दर्रा comes first when it is open. Nothing else matches the combination of guaranteed snow and the experience of being at the top of a high pass.
Gulaba and Marhi come next. They are the smart backup when Rohtang is either closed or when you do not have a permit for the full pass. The drive is shorter and easier for families.
Sissu via Atal Tunnel is a great scenic option, especially for families who would enjoy a Lahaul Valley outing with some snow on the surrounding mountains rather than deep play-in-the-snow time.
Solang Valley is the most convenient but the least reliable for actual snow in May. It works best as a light family outing with activities, not as a guaranteed snow destination.
कोक्सर is worth considering for families who do not mind a longer, colder day and want more serious snow than the lower points offer.
Rohtang Pass: Still the Best Family Snow Day if It Opens
Rohtang Pass sits at 3,978 m (13,050 ft) and is about 51 km from Manali. When it opens for the season, it remains the most iconic and rewarding snow day trip a family can take from Manali. The snow is real, deep, and spread across a wide area at the top.
The catch is that Rohtang usually opens sometime between mid-May and early June [VERIFY], depending on snow clearance by BRO and administrative approvals. You cannot just drive up whenever you want. The Rohtang permit system requires you to book a vehicle permit in advance through the official portal at rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in. The older domain rohtangpermits.nic.in now redirects to this new one. For a detailed walkthrough, check our Rohtang permit guide.
One thing families should know is that altitude can hit harder than you expect. At nearly 4,000 m, young children and older family members may feel breathless, dizzy, or nauseous. It does not happen to everyone, but it is common enough that you should carry water, avoid rushing around at the top, and keep the visit short if anyone feels unwell.
Our team usually recommends that families with very young toddlers or elderly members with breathing issues think carefully before committing to a full Rohtang day. The drive is long, the altitude is significant, and the cold at the top can be intense. For more on what to expect based on the month, read our Rohtang April-May update.
If you want us to check whether Rohtang is likely to be open on your dates and help arrange permits, Talk to our Manali team.
Gulaba and Marhi: The Smart Backup When Full Rohtang Is Not Possible
This is often the most practical answer for families visiting Manali in May. Gulaba and Marhi sit along the road to Rohtang, at lower altitudes than the pass itself but still high enough to hold snow well into May.
There have been seasons where the Kullu administration issued permits only up to Marhi rather than the full Rohtang Pass. This is not a fixed rule for 2026, but it has happened before and could happen again depending on road clearance and weather. When that happens, Gulaba and Marhi become the default snow points for everyone.
What makes these spots family-friendly is the shorter drive and easier same-day return. You do not need to push all the way to the top of the pass. The altitude is more forgiving, the road is usually in decent shape by May, and you still get proper snow to touch, throw, and play in with the kids.
We suggest families treat Gulaba and Marhi as their Plan A if Rohtang has not officially opened by their travel dates. No point spending your entire trip hoping for a Rohtang opening that may not come. For a broader look at snow options in this season, read our April-May snow guide.
Sissu via Atal Tunnel: Best Scenic Snow Backup for Families
Sissu sits on the Lahaul side of the Atal Tunnel and offers a very different kind of snow outing. Instead of driving up a winding mountain road, you pass through the tunnel and emerge into the Lahaul Valley with snow-capped peaks around you.
Sissu works well as a scenic family day trip when Rohtang is not an option. The surrounding mountains often carry snow well into May, and the valley itself has a quiet, dramatic beauty that most families enjoy. That said, do not expect guaranteed deep snow at the village level for play. It is more of a “snow in the landscape” experience than a “roll around in snow drifts” experience.
One important thing to keep in mind is that access and stopping rules on the Atal Tunnel stretch can change at short notice. For example, a temporary restriction affected the Sissu-Atal Tunnel route from April 19 to April 30, 2026 due to the President’s visit. These kinds of closures are hard to predict and can affect your plans without warning.
There have also been reports of restrictions near avalanche-prone areas around the north portal of Atal Tunnel. Families should follow all signage and avoid stopping at unauthorized spots along this stretch, even if it looks like a great photo opportunity.
For more on planning a Sissu visit, read our Sissu day trip guide and our detailed Sissu destination page.
Solang Valley: Convenient but Don’t Overpromise the Snow
Solang Valley is about 13 km from Manali, making it the easiest and shortest outing on this list. For families who just want a half-day trip without a long mountain drive, it is hard to beat on convenience.
However, natural snow in Solang in May is inconsistent [VERIFY]. Some sources suggest early May patches may still exist at upper elevations, while others say there is no meaningful snow left by May. We would not recommend Solang as a dedicated snow trip in May. If snow is the main goal, look at the other options first.
What Solang does offer in May is a pleasant valley with activity options like zorbing, paragliding, and short walks that work well for mixed family groups. If your group includes people who are not interested in a long drive to high altitude, Solang gives everyone something to enjoy without the commitment of a full-day mountain outing.
Check our Solang Valley page for more on what to expect. And if you are traveling with children, our guide on things to do in Manali with kids covers plenty of ideas beyond just snow.
Koksar Side: Better Snow, Longer Day
Koksar sits further along the road past Rohtang, on the descent into Lahaul. When access is available, it tends to have more reliable and heavier snow than lower points like Gulaba or Solang.
The trade-off is that the day becomes significantly longer. Koksar is colder, more remote, and requires more driving time. For families with older kids who are up for an adventure and do not mind spending most of the day on the road, it can be a rewarding choice.
For families with very young children, seniors, or anyone who gets uncomfortable on extended mountain drives, Koksar is probably not the right pick. The other spots on this list will give you snow without stretching the day to its limits.
Early May vs Late May: What Changes?
This matters more than most families realize.
In early May, snow coverage at higher points like Gulaba, Marhi, and the Rohtang road is usually at its thickest for the month. The weather is colder, the snow line sits lower, and you have a better chance of finding playable snow even at slightly lower altitudes. Rohtang itself may or may not be open yet [VERIFY], but the road up to Marhi often has good snow.
By late May, the melting picks up pace. Snow patches at lower points start disappearing. The higher spots still hold snow, but it can be patchy and icy rather than the soft powdery kind that is fun for kids. Rohtang, if it has opened by then, remains the most reliable spot for deep snow.
If snow is the single biggest priority for your trip, aim for the first two weeks of May. If you are coming in the last week, set your expectations for a bit less snow and have a backup plan that includes a scenic Sissu day trip even if thick snow is not available.
How to Choose the Right Snow Spot for Your Family
Families with toddlers (under 4 years): Stick with Gulaba or Marhi. The drive is manageable, the altitude is not extreme, and you can return to Manali quickly if the little one gets cranky or cold. Avoid Rohtang unless you are very confident about how your child handles altitude and cold.
Families with school-age kids (5 to 12 years): This is the sweet spot for a Rohtang day trip if the pass is open. Kids this age usually love the snow and handle the drive well. Gulaba and Marhi are also excellent and involve less planning.
Families with senior citizens: Consider Sissu via Atal Tunnel. The tunnel eliminates the winding mountain drive to Rohtang, the valley is beautiful, and the altitude at Sissu is more manageable. If seniors have breathing or heart conditions, avoid Rohtang entirely.
Families with low tolerance for long drives: Solang Valley is your answer. It is close, easy, and even if the snow is minimal, the valley is pleasant. Gulaba is also a reasonable middle ground with a moderate drive.
Families who want the “real” snow experience: Rohtang is the answer when open. If not, Koksar or upper Marhi stretches offer the next best thing, though the day will be longer.
Family Travel Tips Before You Leave Manali
Start early. Whatever snow spot you choose, leave Manali by 7 AM or earlier. The roads get crowded fast, especially on the Rohtang route, and afternoon weather at high altitude can turn unpredictable.
Layer up properly. Even if Manali town feels warm, temperatures at snow points can drop sharply. Thermals, fleece, and a windproof outer layer work well. Do not forget warm gloves and a cap for everyone, especially kids.
Carry sunglasses or snow goggles. Snow glare at high altitude is harsh enough to cause headaches and eye strain, especially for children. This is one thing most families forget.
Pack dry socks and an extra set of clothes for kids. Snow play means wet clothes. Changing into dry layers before the drive back makes a big difference in comfort.
Bring snacks, water, and any medicines your family needs. Options are limited and overpriced at most snow points. Carry enough water because altitude and dry air can dehydrate you faster than you expect.
Do not stop at unauthorized spots near the Atal Tunnel north portal or along avalanche-prone stretches. Recent restrictions around these areas exist for safety reasons. Follow your driver’s advice and all posted signage.
For more ideas on building your Manali family itinerary, see our guide to the best places to visit in Manali with family and browse our family tour packages.
If you want a plan made specifically for your family’s dates, ages, and comfort level, Send us your dates on WhatsApp and we will put something together for you.
Sample 1-Day Family Plan for Snow in May
Plan A: Rohtang Pass (if open and permit secured)
Leave Manali by 6:30 AM. Drive via Gulaba and Marhi, enjoying the changing scenery as you climb. Reach Rohtang Pass by mid-morning. Spend about 60 to 90 minutes at the top playing in snow, taking photos, and soaking in the views. Do not overexert at altitude. Begin your return by noon to avoid afternoon traffic and weather changes. Stop for a late lunch in Manali by early afternoon. Total drive time is roughly 3 to 4 hours each way [VERIFY], depending on traffic and road conditions.
Plan B: Gulaba and Marhi (if Rohtang is not open)
Leave Manali by 7:30 AM. Drive to Gulaba first and check snow conditions. If snow is better further up, continue to Marhi. Spend an hour or two with snow play and hot chai from local stalls. Begin return by late morning. You can be back in Manali comfortably by lunchtime, leaving the afternoon free for Mall Road or a riverside walk. This is the most relaxed snow day plan on the list.
Plan C: Sissu via Atal Tunnel (scenic tunnel-side outing)
Leave Manali by 8 AM. Drive to the south portal of Atal Tunnel and pass through to the Lahaul side. Reach Sissu and spend time enjoying the valley views, snow-capped peaks, and the village. Have lunch at a local spot in Sissu or carry your own. Begin return through the tunnel by early afternoon. You will be back in Manali with plenty of daylight left. This plan works especially well for families who want scenery and a change of landscape rather than intense snow play.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न
Is there snow in Manali in May?
Not in Manali town itself. By May, Manali is green and relatively warm. Snow is found at higher altitudes nearby, at places like Rohtang Pass, Gulaba, Marhi, and across the Atal Tunnel near Sissu. You need to drive out of town to reach snow.
Which is the best snow spot near Manali for family?
Rohtang Pass is the best if it is open and your family can handle the altitude. For a more relaxed and practical option, Gulaba and Marhi are excellent. Sissu works well for families who prefer a scenic outing over intense snow play.
Is Rohtang Pass open in May 2026?
Rohtang usually opens sometime between mid-May and early June [VERIFY], depending on snow clearance and government approvals. Check the official permit portal at rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in for the latest status or contact us for a real-time update.
Is Solang Valley worth it in May?
Solang is worth visiting for its convenience and activities like paragliding and zorbing, but do not go there expecting reliable natural snow in May [VERIFY]. If snow is your primary goal, choose a higher-altitude option.
Can we take kids to Rohtang Pass?
Yes, school-age children generally do well at Rohtang. For toddlers and very young children, the altitude (nearly 4,000 m) and cold can be challenging. Watch for signs of altitude discomfort and keep the visit short.
Which is better in May: Gulaba or Sissu?
Gulaba is better for hands-on snow play because you are on the Rohtang road where snow accumulation is often deeper. Sissu is better for a scenic valley experience with snow-capped mountains around you. The choice depends on whether your family wants to play in snow or enjoy mountain scenery.
Do we need a permit for Rohtang?
Yes, a vehicle permit is mandatory. You can apply through the official portal at rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in. Permits are limited per day and should be booked in advance.
What should kids wear for snow in May?
Thermal innerwear, a warm fleece or sweater, a waterproof outer jacket, waterproof gloves, warm socks, grippy shoes or snow boots, a woolen cap, and sunglasses. Carry an extra pair of dry socks and a change of clothes for after snow play.
What if Rohtang is closed on our trip?
Head to Gulaba or Marhi for snow play, or take the Atal Tunnel route to Sissu for a scenic day. In our experience, families who have a backup plan ready enjoy their trip far more than those who spend the whole time waiting and hoping for Rohtang to open.
How early should we leave Manali?
For Rohtang, leave by 6:30 AM. For Gulaba or Marhi, 7:30 AM is fine. For Sissu, 8 AM works. Earlier is always better in the mountains because roads are emptier, weather is clearer, and you have more flexibility for the return.