Top 5 Snow Places Near Manali You Can Visit by Car

Do you want to see snow without having to hike? Don’t fret, coz we’ve found you a perfect place – Manali.

My family’s first trip to Manali was a truly memorable experience! My kids were super excited because they were seeing snow for the first time.

My parents, on the other hand, who are a little less agile and mobile due to their old age, just wanted to see snow without having to hold their arthritic limbs and cry the night away in pain.

In such a case, we found that driving to Manali was the perfect solution!

Whether you are with children who want to throw snowballs, or someone who wants to escape with your partner to cuddle in the snow, or you’re gently traveling with older parents who don’t hike, there is no better place than Manali!

In this guide, I will list the Top 5 Snow Places Near Manali You Can Drive to in 2025, which are very easy to reach.

Why Manali Is the Gateway to Snow in Himachal

Manali is at a height of 2050 meters above sea level. It is a charming spot in Himachal Pradesh that’s high enough to guarantee snow in the city or at nearby places all year round.

The roads are a driver’s dream—well paved and with a direct route to the heights of snow. You are almost guaranteed snow from May to July if you go to higher places.

You have Rohtang Pass, just 50 km away; the wild beauty of Baralacha La; the Atal Tunnel opening up Lahaul Valley; and more, all reachable by car. Looking for a snowy trip to the mountains? Look into our Manali tour packages or our blogs for further info.

Top 5 Snow Places Near Manali You Can Drive To

Rohtang Pass (13,050 ft)

Distance: 50 km from Manali
Snow Season: May to mid-July
Road: Permit required (grab it online or at Manali’s SDM office)
Activities: Snow scooters, sledging

Rohtang Pass is the star of the snow destinations that are within a stone’s throw of Manali. It is only 50 km away— a drive only slightly longer than most adventures of similar ilk, sandwiched in between stunning scenery.

You’ll need a permit, so plan to get one as early as you can. Just google search “Rohtang Pass snow today” or “Rohtang car access” and you’ll be informed.

Baralacha La (16,040 ft)

Distance: 190 km (full-day drive or overnight in Jispa)
Route: Manali > Atal Tunnel > Keylong > Jispa > Baralacha
सर्वोत्तम समय: Mid-June to mid-July
Highlight: Heavy snow walls, open landscapes

Baralacha La is an incredible place to visit for adventure seekers! While Baralacha La is only 190 km from Manali, we still made it a family visit and included a sleepover in Jispa.

When we travelled to Baralacha La through the Atal Tunnel to get to Keylong, which offered us a beautiful drive, and then we ended up in snow.

My husband is a photo bum, so he took all the photos! This place is good for adventurous families or even just for someone who has a thirst for open spaces with snow!

Shinkula Top (16,580 ft)

Distance: 165 km via Darcha
Unique Point: Underrated, less crowded, fresh snow
Why It Ranks: Smooth blacktop roads recently paved

Shinkula Top is a snow paradise. At 165 km from Manali, it’s far less dramatized than the big hitters such as Rohtang.

The new blacktop roads made the drive as smooth as butter. We stopped with the snow, nothing else around, no one else at all.

I made coffee from the thermos while the kids explored the fresh powder. It was amazing!

सिस्सू

Distance: 40 km, 1.5-hour drive
Season: October–May (snowfall), June (some snow lingers)
Highlight: Family-friendly picnic spot + waterfalls

Sissu is our usual winter snowy escape. It is only 40 km from the Atal Tunnel and about a 1.5-hour drive.

Last October, we drove over for a quick picnic. Snow dusted the ground, the sun was shining bright, sparkling waterfalls were nearby, and my parents were enjoying watching the kids build a crooked snowman.

Look for “Snowfall near Manali by car” or “Sissu snow June” to get your timing right.

Solang Valley Snow Point

Distance: 14 km from Manali
Activities: Zorbing, skiing (seasonal), cable car
Best For: Quick snow fun with kids or elders

Solang Valley is the quick fix for seeing snow—only 14 km away! We went for one afternoon and the kids had a blast zorbing while my mom rode the cable car, smiling from ear to ear.

Sometimes, they even make artificial snow in the summer! It’s perfectly easy for families or anyone wanting to check out snow without a long trip.

What Type of Car Is Best for Snow Drives?

Picking the best vehicle might be the single most important factor that will dramatically affect a snowy road trip from Manali. It’s not just about power; minimal ground clearance, lack of traction control, and reliability in cold conditions all play a role.

We have outlined the pros and cons of sedans, mid-size SUVs, and full 4 x 4s, with advice on whether you should hire a local taxi or simply drive yourself.

Sedans: Good for Shorter Routes

If you drive a mid‑size sedan—think Hyundai Creta, Honda City, or Maruti Ciaz—you can confidently tackle Solang Valley and Sissu. These roads are regularly cleared of snow, have gentle inclines, and rarely surprise you with deep drifts.

In fact, on my last trip to Sissu, my Creta handled the icy patch near the waterfall turnoff without a second thought.

Key Points:

Ground Clearance & Traction
Sedans usually sit around 180–200 mm off the ground. That’s fine for Solang (5,400 ft) or Sissu (9,000 ft), but if you attempt the final stretch to Rohtang Pass or Baralacha La when patches of unplowed snow remain, you risk getting high-centered.
Handling Cold Starts
Cold engines at 13,000 ft can struggle, especially if the battery is more than a couple of years old. During my own early-morning drive up Rohtang last summer, shutting
Ioff the engine to save fuel meant the car refused to restart.

If you’re fairly certain your route won’t exceed Rohtang’s base or you plan to hang out mostly in Solang/Sissu, a sedan is lighter on fuel and nimble around tight hairpins.

Just be ready to fit tyre chains or keep your luggage in the trunk for added rear-wheel traction on slushy inclines.

Mid‑Size SUVs: Reliable for Rohtang and Beyond

Mid‑size SUVs such as the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, or Hyundai Creta AWD strike a useful balance between clearance, cost, and drivability.

With around 200–220 mm of ground clearance, these vehicles handle snowbanks up to Rohtang Pass—and in particularly good conditions, can even venture toward Baralacha La if the BRO has plowed most of the way.

I remember driving a Safari last June: once we passed the Atal Tunnel, we engaged AWD and gently climbed the switchbacks to Rohtang. The ride was surprisingly smooth, and even the half‑frozen slush at the top barely made the vehicle flinch.

Plus, the sturdier suspension meant we didn’t feel every lump or bump as we bounced past melting snow.

Why You Might Choose a Mid‑Size SUV:

Better Clearance & AWD Options
The extra height makes it less likely you’ll scrape your undercarriage over a hidden snow ridge. And if your model includes all‑wheel drive, you can switch it on when traction dips—easing the climb up steeper, icier stretches.
Roomy & Comfortable
Perfect for families loading in winter gear, oxygen cans, and picnic snacks. Just keep an eye on fuel—mid‑size SUVs burn through more petrol/diesel than sedans, especially on a long day trip to Baralacha.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, mid‑size SUVs aren’t full 4×4s. If you reach a 3–4 ft wall of unplowed snow near Baralacha’s last kilometer, you might find yourself spinning wheels. Also, low-range gearing (if available) won’t be as robust as a proper four-wheel-drive system.

Full 4×4s: Ideal for Deep Snow & High‑Altitude Routes

Vehicles like the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, or Mahindra Thar in 4L mode are purpose-built for serious snowdrives. Their low‑range gearing and locking differentials mean you can crawl through thick drifts that would stall a lesser vehicle. If you plan to push all the way to Shinkula Top (16,580 ft) or tackle Baralacha’s towering snow walls, a true 4×4 gives you the confidence to keep going past 13,000 ft without fear of getting stuck.

Why You Might Choose a 4×4:

Low‑Range & Locking Diffs
These let both wheels on an axle spin at the same speed, so if one wheel is plastered to ice and the other on snow, you’re not stuck.
Heavier Brakes & Stronger Suspension
When you hit a patch of black ice at 5 PM on your way back from Baralacha, low‑range braking control can prevent a scary slide.
Limitations
Fuel economy plummets—expect at least 25–40 km less per tank compared to an SUV. Plus, larger turning radii make hairpins below Rohtang feel tighter. If you’re not used to a big vehicle on narrow roads, practice a short city‑loop in Manali first.

Local Taxi vs. Self‑Drive

Local Taxi
Hiring a local taxi is a stress-free way to experience snow without worrying about permits, or frozen batteries.

Most drivers have years of experience navigating snow‑laden passes, know exactly where black ice forms at dusk, and can advise you on alternate snow spots if Rohtang closes unexpectedly.

You can sit back, sip piping‑hot chai, and let someone else handle the icy hairpins.

Cost Consideration: A round trip from Manali to Rohtang in a small car runs about ₹3,000–₹4,500 for the day; SUVs cost closer to ₹4,500–₹6,500.

If you linger past 4 PM or detour to Baralacha, drivers often charge extra per hour.

Many homestays in Old Manali offer driver packages (around ₹3,500) that include permits and parking, which can be worth the peace of mind.d.

Self‑Drive
The freedom of self‑drive is hard to beat—you can stop for impromptu snowball fights, chase a perfect photo op, or detour to a hidden waterfall without negotiating a new rate.

But it also means you’re responsible for every aspect of the trip: from fitting chains to monitoring coolant temperature at 14,000 ft. Before you commit, ask yourself:

Am I comfortable fitting tyre chains on a narrow shoulder if the BRO hasn’t fully cleared the pass?
Do I understand how to engage and disengage AWD or 4L modes at the right time?
Can I show my Rohtang permit to traffic police if mobile data fails after Atal Tunnel?

If the answer is yes, self-drive rewards you with unmatched flexibility. Just remember to download offline maps (network often vanishes beyond Atal Tunnel) and share your itinerary with someone back in Manali—mobile coverage is patchy once you cross 11000 ft.

Why should you not turn off your engine during short halts at high passes?

I discovered this the hard way while driving my Creta near Rohtang’s summit (around 13,000 ft.). I parked to snap sunrise photos and shut off the engine to save fuel.

When I tried to restart, the cold, thin air meant the engine refused to catch—no crank, no spark. I spent twenty tense minutes praying the battery wouldn’t die completely.

The better approach is to keep the engine idling on low RPM if you’re stopping for less than 10 minutes. That way, the alternator keeps charging the battery, and you won’t struggle with a no-start when the altitude is working against you.

If you need to shut off sooner, crack open the driver’s window to vent carbon monoxide and be prepared with a warm jacket to stave off the chill.

Tips for a Safe & Scenic Snow Drive from Manali

A snowy road trip is unforgettable—but also unpredictable if you aren’t prepared. Below are key considerations, organized into cohesive advice, so you can maximize your fun and minimize surprises on the way to snow.

1. Start Before Sunrise (Leave Before 7 AM)

By 5 AM in June, the first BRO graders are already clearing major snow berms. If you leave Manali by 6 AM, you’ll likely be cruising on plowed roads to Sissu or Rohtang by 7:30 AM, before tourist buses and crowds hit the pass.

Early departure also rewards you with that pink dawn glow on snowfields—the perfect backdrop for photos without a tangle of fellow travelers in the frame.

2. Pack Snacks, Water, & Hot Drinks

Long waits at BRO checkposts (Keylong, Marhi) or unexpected detours can amplify hunger. Carry a mix of high‑energy snacks—nuts, energy bars, or roasted chana—and at least one liter of water per person.

A small thermos of hot soup or instant noodles can feel heavenly when you’re 13,500 ft above sea level and the wind cuts through your jacket.

Essentials to Pack:

High‑protein snacks (almonds, walnuts, roasted chana)
Instant maggi or soup in a thermos
Hot water bottles or a stainless‑steel flask for tea/coffee
At least 1 L of water per person (more if you plan to linger)

If you reach Keylong famished, the local dhabas serve fresh pakoras and steaming masala chai. But don’t bank on finding a seat—sometimes a convoy of motorbikes or a group of travelers already holds every table.

3. Bring Oxygen Cans & Basic Medications

Altitude effects can hit anyone, even if you’ve never felt altitude sickness in Leh. A couple of puffs from a 95% O₂ can can perk you up instantly when your head feels foggy near 12,000 ft.

Keep basic medications—ibuprofen for headaches, lip balm for chapped lips, and a small first‑aid kit—within arm’s reach.

If you have a pulse oximeter, monitor your oxygen saturation; if it dips below 90%, consider descending a few hundred feet to ease breathing.

4. Secure Permits for Rohtang in Advance

Rohtang permits open for booking mid-May and sell out in a flash during June. Plan at least 7 days ahead.

Once you purchase and receive your permit PDF, screenshot it and print two physical copies at a local Manali shop. You’ll need one at the traffic inspection booth by 6 AM and another if the police perform a spot check on the pass.

Remember: permits are typically valid between 5 AM and 4 PM. If you reach Rohtang summit after 11 AM, you risk hitting the noon closure if the quota fills early.

5. Avoid Driving After 4 PM

Once the sun dips behind the Himalayan ridges, temperatures on the pass can plummet by 10–15 °C within minutes, turning wet roads into sheets of black ice.

BRO graders and JCBs retreat below nightly checkpoints around 4 PM, so if you’re still above 12,000 ft at that hour, you risk being stranded until morning.

Pride of “just one more photo” isn’t worth a skid on ice at 14,000 ft—plan to be past major passes by 3:30 PM.

6. Prepare for Mobile Network Blackouts

Beyond the Atal Tunnel (10,980 ft), most providers (Jio, Airtel, Vodafone) vanish. BSNL might linger, but don’t count on it. Before you leave Manali:

Download Offline Maps: In Google Maps, save the “Manali to Baralacha La” region offline so you can still navigate hairpins and note key mileposts.
Share Your Itinerary: Text or call a friend in Manali with your departure time, planned stops (Rohtang, Sissu, etc.), and expected return time. If you don’t check in by 6 PM, they can alert mountain police.
Consider Walkie‑Talkies: If you’re traveling with friends in separate cars, renting handheld radios (around ₹1,000/day) ensures you stay connected even when phones die.

Best Time to Experience Snow Near Manali by Car

Planning a snow adventure near Manali requires timing your visit based on each location’s snow patterns. Weather conditions can vary from year to year, so always verify the current road conditions before traveling.

Snow Destinations and Timing:

सोलांग घाटी – Features both natural and artificial snow year-round, with the best conditions from December to February
सिस्सू – Natural and residual snow available from October to February, with some snow lingering into Aril-May.
रोहतांग दर्रा – Natural snow accessible from late May to November
Baralacha La – Natural snow walls visible from late May to November
Shinkula Top – Higher-altitude natural snow best experienced from mid-June- mid-July to late Octobr-early November.

This gives you a clean overview of when to visit each spot for the best snow experience while driving from Manali.

पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न

Where can I see snow in Manali in June 2025?
Rohtang Pass, Baralacha Pass, and Shinkula Top are your best bets for June snow.

Is Rohtang Pass open in June?
Yup, it usually opens in late May and stays accessible with permits.

Can I drive my own car to snow points?
Absolutely! Good clearance gets you to Sissu, Solang, even Rohtang.

Permits for Rohtang or Baralacha?
Rohtang needs one; Baralacha doesn’t, but check BRO road updates.

Best snow spot for kids and elders?
Solang Valley and Sissu are fairly easy and safe!

Final Words

Manali’s got the goods for families, couples, or anyone craving winter vibes. Follow these tips, and you’ll be ready to roll. Peek at our Manali Snow Packages for a head start.

Let’s make some snowy memories!

यह भी पढ़ें: Rohtang Pass or Atal Tunnel: Which One Should You Visit in 2025?