Plan Your Amazing Trip to Manali in January 2023 and Enjoy glancing at the scenic views

Ankita | Updated on November 10, 2022

If you have been searching for a way to spend your vacation in India, then Manali is a perfect Winter Getaway Destination In India. It is not just the winter city, it’s also an exciting destination where thousands of people flock every year. The big draw of Manali, however, is its scenic appeal. The city is situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh and has plenty of opportunities to explore nearby as well. Watching the snow settle onto the beautiful, icy peaks of the Himalayas like a blanket is almost enough to make you overlook the bone-numbing chill that pervades Manali in January. It’s an amazing location that somehow never feels as cold as it deserves to be. Here’s a complete guide on planning a trip to Manali in January

Manali weather in January

Manali’s climate is influenced by its proximity to the Himalayas, which means that it can be cold at night and mild during the day. January is the coldest month of the year in Manali. The weather is pleasant with some rains and snowfall during this month. It is the best time to visit Manali because you can enjoy the natural beauty of this place at its best. You can visit Manali during this month but make sure that you are prepared with warm clothes as well as a raincoat or waterproof jacket.

Manali temperature in January

Manali’s temperature in January is too cold as compared to other months The highest temperature recorded was 31°C (88°F), while the lowest temperature recorded was -10°C (14°F). The average temperature of Manali in January is -4 degrees Celsius. The warmest days in January are 5-6 degrees warmer than the coldest days.

How to Reach Manali in January – 

  • By Public Transport 

 

  • By Train – A train is a great option for reaching Manali as it is comfortable and convenient. Two trains operate from Delhi to Manali – Kalka Mail and Shatabdi Express. The former takes around 16 hours to reach Manali while the latter takes about 13 hours.
  • By Bus – The bus journey from Delhi to Manali takes around 15-16 hours depending on traffic conditions but also depends on the size of your vehicle as well as the number of stops it has to make en route. This mode of transportation might not be suitable for those who suffer from motion sickness because there are chances that they will get sick due to the bumpy roads in Himachal Pradesh.
  • By Flight – The nearest airport is at Bhuntar which is about 50 km from Manali. The nearest railway station is Solan which is about 40 km from here. Book your tickets well in advance as it might be difficult to get them at short notice as flights are often fully booked during this time of year.
  • By Private Taxi – If you are travelling alone or with family, then a taxi is the best option. The taxi service is available throughout the year. You can book a taxi through travel agents or directly call them up. You will be able to enjoy a hassle-free trip without taking any other transport options like a train or bus. 
  • By Bike – Bike riding is another popular option while travelling between Chandigarh and Manali because you will get to see beautiful countryside during your journey. 

 

Best Places to visit Manali in January

Hidimba Devi Temple – 

It was built by Pandavas during their exile period according to the Mahabharata epic. It is situated at an altitude of 1400 meters near the Parvati River. The temple was built by Pandavas using stones from this area. It is believed that Pandavas used to stay here during their exile period and Hidimba Devi was the queen of this region who helped them during their exile time by giving them food, and shelter.

Vashisht Temple

Vashisht Temple is located on the way from Old Manali to Vashisht Village. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it has a cave where he meditated for years. The temple also has a waterfall nearby, which can be visited after visiting this place. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your Manali visit in January right now! 

Solang Valley

Solang Valley is located at an altitude of 12000 ft above sea level and it is also known as Solang Nullah. This valley got its name from its shape which resembles a bowstring (Solang means bowstring). It is one of the best places to visit in Manali in January with its enthralling natural beauty and scenic views. Here you can enjoy riding on horses, horse riding safaris or go trekking through forests which offers a great experience for all age groups. The best time to visit here would be during winters when snowfall makes it look even more beautiful than ever before!

Manikaran – 

Manikaran is a town that lies on the banks of River Parbati. It’s known for its hot springs and temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The hot water from this place is used as a cure for many diseases like cancer, hepatitis, constipation etc. The best time to visit Manikaran is during winter because you can enjoy your bath in the hot springs without any fear of getting sick from infections or bacteria present in the water.

How to Plan a Trip to Manali in January?

Choose the right season

January is a great time to visit Manali because there are no monsoons and the weather is pleasant. The temperature ranges from 15-25 degrees Celsius during this time of the year. 

 Book your tickets in advance

If you want to avoid traffic jams on the way to Manali, book your tickets well in advance. You can also look for online deals on flight tickets and hotel rooms during this time of the year as they are available at discounted prices.  

 

Pack warm clothes

Pack warm clothes like sweaters and jackets as the climate in Manali in January gets cold at night.

 Check out these places

There are many wonderful places to visit near Manali in January that will fill up your days with fun activities like skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, trekking and many others. Some of these places include Solang Valley which has a large number of hotels and restaurants; Rohtang Pass which offers views of snow-capped mountains; Narkanda which has beautiful gardens with fruit trees like apples.

Make sure you book your accommodation well in advance

You can also choose to stay at a guest house or hotel near Mall Road so that you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about accommodation problems.

 

Plan your trip according to your budget –  

If you want to save money on transportation, then it would be better if you take public transport instead of hiring private vehicles or taxis as they are expensive here and will cause a dent in your pocket! Choose buses or shared cabs instead of taking private vehicles for rent because they are affordable and will help you save money as well!

Check weather conditions –

Do not forget to keep on checking Manali weather in January 2023 before planning your trip.

Things to do in Manali in January -

Excursions from Manali

Manali is surrounded by beautiful valleys like Rohtang Pass, Chandra Tal Lake, Solang Valley and more. You can enjoy boat rides on these lakes during your vacation in January.  

Mountain Biking

Manali has excellent mountain biking trails through forests and mountains which offer amazing views of nature. You can experience the thrill of riding through rocky trails at high altitudes while enjoying breathtaking views around you. Mountain biking is one of the most popular activities among tourists visiting Manali during their winter vacations.

Take a boat ride on the Beas River

One of the best Manali things to do in January is taking a boat ride on the Beas River. If you are visiting in January, then it is advised not to take this trip in the early morning or evening as the cold wind will make it difficult for you to enjoy this activity. 

Go for a Snow Scooter Ride

Manali offers some amazing snow scooter rides that would be a great experience for anyone who likes adventure. You can enjoy the ride under the skies with your friends or family. The ride will take you through tight corners and steep slopes. It will give you an adrenaline rush as well as a feeling of freedom that you cannot get anywhere else!

Paragliding –

If you love adventure then paragliding in Manali in January is a must-try thing for you because it gives you an amazing view of nature while flying high in the sky. Paragliding happens when you jump off a mountain with a parachute attached to yourself which opens up once you reach a certain height so that you can glide through the air as a bird does!

Skiing

If you love to ski, then January is the best time to visit Manali. The weather is pleasant and there are plenty of places where you can go skiing. If you’re an experienced skier, then head towards Rohtang Pass for some thrilling moments on snow-covered slopes. But if it’s your first time, then we suggest that you try out one of the many private operators offering lessons for beginners as well as advanced skiers. The instructors here are experienced enough to teach anyone how to ski easily!

Trekking

Manali has some of the best trekking routes in India. Trekking routes like Rohtang Pass, Chandrakhani Pass, Kothi Glacier and Solang Nala are some of the most popular trekking routes in Manali. These treks are not only challenging but also allow you to explore the amazing landscape of Manali. Trekking in Manali in January will be full of fun and thrilling experiences.

Rafting

One of the best things to do in Manali in January is to go for a white water rafting trip. White water rafting trips last for about 6 hours and are conducted from morning till noon. The best time for this activity is during summers (between April and September) when there’s plenty of snowmelt, making the river flow faster than usual. During winters, the rivers are usually full of ice blocks which make it difficult for rafters to manoeuvre their way through them. You’ll also get an opportunity to enjoy beautiful views of the mountains while on your ride!

Clothing for Manali in January –

If you are planning a trip to Manali in January, then you need to be prepared for some extreme weather conditions. The temperature during this time is usually between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius.

If you are going to Manali in January, then here are some tips that will help you with clothing for Manali January – 

  • Carry a good pair of gloves, because it gets extremely cold at night.
  • Wear warm clothes like sweaters and jackets as the temperature drops considerably during this time of the year.
  • Pack some thick socks or woollen socks, so that your feet stay warm and cosy throughout your journey.
  • Wear sunglasses or goggles if you want to protect yourself from the harsh UV rays during the daytime or when you step out at night after sunset.

Conclusion- Manali is a truly spectacular place and it’s well worth spending a few days here if you want to experience the magic for yourself. The temperature is comfortable even in January, the streets are lined with colourful prayer flags that flap in the wind, and there are breathtaking views of the mountains in every direction. It’s also quite affordable, especially if you take advantage of the off-season deals. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your Manali trip in January and make the most out of your trip. 

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