Manali in March2023 : A Retreat in the Hills amidst Happening Beauty

Ankita | Updated on November 10, 2022

Manali is a year-round magnet, beckoning keen tourists from far and wide. Vashisht and Old Manali are among the most sought after sites for backpackers. Frequented by vacationers all the year, Manali surprises you in every season. So, if a trip to Manali in March is on your cards, count yourself in for some real holiday treat. From scenic pleasures to activities, there is no dearth of attractions that keep you hooked to Manali. 

There are picturesque pockets for nature lovers; there are sanctuaries and national parks for wildlife enthusiasts, and there are temples and gompas for spirituality seekers. For every type of tourist, Manali brings something or the other to the plate. Although March introduces summers in Manali, you can find snow in Manali in March in snowy pockets in some parts. If you want to have fun with the snow, you can go skiing and indulge in other activities.  

The absolute “valley of the Gods” that Manali is introduces you to an ideal place if you are looking for both adventure and comfort during a vacation. Before the town starts teeming in with tourists and the accommodation options as well as other places get packed from April, visit it in March. You can also explore places to visit near Manali in March. 

This petite town in Himachal Pradesh is a rustic enclave, which is celebrated for its cool climate and snow-capped mountains. Those who want to get a respite from the unpredictable hot and cold weather of the plains in March have a breather and a relaxing escape in Manali. Additionally, you can enjoy the most magnificent views of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges here. As the climate in Manali in March is pleasant, you can enjoy wandering around and garner precious experiences. The bright sky and cool breeze are no less than nature’s treat that welcomes you to Manali. 

Manali Weather in March 2023

Manali in March sets in the summer season. You might find little rainfall during this month.  It is the best time to visit Manali if you want to enjoy activities like paragliding, rafting, other and mountain sports. Solang Valley welcomes you for such activities. So, Kullu Manali weather in March is perfect to plan your holidays.  

Manali Temperature in March 


Manali is hot in March. Ranging from 10°C to 25°C, the temperature varies and swings between cool and pleasant. The temperature dips at night and rises during the day. In March, you can expect 3-8 days of downpour in Manali. So, carry an umbrella and rain gear like a waterproof jacket and shoes to stay dry when it rains. Do check Manali’s temperature in March 2023 before you set on your trip.

How to Reach Manali in March

If a Manali trip in March is on your cards, you simply have to choose the mode of transport to reach there. It is easy to head to Manali from any part of India, thanks to its connectivity with neighbouring cities and states around. Although the best way to reach Manali is by road but you can also reach there by flight and train. However, you will have to take the road route to reach Manali finally. Let’s see various modes of transport that take you to Manali. 

By Public Transport

  1. By Bus: Buses provide the maximum connectivity to Manali. Various HRTC and HPTDC buses ply between Manali and cities like Delhi, Shimla, Chandigarh and Ambala.
  2.  By Train: As there is no railway station in Manali, you have to reach Pathankot (Punjab) railway station first. From there, hop on a bus or taxi to Manali.
  3. By Flight: Manali doesn’t have an airport. The nearest airport is in Bhuntar (approx 50 km away). You can take a flight from cities like Delhi and Chandigarh to reach Bhuntar. Once you reach, you can take a taxi to reach Manali in almost 2 hours.

By Private Taxi:  Board a private taxi from Delhi, Chandigarh, or another neighbouring city to Manali. Go for an experienced and professional driver as there are sharp cuts en route to Manali.  

By Bike:  A bike trip to Manali is a treat to ardent bikers. As the road conditions are superb, rolling your favourite set of wheels will be a delight. For instance, if you are biking to Manali from Delhi, you will be driving through NH44. The route will be like this: 

Delhi > Panipat > Karnal  > Kurukshetra > Ambala > Bilaspur > Mandi > Kullu > Manali.  

The entire road trip will take almost 12-13 hours. 

Best Places to visit Manali in March

When you are planning to explore the best places to visit in Manali in March, count yourself in for some enriching sites. From natural wonders to man-made marvels, Manali spoils you with its sightseeing attractions. Among the many, here are some of the unmissable places that you must visit during your Manali holiday. 

Solang Valley

Take time to visit this place to visit near Manali for generous doses of adventure. Stay on your toes with activities like paragliding, Solang ropeway, skiing, and zorbing. 

Tucked amidst Solang village and Beas Kund, the delightful valley keeps you intrigued not only with its adventurous choices but also with its beauty. Especially during winters, the valley turns into a breathing white painting. 

Vashisht Temple

Highly revered by the locals and tourists alike, the place is among the prime attractions of Manali. Baptised after Rishi Vashisht, one of the seven Hindu sages, the site is serene and spectacular. 

Believed to be over 4000 years old, the place overwhelms you with its tranquillity. The interiors of the temple are adorned with wood carvings. As Kullu Manali weather in March is between cold and pleasant, a dip in the hot spring that welcomes you here imparts you healing properties. 

Nehru Kund 

A natural spring in Manali, Nehru Kund is a refreshing spring. Its crystal clear water refreshes you even at the mere sight. The kund is believed to be sourced from Bhrigu Lake. Tourists listen to the rhythm of the water for a wonderful experience in the serenity around. 

Jogini Falls

Cascading from a height of 160 feet, Jogini Falls is a pleasure to both adventure and nature lovers. This is among the most rewarding places near Manali to visit in March. You have to trek to it while treading through landscapes dotted by pine trees and orchards. Several small streams with River Beas and the snow-clad zones of Rohtang Pass will greet you en route. 

As you click pictures of the site and the route, you will be capturing scenery on your camera lens and memories in your heart. 

Manali Gompa

If you are looking for some quiet moments during your trip to Manali in March, take the time to visit Manali Gompa. Tibetan refugees have built it in 1960. It is also known as the ‘Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa. Soak in some spirituality here. The interiors are laid with a pagoda-style roof in yellow colour, a Buddha statue, and marvellous murals. Within the monastery complex, there is a small shop, which sells unique Tibetan handicrafts. You can buy home some lovely souvenirs from here. 

Enjoy Adventure Activities

Adventure lovers are spoilt for options to take up during their Manali vacay. From skiing, zorbing, and paragliding to a ropeway ride, river rafting, hiking, and trekking; there is a never-ending list of activities to take up. 

Shoppe till you Drop

Vacationing in Manali and not shopping is a no-no. There is a plethora if places to buy home souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones from Manali. Mall Road, Old Manali Market, Himachal Emporium, Tibetan Market, Manu Market, and Bhuttico are among the best marketplaces to buy things.Artificial jewellery, Tibetan handicrafts, shawls, and woollens are among some of the items that you can buy from these markets. 

Soak in Some Healing in the Vashisht Hot Water Spring

Believed to be blessed with therapeutic properties, the hot water spring of Vashisht village, invite you for a dip. It heals several skin allergies and diseases and invigorates you to the core. This is one of the best things to do in Kullu-Manali in March. The spring is a therapy that calms your stress and revives your soul. The spring commands to be on your list when you plan a visit to Manali. 

Explore the Wildlife 

To make your Manali trip all the more enriching, don’t miss out in exploring the wildlife here. Van Vihar and Manali Wildlife Sanctuary are the pleasurable wildlife zones that beckon you for a rendezvous with the wild in the wilderness. 

Nature’s beauty breathes here in its raw form. Whether you are visiting Manali with friends, family, or spouse; these wildlife zones will keep you fascinated. 

Take a Temple Tour

Manali is not just about scenic beauty and adventure delights but also sacred sites. While on your Manali trip in March, enjoy a temple tour. Fill your heart with peace while receiving blessings as you hop from one sacred place to another. 

Manu Temple, Hidimba Devi Temple, and Vashisht Temple are to name a few of the temples here. The picturesque surroundings add to the piousness of these temples. 

How to Plan a Trip to Manali in March

When you plan a vacation to Manali in March, it is not only about adding sightseeing attractions and things to do to your bucket list. Apart from making bookings and reservations, you also have to plan well. It comprises what you must carry there as well as tips are precautions to follow for a smooth trip. So, here are some of the tips to help you plan a trip to Manali in the month of March. 

Clothes to Carry 

March weather in Manali is soothing. However, it can get cold without warning. So, it is advisable to pack clothes that you can layer up when required. Carry light woollens as it becomes cold at night. And for the day, keep light clothes as it turns warm. 

Pack a First-Aid Box and Necessary Medicines 

Don’t overlook the importance of carrying a first-aid kit. Stock it up with generic medicines like that to address nausea, stomach ache, pain relief sprays, fever, and bandages. 

If you are undergoing any treatment, pack those medications and their prescription as well. You never know, an emergency might arise. So, be prepared. 

Other Miscellaneous Items 

There are some more items that you must carry on your Manali trip in March. These items are listed below – 

  • Sunscreen with the highest SPF 
  • Moisturiser 
  • Lip Balm
  • Water Bottle
  • Trash Bags 
  • Cash
  • Sunglasses
  • Wet Tissues, Sanitizer
  • Quick Bites like chocolates, cookies, wafers and more

Apart from the aforementioned points to plan your holiday to Manali in March, here are a few tips to help you if you planning to visit the hill town by road with self-driving:

  • Start in the early morning hours. This saves you from getting stuck in traffic en route and takes you to your destination without being late at the night. Let’s take an example. If you are driving from Delhi to Manali, it will take 12.5 hours normally. So, if you start at 4 A.M, you will be closer to Manali by evening.
  • Halt somewhere to sleep and never drive after dark as the place has treacherous cuts and turns.
  • Be prepared with your Fastag. You will come across several tolls on the way. This will help you proceed faster to Manali. 
  • Try to explore the sightseeing spots yourself. The roads are smooth and you can have an indulgent experience with your loved ones.

In a nutshell, a vacation to Manali in March brings you memories to treasure for a lifetime. Since the weather is soothing this month, exploring around is pleasurable. In the light of the above account, you can have a holiday to cherish and stories to tell. 

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