The narrow road downhill is picturesque for admiring Shimla’s nature. In the morning, the sunrise looks like a big twinkle over Shimla’s mountains and valleys. As the drive continues, Shimla’s landscapes appear from one spot, disappear, and then appear again from the next.
Shimla to Solan (1-1.5 hours)
Thick pine and cedar forests dominate.
Misty hills and small streams make the landscape very “Shimla-like.”
Solan to Narkanda/Thanedar (1.5-3 hours)
Forests thin slightly; hills and apple
orchards appear. Valleys start opening up.
Narkanda to Mandi (3-5 hours)
Pine forests give way to river valleys, terraced fields, and lower-altitude vegetation. Hills become steeper, and the landscape opens further.
Winter in Kullu Manali
In mid-September (TOP THINGS IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA), it is still cool in Shimla. A thick jacket is needed for
those who feel cold. Daytime temperatures are around 20-25°C, and nights around
12-15°C. Once in Kullu Manali, brace for colder weather, even in mid-September.
Mornings are chilly, and nights can feel almost freezing in higher-altitude
areas. Wind and open valleys make it feel even colder. Thick winter clothes, including
long johns, gloves, socks, and mufflers are essential for a memorable winter in
Kullu Manli
Things to Know About Rohtang Pass, Kullu Manali
No trip to Kullu Manali is complete without the world-famous Rohtang Pass.
Winter in Rohtang Pass can be extreme, with temperatures dropping drastically.
The pass is usually closed to the public from December to April.
Located about 51 km from Manali in
Himachal Pradesh, Rohtang Pass sits at an altitude of around 3,978 meters
(13,050 ft). It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys and
has been an important trade and travel route for centuries.
Part of the Pir Panjal Range of the
Himalayas, Rohtang Pass features rough terrain, steep slopes, and impressive
landscapes. It is the source of several glaciers and streams that flow into
rivers in the valleys below, supporting water supply and farming. Geologically,
Rohtang Pass is in an area where mountains are still forming, shaped by
glaciers and earth movements over thousands of years.
A well-known landmark in Himachal Pradesh, Rohtang Pass is where wide views of snow-covered peaks, deep valleys, and the surrounding Himalayan mountains can be seen.
Things to Do in Rohtang Pass
There are countless things to do in Rohtang Pass. It begins at the main road,
where winter gear. Jumpsuits, gloves, and snow boots are a must before entering
Rohtang Pass, rented from shops. Gear is chosen and tried on, with accessories
like glasses and other items can be purchased from a local vendor by the roadside.
Walking into Rohtang Pass is an adventure in itself. The first stop is the open space lined with pine trees, where scooters for short rides and pony rides are part of the activities in Rohtang Pass.
Within the snow-covered mountain areas, it is walking around and admiring the wide views of Himalayan peaks, deep valleys, glaciers, and mountain birds. Apart from playing in the snow, watching sunrise and sunset, and simply being are part of the experience.
Winter adventures in Rohtang Pass include
climbing slopes and sliding down, sledging, and short treks. These moments are
best captured in photos as lasting memories of Rohtang Pass.
Atal Tunnel Bridge
One of the must-do experiences while heading out of Rohtang Pass is the drive
through the Atal Tunnel Bridge. In fact, this route forms part of one of the
best travel experiences in India. Named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari
Vajpayee, the Atal Tunnel Bridge stands as a major achievement in modern Indian
engineering. For those who appreciate modern invention and creativity, it feels
magical during the drive into, while inside, and out of the Atal Tunnel Bridge.
Located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, it provides a vital all-weather road connection between Manali and the Lahaul-Spiti valley, bypassing the Rohtang Pass, which is often blocked by heavy snowfall.
The tunnel is approximately 9.02 kilometers long and sits at an altitude of around 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level. It was built with modern engineering features, including semi-transverse ventilation, emergency escape routes, and a support system designed to withstand seismic activity and heavy snow.
By significantly reducing travel time
between Manali and Keylong, the tunnel ensures year-round connectivity and
improved access to the Ladakh region.
Vashisht Temple
Vashisht Temple is about 2.5-3 hours’ drive from Rohtang Pass. From the main
road, it is walking up the slope leading to the temple. The temple is dedicated
to Sage Vashisht and is believed to be over 4,000 years old. Legend says Sage
Vashisht meditated here, and the natural hot springs were a divine gift.
The temple reflects traditional Himachali
architecture. It features intricate wood carvings and a pagoda-shaped roof.
Inside, a black stone deity of Sage Vashisht is enshrined, draped in a white
dhoti. Shoes must be removed to enter. During winter, when it is too cold to
remove shoes, viewing the deity from the main entrance through the wooden
carved door is still a spiritual experience.
Next to the temple are the Vashisht Hot Water Springs. The sulphur-rich waters are believed to have healing properties and are open for bathing.
