Fair
Manali in March
Himachal Pradesh, India
March is Manali's transition month. Snow starts melting at lower elevations but holds firm at Solang and above. Daytime temperatures climb to 10-15°C — warm enough for a fleece instead of a parka — while nights still drop to 0°C. The Beas River starts picking up volume from snowmelt, turning from a quiet stream to something with actual force. Apple orchards around Naggar and Prini are still bare — blossoms come in April. NH-21 improves significantly as ice clears, making the Chandigarh-Manali drive (270 km, 7-8 hours) far less stressful than winter months. Tourist numbers tick up but it's nothing like the May-June madness.
The March story
This is a shoulder month — pricing is reasonable, crowds are manageable, and the valley is waking up. Solang Valley still has enough snow for activities through mid-March, though conditions get slushy by afternoon. The Hampta Valley trek opens for early-season walkers — 4-5 hour day hikes through pine forests with snow patches and clear mountain views. Old Manali cafes start extending hours and reopening outdoor seating. Jogini Waterfall trail (3 km round trip from Vashisht) is muddy but flowing well from melt. River rafting on the Beas doesn't start until April, but kayaking schools in Pirdi begin taking bookings. Mall Road is pleasant to walk — no summer gridlock, no winter ice. Rohtang Pass remains closed; BRO road-clearing operations typically start in March but the pass won't open until late May at earliest. Room rates sit 20-30% below peak, and you can negotiate further on weekdays.
Why March scores 3/5
Weather
Slushy shoulder month 4-14°C. Snow receding from town. Rohtang still closed. Roads clearing gradually.
Roads & Access
self drive: Any car. Parking nightmare on Mall Road.. road condition: NH3 mostly good. Mandi-Manali stretch landslide-prone in monsoon.. public transport: HRTC Volvo from Delhi, local buses. from nearest city: Delhi 530km 12-14hrs. Volvo overnight buses popular.. last km difficulty: easy
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 4/5. rescue: Mountain rescue teams. SDRF HP.. helpline: Police: 100. HP Tourism: 0177-2625956. ambulance: 108 reliable. police station: Manali Police Station. nearest hospital: Lady Willingdon Hospital Manali. Regional Hospital Kullu 40km.
Network
VI: Yes, JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes. Full 4G in town. Signal weakens beyond Solang and toward Atal Tunnel.
Kids
Kid-friendly (4/5) — Snow play in winter is magical for kids, Solang Valley has safe adventure sports, Easy access — good roads, hospitals, pharmacies, Old Manali cafes are chill for families
Elevation
2,050m — Moderate altitude
Who should go
- ✓First-time travelers
- ✓Senior citizens
- ✓Trekkers wanting early-season Hampta Valley day hikes before permit crowds
- ✓Travellers who want snow views without full-winter severity
- ✓Cafe lovers — Old Manali reopens outdoor seating with valley views
- ✓Value seekers — shoulder pricing with improving weather conditions
Who should think twice
- ✗Snow activity purists — Solang conditions degrade to slush by mid-month afternoons
- ✗Anyone specifically coming for Rohtang Pass — still firmly closed
- ✗River rafting enthusiasts — Beas rafting doesn't start until April
- ✗Visitors wanting the full apple-blossom experience — that's April
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4/5 | Snow season. Solang and Atal Tunnel area spectacular. Crowded NY/weekends. |
| February | 4/5 | Best snow month 0-8°C. Solang Valley skiing. Quieter than Jan rush. Old Manali cafes cozy with hot chocolate. |
| Marchviewing | 3/5 | Slushy shoulder month 4-14°C. Snow receding from town. Rohtang still closed. Roads clearing gradually. |
| April | 4/5 | Spring. Apple blossoms, mild weather, manageable crowds. |
| May | 3/5 | Summer holiday rush. Hotels jacked up, traffic jams. |
| June | 3/5 | Peak family season 18-28°C. Mall Road packed, hotel prices 3x. Rohtang permit lottery. Expensive and overcrowded. |
| July | 2/5 | Heavy monsoon. Landslide risk on Manali-Chandigarh highway. Flash floods in Beas tributaries. Avoid road travel. |
| August | 2/5 | Monsoon continues. 2023 Kullu-Manali disaster reminder — flash floods real risk. Roads close without warning. |
| September | 4/5 | Post-monsoon sweet spot. Clear, green, fewer crowds. |
| October | 5/5 | Best month. Crisp weather, golden poplars, light crowds. |
| November | 4/5 | Cold 2-12°C. Quiet old town, beautiful fall colors. Atal Tunnel to Lahaul still open. Pre-snow serenity. |
| December | 4/5 | Snow returns to Solang and Rohtang. 0-8°C. Christmas rush means book 2 weeks ahead. Festive old Manali. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Delhi 530km 12-14hrs. Volvo overnight buses popular.. Roads: NH3 mostly good. Mandi-Manali stretch landslide-prone in monsoon.. Self-drive: Any car. Parking nightmare on Mall Road.. Public transport: HRTC Volvo from Delhi, local buses. Last stretch: easy
Elevation
2,050m
Difficulty
easy
Budget tier
mixed
Permits required
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Nearby in Himachal Pradesh scoring high in March
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