Solang Valley is located in the Kullu District, about 15 km from Manali. This place is very picturesque, offering different views in different seasons. In summers, it is lush green, like a bugyal, with the crystal clear waters of the Beas river running through it. In the winters, it is completely snow clad, providing one of the best ski slopes in India.

How to Reach

From Chandigarh: Manali is 323 km from Chandigarh. The road from Chandigarh enters Himachal after Kiratpur Sahib. From there, one has to pass Swarghat, where the roads are little tortuous. Then onwards, the roads are fairly straight, till Mandi, when the Ghat starts again. Finally comes Kullu and Manali. In proper condition, with an half an hour break, it should take around 9 hours from Chandigarh to Manali.Manali to Vashisht to Bhang to palchan. From Palchan, a road to the left takes you to Solang 4 km away, while the main road continues to Kothi to Gulaba to Marhi to Rohtang Pass.
From Shimla: Manali is km away from Shimla.

Places to Stay

Solang is still a small settlement with a handful of hotels in that small area. The best place to stay is Hotel Iceland. Manned by Mr.Khem Raj Thakur and his brother Mr.Luder, this place is simply excellent. The rooms are well organized and equipped, the views from the full length glass windows of the room are simply awesome, with the Friendship Peak bathing in the morning rays of sun and a hot tea in your hand making a very memorable experience. The room looks down upon the valley, which is lush green in the summers and rains and completely snow clad in winters. The food at this place is awesome, and boys there can accompany you for local treks. In my opinion, if you want to enjoy Solang, do plan to stay at Hotel Iceland.

Solang Village

From the valley down, once can see the sight of the Solang Village perched beautifully on the hills nearby. One has to walk down the valley, cross river Beas over a bridge (careful) and thence to opposite side, where cobblestoned track leads the zigzag way upto the Solang Village. The population is about 500 people or so, with a typical appearance of sunbirnt reddish cheeks, and harsh winters reflected on their faces. There are two schools there, one at the base of the hill, and other in the village proper. Apart from farming, many of these families own a horse, and make living during the season, taking tourists on horse back for trekking and so. Practically all families have mobile phones, and the reception of BSNL is good here. There are a few shops selling rations etc. Some houses are made of wood, but a majority are now made of concrete, after a forest fire in 2009 destroyed many houses there. If you walk up beyond the village on the other side of hill, there is a lot of terrace farming and views of the Friendship peak are awesome. We happened to have a tea at one villager's house, and I must say, all these houses have a million-dollar-view. The view down of the valley, surrounded by all the snow mountains is simply breathtaking.

Excursion: Paragliding

Among the routine excursions, there is a paragliding on the slopes just above. Road can take you there, but a walk from any hotel in the valley to this place is about 15 km, going through a short cut. Paragliding will cost you some 800 odd per person, depending on the season.

Excursion: Shivling trek

This is a 1.5 km trek, starting a few minutes walk on the left of the paragliding facility. The trek is through a valley, laden with large rocks, and may be strewn with snow and is fun. the end of this trek is deep in the valley, where a shivling forms due to snowfall every year (they say so!). Whatever it may be, once you enter deep into valley, it's a lovely scene. In the winters, this is completely snow clad, and playing in the nsow is absolute fun. There is also a small rivulet, with its crystal clear waters carving a route in the valley. Besides, while walking, the views on the backside (the slopes of mountains which ultimately merge with ski slopes of Gulaba) are unbelievable. The entire range, which continues as Rohtang Pass, is in view (not the pass, only the range).