March is one of the most searched months for snow trips near Manali. Families plan school break holidays, couples look for their first snow experience, and everyone wants to know one thing: can we go to Rohtang Pass?
The short answer is almost certainly no. But March often brings some of the best snow conditions at several accessible spots near Manali.
This guide covers exactly where to go, how to check conditions before you leave home, and how to plan a trip that does not fall apart if one road gets blocked.
Quick Answer: Rohtang Pass and Snow Near Manali in March
Rohtang Pass is usually closed in March due to heavy snow and safety risks. It typically reopens in late May or early June after BRO clears the road.
However, you can often find excellent snow in March at Solang Valley, Gulaba, Kothi, the Atal Tunnel area, Sissu on the Lahaul side (road dependent), and Sethan village.
Early March generally offers the best snow cover, though conditions depend on recent snowfall.
Is Rohtang Pass Open in March 2026
Rohtang Pass sits at roughly 3,978 metres and receives extremely heavy snowfall through winter. By March, the road beyond Gulaba is buried under several feet of snow. BRO begins clearance as conditions allow, but the pass does not usually open until late May or early June, sometimes later.
There is no fixed date. Any operator who promises Rohtang in March is either misinformed or misleading you. Plan for the alternate snow points below and you will likely have a far better experience.
Last updated: 28 February 2026
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How to Check Rohtang and Snow Road Status in 2 Minutes
Step 1: Visit the official Rohtang Pass permit booking page on the Manali district administration website. If the portal is not accepting bookings for your dates, the pass is closed.
Step 2: Check the official Lahaul Spiti district road status page for updates on the Atal Tunnel, Solang road, and routes beyond.
Step 3: Call your hotel or a local operator in Manali a day or two before departure. They know which roads are open and where fresh snow fell that morning. This five minute call can save your trip.
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Best Alternate Snow Spots Near Manali in March 2026
If you are visiting Manali in March for snow, these spots consistently deliver. If you are exploring Travel Coffee Manali tour packages, most of these are already part of standard itineraries.
Solang Valley
The most popular and easiest snow spot from Manali. In March the valley often has good snow cover, especially early in the month or after a fresh spell. It can be patchy by late March without recent snowfall.
Best for: Families, first time snow visitors, anyone who wants activities like sledging alongside views. About 30 to 45 minutes from Manali. Leave by 8 AM for cleaner snow and thinner crowds.
Local tip: Negotiate activity prices before you start. Avoid touts at the parking lot. Walk further into the valley for less crowded spots with equally good snow.
Gulaba and Kothi
Gulaba sits higher than Solang and often has deeper, more consistent snow in March. Kothi, on the way, is a quieter stop with valley views.
The road to Gulaba is the same one that leads towards Rohtang, but the section up to Gulaba is usually accessible.
Best for: Couples, photographers, and travellers who want a raw snow experience without the commercial scene. Roughly one hour from Manali. Morning between 8 and 10 AM is ideal.
Local tip: Gulaba access can be restricted without notice due to BRO road work or avalanche warnings. Confirm that morning before heading out. Carry your own snacks and water.
Atal Tunnel Viewpoints and Nearby Snow Zones
The Atal Tunnel connects the Manali side to Lahaul and is open year round in normal conditions. The area around the north portal often has snow in March, and the landscape just beyond the tunnel is memorable even without deep snow cover.
Best for: Everyone, including older travellers, since you get high altitude snow landscape without a difficult climb. About 45 minutes to the north portal, roughly 90 minutes to the south portal.
Local tip: Do not stop inside the tunnel for photos. Use designated viewing areas. Wind near the portals can be extremely cold, so carry a windproof jacket even if Manali town feels warm.
Sissu on the Lahaul Side
Beyond the Atal Tunnel, Sissu is one of the first villages on the Lahaul side. In March it can be a stunning snow landscape with frozen waterfalls and far fewer tourists than anything on the Manali side.
Best for: Travellers wanting a quieter, offbeat snow experience. Great for photography. About two to two and a half hours from Manali, entirely road dependent.
Local tip: Do not assume Sissu is accessible just because the Atal Tunnel is open. The road beyond the south portal can be blocked independently. Carry food and hot drinks as options in Sissu are very limited in March.
Sethan Snow Village
Sethan sits at about 2,700 metres on a different route from the Rohtang road. Far less commercialised than Solang with a fraction of the traffic. In March the village and meadows often have a good snow blanket, and the silence is a big part of the appeal.
Best for: Peaceful snow experience away from crowds. Couples and small groups. About one to one and a half hours from Manali.
Local tip: Stay overnight if you can. Sethan has a handful of homestays, and spending an evening there with snow all around and no city noise is something a day trip cannot match. Book ahead as options fill up on March weekends.
Which Snow Spot Should You Choose
Best for families: Solang Valley. Easy access, kid friendly activities, food and restrooms nearby.
Best for couples: Sethan for quiet romance, or Sissu for dramatic Lahaul valley views.
Best for fresh snow chances: Gulaba and Kothi. Higher elevation holds snow longer.
Best for low crowds: Sethan on weekdays, or Sissu if accessible.
Best for photography: Gulaba in morning light, or Sissu for wide valley and frozen waterfall shots.
Best for a short visit: Solang or the Atal Tunnel north portal area. Both reachable within an hour.
March 2026 Itineraries That Actually Work
One Day Snow Plan from Manali
- Morning: Leave Manali by 8 AM for Solang Valley. Spend two to three hours in the snow.
- Late morning: If road conditions allow, continue towards Gulaba for a quieter stop.
- Afternoon: Return to Manali for a warm meal and rest.
Plan B: If the Solang road is blocked, drive towards the Atal Tunnel north portal area instead. The route is different and often remains open independently.
Two Day Snow Plan
Day 1: Morning at Solang Valley for snow and activities. Afternoon return via Kothi.
Day 2: Morning drive through Atal Tunnel to Sissu (if road is open). Spend time at the village and return through the tunnel before dark.
Plan B for Day 2: If the tunnel side is inaccessible, drive to Sethan village instead. Completely different route, fresh experience.
Three Day Snow Plan
Day 1: Solang Valley morning. Afternoon in Manali town.
Day 2: Gulaba in the morning. Atal Tunnel north portal area if conditions allow. Afternoon return.
Day 3: Sethan village. Walk the snowy meadows. Afternoon return and pack up.
Plan B for any day: Swap in another spot from a different day. Three separate routes (Solang/Gulaba road, Atal Tunnel road, Sethan road) means all three being closed simultaneously is very unlikely.
For a ready made plan covering Solang, Sissu, and Sethan with built in flexibility, check out this Manali Solang Sissu Sethan snow trip designed as a 6 day 5 night itinerary.
What to Pack and Common Mistakes in March Snow Trips
Layering is everything. Manali town in March can feel pleasant during the day, but snow points are significantly colder and windier.
Wear a thermal base layer, a warm fleece mid layer, and a waterproof outer jacket. Avoid cotton as your base.
Footwear matters. Waterproof trekking shoes or snow boots with good grip are essential. Regular sneakers get soaked and become dangerously slippery.
Sun protection is not optional. Snow reflects UV strongly. Carry sunscreen (SPF 40 or higher), sunglasses, and a cap. Sunburn at altitude happens faster than most people expect.
For kids and seniors: March snow trips are generally fine at Solang and the Atal Tunnel area. Avoid Gulaba and Sethan for anyone with breathing difficulties or mobility issues. Dress kids in multiple warm layers and keep dry clothes in the car.
Common mistakes: Not checking road status that morning. Wearing jeans to snow points (they freeze and are miserable). Paying for activities without negotiating. Skipping meals and water. Trying to cover too many spots in one day.
Plan Your March Snow Trip with Travel Coffee
Planning a March snow trip takes a bit more thought than a summer visit, but the payoff is worth it. Fresh snow, thinner crowds, and the kind of mountain quiet that disappears by April.
We build every March itinerary with a Plan A and a Plan B so no single road closure ruins your holiday. Reach out to us for a customised plan with flexible routing. Just tell us your dates, group size, and what kind of snow experience you are looking for.
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