Solang Nala is 14 km from Manali. It is a small valley at the base of the mountain before the majestic mountains take over on the North. There’s no end of the mountains from here. This gentle slope is just the right place for skiing during winter. It is popularly a winter destination.
- Paragliding at Solang Nala
- Stony footpath towards Solang Nala
- Solang Nala 14 km from Manali
- Gondola Ride at Solang Nala
- The upper mountain stop at the Ropeaway and the restaurants
- View of the upper stop at the Ropeaway
- Para-gliders walking down to the launching ground
- Para-gliders taking off at Solang Nala
- Horse riding at Solang Nala
- Para-gliders landing at Solang Nala
In summer, the snow melts away and sprout of grass covers the valley, only to be tramped over by tourists. During this time skiing is replaced by Zorbing, a sport in which two people seated inside a giant transparent ball are rolled down the hill. Horse riding is another sport done here, though sometimes it is done much higher on the mountains.
The deodars and mountains surrounding mountains looked lush and refreshing. Ropeaway which was recently opened lifts you up to the mountain at great altitude. It is also known as the Gondola ride. A ride, which covers for the return costs Rs.500/ individual. Looking out of the glass case you could see the valley sprawled below. Later as you go higher you looked down at tree canopies. The experience enriched your vision. You got to see things in different perspective. It was interesting to see how technology made things much easier. I had taken a whole lot of time to hike to Solang Nala from Manali. Here 10 minutes later I was on top of a mountain.
The mountain station is set up at a picturesque slope just beneath the peak. You can get a great view of the valley below and the mountains across the valley. There are two restaurants here with seats facing the snow covered mountains.
Paragliding is by far the most adventurous sport here. Para-gliders willing to splurge Rs.1500 are taken up through the Ropeaway. They than had to make a steep climb down at the launching ground. The launching ground is hidden between two mountain crotches, facing more towards Manali. This is where you get maximum wind for the sail. It was interesting to watch Para-gliders take off shakily, then relishing when they sailed above the deodars before finally making a landing at the valley.
At the valley, quad biking is another popular activity. Solang Nala is the most visited tourists’ destination in Manali. There are shops and food stores all along the valley. Buses ply twice daily from Manali to Solang Nala.
