Solang Valley

Solang Nala (Valley) drives its name from combination of words Solang (Nearby village) and Nullah (water stream). It is a side valley at the top of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India 14 km northwest of the resort town Manali on the way to Rohtang Pass, and is known for its summer and winter sport conditions. The sports most commonly offered are parachuting, paragliding, skating and zorbing.

Giant slopes of lawn comprise Solang Valley and provide its reputation as a popular ski resort. A few ski agencies offering courses and equipment reside here and operate only during winters. Snow melts during the summer months starting May and skiing is then replaced by zorbing (a giant ball with room for 2 people which is rolled down a 200 metre hill), paragliding, parachuting and horse riding. A ropeway was recently opened.

How To Reach Solang:
To reach Solang, take a left turn at Palchan, about 10 km from Manali on Manali-Leh national highway and take Palchan-Dhundi road. Another way to reach is by trekking, where one passes through Old Manali, Barua and Banang villages. Trekking will involve small mountain water streams on the way. The best time for trekking is from May to November as snow is not there during this period. Rohtang Tunnel is being constructed just north of Dhundi. After the tunnel becomes operational in 2016, Palchan-Solang-Dhundi road will become a part of Leh-Manali national highway and the traffic on the road will increase considerably.

Accommodation:
A number of accommodation options are available as many hotels have come up recently. Adventurers will like to stay in tents and be near nature.