Himachal Pradesh has its own unique way of greeting the New Year: Himachal Winter Carnival. Celebrating its cultural heritage and traditions, every year in the month of January and February the state organizes a carnival in the majestic city of Manali. What a great way to kick start the New Year than by being thankful for what you have! Isn’t it?
Let us learn more about this extravagant festival in Himachal Pradesh.
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Why is the Manali Winter Carnival Celebrated?
Himachal started organizing the Winter Carnival back in 1977 as a skiing competition in Solang Nala and now after almost three decades the festival has become bigger and better! The festival promotes Himachal Tourism and showcases its cultural heritage with a great pomp and show. The number of activities has increased and the festival has gained in popularity amongst foreign tourists as well.
Date for Winter Carnival Festival in Manali 2025
The dates for the Himachal Winter Carnival 2025 have been fixed as 2nd Jan to 6th Jan.
Major Highlights of the Manali Winter Carnival Festival 2025
- Manali Winter Carnival 2025 (2 Jan to 6 Jan) will be celebrated for five days in Winter. It will showcase the cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh.
- Colorful and fun filled programs like Carnival Parade, Winter Queen contests, Voice of Winter Carnival, talent shows, street plays, classical and Bollywood dance contests will make the amazing Winter Carnival of Manali memorable for the tourists.
- For shopaholics, there will be a sale for textiles and local handicrafts products and the local cuisines of Himachal in the carnival will definitely tickle your taste buds. District based delicacies would be available.
- If you love adventures then there is a very good opportunity to take part in Skiing, and snowboarding, ice skating, paragliding, rafting etc. will be organized in a very planned manner, keeping in mind all the safety measures. Many indoor and outdoor games would also be organized to add delight to the carnival.
- Each day of carnival would have a different theme and theme-based activities would be organized to make the Carnival more interesting.
- The aim of Manali Winter Carnival is to showcase the heritage of Himachal Pradesh. In order to inform tourists about the traditions of Himachal, troupes of women will be wearing traditional clothes to the carnival. The local Pattu and Shawls will get a good boost.
- The state government has also planned to plant 5000 saplings in the area to extend greenery.
- Group cleanliness campaigns will happen before and after the event and it will be 100%plastic free.
How to Get There?
- By Air: The nearest airport, Bhuntar Airport (IATA code KUU), is at Bhuntar town, situated on NH21 about 50 km from Manali. The airport is also known as Kullu-Manali airport.
- By Road: Manali can be reached from Delhi by national highway NH 1 till Chandigarh and from there by national highway NH 21. The total distance from Delhi to Manali is 533 km. Buses ply in large numbers on this route.
- By Rail: The nearest broad-gauge railheads from Manali are at Chandigarh (275 km), Pathankot (325 km) and Kalka (310 km). The nearest narrow-gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar (135 kilometers).
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Where to Stay?
Since Manali is a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, a large number of domestic and international tourists throng the city round the year. Therefore, there has been a rapid growth of hotels and lodges in Manali that range from budget hotels to luxury resorts. One can choose from these hotels as per their budget and preference. There are HPTDC lodges in Manali as well; however, one has to book well in advance.
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Popular Tourist Attractions in Manali
Other than enjoying the Himachal Winter Carnival in Manali, one has the opportunity to visit Hadimba Temple, Rahalla Falls, The Manacle Gompa, Vashist Springs, Jagatsukh and Manu Temple. Apart from this, Tibetan monasteries at Manali are the best places to explore for peaceful vibes. The Tibetans living around these Monasteries offer a wide range of Tibetan Handicrafts and Carpets. Other than this Solang Valley, Naggar (a beautiful town near Manali) and Kothi (situated on the foothills of Rohtang Pass) are worth visiting in Manali for winter tourism.
Also Check Out: Complete Kullu Manali Tourism Guide
So, if you are ready to enjoy the Winter festive season in Himachal then Pay a visit to the Winter Carnival of Manali. Celebrated once in a year, this festival is one of a kind where you get to see all the traditions, colors, culture and heritage of Himachal come together in a single platform. It is one of the best ways to enjoy winters in Himachal.
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