Manali emerges as India's adventure capital, sets global benchmark for heli-skiing, paragliding

Manali (HP): Nestled in the picturesque Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, Manali is bestowed with the inimitable gift of having thrilling adventure sports -- snow sports, aerosports and watersports - within a span of 50 kilometres.

Once known primarily as a honeymoon and sightseeing destination, Manali has repositioned itself as India's trendsetter in adventure tourism, offering all-weather and around-the-year adventure activities. Rock climbing, ice climbing, bungee jumping, zipline, and mountain biking are a few more to mention.

With improved access, certified operators and a growing pool of trained local guides, Manali has now become a 'magnet', attracting thrill-seekers across India and abroad, looking for structured, safe and high-altitude adventure.


Officials and industry stakeholders assert that the shift has proved a boon for tourism in Himachal as facilities are not seasonal or time-bound.

Manali is considered the pioneer of commercial heli-skiing in India. It started in 1990, serving as the operations base for helicopter-assisted skiing in the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, particularly around Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba and the slopes above Solang.

"Manali's topography provides a distinct advantage over other mountain destinations, and powder skiing at Manali is exceptional as it has a variety of exposures", says Chuni Thakur, the only certified heli skiing guide in India.

The altitude allows much greater back radiation than other areas, which creates excellent re-crystallised powder," he adds.

The heli-skiing season in Manali normally lasts from mid-January to March, depending on snowfall.

Helicopters drop skiers at altitudes above 3,500 metres, where they get access to vertical runs of 800 to 1,200 metres on untouched snow, unlike the ski resorts with lifts and crowds.

Prakash Thakur Budhi, president of the Hotel Owners Association in Manali, said, "If the government promotes adventure activities through proper platforms, there's a lot of scope to attract domestic and international tourists.

Industry operators claim that while Gulmarg is more famous for lift-based skiing, Manali remains India's primary hub for heli-accessed terrain, with the clientele including experienced skiers from Europe, Australia, Japan and Indian metros.

While heli-skiing caters to experts, snowshoe trekking is being promoted as "a quiet winter adventure on foot" that has opened up Himalayan winters to beginners and families between December and February, when snow depth in Solang, Sethan, Hamta and the forests around Old Manali reaches 2 to 4 feet.

"With snowshoes on, popular summer trekking routes transform into magical winter trails through silent forests, frozen streams, and wide open snowfields with breathtaking mountain views," said Sunny, a local guide, who leads regular snowshoe walks out of Sethan village.

Himachal Pradesh Tourism has been promoting Manali as part of its "Adventure Himachal" campaign, with the focus on safety standards, waste management on trails, and training for youth from nearby villages.

Tour operators have also altered their itinerary. Earlier, 70 per cent of visitors came for leisure and shopping, but today, about 35-40 per cent come specifically for other activities.

However, the Industry stakeholders see more challenges, like the need for capacity building, more certified instructors and guides, especially for winter sports, environmental management, effective checks on littering on popular trails and erosion during peak season.