[Sumain]

Originally Posted by wandering soul

Hi All,

I am planning a winter trip to Dharmashala/Mcleodganj and Lahaul Valley from 15 Jan onwards next year.
I shall enter Himachal on 15th itself from Pathankot. Rest of the itinerary is truly open depending upon accessibility for my FWD Alcazar.
I wish to cover Manali, Sethan, Koksar, Sissu and return to Shimla via Tirthan valley.
Is it doable? What areas can I expect to be accessible in those days?
We shall be 4 adults and 2 Kids below 10 year.
All expert advices are wholeheartedly welcome. Thanks in advance.

You are likely to encounter snow in several places at that time of year, and the FWD Alcazar will not be able to cope with that.
Suggest you rent a 4x4, Fortuner or similar, from Delhi or Chandigarh, with proper tyres - All Terrain (AT) M+S (Mud+Snow).
Can even consider carrying snow chains as a precaution.
And if you do not have prior experience with snow driving, then please join an experienced group or expedition. (They will have the requisite expertise and rescue equipment to keep you safe.) Do not venture out into the snow on your own (you have children on board).
If you want to use your FWD Alcazar, then try to restrict your altitude to 1500m/5000ft or so - where chances of finding snow are very low.
Be safe.

[gyanbaba]

Originally Posted by wandering soul

Hi All,

I am planning a winter trip to Dharmashala/Mcleodganj and Lahaul Valley from 15 Jan onwards next year.

I shall enter Himachal on 15th itself from Pathankot. Rest of the itinerary is truly open depending upon accessibility for my FWD Alcazar.

I wish to cover Manali, Sethan, Koksar, Sissu and return to Shimla via Tirthan valley.

Is it doable? What areas can I expect to be accessible in those days?

It's partly doable... There are challenges indeed because of the potential snow. I hope you are not rushing ... rather have 7-10 days at your disposal.
Let's break your travel plan into multiple legs:
1. Dharamshala and Mcleo: Try to book your stay in lower parts of Dharamshala, near the national highway. Mcleo is higher and situation might get tricky with FWD. Watch the weather before you decide if you can venture out by yourself or book a cab for Mcleo/local sightseeing. Also, don't book any mountain-top resorts as the route might be treacherous.

2. Dharamshala to Manali would not have any challenge.

3. Manali: Don't book your hotel in Manali too early. It is too early to predict the snow conditions now. But once you have travelled Mcleo, and have the snow predictions checked, you might know what to expect in Manali. Accordingly, you decide if you should stay near highway, Simsa, Old Manali, Bhoorva, Jagatsukh etc.

If there is a live snow in Manali, Police won't allow you to cross Nehru Kund. Even 4x4 are not allowed (not advisable either). Gypseys would charge like hell to bypass things and take you on the other side. Once, I paid like INR 1000 for a 2km drive.

If Manali is clear, and live snow in Solang, they will stop everyone at Solang... Next check would be at Dhundhi (The most risky spot), just before Atal Tunnel. If weather is all clear till Atal Tunnel, you can travel to Sissu/Koksar. However, Police won't allow you to go beyond.

Now a cheat code: Talk to anybody local (there are so many vloggers on YouTube/insta) and ask for a 4x4 Gypsy/Gymny. Subscribe to their channel and pretend like you are their die-hard fan. They can find a way to take you to Sethan.

4. Tirthan valley: I assume that by the time you might be feeling too bored with snow and nostalgic to go back home. I won't advise to go via Tirthan Valley to Shimla as you might not fully-enjoy the beautiful Tirthan Valley and the Great Himlayan National Park.
BUT...
Even if the fortune is against you and you couldn't find live snow in Manali, definitely you can proceed to Tirthan Valley and the Great Himlayan National Park, but you can't drive to Shimla via Jalori Pass due to the snow blockage.
I think now it would be too much to drive to Shimla either but if you wish, you can go via Mandi -> TattaPani -> Naldehra -> Shimla. However, please remember that you can do this route only if it was too dry in Manali. Otherwise, this route become tricky with a lot of sections with black ice making it tough for any FWD.

I hope I answered all your queries.
All the best for your trip!

[wandering soul]

Originally Posted by gyanbaba

It's partly doable... There are challenges indeed because of the potential snow. I hope you are not rushing ... rather have 7-10 days at your disposal.
Let's break your travel plan into multiple legs:

This includes all queries and any cross-queries that may arise. Thanks for the detailed reply. I shall plan accordingly.

[saurabh89]

Folks - I’m planning a short trip to Manali next week from Delhi. Wanted to understand the latest about road conditions, especially near Ambala and after sundarnagar towards Manali.

Thank you.