Travel Diaries of Irish Pereira: Manali Diaries

Winter tour to Manali - Live snowfall at Gulaba

At Gulaba Checkpost with our Car

Dates: 08th April 2026

Adventurers : Irish & Stuti Pereira

Driver : Mr. Kamlesh Verma (Mob : 98058 37732)

Prologue:
It was quick trip to Manali from 08th April to 10th April 2026. Being onset of summers in Manali, we never expected any snowfall activity. However when we reached Manali on 08th April, the weather forecast had changed by Grace of Almighty. And it was chilly rainy morning when we reached Manali.

On day 1, we actually had plans to explore Sissu through ATAL TUNNEL. However due to rainfall, there was heavy snowfall expected on higher regions of Manali. Due to which only 4x4 vehicles were allowed past Solang valley.

While strolling on mall road post breakfast, multiple drivers approached us to ferry us to Sissu by 4x4. However charges they quoted were very high. We decided to go back to hotel and then decide further plans.

Then one driver approached us and offered us to explore Gulaba on Rohtang pass route. He expected high chances of snowfall there. The charges he quoted appeared reasonable. Then within half an hour, the driver picked us up from our hotel - Vista Resort.

Before starting the car we prayed to Almighty to guide us and to avail us beautiful snowfall. It was there we got know that the driver also happened to Christian believer. Then he was our driver and guide for next 3 days till departure and brother for lifetime.

It is an hour journey to Gulaba. Initially it was raining at Manali when we started. However as we gained height, the rain covered into snowy flakes. And by the time we reached Gulaba check post, it was fully fledged snowfall.

What a wonderful moment it was !!!! It was a dream come true by Grace of Almighty. Or else who would have thought of full snowfall in summer.

Our guide Kamlesh warned us to spend around 45 minutes as more snowfall will clog the roads affecting our return journey. As we had 2x2 Maruti Celerio, it would get tricky if too much snow covers the road.

There having fun in snow for an hour, we had some maggie at local shack. Believe me when i say that the maggie tastes more tasty in mountains.

Then we hurriedly started back to Manali before snowfall covered the roads.

Summary : It was a dream come true to enjoy live snowfall in summers in Manali. We were out of words to describe the moment. All Thanks to Almighty God who made it possible. It is HE who controls the climate.