When you think of Manali, you likely picture pine-covered slopes, snow-capped mountains, and cozy cafés by the Beas River. But thereâs a lesser-known experience that quite literally lifts you above it allâhot air ballooning in Manali. Floating silently in the sky while the Himalayan peaks stretch far beyond the horizon is something I never knew I needed until I did it.
If you're planning a trip to this beautiful Himachali town and want to add something unique to your itinerary, hereâs what a hot air balloon ride in Manali is really likeâalong with tips on when to go, how to book, and what to expect.
Thereâs something magical about gliding through the air without an engineâjust the soft roar of the burner and the gentle sway of the wind. In Manali, the backdrop is what makes it unforgettable. Youâre not just flying over a fieldâyouâre floating above apple orchards, mountain villages, and snow-dusted ridges with views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges in every direction.
Unlike paragliding (which is adrenaline-packed), hot air ballooning offers tranquility and perspective. Itâs peaceful, slow, and surrealâideal for families, couples, and anyone looking to soak in the landscape from above.
Hot air balloon rides in Manali typically happen in Dobhi (around 20 km from Manali town) or sometimes near Solang Valley, depending on wind and weather. Most rides are tethered, meaning the balloon is anchored to the ground while ascending and descending in a controlled space. This makes it safer and more beginner-friendly.
Ride details:
If you're lucky and conditions allow, free-flying rides (untethered) may be offered by certain operatorsâbut these are less common and more expensive.
The ideal months for hot air ballooning are from March to June and September to November, when the weather is dry, skies are clearer, and visibility is fantastic.
Avoid: Monsoon season (July and August) due to unpredictable weather, and deep winter (DecemberâFebruary), when balloon operations may pause due to snowfall and wind conditions.
You can book hot air balloon rides in advance through local adventure tour operators in Manali or directly at adventure hubs near Dobhi and Solang. Itâs also common to find ride options bundled with paragliding, rafting, or ATV activities.
Cost:
Important: Always ensure the operator follows safety protocols and uses licensed equipment. Donât hesitate to ask for details about certification and weather checks.
Iâll never forget the moment the balloon lifted. One second we were on solid ground, and the next, we were floating above the treetops, with a view so wide it made my breath catch. The wind was gentle, the silence was almost sacred, and the mountainsâoh, the mountainsâlooked close enough to touch.
Even though it lasted only ten minutes, it felt like time had slowed down. Watching the sunlight fall on the valley below, seeing people become tiny dots, and feeling the weightlessness in my chestâit was both grounding and uplifting in the same moment.
Itâs one of those things you donât really understand until youâve done it.
The ride isnât overly intense, but youâll want to be prepared:
If you have motion sickness, donât worryâballooning is smooth and gentle, with no sudden movements or drops.
While Manali has plenty to offer on landâtreks, markets, temples, and cafésâseeing it from the sky changes everything. A hot air balloon ride gives you not just a new view, but a new perspective. Itâs peaceful, beautiful, and strangely emotional.
Whether youâre a solo traveller looking for a moment of calm, a couple wanting a romantic experience, or a family wanting something fun and differentâthis is a memory worth making. So next time you're in Manali, take to the skies. You might just fall in love with the mountains all over againâfrom above.
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