Ever found yourself gazing at your screen while tired of the daily grind and wanting to escape to the mountains? The thought of leaving behind the traffic, noise and chaos of Delhi for the serene beauty of Manali is enough to make anyone start planning a trip. But the question is, how do you make this trip the best one possible?
This is an adventure that takes you from highways to winding mountain roads with stunning views. If you are travelling with family or a group of friends then renting a Tempo Traveller in Delhi is a popular option that gives you both comfort and convenience. The journey is long but every turn brings something new, a hidden tea stall serving hot chai, a sunrise over the Shivalik hills or a river flowing beside the road. But before you start your journey, knowing the best travel routes, stops and important details will help you avoid any last minute delays. Let’s get into everything you need to know for a smooth trip.
Delhi and Manali Distance
The total distance from Delhi to Manali by road is 520 km. The travel time is 11-12 hours but can vary depending on route, traffic and weather. Some people complete the journey in one go while others take breaks and stop at famous dhabas and scenic spots.
The first part of the journey up to Chandigarh is smooth and fast as you are on NH44. After Chandigarh, the road starts ascending and the real mountain journey begins. Bilaspur-Mandi-Kullu stretch is where the road gets narrow with sharp turns and frequent landslide areas. If you are travelling in peak season you may face traffic jams near Kullu which adds to your time.
One thing that surprises many first time travellers is that the last 150 km of the journey takes as much time as the first 380 km due to the mountain roads. That’s why many travellers start early in the morning ideally 4 AM or 5 AM to avoid city traffic and reach the mountains early.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Manali?
Have you ever reached a place only to find out you went at the wrong time? Manali is beautiful every season but the experience is different when you visit.
If you like clear skies, pleasant weather and outdoor activities, the best time to visit is between March to June. The temperature is between 10°C to 25°C perfect for sightseeing and adventure sports. But this is peak season and roads are crowded and hotels are expensive.
Between July to September, Manali becomes a green paradise. But don’t get fooled. Monsoon brings landslides, roadblocks and unpredictable delays. If you still decide to travel during this season, keep an eye on weather updates and avoid night driving in hilly areas.
If you want to walk on snow covered roads and experience sub zero temperatures, winter is the best time. From October to February, Manali becomes a snow wonderland and thousands of tourists visit. But remember some high altitude roads including Rohtang Pass might be closed due to heavy snowfall.
How to Reach Manali from Delhi?
There are plenty of options available to travel from Delhi to Manali but the road trip is the most preferred way. Whether you are travelling with your own vehicle or with a rented one. This trip will be an unforgettable one.
By Road
The best and most scenic way to reach Manali is by road. You can drive yourself or rent a car if travelling in a group. Many travellers start their trip early in the morning to avoid traffic near Delhi and Chandigarh. Along the way, there are many great stops, Murthal, Chandigarh, Mandi, and Kullu where you can take breaks and explore.
By Bus
Several private and government buses operate between Delhi and Manali, so this is a budget friendly option. Most popular are Volvo and sleeper buses which offer a comfortable overnight journey. Travel time varies between 13 to 15 hours and ticket price is between ₹900 to ₹1,800 depending on the service provider. Most buses depart from Majnu Ka Tila, Kashmiri Gate and RK Ashram Metro Station.
By Train
There is no direct train to Manali. The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar which is located 160 km from Manali. From there you need to take a bus or hire a taxi to complete the journey which takes another 5 to 6 hours. Due to limited train connectivity most of the travellers prefer road or bus travel.
By Flight
The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport which is 50 km away. But flight options are limited and flights get cancelled frequently due to weather conditions. After landing a taxi ride to Manali takes around 2 hours.
Delhi to Manali Routes
There are two main routes through which one can travel from Delhi to Manali by road.
Route 1: Delhi – Panipat – Kurukshetra – Ambala – Chandigarh – Bilaspur – Mandi – Kullu – Manali
- Via – NH44 and NH154.
- Total Distance – 520 Km
- Travel Time – 10.5 hours
- Road condition – Well maintained road with multiple food joints and fuel stations along the way.
Route 2: Delhi – Rohtak – Jind – Kaithal – Pehowa – Ambala – Chandigarh – Bilaspur – Mandi – Kullu – Manali’
- Via – NH152D
- Total Distance – 580 Km
- Travel Time – 11.5 hours
- Road condition – Good option during peak hours to avoid some of the traffic congestion.
Travelling from Delhi to Manali by Tempo Traveller
Have you ever been on a long trip with friends or family and realized that stuffing into a small car was the biggest mistake? Comfort plays a huge role in any trip. That’s why many travellers prefer to hire a Tempo Traveller from Delhi to Manali for a hassle free experience.
A Tempo Traveller is the best option if you are travelling in a group of 9 to 25 seater. People. Unlike regular cars it has spacious seating, ample legroom and the option to recline and relax during the long journey. If you love road trips but hate driving for hours, hiring a chauffeur driven Tempo Traveller is the best decision you can make. The driver is well aware of the route and will ensure a smooth ride while you enjoy the changing landscapes outside your window.
Most Tempo Travellers have charging points, AC and comfortable push back seats making the journey less tiresome. If you are travelling in peak season it is always advisable to book a Tempo Traveller in advance to avoid last minute price hikes.
Read More: Delhi to Shimla by Road- Distance, Route & Travel Information
Places to Stop En Route
Travelling on a long road trip is never complete without some interesting stops along the way. Here is some place where you can stop relax, eat or simply enjoy the surroundings.
Murthal
Have you not stopped at Murthal for a buttery paratha and hence not travelled from Delhi? Located on NH44, this place is famous for its roadside dhabas and North Indian food. Amrik Sukhdev and Haveli are the most popular here. A plate of hot aloo paratha with fresh white butter and lassi will start your journey.
Chandigarh
One of the cleanest cities in India, Chandigarh is a great place to take a break before hitting the hills. If you have time, visit Sukhna Lake or Rock Garden. For a quick bite, there are many café style eateries serving sandwiches, pasta and refreshing drinks.
Bilaspur
This is where the road starts getting hilly and you get the first glimpse of the mountains. Bilaspur is famous for Gobind Sagar Lake where you can take a short break to stretch your legs and enjoy the calm waters. If you are looking for a quick refreshment stop, there are many small tea stalls along the highway.
Mandi
Often called the “Varanasi of the Hills”, Mandi is home to many ancient temples. Pandoh Dam on Beas River is a must stop. The view of the dam is spectacular especially in monsoon season. There are a few roadside food stalls here where you can get Maggie, chai and pakoras.
Kullu
Before reaching Manali, you pass through Kullu, a town famous for apple orchards and river rafting. If you are travelling in September-October, you can stop at an orchard to pick fresh apples. Kullu Valley is also famous for handwoven woolen shawls which are a great souvenir to take back home.
Best Places to Visit in Manali
After reaching Manali you will realize that there are many places to explore.
Hidimba Devi Temple
This old wooden temple surrounded by deodar trees is one of the most popular place to visit in Manali. This temple is dedicated to Hidimba Devi who was the wife of Bhima from Mahabharata and was built in 16th century. The wooden carvings and peaceful surroundings make it great for photography.
Great Himalayan National Park
If you love trekking and wildlife then you can not miss this place. Spread over 1,171 sq km, it is home to snow leopards, Himalayan brown bears and over 350 species of birds. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a paradise for nature lovers.
Manikaran
Situated 35 km from Manali, Manikaran is famous for hot springs and gurudwara. Many people believe that hot springs have medicinal properties. You can also visit the nearby temples of Lord Shiva and Ram.
Jogini Waterfall
A 3 km trek from Vashisht Village will take you to Jogini Waterfall. The trek is easy and offers great views of the valley. The sound of water falling from the rocks is refreshing and makes it a perfect place for picnic or meditation.
Rohtang Pass
One of the most popular places near Manali, Rohtang Pass is at 13,058 feet above sea level. If you visit in summer, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding and snow scooter rides. However, this route is closed from November to April due to heavy snowfall.
Solang Valley
If you are an adventure junkie, this is the place to be. Solang Valley offers paragliding, zorbing, skiing and ATV rides. In winter, the valley turns into a skiing destination and professionals offer lessons to beginners.
Manu Temple
Dedicated to the sage Manu, this temple is one of the few in India dedicated to the creator of humanity according to Hindu mythology. The temple’s traditional wooden architecture and location on a hill make it a peaceful place to visit.
Conclusion
A trip from Delhi to Manali is more than just a long drive. It is an experience with changing landscapes, roadside fun and finally being in the mountains. Whether you drive your own car, take a bus or hire a Tempo Traveller the journey is an experience in itself.
Once you reach Manali you can visit historical temples, trek to waterfalls, try adventure sports or just enjoy the cold mountain air. The best part about Manali is that every season is different. Whether you visit in summer for clear skies or in winter for snow you will not be disappointed.
If you are planning to go soon make sure to start early, take breaks at some of the interesting places on the way and choose your travel season wisely. And most importantly do not rush through the journey enjoy every moment of the road trip. After all the best memories are made on the road!
