Just think of the image where you are waking up to snow mountains, green valleys and the
Beas River
flowing through forests. A Delhi to Manali road trip brings you into the heart of the
Himalayas where
adventure meets peace. Whether you are looking for some outdoor activities or relaxation
in nature’s lap
you get it here. The Delhi to Manali distance is approximately 520 km and the drive
offers breathtaking
views and a chance to escape the city.
Quick Info
| Delhi to Manali Distance by Road
|
550 Km |
| Travel Time |
12-14 Hours |
| Routes |
NH44 and NH154, NH152D |
| Route 1 |
Delhi-Panipat-Kurukshetra-Ambala-Chandigarh-Bilaspur-Mandi-Kullu-Manali
|
| Route 2 |
Delhi-Rohtak-Jind-Kaithal-Pehowa-Ambala-Chandigarh-Bilaspur-Mandi-Kullu-Manali
|
Delhi to Manali Road
Conditions
The drive from Delhi to Manali is a scenic one with lots of landscapes and historical
places. Route 1
via NH44 and NH154 is faster and more popular that takes you through major stops like
Kurukshetra, a
city famous for its connection with Mahabharata and Chandigarh, the beautiful capital of
Punjab and
Haryana. You can visit Pinjore Gardens near Chandigarh or take a detour to Rock Garden
in Chandigarh
before heading to the peaceful hills of Bilaspur and Mandi.
The other route via NH 152D takes a bit more time but you will pass through some of the
rural areas of
Haryana like Rohtak, Jind and Kaithal before merging with NH44 near Ambala. This route
also takes you to
Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh and offers more countryside views before you hit the
mountains.
Both the routes offer great views but road conditions may vary with weather and traffic.
The roads
after Bilaspur are narrower and more winding so extra care is required especially during
monsoon or
winter.
Travelling from Delhi to Manali
by
Road
Travelling from Delhi to Manali by Tempo Traveller is a great experience if
planned well. Whether
you are travelling in a cab or a tempo traveler, the road trip has plenty of dhabas,
scenic view points
and historical places to stop by. Best time to travel is between March to June when the
weather is
pleasant or during winters if you want to see Manali in snow.
Popular Hotels in Manali
| Hotel Name |
Address |
Contact |
| Snow Valley Resort |
Log Hut Area, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131 |
087606 00001 |
| The Orchard Greens Resort |
Log Huts Area Rd, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131 |
093501 71709 |
| The Himalayan |
Kullu Valley, Hadimba Temple Rd, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
|
01902 250 777 |
| Renest River Country Resort |
NH-3, Rangri, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131 |
098160 10005 |
Other Ways to Travel from
Delhi to
Manali
You can reach Manali by other modes of transportation as well
How to Reach Manali by
Train
Manali doesn’t have its own railway station but the nearest railway sations are
Chandigarh and Ambala
from where you can continue the journey by bus or cab. Several express trains from
New Delhi to
Chandigarh make the journey comfortable. Recently added Vande Bharat Ex train will
add a new
excitement to your journey where you will reach Chandigarh in just 2 hrs and 48
mins. Below are some
popular trains:
| Train |
Departure (New
Delhi) |
Arrival
(Chandigarh) |
Travel Time |
| Kalka Shatabdi Express |
7:40 AM |
10:59 AM |
3 Hours 19 Mins |
| Jan Shatabdi Express |
2:35 PM |
6:45 PM |
4 Hours 10 Mins |
| Netaji Express |
9:10 PM |
1:35 AM |
4 Hours 25 Mins |
| Unchahar Express |
4:15 AM |
9:15 AM |
5 Hours |
| Vande Bharat Ex |
5:50 AM |
8:38 AM |
2 Hours 48 Mins |
After reaching Chandigarh or Ambala you can easily hire a cab or catch a state bus
to cover the
remaining 269 km to Manali which takes around 6-7 hours. Private taxis or Volvo
buses are also
available directly from Chandigarh to Manali.
How to Reach Manali by
Flight
If you are looking for a quicker option then the nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar
Airport also
known as Kullu-Manali Airport which is 50 km away. There are limited flights from
Delhi to Bhuntar but
it’s a good alternative to the long drive. The flight takes 1 hour and once you land
at Bhuntar a 1.5
hour scenic drive through Kullu Valley will take you to Manali. Please note that
flights to Bhuntar
are weather dependent especially in winter months.
Sightseeing Places in
Manali
Manali is a treasure trove of attractions, something for every kind of traveler.
Adventure lovers can
head to Solang Valley where paragliding, zorbing and skiing are the popular activities.
In winter the
valley turns into a white wonderland for snow lovers. Rohtang Pass is another major
attraction that
offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and is a must visit if you are traveling between
May to
November. At the heart of Manali is Hadimba Temple surrounded by deodar trees offering a
peaceful
retreat in nature. Vashisht Hot Springs are just nearby where you can relax in nature’s
own jacuzzi. Old
Manali with its cozy cafes and local markets is perfect for those looking for culture
and serenity. Mall
Road is the hub for shopping, food and people watching. You can book Manali tour package
from Delhi at
best price. For a small group tour, you can book 12
Seater Maharaja tempo traveller in Delhi for comfortable trip.
Nearby Road Trips from
Manali
| Nearby Destinations |
Distance |
Time Taken |
| Manali to Solang Valley |
13 Km |
30 Minutes |
| Manali to Kasol |
75 Km |
2.5 Hours |
| Manali to Rohtang Pass |
36 Km |
1.5 Hours |
| Manali to Spiti Valley |
177 Km |
5-6 Hours |
| Manali to Leh (Ladakh) |
462 Km |
10-11 Hours |
Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Plan for Unpredictable Weather: It can change rapidly in the mountains. Check
the weather
forecast especially during monsoon and winter when landslides or snow can block the
roads.
- Drive Slowly and Safely: The roads around Manali are full of sharp turns and
narrow roads.
Make sure your driver is experienced in mountain driving and don’t overtake on blind
curves.
- Fuel Up in Advance: Fuel stations become scarce as you go up in the
mountains. It’s better to
fuel up in cities like Chandigarh or Bilaspur to avoid running out of fuel.
- Emergency Kit Essentials: Since you are in a remote area, pack an emergency
kit with a power
bank, flashlight, basic tools and first-aid supplies. In case of roadblocks or
breakdowns these can be
a lifesaver.
- Book in Advance: During peak season like summer and winter hotels in Manali
get booked fast.
Pre-book your accommodation to avoid last minute hassles.
- Keep Cash Handy: While card payments are accepted at many places, smaller
establishments in
and around Manali may not accept cards. Carry enough cash for tolls, food stops and
emergencies.
- Layer up: Weather in Manali can change drastically in a day so layer up to
stay comfortable.
