Your car engine starts early in the morning while Delhi is still sleeping. You roll down the windows and the cool air fills the car. The road ahead is long but the destination is worth every kilometer. The transformation of the journey from Delhi to Manali goes through as you leave behind the concrete jungle and enter the world of winding roads, tall deodar trees and fresh mountain air.
Have you thought about how this journey has changed over the years? Earlier, roads were narrow and travel time was much longer. Today thanks to better highways you can reach Manali in nearly half the time.
Whether you are planning a solo trip, a family trip or a trip with friends, there are many ways to make your journey unforgettable. But before you start you need to know the best routes, travel time, weather conditions and hidden spots that most travelers miss. This guide covers everything you need to know, including some unexpected travel hacks to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
If you measure the distance in a straight line, Delhi and Manali will seem pretty close to each other. But do we travel in straight lines through the mountains, do we? The actual distance is 550 km and the terrain makes all the difference.
If you take the most popular route, you will go through Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh, covering highways, city roads and hill stretches. The distance doesn’t seem too long, but once you enter the mountains, the speed drops and time slows down. That’s when you realize this trip is more about the journey than the distance.
How long will it take to get to Manali? It depends on three things, your route, road conditions and how many times you stop. On an average day it takes 12 to 14 hours to complete the journey. But do not be surprised if it takes longer, especially if you travel on a weekend or during peak season.
Traffic jams near Chandigarh, roadblocks in Bilaspur and sudden weather changes in the mountains can slow you down. If you are travelling in winter, snow can add an extra couple of hours. The best way to avoid unnecessary delays is to start early, ideally before sunrise. Not only will you escape Delhi’s traffic but you will also get to see the sunrise over the plains before you hit the hills.
Have you ever seen Manali blanketed in fresh white snow with rooftops and trees looking like a Christmas card? Or do you prefer the sight of green valleys stretching for miles under the summer sun?
If you love clear skies and nice weather then the best time to visit is March to June. This is when the snow melts and the rivers are alive. The roads are clear and the weather is perfect for sightseeing. You can explore around without worrying about extreme temperatures.
If you want to experience monsoon magic then visit between July to September. But be warned, landslides are common during this time and travelling by road can be risky. But if you are one of those who love dramatic landscapes with misty mountains, the monsoon in Manali is an experience you won’t forget.
For those who dream of snowfall and winter sports then October to February is the best time. Manali becomes a winter wonderland and you can ski, snowboard and sip hot tea while watching snowfall outside your window. But be prepared for freezing temperatures and occasional roadblocks due to heavy snow.
There are so many things to do in Manali but one of the most exciting things to do is paragliding where you take off from a hilltop and glide over valleys with nothing but the wind taking you forward. If you love water adventures the Beas River has rafting experiences that will get your heart racing. You navigate through strong rapids with icy cold water splashing over you.
For those who visit in winter skiing and snowboarding are the best way to enjoy the season. The slopes of Solang Valley are perfect for both beginners and professionals. But if you prefer to explore on foot the trekking trails of Beas Kund and Hampta Pass will take you to some of the most beautiful spots hidden deep in the Himalayas.
If you are someone who loves speed then mountain biking is another activity you should try. Riding a bicycle on the curvy roads of Manali is an experience like no other. Every turn brings a new view and the mountain breeze makes the ride even more refreshing.
This is the most popular route and is open throughout the year. The journey starts on NH44 and NH154, passing through industrial towns and cities and then the beautiful landscapes of Himachal. Once you cross Chandigarh the mountains start appearing in the distance and the real road trip begins.
After Chandigarh you will enter the Himachal region and pass through Bilaspur, Mandi and Kullu before reaching Manali. The roads become curvy and air gets cooler as you go up. This route is good for first timers as the road conditions are better and more facilities are available on the way.
This route is less crowded but useful if you want to avoid NH44 traffic. It passes through Haryana’s small towns before joining the main highway near Ambala with NH152D. Roads are smooth and traffic is less but has fewer amenities as compared to Route 1. If you prefer a peaceful drive with less congestion then this route can be a good option.
Both routes take the same time but the first route is recommended for those who want a hassle free journey with lots of food and fuel stops. The second route is good for those who like to drive on quiet roads.
If you are travelling in your own car or rented car then you going to get the best experience of the journey. You get the option to schedule a trip as per convenience and can stop or de route wherever you want. But you need to take care of a few things before you start:
Is your car ready for the mountains? Manali roads especially the last stretch after Mandi can be treacherous. If you are driving a sedan with low ground clearance, you might struggle on certain rough patches. An SUV or a car with high ground clearance is the best for this trip. Also keep an eye on the fuel stations. Once you cross Mandi, petrol pumps become less frequent, so it’s a good idea to fill up before you enter the hills.
Traveling with a big group? Hiring a Tempo Traveller from Delhi to Manali is the most comfortable way to travel. With huge space, a lot of leg room and a driver who knows the route well you can sit back and relax and enjoy the journey.
Most Tempo Travellers in Manali are air conditioned and have reclining seats so the long journey becomes more comfortable. The best part is you don’t have to drive on steep mountain roads or deal with traffic. If you are travelling in peak season, it’s best to book your Tempo Traveller in advance as last minute booking can be costly.
If you are looking for budget friendly way to reach Manali, then the bus is the best option. Several Volvos and Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses run daily from Delhi to Manali.
The journey takes 12 to 14 hours, most overnight buses start from Majnu ka Tila and ISBT Kashmere Gate. If you want to travel luxuriously then opt for semi-sleeper or sleeper Volvos, they are better for long journeys.
While buses are cost effective, they don’t stop frequently. If you love to take breaks to enjoy the views then renting vehicles from AC Tempo Traveller Hire would be a better option. You get the option to choose from different seating capacity vehicles depending on your group size.
A road trip is incomplete without good food stops. The Delhi to Manali route has dhabas, cafes and restaurants where you can eat well. Here are some of the best places to stop for food en route.
Sukhdev Dhaba (Murthal, Haryana): You cannot start a road trip from Delhi without stopping at Murthal. Amrik Sukhdev Dhaba is famous for its butter loaded parathas served with curd and pickles. This place is always crowded and for a reason because the food is that good.
Haveli (Karnal, Haryana): If you want to have a royal dining experience, Haveli in Karnal is the place to go. The restaurant is designed like a Punjabi village and serves North Indian food. Try their dal makhani and tandoori roti for a full meal.
Café 1947 (Manali): If you want to celebrate your arrival in Manali with good food and music, head to Café 1947. Located by the river, this café serves wood fired pizzas, pasta and hot chocolate that’s perfect after a long drive.
Most visitors come to Naggar Castle for its beautiful architecture. Built in 15th century, this castle survived many earthquakes while many modern buildings around it collapsed. Its katkuni style architecture where interlocking wood and stone absorb shocks of natural disasters. Today it serves as a heritage hotel where you can have a cup of tea on the balcony overlooking Beas River.
The temple is dedicated to Hadimba, the demoness who married Bhima from Mahabharata. According to local legends she performed intense penance in the forest and the gods granted her divine status. Some believe that on certain nights her spirit still roams the temple complex.
Many tourists trek to Jogini Falls for its beautiful view. Jogini is believed to be a goddess and the small shrines near the falls are ancient worship sites. You will hear only the sound of gushing water and chirping of birds. If you want the best experience visit early in the morning when the mist rises from the valley.
This natural spring on Leh-Manali Highway is famous for its pure and ice-cold water. The water of Nehru Kund originates from Bhrigu Lake. Unlike bottled water this natural spring is not polluted and many locals believe it has medicinal properties.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site this national park is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Unlike zoos or commercialized wildlife parks animals here roam free in their natural habitat. If you are lucky you might spot the snow leopard. The park is also home to the Himalayan monal a bird with the most beautiful rainbow coloured feathers.
Most visitors come to Vashisht Temple for its natural hot water springs. Scientists believe underground volcanic activity heats the water making it rich in minerals. Locals believe the water is a divine blessing from Rishi Vashisht. Either way taking a dip here after a long journey can soothe your tired muscles and refresh your mind.
Located 14 kilometers from Manali, Solang Valley changes with every season. In summer it’s perfect for paragliding, zorbing and ATV rides and in winter it’s a snow wonderland for skiing and snowboarding. But did you know Solang Valley is also home to one of India’s first ski lifts? The lift built decades ago still operates and offers a bird’s eye view of the snow covered slopes.
Rohtang Pass is more than just a sightseeing spot. At 3978 meters it’s the gateway to Lahaul and Spiti Valley, regions known for their rugged landscapes and ancient monasteries. What most tourists don’t know is that the weather at Rohtang can change within minutes. A clear sky in the morning can turn into a full blown snowstorm by afternoon. That’s why local drivers always advise to leave early and return before sunset.
Nestled beside Parvati River, Kasol is famous for its Israeli cafes, trance music and laid back vibes. But have you ever wondered why so many Israelis come to this tiny village? After serving in the military many young Israelis come to Kasol to unwind and experience the peace. The food scene here is incredible, from hummus and falafel to shakshuka you will find authentic Israeli dishes everywhere.
If you are looking for a peaceful retreat away from the tourist crowds Tirthan Valley is the place to be. Located near the Great Himalayan National Park, this valley is perfect for trout fishing, riverside camping and exploring untouched forests. Unlike Manali which is full of hotels, Tirthan has cozy homestays where you can experience traditional Himachali hospitality.
