One of India’s most popular tourism destinations is Manali, a charming hamlet tucked away in the Himalayas. This quaint hill station in Himachal Pradesh draws visitors with its snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, adventurous activities, and tranquil atmosphere. Planning a trip from Delhi to Manali can be made easier and more pleasurable if you are aware of the distance, routes, modes of transportation, and local attractions. This in-depth post covers every aspect of the journey from Delhi to Manali and what to anticipate.
An overview of the distance between Delhi and Manali
Depending on the route taken, the approximate distance between Delhi and Manali is between 540 and 560 kilometres. Although this might seem doable, travel times might vary greatly depending on the weather, traffic, and mode of transportation due to Himachal Pradesh’s high landscape and twisting roadways. This distance can be travelled by car in 12 to 14 hours on average.
This journey can be taken by air (via Bhuntar Airport), train (partially), or road (by vehicle or bus). We’ll go over each option’s advantages and disadvantages in detail. Each mode delivers a different experience.
The Most Popular Paths to Manali from Delhi
For those who drive or take buses, NH 44 and NH 3 are the most popular routes. The most popular road route is broken down as follows:
Delhi to Panipat, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Chandigarh, Bilaspur, Mandi, Kullu, and final destination, Manali
Generally speaking, this highway is beautiful and well-kept, especially up to Chandigarh. After that, the route becomes more twisting and hilly, providing beautiful views but necessitating careful driving. Particularly during the monsoon and tourist seasons, the road between Mandi and Manali can be narrow and clogged.
Road Travel: From Delhi to Manali via car
Driving from Delhi to Manali is an exciting experience if you like taking road vacations. With a combination of highways and mountain roads, the route allows visitors to take in the splendour of the foothills, rivers, and rural areas of North India.
12–14 hours is the estimated time by automobile.
To avoid traffic, it is best to begin early in the morning, between 4 and 5 AM.
Fuel and Tolls: Make sure your car uses less fuel and be ready for tolls on the NH 3 and NH 44 highways. In general, toll booths run smoothly and are positioned appropriately.
Suggested Stops:
Murthal (at the well-known dhabas during breakfast)
Chandigarh (for a quick supper or city detour)
Lake Sundernagar
Pandoh Dam (excellent for taking pictures)
The entrance to the Parvati Valley is Kullu.
Bus Travel: A Popular and Affordable Choice
Between Delhi and Manali, a lot of travellers choose to travel via Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) or Volvo buses. There are several types of buses: semi-sleeper, sleeper, luxury Volvos, non-AC, and air-conditioned.
Depending on the bus type and service provider, the fare ranges from ₹800 to ₹2,000. Duration: 12 to 15 hours, subject to weather and traffic.
Benefits:
Not having to worry about driving
Typically, buses leave from Majnu Ka Tila or ISBT Kashmere Gate.
Travelling overnight saves time and money on one night’s lodging.
Drawbacks:
Not quite as adaptable as driving
For anyone who are prone to motion sickness, winding mountain routes can be uncomfortable.
Air Travel: The Quickest but Not the Closest
Although there isn’t a direct airport to Manali, the closest one is Bhuntar Airport (also known as Kullu–Manali Airport), which is around 50 kilometres from Manali town. Air India and a few smaller airlines are the primary airlines that offer flights from Delhi to Bhuntar.
Flight time: roughly one and a half hours
It takes 1.5 to 2 hours to drive from Bhuntar to Manali.
Four to five hours total trip time, including transportation and layovers
Important Information: Weather-related delays frequently affect flights, particularly during the winter or monsoon seasons. Additionally, they are more expensive; depending on the season, they usually cost between ₹4,000 and ₹10,000.
Partial Coverage of Train Connectivity
Manali is not reachable by train. On the other side, you can travel to Chandigarh or Ambala by train from Delhi, and then continue on to Manali by bus or cab.
As an alternative, passengers can take a train to the nearest narrow-gauge railway station, Joginder Nagar, and then drive to Manali. But it takes a lot of time, and most people don’t like taking this method.
The Best Time to Go to Manali from Delhi
Although Manali is a year-round destination, the road conditions and your whole experience might be greatly affected by the time of year you come.
The most popular season is summer (April to June), when the roads are clear and the weather is pleasant. Perfect for family vacations and touring.
Monsoon season, which runs from July to September, can cause landslides and slick roadways due to heavy rains. Use caution when travelling during this time.
Winter (October to February): Manali becomes a winter wonderland when it snows. Excellent for snow sports, but dangerous for driving. Keep an eye out for any road closures.
Travel Advice and Road Safety
There are some safety precautions to take when travelling from Delhi to Manali, particularly by bus or automobile:
Weather check: Prior to leaving, always check the forecast, particularly in the winter and monsoon seasons.
Condition of the vehicle: Verify that the headlights, tyres, and brakes are all in excellent shape.
Keep your tank filled because there aren’t many gas outlets after Bilaspur.
Steer clear of nighttime driving, particularly in mountainous areas where road markings are dim and visibility is poor.
Emergency kit: Keep water, snacks, and a basic medical and repair kit on hand.
Seeing Things While Travelling
The trip delivers magnificent surprises in addition to the stunning destination. Along the way, some must-see locations are:
Sundernagar Lake: A tranquil place to relax.
Pandoh Dam: An engineering wonder offering expansive views.
Hanogi Mata Temple: A serene retreat surrounded by greenery.
Kullu Market: Well-known for its handcrafted goods and woollen goods.
In addition to providing relaxation, these locations provide visitors a glimpse of Himachali customs and culture.
Options for Food and Drink
The cuisine is one of the pleasures of a road trip. Murthal, next to Sonepat, is well-known for its dhabas that serve lassi, curd, and parathas. There are a lot of cafés and restaurants in Chandigarh. Smaller restaurants serving regional fare like siddu, rajma-chawal, and momos can be found on the steep terrain outside Bilaspur and Mandi.
For youngsters and senior citizens in particular, remember to pack water and light snacks to prevent motion sickness and dehydration.
Places to Stay in Manali
It is important to find a comfy area to rest after a long journey. Manali provides a variety of lodging options:
Low-cost lodging options in Old Manali
Homestays and mid-range motels on Mall Road or Vashisht
Luxurious resorts and villas in neighbourhoods such as Naggar Road, Log Hut, and Prini
Due to strong demand, make reservations in advance during the busiest times of the year (summer and winter vacations).
Examining Manali Following the Trip
The true journey starts once you get in Manali. Among the main draws are:
The Solang Valley is ideal for zorbing, skiing, and paragliding.
Rohtang Pass is open in the summer and provides breathtaking views and snow.
Old Manali is well-known for its local markets, cafes, and bohemian atmosphere.
For a natural and cultural experience, visit Jogini Falls, Hadimba Temple, and Vashisht Baths.
Additionally, Manali serves as a starting point for trips to locations like Leh, Spiti, Kasol, and the Tirthan Valley.
In conclusion
The 550-kilometer journey from Delhi to Manali is much more than just a numerical one; it is a change from the bustling city of Delhi to the serene tranquilly of the Himalayas. The route offers amazing experiences at every stop, whether you decide to drive, take a bus, fly, or combine multiple means. Making advance plans, monitoring the roads and weather, and being aware of your alternatives will help ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable journey.
Travelling the Delhi to Manali route could be the ideal Himalayan getaway you’ve been longing for if you want a journey that is as rewarding as the final destination.