How to Travel from Delhi to Manali + Complete Manali Travel Guide (2025 Edition)
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- on Jun 11, 2025
Planning a trip from Delhi to Manali? Whether you’re chasing snowy landscapes, mountain adventures, or just a break from city life, Manali has everything you’re dreaming of—and getting there is easier than you think! This all-in-one guide covers how to reach Manali, where to stay, what to explore, and the must-do experiences.
📍 Distance Between Delhi and Manali
The distance from Delhi to Manali is approximately 530 kilometers by road. Depending on the travel mode, it can take 11 to 14 hours.
🛣️ 1. By Road – Bus, Car, or Bike
🚌 By Bus
Traveling by bus is one of the most popular and budget-friendly ways to reach Manali.
- Types of Buses: Ordinary, Semi-sleeper, Sleeper, AC Volvo
- Duration: 12–14 hours
- Fare: ₹700 to ₹1,800 (depending on the bus type)
- Boarding Points: ISBT Kashmere Gate, RK Ashram Marg
- Operators: HRTC, HPTDC, and private services like Zingbus, IntrCity, and Volvo Bus
Pro Tip: For comfort and better roads, choose a Volvo bus that departs in the evening and reaches Manali the next morning.
🚗 By Car
If you love road trips, self-driving or booking a cab is a great option.
- Route: Delhi → Panipat → Karnal → Kurukshetra → Ambala → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
- Time: 11–13 hours depending on stops and traffic
- Toll Cost: ₹500–₹700 one way
- Fuel Cost: Around ₹3,000–₹4,000 (one way for petrol cars)
Must-Stops: Murthal for parathas, Chandigarh for snacks, and Pandoh Dam for photos.
🏍️ By Bike
Perfect for adventure lovers! Many bikers take on this route during summer and autumn.
- Bike Type Recommended: 150cc or above
- Best Season: March to June and September to November
- Safety Tips: Always wear a helmet, carry rain gear, and keep your bike documents ready.
✈️ 2. By Air – Delhi to Bhuntar Airport (Near Manali)
Though Manali doesn’t have its own airport, the nearest one is Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhuntar).
- Flight Duration: ~1 hour
- Airport to Manali Distance: 50 km (2-hour taxi ride)
- Airlines: Alliance Air, IndiGo
- Fare: ₹2,500 to ₹6,000 (varies seasonally)
Note: Flights are limited and weather-dependent, especially during winters.
🚆 3. By Train – The Nearest Railway Station is Joginder Nagar
Manali doesn’t have a railway station. But you can still combine train and road travel.
- Train Route: Delhi → Chandigarh or Ambala → take a taxi/bus to Manali
- Nearest Broad Gauge Station: Chandigarh or Ambala
- Nearest Narrow Gauge Station: Joginder Nagar (not very practical)
Best Combo: Take a train to Chandigarh, then hire a cab or take an overnight Volvo bus to Manali.
🏔️ Where to Visit in Manali – Top Attractions
Once in Manali, here’s what you can’t miss:
❄️ 1. Solang Valley
- Activities: Paragliding, snowboarding, skiing, ziplining
- Best Time: Dec–Feb (for snow), Apr–Jun (for adventure sports)
🌉 2. Atal Tunnel
- World’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 ft
- Connects Manali to Lahaul – perfect for a scenic drive
🧊 3. Rohtang Pass (May–Nov)
- Snow wonderland, 51 km from Manali
- Requires permit (apply online)
- Closed in winter due to snowfall
🛕 4. Hidimba Devi Temple
- 16th-century wooden temple surrounded by cedar forest
- Peaceful and photogenic location
🌲 5. Van Vihar
- A serene pine forest park by the Beas River
- Great for a short walk or boat ride
🛍️ 6. Mall Road
- Souvenir shopping, cafes, Tibetan handicrafts
- Must-try: Hot momos, local woolens, Himachali caps
🕉️ 7. Manu Temple
- Dedicated to Sage Manu, believed to be the creator of mankind
- Set against beautiful mountains
💦 8. Vashisht Hot Water Springs
- Natural sulfur springs with temple baths
- Therapeutic experience, especially in winter
🏡 Where to Stay in Manali
🏨 Budget Options (₹800–₹1500/night):
- Zostel Manali (for backpackers)
- The Hosteller Old Manali
- Hotel Greenfields
🏡 Mid-Range (₹1500–₹3000/night):
- Snow Valley Resorts
- Apple Country Resort
- Himalayan Country House
🏔️ Luxury (₹5000+):
- Span Resort & Spa
- Manu Allaya Resort
- The Himalayan
Tip: Book in advance during peak seasons (April–June & December–January)
🧭 Top Things to Do in Manali
🚵♂️ 1. Adventure Sports
- Paragliding in Solang
- River rafting in Beas River (April–June)
- Snowboarding and skiing (Dec–Feb)
🥾 2. Trekking Trails
- Beas Kund Trek
- Bhrigu Lake Trek
- Hampta Pass (for serious trekkers)
💆♀️ 3. Spa & Wellness
- Ayurvedic massages and spa treatments are popular in Old Manali.
🕯️ 4. Café Hopping in Old Manali
- Cafes to try: Café 1947, The Lazy Dog, Drifters’ Café
- Enjoy music, river views, and fusion food.
📸 5. Photography & Nature Walks
- Explore apple orchards, pine forests, and local villages like Naggar or Sethan.
🕐 Best Time to Visit Manali
- Summer (Mar–Jun): Pleasant, ideal for families and adventure
- Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Risky due to landslides; not recommended
- Winter (Oct–Feb): Snowfall, perfect for honeymooners and snow activities
🧳 Travel Tips for Manali
✅ Carry ID proofs
✅ Keep cash handy (ATMs may not work in some areas)
✅ Pack layers—weather can change quickly
✅ Book your Rohtang permit online in advance
✅ Travel light but pack thermals, gloves, and moisturizers in winter
✅ Respect local customs and natural spaces
✨ Bonus: Offbeat Places Near Manali
- Naggar Castle: Historic site with panoramic views
- Sethan Village: Snow activities & camping in peace
- Jana Waterfall: Rustic picnic spot with Himachali food
- Hampta Pass: Scenic crossover trek from Kullu to Lahaul Valley
From the journey to the destination, traveling from Delhi to Manali is filled with magic. Whether you’re arriving in style on a bike or snuggling in a Volvo seat overnight, Manali greets you with snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and the sound of the Beas River. With this guide, you’re fully prepared to make the most of your Manali adventure.
Have more questions or need help planning your Manali itinerary? Drop a comment or message—we’re here to help you make your mountain dreams come true!