Travel from Delhi to Manali by road: After being in coronavirus lockdown for months, we’re pretty sure you must be in pain for a vacation – one that ensures your safety and promises fun at the same time. Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful hill stations near Delhi that you can drive to with friends or family, with Manali being one of the most popular options.
Nestled amidst the snow-clad Himalayan peaks, this gorgeous hill station in Kullu Valley will welcome you with the most enchanting hill views, quaint cafes, and lively street markets. Apart from this, there are so many exciting things to do in Manali that you can surely have a memorable holiday – one full of joy, adventure, and relaxation.
Traveling from Delhi to Manali by car will be as fascinating as you watch the changing landscape – from the hustle and bustle of the city to the rustic towns and villages and finally to the lush green valleys and hills of Himachal. If you’re interested, check out our comprehensive Delhi to Manali road trip guide.
Delhi to Manali by Road
| Distance from Delhi to Manali | 550 km |
| Driving Time from Delhi to Manali | 12-14 hours approx. |
| Best Routes from Delhi to Manali | Ambala-Chandigarh Route (Via NH 44 & 154) |
| Banur-Palampur Route (Via NH 44 & 205) | |
| Shimla Route (Via NH 44 & 5) | |
| Best Time to Visit Manali: | April-June (for pleasant weather) |
| December-February (for snowfall) |
Delhi to Manali by Road: Best Routes
There are several route options when traveling from Delhi to Manali by road, each of which takes you to the district headquarters of Mandi before reaching Kullu. You will know you are approaching your destination when the highways finally give way to rugged mountainous terrain fringed by deodar trees and flowing through the truly magical Beas River. and do not worry! During the long drive from Delhi to Manali, you will have plenty of roadside dhabas to eat at, so that you remain as energetic as ever.
Read below to know about three scenic routes from Delhi to Manali:
Route 1: Ambala-Chandigarh Route (Via NH 44 and NH 154)
Delhi — Panipat — Kurukshetra — Ambala — Chandigarh — Bilaspur – Mandi — Kullu — Manali
Distance: 545 km
Time: 13 hours
Popular stops:
Panipat – Panipat Museum, Purana Qila
Kurukshetra – site of Brahma Sarovar, Sheikh Mirch Tomb, and Mahabharata
Chandigarh – Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Pinjore Garden, Le Corbusier Center
Bilaspur – Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary
Mandi – Parashar Lake, Rewalsar Lake
Kullu – Bijli Mahadev Temple, Naggar Castle
Route 2: Banur-Palampur Route (Via NH 44 and NH 205)
Delhi — Panipat — Kurukshetra — Ambala — Banur — Palampur – Mandi — Kullu — Manali
Distance: 670 km
Time: 16 hours
Popular stops:
Panipat – Panipat Museum, Purana Qila
Kurukshetra – site of Brahma Sarovar, Sheikh Mirch Tomb, and Mahabharata
Bilaspur-Bhakra-Nangal Damo
Kangra – Kangra Fort, Norbulingka Institute
Palampur – Andretta Artists Village, Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery
Bir-Billing (for paragliding)
Mandi – Parashar Lake, Rewalsar Lake, Barot Valley
Kullu – Bijli Mahadev Temple, Naggar Castle
Route 3: Shimla Route (Via NH 44 and NH 5)
Delhi — Panipat — Kurukshetra —Zirakpur — Shimla — Bilaspur – Mandi — Kullu — Manali
Distance: 610 km
Time: 15 hours
Popular stops:
Panipat – Panipat Museum, Purana Qila
Kurukshetra – site of Brahma Sarovar, Sheikh Mirch Tomb and Mahabharata
Shimla – Viceregal Lodge, The Ridge, Annadale, Chadwick Falls
Bilaspur – Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhakra-Nangal Dam
Mandi – Parashar Lake, Rewalsar Lake, Barot Valley
Kullu – Bijli Mahadev Temple, Naggar Castle
Safety Tips for Road Trips from Delhi to Manali
Before you’re all set to hit the road, you should keep a few things in mind:
- Take your car only if you have experience driving on hills, otherwise hire a taxi
- Beware of hairpin turns, narrow roads, and trucks on the way
- Don’t go over the speed limit and slow down once you exit the expressway
- Make lots of stops along with the way or switch drivers or plan an overnight stay
- Consult the GPS but in case of confusion ask the locals
- Carry your own snacks and water, or prefer bottled water and eat at a clean restaurant
- Take vitamin C and D tablets with zinc to boost your immunity
- Wear a mask and gloves whenever you get off the vehicle
- Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before getting into the car
- Choose 100% Clean Hotels to Stay Safe
- And of course, follow all COVID-19-related guidelines issued by WHO, including hygiene practices and social distancing
Similar Articles Travel from Delhi to Manali by road
- Delhi to Manali Road Trip
- Manali – Experience India’s Most-Wanted Hill Station
- 10 Top Places to Visit in and Around Manali
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