One that ensures your safety and promises fun at the same time, of course. Fortunately, there are a lot of beautiful hill stations near Delhi where you can drive with friends or family, Manali is one of the most popular options. Perched amid the snow-laden Himalayan peaks, this gorgeous hill station in Kullu Valley will welcome you with the most flattering mountain views, quaint cafes, and lively street markets. Moreover, there are so many exciting things to do in Manali that you’re sure to have a truly memorable holiday – one filled with enjoyment, adventure and relaxation.
Also Read: Top Places to Visit in Manali
The journey from Delhi to Manali by car will be just as fascinating as you see landscapes changing –from the hustle-bustle of the city to rustic towns and villages and finally the lush valleys and hills of Himachal. If you’re interested, refer to our comprehensive Delhi to Manali road trip guide.
Delhi to Manali by Road: Quick Facts
| 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 multiple route options when taking a Delhi to Manali trip by road, each of which takes you to the district headquarters of Mandi before reaching Kullu. You’d know you’re getting closer to your destination when the highways finally give way to rugged mountainous terrain lined with pine trees, and the truly magical Beas River flowing by. And worry not! You’ll have plenty of roadside dhabas to eat at during your long drive from Delhi to Manali to keep yourself as energised as ever.
Read below to know all about the three scenic routes you can take from Delhi to Manali:
ROUTE 1: Ambala-Chandigarh Route (Via NH 44 and NH 154)
Delhi to Manali by Road: Route 1
Delhi — Panipat — Kurukshetra — Ambala — Chandigarh — Bilaspur – Mandi — Kullu — Manali
- Distance: 545 km
- Time: 13 hours
- Popular Stopovers:
- Panipat – Panipat Museum, Purana Quila
- Kurukshetra – Brahma Sarovar, Sheikh Chilli Tomb and sites from Mahabharata
- Chandigarh – Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Pinjore Gardens, Le Corbusier Centre
- Bilaspur – Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Mandi – Prashar Lake, Rewalsar Lake
- Kullu – Bijli Mahadev Temple, Naggar Castle
ROUTE 2: Banur-Palampur Route (Via NH 44 and NH 205)
Delhi to Manali by Road: Route 2
Delhi — Panipat — Kurukshetra — Ambala — Banur — Palampur – Mandi — Kullu — Manali
- Distance: 670 km
- Time: 16 hours
- Popular Stopovers:
- Panipat – Panipat Museum, Purana Quila
- Kurukshetra – Brahma Sarovar, Sheikh Chilli Tomb and sites from Mahabharata
- Bilaspur – Bhakra-Nangal Dam
- Kangra – Kangra Fort, Norbulingka Institute
- Palampur – Andretta Artists Village, Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery
- Bir-Billing (for paragliding)
- Mandi – Prashar Lake, Rewalsar Lake, Barot Valley
- Kullu – Bijli Mahadev Temple, Naggar Castle
ROUTE 3: Shimla Route (Via NH 44 and NH 5)
Delhi to Manali by Road: Route 3
Delhi — Panipat — Kurukshetra —Zirakpur — Shimla — Bilaspur – Mandi — Kullu — Manali
- Distance: 610 km
- Time: 15 hours
- Popular Stopovers:
- Panipat – Panipat Museum, Purana Quila
- Kurukshetra – Brahma Sarovar, Sheikh Chilli Tomb and sites from Mahabharata
- Shimla – Viceregal Lodge, The Ridge, Annadale, Chadwick Falls
- Bilaspur – Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhakra-Nangal Dam
- Mandi – Prashar Lake, Rewalsar Lake, Barot Valley
- Kullu – Bijli Mahadev Temple, Naggar Castle
Fab Safety Tips for A Road Trip from Delhi to Manali
Before you’re all set to hit the road, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind:
- Take your own car only if you have experience driving on hills, else hire a taxi
- Be wary of hairpin bends, narrow paths and trucks along the way
- Don’t go over the speed limit and slow down once you’re off the expressway
- Make plenty of stops en route or switch drivers or plan an overnight stay
- Consult 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 along with zinc to boost your immunity
- Wear masks and gloves whenever you get down from the vehicle
- Wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser before getting into the car
- Choose a 100% hygienic hotel for a safe stay
- And obviously, follow all the COVID-19-related guidelines issued by WHO including hygiene practices and social distancing
No doubt, your trip is going to be a memorable one. So get ready to pack your bags and go!
