A Road Trip Guide for Delhi to Manali Trip

A trip to hill station like Manali from Delhi is not an easy drive to just start and finish. You will need good preparation for Manali road trip, such as best route, distance, time to travel. Find three options of Delhi to Manali routes, choose one where your will find plenty of roadside dhabas to keep you energised and fun filled.

What are the Best Routes to travel from Delhi to Manali

Route 1: Delhi → Sonipat → Panipat → Karnal → Kurukshetra → Ambala → Chandigarh → Kiratpur Sahib → Bilaspur → Sundernagar → Mandi → Kullu → Manali

Distance & Time:

• Distance: ~550 km

• Travel Time: 12–13 hours (without heavy traffic)

• Highways Used: NH44 and NH3

Highlights:

• Widely considered the fastest and most reliable route to Manali.

• Excellent road conditions till Chandigarh (six-lane highway).

• The hill section begins after Kiratpur Sahib - moderate curves, well-maintained.

• Major food and rest stops available along the way (Murthal, Karnal, Chandigarh, Bilaspur).

• Scenic views of Gobind Sagar Lake, Sundernagar Valley, and Beas River after Mandi.

  
  

Travel Tips:

• Expect slow traffic between Sundernagar–Mandi due to truck movement.

• During monsoon or winter, check for landslides near Aut Tunnel or Pandoh Dam.

• Overnight halt option: Chandigarh or Mandi if you prefer a relaxed journey.

  
  

Suggested read: Exploring  Manali, Jaipur and Haridwar from Delhi by Tempo traveller.

Route 2: Delhi → Sonipat → Panipat → Karnal → Ambala → Banur → Kharar → Rupnagar → Nangal → Una → Kangra → Palampur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali

Distance & Time:

• Distance: ~610 km

• Travel Time: 13–14 hours (longer but very scenic)

• Highways Used: NH44 → SH6 → NH503 → NH154

  
  

Highlights:

• Known for its rural Himachal beauty - less crowded and full of greenery.

• Passes through Kangra Valley and Palampur tea gardens, giving you a refreshing mountain vibe.

• Offers excellent photo spots and peaceful stopovers compared to the busy Chandigarh route.

• Ideal if you want to visit Dharamshala or Baijnath Temple en route to Manali.

  
  

Travel Tips:

• Slightly longer and narrower hill roads after Palampur–Mandi stretch.

• Best suited for experienced or well-trained drivers comes with Tempo Traveller Rental in Delhi.

• Road condition is good but expect occasional broken patches.

• Accommodation options available in Kangra, Palampur, and Mandi.

  
  

Route 3: Delhi → Sonipat → Panipat → Karnal → Solan → Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Jeori → Aut → Kullu → Manali

Distance & Time:

• Distance: ~620 km

• Travel Time: 14–15 hours (depending on traffic and weather)

• Highways Used: NH44 → NH5 → NH305 → NH3

  
  

Highlights:

• This is the most scenic and adventurous route to Manali.

• Passes through hill towns like Shimla, Kufri, Narkanda, Rampur, and Jalori Pass (seasonal).

• Best for those who wish to explore both Shimla and Manali in one road trip.

• Amazing mountain views, pine forests, and apple orchards along the way.

  
  

Travel Tips:

• Longer travel time due to continuous hilly terrain.

• In winter (Dec–Feb), snowfall may block sections near Narkanda or Jalori Pass, so always check weather updates.

• If traveling with family don't compromise with comfort; go for Delhi to Manali Tempo Traveller with complete flexibility.

• Ideal for travelers who want a leisure trip rather than a quick drive.

• Overnight halt suggested at Shimla or Narkanda.