The Delhi to Manali by road is a soul-stirring journey, a trip that starts from the capital city, which is surrounded by honking horns and crowded and slowly ascends into a world of silence, Manali. These are the road trips that are not just about reaching the destination but are all about the smell of Maggi at a roadside Dhaba, the sudden drop in temperature after Bilaspur, and the realisation of clean air.
If you’re unsure how to plan this adventure, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know, from which route you should take or which Car on rent in Delhi you should choose to the perfect stops for Momos and Maggi along the way.
What is Delhi to Manali Distance by Road?
The distance from Delhi to Manali by road is around 496 kilometres. This beautiful journey can be stretched depending on several factors like traffic or weather or the mode of transport. This 10-hour journey passes through vibrant cities, transforming every hour with changing landscapes.
The most popular route for Delhi to Manali by road goes via NH 44 and NH 154, offering smooth highways and amazing hill drives. With endless views of the Greater Himalayas on one hand and the colourful multi-cultural communities on the other, Manali has become the perfect holiday destination for wanderers and explorers.
How to go to Manali from Delhi?
A road trip can be done in several ways, depending on your vehicle preference. But there might be questions that arise before travelling, like:
Can We Go to Manali by Car?
Yes, you can go to Manali by car—and you’ll love it if you don’t get sick while travelling in a car. Driving is one of the most flexible and scenic ways to go from Delhi to Manali by road. Start early from Delhi, avoid city traffic and reach Chandigarh by late morning. From there the drive gets more scenic as you pass through Bilaspur, Mandi and Kullu. If you opt for a Delhi to Manali cab, you can stop wherever you want—whether it’s for parathas in Murthal or a photo near Pandoh Dam.
Delhi to Manali taxi fare for a sedan is between ₹6,500 to ₹9,000, and for an SUV is between ₹9,000 to ₹12,000, depending on the service you choose.
The best part about travelling with a rental is that you can choose any car or any model as per your convenience, budget and group size. For example, if you are a group of 6- 7 people, you can choose Innova on rent in Delhi.
One thing to keep in mind while travelling by car is driving safely, so whether you are choosing a big car like Innova, or you are going to rent a Swift Dzire, make sure to choose an experienced driver.
How many hours journey from Delhi to Manali by bus?
Travelling by bus is also always a feasible option. Delhi to Manali sleeper buses, especially the Volvo services, offer a relaxed overnight journey. This bus journey takes around 12 to 14 hours to reach, depending on road conditions. The most common bus stands from where these buses typically leave are Majnu Ka Tilla, ISBT, or RK Ashram in the evening and arrive in Manali by morning.
Volvo and AC sleeper fares range between ₹800 to ₹2,000. Operators like HRTC and Himachal Tourism offer reliable options, and booking in advance online is always wise, especially during peak seasons. Other than this, you can also hire a bus on rent in Delhi if travelling with family for a comfortable journey. If you want to sleep your way into the Himalayas, this might be your cue.
Delhi to Manali by Bike
For the wild at heart travellers, Delhi to Manali by bike offers an adrenaline-packed experience. Just imagine how great it would be riding through shifting landscapes, stopping for chai at roadside shacks and feeling the temperature drop with every kilometre you climb. While you can make it a Same day trip from Delhi, many riders like splitting it into two by making stops at Chandigarh or Bilaspur. If you love long rides and don’t mind a bit of muscle ache, this can be a great journey. Just remember to focus on safety measures and to carry safety gear, toolkits, and warm layers, especially if you are riding in cold months.
Which Route is Better for Manali from Delhi?
While going on such a long road trip, it is important to know about the routes. There are several ways that you can choose, but the best route is:
Delhi – Panipat – Karnal – Kurukshetra – Ambala – Chandigarh – Rupnagar – Bilaspur – Mandi – Pandoh – Kullu – Manali
This Delhi to Manali Route has good road conditions, and the mountain road starts from Bilaspur. Not only good conditions, but you can also find many dhabas en route to make this journey more fun.
Another Alternative route that you can choose is:
Delhi – Rohtak – Patiala – Ropar – Bilaspur – Mandi – Manali
This route is slightly longer than the other one but gives a perfect competition in terms of landscapes. On this route too, you can find dhabas, and the route is quite safe for travelling.
Top Attractions to Eat En Route
No road trip is complete without food stops, and the route to Manali has plenty. Here are some of the places where you can stop to try delicacies:
Sadar Bazaar Delhi – Before starting your journey you can first get your food packed from here like Bedmi poori, Nihari, Momo, chhole Bhature, Paranthe, Butter Chicken.
Amrik Sukhdev, Murthal – A definite stop for parathas and lassi.
Haveli, Karnal – want to have something Punjabi-themed? Try dhaba-style food here.
Highway King, Bilaspur – Great stop for Maggi, momos and chai.
Mandi Market – Stop for hot jalebis and samosas.
Kullu Roadside Cafés – Enjoy grilled trout fish and Himachali siddu near Pandoh Dam.
What is the Right Time to Plan a Road Trip to Manali?
The best time to visit Manali for a road trip is between spring and early winter, when the journey is as enjoyable as the destination itself. Usually, the best time to visit depends on the choice of activities that you want to do, but specifically for a road trip would be to escape from the killing Delhi summers. April to June is the best time to experience this when the roads are open, the air is cool, and driving is simple up the hills.
If you want to travel to see snow, December to February is the time, but do check the road updates before you head out, as some stretches can get tough during snowfall. Avoid travelling in peak monsoon, July to early September, as the mountain roads are prone to disruptions. The time of Autumn, from late September to early November, is another good time for those who prefer peaceful roads and clear skies.
Final words
A road trip to Manali is not just about reaching the mountains it is about how the journey around you slowly changes. Just rent a taxi in Delhi and leave behind the Delhi crowd and enter a world that is quieter, cooler and more peaceful with every kilometre. The changing views of flat highways into curvy roads and city lights to stars above the hills. You can feel the air getting cold, the trees getting taller, and life slowing down.
A road trip to Manali is not about reaching the destination but about the laughter during the small tea breaks while on a drive, the songs on the road and the feeling of leaving your worries behind.
