Traveling from Delhi to Manali isn’t just about covering kilometers-it’s about leaving behind the fast pace of the capital and entering the calm embrace of the Himalayas. The Delhi to Manali distance is more than a number, it’s a road trip filled with dhabas, winding highways, river valleys, and snow‑capped mountains waiting at the end. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or an adventure trip with friends, this guide will help you understand the routes, travel options, best seasons, and hidden gems along the way.
Table of Contents
Delhi to Manali Distance - Quick Overview
By Road: 540-550 km (via NH 44 & NH3)
By Flight: 403 km aerial distance (Delhi to Kullu-Manali Airport)
By Train: No direct train, nearest stations are Chandigarh/Kalka, then road journey
Travel Time by Car/Bus: 12-14 hours
Travel Time by Flight: 1.5 hours + 50 km road transfer
The distance between Delhi and Manali is best experienced by road, where every turn brings a new landscape.
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Route 1: Delhi → Chandigarh → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
Distance: 536 km
Travel Time: 8-10 hours
Why Choose: Fastest route, smooth highways, plenty of food stops
Highlights:
Murthal’s parathas
Chandigarh’s clean city vibe
Scenic Beas River drive near Kullu
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Route 2: Delhi → Rohtak → Patiala → Bilaspur → Mandi → Manali
Distance: 592 km
Travel Time: 10-12 hours
Why Choose: Less crowded, unique stopovers
Highlights:
Patiala’s heritage sites
Bilaspur’s Bhakra Dam views
Quieter stretches compared to NH44
Best Time to Travel Delhi to Manali
- Summer (April-June): Perfect for sightseeing, trekking, paragliding.
- Monsoon (July-September): Risky due to landslides; avoid unless necessary.
- Winter (December-February): Snowfall, skiing, cozy stays.
If you want adventure sports, summer is ideal. For snow lovers, winter is magical.
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Travel Options
1. Road Trip (Car/Taxi/Bus)
Driving yourself or hiring a cab gives flexibility. You can stop at dhabas, explore small towns, and enjoy the gradual shift from plains to hills.
Popular Stopovers:
Murthal – famous for parathas
Chandigarh – Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake
Mandi – gateway to Himachal
Kullu – first glimpse of the Himalayas
2. Flight
Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali Airport)
Flight time: 1.5 hours from Delhi
Road transfer: 50 km to Manali
Flights save time but can be costly and weather‑dependent.
3. Train
No direct train to Manali. You can take a train to Chandigarh or Kalka, then continue by road. Budget‑friendly but slower.
Road Trip Experience - Delhi to Manali Distance in Real Life
You leave Delhi at dawn. By breakfast, you’re at Murthal, sipping chai with hot parathas. As the day unfolds, Chandigarh welcomes you with its organized charm. By afternoon, the hills begin, and the Beas River flows alongside. By evening, you’re in Manali, surrounded by pine forests and snowy peaks.
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Attractions in Manali
Once you’ve covered the Delhi to Manali distance, here’s what awaits:
Hadimba Temple: Wooden temple amidst cedar forests.
Solang Valley: Adventure hub for paragliding, skiing, zorbing.
Rohtang Pass: Snow paradise (seasonal access).
Old Manali: Cafes, live music, hippie vibes.
Vashisht Hot Springs: Natural healing baths.
Mall Road: Shopping, local food, souvenirs.
Food & Stopovers
On the way:
Murthal – Amrik Sukhdev (parathas)
Ambala – Pooran Singh Dhaba
Bilaspur – Bahadur Dhaba
In Manali:
Johnson’s Cafe – trout fish
Café 1947 – riverside Italian cuisine
Drifter’s Cafe – Old Manali charm
Travel Tips for Delhi to Manali
Start Early: Leave Delhi around 4-5 AM to avoid traffic and reach hills before dark.
Check Weather: Especially in monsoon (risk of landslides) and winter (snowfall delays).
Fuel Up: Fill your tank before entering Himachal, petrol pumps are fewer after Mandi.
Carry Snacks & Water: Roadside dhabas are great, but keep essentials handy.
Warm Clothes: Even in summer, evenings in Manali can be chilly.
Drive Carefully: Mountain roads are narrow and winding-avoid overspeeding.
Book Hotels in Advance: Manali gets crowded in peak season; secure your stay early.
Keep Cash Handy: ATMs may be limited in smaller towns en route.
Emergency Kit: Medicines, torch, and a basic first‑aid kit are must‑haves.
Local Transport: Once in Manali, prefer local taxis for sightseeing-they know the terrain well.
FAQS For Delhi to Manali Distance
Q: What is the Delhi to Manali Distance by road?
Ans. The road distance is about 540-550 km, depending on the route.
Q: How long does it take to travel from Delhi to Manali by car?
Ans. It usually takes 12-14 hours by car or taxi.
Q: Is there a direct train from Delhi to Manali?
Ans. No, there is no direct train. The nearest stations are Chandigarh and Kalka, followed by a road journey.
Q: Which is the best route from Delhi to Manali?
Ans. The Delhi → Chandigarh → Mandi → Kullu → Manali route via NH 44 & NH3 is the fastest and most popular.
Q: What is the best time to travel from Delhi to Manali?
Ans. Summer (April-June) for sightseeing and adventure, and winter (December-February) for snow experiences.
Q: Are buses available from Delhi to Manali?
Ans. Yes, several government and private Volvo buses run daily, taking around 12–14 hours.
Q: Is the Delhi to Manali road safe for driving?
Ans. Yes, it’s safe, but avoid monsoon season due to landslides and drive carefully on hilly stretches.
Conclusion
The Delhi to Manali distance is not just about reaching a destination-it’s about embracing the journey. From Delhi’s chaos to Himachal’s calm, every kilometer tells a story. Whether you travel by road, rail, or air, the experience is unforgettable. So pack your bags, plan your route, and let the Himalayas welcome you.
Sachin Kumar works as a travel content writer with SRG Holidays Pvt. Ltd. a leading company in India’s tourism and pilgrimage services. With years of experience, he creates clear and engaging travel guides that help pilgrims and travelers across the country find reliable information for their journeys.
