The road trip from Delhi to Manali is one of the best adventures in India. Imagine cruising along the winding highways with the towering Himalayas surrounding you; stopping at small dhabas for warm, buttery parathas; and opening the windows to let in the crisp mountain breeze. This isn’t just a drive, it’s an experience encompassing food, history, culture, and visually stunning landscapes.
The distance from Delhi to Manali is about 470 km and can take anywhere between 10-12 hours. You will pass through picturesque towns in Himachal, see historic temples, and drive through scenic valleys. Smart planning will allow you to craft your Delhi to Manali itinerary into either an adventure packed with thrill or a well-deserved retreat. This guide outlines the best routes, breaks, packing advice, and safety tips for a road trip filled with beautiful scenery, food, and long-lasting memories.
What’s in this blog
- Why Take a Road Trip from Delhi to Manali?
- Best Time to Travel
- Planning Your Route
- Packing and Preparing for the Trip
- Best Places and Stops on the Way
- Suggested Delhi to Manali Road Trip Itinerary
- Travel Essentials and Safety Tips
- Where to Stay Along the Route
- Why Plan with The Tarzan Way
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Why Take a Road Trip from Delhi to Manali?
Manali is one of the most loved hill stations in India; however, the adventure begins long before you reach the destination. If you drive from Delhi, you get to experience
- Scenic diversity – You go from Delhi with all its chaos, to flat farmland in Haryana and Chandigarh’s gardens to the mountains of Himachal.
- Freedom & flexibility – Stop where you want, eat the food that tempts you, and detour into remote villages.
- Unforgettable bonding – Long drives mean stories, laughter, memories, and experiences with your fellow travelers.
- Adventure factor – Hairpin bends, high passes, and spontaneous pitstops mean that the journey is as thrilling as the destination.
Unlike a short easy flight, the road allows you to slow down and truly feel the spirit of Himachal.
Best Time to Travel
Timing really can impact your smooth roadway trip from Delhi to Manali.
- March–June – Great weather to experience and do fun activities.
- July–August – Torrential rains make the roads slippery and prone to landslides. No bueno.
- September–November – The weather is crisp, the air is clear and the crowd is smaller.
- December–February – A beautiful blanket of snow, but riskier driving option because of icy roads.
If this is your first trip, I’d recommend a trip in March–June or September–November for a safer and comfortable trip.
Planning Your Route
The distance from Delhi to Manali is about 470 km, which can take 10-12 hours for a direct route. But the best part of this trip is to part it into a leisurely 3-5 days where you can visit towns along the way.
Common Route
Delhi → Murthal → Panipat → Ambala → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
Suggested Stopovers
- Murthal – well known for parathas, and dhaba culture.
- Chandigarh – well known for architecture, gardens and museums.
- Kalka & Solan – great hillside views.
- Kullu – with apple orchards, temples, and river rafting.
You will get the most food, culture, and relaxation on your trip by having 2-3 stopovers.
Packing and Preparing for the Trip
Packing smart makes the difference between a nice road trip and a stressful one.
Things to consider:
- Clothes – lightweight cottons for the daytime, heavier jackets for the evening.
- Travel gear – sunglasses, hats, power banks for the trip, and car chargers.
- Snacks – buy dry fruits, sandwiches, some chips, and lots of water.
- Medical kit – buy basic medicines, motion sickness tablets, and band-aids.
- Car supplies – spare tyre, basic toolkit, torchlights, and extra fuel cans.
Pro Travel Tips:
- Servicing of your car should be done one week prior to your trip (e.g. battery check, brakes check, and tyres check).
- Make sure to create playlists for the length of your trip, to keep your spirits high on longer stretches.
- Assign roles in the planning. Having a navigator, photographer and DJ will engage everyone.
Best Places and Stops on the Way
There are so many stops you can make while driving along the Delhi-Manali Highway. It’s full of places you will want to stop over!
In and Around Delhi
- Sadar Bazaar – chaotic, colorful, and full of tasty street food.
- Chole Bhature breakfast – a classic North Indian kickstart.
Murthal (NH44)
Renowned for giant stuffed parathas with butter and lassi.
Kurukshetra & Panchkula
- Kurukshetra temples – deep dive into India’s mythology.
- Nada Sahib Gurudwara – a peaceful spiritual stop.
Chandigarh
Explore the Rock Garden, Rose Garden, and museums. Perfect place for an overnight halt.
Shimla & Kasauli (Optional detour)
Colonial architecture, Mall Road, toy train rides.
Approaching Manali
- Kullu – apple orchards, rafting in Beas River, temples.
- Solang Valley – adventure hub for paragliding and skiing.
- Rohtang Pass – if open, this snow paradise is a must-visit.
In Manali
- Stroll along Mall Road.
- Visit Hidimba Devi Temple.
- Cozy up in local cafes with mountain views.
Suggested Delhi to Manali Road Trip Itinerary
Here’s a basic 5-day road trip plan:
- Day 1: Delhi → Chandigarh (250 km, approx. 5–6 hour drive). After a day of visiting Chandigarh’s gardens, stay overnight at a hotel.
- Day 2: Chandigarh → Shimla/Kasauli (90-120 km, approx. 3-4 hour drive). Explore Shimla or Kasauli with their beautiful hills and colonial architecture; stay overnight.
- Day 3: Shimla/Kasauli → Mandi/Kullu (180 km, 6–7 hour drive). See the beautiful scenic drives, apple orchards, and temples on this drive and stay overnight.
- Day 4: Kullu → Manali (40 km; 2 hour drive). Arrive in Manali; spend the day exploring Mall Road and Hidimba Temple. You can stay here two nights – the accommodation options are plentiful.
- Day 5: Around Manali → Take day trips from Manali to Solang Valley or Rohtang Pass (if open). Either way, there will be wonderful scenery and adventure.
This trip can be done in 3-days for an express option, or can be stretched to a leisurely 7-days if you have the time.
Travel Essentials and Safety Tips
- Avoid night driving on the mountain roads.
- Keep cash on you because ATMs can be rare, especially in small towns.
- Always carry identity proof for hotels.
- Keep hydrated and take plenty of breaks.
- Download offline maps; mobile networks can be patchy in the mountains.
Where to Stay Along the Route
Choose from a variety of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. For more detailed information you can checkout “Top Budget Hotels in Manali for a Mountain Getaway”
- Chandigarh – mid-range hotels & business stays.
- Shimla/Kasauli – colonial bungalows and boutique hotels.
- Kullu – riverside homestays and apple orchard cottages.
- Manali – backpacker hostels, family resorts and cabins for couples looking for a cozy getaway.
For budget conscious travelers, dharamshalas and homestays are great cultural opportunities.
Why Plan with The Tarzan Way
Planning a trip from Delhi to Manali can be daunting – routes, stays, activities, safety, etc. This is where The Tarzan Way can help:
- Customized trip planner from Delhi to Manali trip for your budget
- Curated experiences (rafting, temple tours, local food walks)
- Flexibility with road trip packages that include stays, activities and transport
Think of TTW as your travel buddy that knows the hills in and out.
FAQs
How long is the Delhi to Manali drive?
The Delhi to Manali road trip is about 470 km and takes 10–12 hours nonstop. Most travelers spread it over 2–3 days, stopping at Murthal, Chandigarh, and Kullu. This avoids fatigue and lets you enjoy changing landscapes at leisure.
Which is the best route?
The recommended route is Delhi → Murthal → Panipat → Ambala → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali. It offers smooth highways, food, and fuel stops. Alternatives via Shimla or Kasauli are scenic but longer. Start early to avoid traffic.
Is it safe to drive to Manali at night?
Night driving in Himachal is unsafe—roads are narrow, twisty, and dark, with risks of fog or landslides. Better to halt at Chandigarh, Kasauli, or Mandi and drive in daylight for safety.
What’s the best time for a Delhi to Manali road trip?
Best months: March–June and September–November for pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Avoid monsoon (July–August) due to landslides. Winter is beautiful but risky with icy roads unless you’re experienced.
Do I need a permit for Rohtang Pass?
Yes, Rohtang requires a permit, available online. It needs ID, vehicle papers, and PUC. Tour operators usually handle it. Open May–November, depending on weather.
What budget should I plan for?
A 5-day trip may cost: ₹15k–20k (budget), ₹20k–25k (mid-range), and more for luxury. Always keep extra for activities, meals, or emergencies.
Final Thoughts
The road trip from Delhi to Manali is an experience that goes beyond the transportation, it is a tapestry of food, culture, nature, and adventure all interconnected through twisting mountain roads. Each stop became its own singular moment, from paratha extravaganzas in Murthal to snow-capped vistas at Rohtang.
So plan wisely, drive safely, and hope that the journey is as spectacular as the destination. And, if you would like a custom Delhi to Manali itinerary, let The Tarzan Way put one together for you, so you just have to sit back, roll down the windows, and enjoy the Himalayas.
