Road Trip from Delhi to Manali

Manali is a beautiful resort town in Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the famous honeymoon centers in India. This town is set on the Beas River and it is also a great getaway to the Solang Valley and Parvati Valley.

delhi to manali by road

Situated on the elevation of 2,050 m, Manali is a great deal for someone who’s looking for snow-clad peaks and winter wonderland to disappear into.

There are many tourists attraction to be checked out while visiting Manali like Rohtang Pass, Beas Kind, Vashisht hot water spring, Solang Valley and opportunity to enjoy the thrilling adventure of paragliding, rock climbing, and hiking.

Traveling from Delhi to Manali by Road

Road trips are the best way to explore a place. It gives unforgettable memories with family, friends or your co-travelers. Delhi to Manali by road is a surreal experience one can ever have in its lifetime.

You can take your own vehicle if you are able to drive through the hilly and rocky area and you have experience in driving or hire someone experienced to drive. Bike trips can also be done to Manali but the bike should be more firm than regular ones. There is an alternative to taking the bus from Delhi to Manali but either way it is going to be a great weekend.

Delhi to Manali Distance by Road

Distance between Delhi to Manali depends on routes taken, but the shortest distance between them is 530.8 km and the time has taken is 12h 3 min.

Best time to Take a Road trip from Delhi to Manali

Manali experiences beautiful winter from October to March. This time of the year temperature falls below 0 degree Celsius and snow-covered Manali is more beautiful than anything.

During summer temperature falls between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius and it is also doable around summer.

Route Options for Delhi to Manali by road

Route 1: Delhi to Manali Road Trip Via NH 44

This route is the longest-running major north to south highway in India. This will take Ambala to Chandigarh route.

Route map: Delhi → Panipat → Kurukshetra → Ambala → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali

Travel time: This route will take 12 to 13 hours to take you from Delhi to Manali. The distance traveled is 560 km approximately.

Popular Stopovers on Delhi to Manali Road Trip Via NH 44

1. Purana Quila: This is one the historical place nearby Delhi built in the rule of Sher Shah Sur. The fort has beautiful Mughal architecture. This is located in Panipat.

2. Karnal Lake: This can be a peaceful stop after crossing karnal. It is a midway halt between Delhi and Chandigarh.

3. Sheikh Chilli tomb: This tomb is situated in Thanesar, Haryana. This is a mausoleum of the famous Sufi saint.

4. Rock Garden of Chandigarh: This is one of the unique sculpture garden in Chandigarh. It is beside Sukhna Lake. And consists of wonderful man-made sculpture from scraps and wastes.

5. Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary: This wildlife sanctuary falls on Pendra Road in Bilaspur Chhattisgarh. This beautiful green and biodiversity conservation has so many things to be seen.

6. Barot Valley: Barot is situated nearby Manali. It is an absolute hidden gem to explore. This place is filled with lush green deodar forests and orchards.

Best Places to eat on Delhi to Manali Road Trip Via NH 44

Haveli, Murthal, Haryana : This authentic place serves food in royal style. This is embarked upon the highway gives tourists a chance to loosen up.
AmrikSukhdev, Sonipat: This themed multi-cuisine restaurant is what every passenger need. This is the perfect place to halt and give your taste buds a feast.
Bahadur Dhaba, Bilaspur : This Dhaba is situated in Ghagahas, Bilaspur and is very famous for corn chappatis. This restaurant serves food late at night also.
Chawla’s, Mandi: These places are one of the oldest eateries, which serves lip-smacking Punjabi cuisine to travelers.

Route 2: Delhi to Manali Road Trip Via NH 9

This route takes a little more time than the usual route. It takes you from the city route, which can experience a bit of traffic at some times.

Route map: Delhi → Hansi → Samana → Patiala → Sirhind → Mandi → Naggar → Manali

Travel time: This route has about 650 KM and takes 15 to 16 hours to cover the distance.

Popular Stopovers on Delhi to Manali Road Trip Via NH 9

1. Sheesh Mahal: This beautiful mirrored palace in Patiala has Maharaja’s carvings, coins, taxidermy and medals in one place.

2. Gobind Sagar Lake: This reservoir in India is situated in Bilaspur has a very tranquil setting. This a perfect halt to stop over and look around.

3. Prashar Lake: This is one of the famous lakes in Mandi. It also has a beautiful three stories temple dedicated to the sage Parashar.

4. Kullu Valley: One of the beautiful and mesmerizing hill stations in Himachal Pradesh is everything you need to see.

5. Naggar Castle: This Beautiful gallery house restoring paintings of the Russian artist Nicholas Roerich is a historical museum in Himachal Pradesh.

Best Places to eat on Delhi to Manali Road Trip Via NH 9

Star Highway, Rohtak: This highway Dhaba serves North India’s cuisine all you can eat at one place at affordable prices.
Chawla’s Chicken Treat, Patiala: This is a famous eaterie among locals that serves both veg and non-veg options. It is one of the delectable cuisine to try.
Heritage Haveli, Rupnagar: This village themed place serves ethnic Punjabi cuisine. This a must stopover place.
BahadurDhaba, Bilaspur : This Dhaba is situated in Ghagahas, Bilaspur and is very famous for corn chappatis. This restaurant serves food late at night also.
Chawla’s, Mandi : These places are one of the oldest eateries, which serves lip-smacking Punjabi cuisine to travelers.

Route 3: Road trip from Delhi to Manali via NH 5

This route takes turn from Chandigarh and leads to Manali through Shimla. To continue this route first travellers has to go through NH 44 and then connects to NH 5.

Route Map: Delhi → Panipat → Kurukshetra → Ambala → Zirakpur → Shimla → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali

Travel time: This route takes 15 hour to finish the whole journey.

Popular Stopovers on Delhi to Manali Road Trip Via NH 5

1. Jal Mahal: After crossing Chandigarh the famous Jal Mahal in Pinjore is the worth the halt. This place is surrounded by fountains and beautiful garden named Rajwadi garden.

2. The ridge: After reaching Shimla visit the beautiful stoppage to an exquisite church, library and many other sights.

3. Chadwick falls: This beautiful fall is 7 km away from Shimla is worth feasting eye upoun.

4. Manikaran Sahib: This spiritual gurudwara in Manikaran is a beautiful place to visit and get in religious touch with hot springs, valley, view and lip-smacking food.

Best places to eat on Delhi to Manali Road Trip Via NH 5

Haveli, Murthal, Haryana : This authentic place serves food in royal style. This is embarked upon the highway gives tourists a chance to loosen up.
Terminal five Restaurant : This beautiful family restaurant serves all you can eat in Punjabi style.
Aunty's : It is situated in Shimla and it provides best multi cuisine restaurant in small and cosy place.
Buddha Place : This peaceful restaurant is located in proximity of Gurdwara and serves delectable cuisine with a spectacular view.

Things to keep in mind when travel by road

Carry all the essential for your vehicle like extra tyres, tools and equipment and also check the condition of your vehicle before you leave.
Be regularly updated with weather, and check before you leave so you don’t get caught into something unexpected.
Slow down on village roads, there are lot of non motorised on them.
Pack things you need, not more not less. Don’t overpack and take everything you find necessary.
Pay attention to road sings to be safe and carry your license. Look out for speed breakers.
Carry the necessary medications for you and your family.