Dreaming of mountain roads, apple orchards, snow-capped peaks, and cool Himalayan air?
The Delhi to Manali road trip is one of the most popular and scenic drives in India. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, this journey is nothing short of magical.
This complete guide by Root Indians covers everything you need to know — route, distance, itinerary, famous places, best time to drive, includes, excludes, highlights, and FAQs. Let’s get rolling!
🛣️ Delhi to Manali: Distance & Route Overview
🔹 Total Distance: Approximately 570 km via NH44 and NH3
🔹 Estimated Drive Time: 12 to 14 hours (non-stop), usually split into 2 days
🔹 Starting Point: New Delhi
🔹 Destination: Manali, Himachal Pradesh
🔹 Recommended Route
🔹 Delhi → Ambala → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Sundernagar → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
This route via the Chandigarh Highway is the most popular and well-maintained. It passes through beautiful river valleys, pine forests, and the banks of the Beas River.
🔹 Alternative Route (Via Ambala–Ropar)
Some travellers prefer bypassing Chandigarh and taking the Ropar road. This is slightly shorter but has more traffic near urban areas.
📌 Delhi to Manali Road Trip — Stopping Points
🔹 Delhi (Start) — Begin your journey early at 5–6 AM to avoid city traffic.
🔹 Ambala (130 km) — First fuel stop. Grab tea and breakfast at a highway dhaba.
🔹 Chandigarh (250 km) — Ideal lunch stop. Explore Rock Garden or Sukhna Lake if time permits.
🔹 Bilaspur (370 km) — Quick refreshment stop near the scenic Gobind Sagar Lake.
🔹 Sundernagar (410 km) — Stretch your legs and enjoy local snacks.
🔹 Mandi (430 km) — Dinner stop. Visit the beautiful Beas River bridge.
🔹 Kullu (500 km) — Last fuel and snack stop before the final stretch.
🔹 Manali (570 km) — Arrive 👉 Manali Trip and enjoy! 🏔️
🚗 Why Choose Root Indians for Your Delhi to Manali Road Trip?
1.Customized Itinerary
Root Indians doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all plans. We tailor every trip based on your preferences, budget, and travel style.
2. Local Guides Who Know Every Bend
Root Indians partners with local drivers and regional guides who know every twist and turn of the mountain roads.
3. Transparent & Budget-Friendly Pricing
No hidden costs, no last-minute surprises. Root Indians offers clear, all-inclusive packages for popular road trips across India — covering accommodation, vehicle support, fuel planning, and permits — so you can travel without financial stress.
4. Safety First on Every Route
First-aid kits, emergency contacts, and trained drivers are always part of the package. Our team monitors weather and road conditions on high-altitude routes like Manali.
5. Well-Maintained Vehicle Options
Choose from a fleet of road-trip-ready vehicles suited to every travelers — SUVs for Himalayan passes, comfortable sedans road trip, and motorcycles for the true adventurer.
6. 24/7 On-Trip Support
Root Indians provides round-the-clock on-trip assistance so that no breakdown derails your Indian road trip. Root Indians support team is always just a call away.
7. Fully Customizable Packages
Solo tripper, honeymooning couple, family with kids, or a group of bikers — Root Indians customizes every package to match your pace, group size, and budget. It’s your road trip in India, your rules.
8. Thousands of Happy Travelers
With a growing community of road trip enthusiasts who have trusted Root Indians the brand’s reputation speaks for itself. Root Indians has earned rave reviews for delivering genuine, unforgettable 👉 road trip experiences across India.
🚗 Best Time for Travel from Delhi to Manali Road Trip
May to June and September to November offer the ideal combination of good roads, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures.
5 Days Delhi to Manali Road Trip Itinerary
🔸 Day 1: Delhi to Chandigarh (250 km | 4–5 hours)
Start early in the morning from Delhi to Chandigarh, ideally by 6 AM, to avoid city traffic. Drive on NH44, enjoy highway dhabas for breakfast, and reach Chandigarh by noon. Explore the famous Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake in the afternoon. Overnight stay in Chandigarh.
🔸 Day 2: Chandigarh to Manali (310 km | 8–9 hours)
This is the main driving day. The route passes through Bilaspur, Sundernagar, and Mandi — all beautiful towns along the Beas River. Drive through the Kullu Valley and arrive in Manali by evening. Check in, rest, and enjoy a warm dinner by the riverside.
🔸 Day 3: Manali Local Sightseeing
Explore famous attractions like Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Old Manali Market, Vashisht Hot Springs, and the Club House. Try adventure activities like zip-lining and river crossing.
🔸 Day 4: Solang Valley & Rohtang Pass (If Open)
Head to Solang Valley in the morning for snow activities, paragliding, and stunning views. If Rohtang Pass is open (permit required), drive up for breathtaking views of glaciers and snowfields.
🔸 Day 5: Manali to Delhi (Return)
Start early morning and drive back to Delhi. Take breaks at Mandi and Chandigarh. You should reach Delhi by late evening.
👉 You can explore Root Indians Shimla kullu Manali tour Package Also.
Most Famous Places to Visit in Manali
🛕 Hadimba Devi Temple
A stunning wooden temple nestled inside a cedar forest. Built in 1553, it is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba. It is one of the most visited and photographed spots in Manali.
🏔️ Solang Valley
Located 14 km from Manali, this valley is famous for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. In summer, you can enjoy paragliding and zorbing.
🏔️ Rohtang Pass
At 3,978 metres above sea level, Rohtang Pass connects Manali to Lahaul and Spiti. It offers dramatic views of glaciers, snowfields, and Himalayan peaks. Entry requires an online permit.
🏡 Old Manali
A charming village full of cafes, backpacker hostels, and local handicraft shops. It has a very relaxed vibe and is loved by solo travellers and international tourists.
🏡 Vashisht Village & Hot Springs
Just 3 km from Manali, Vashisht is a quiet village with ancient hot sulfur springs. A dip in these natural springs is both relaxing and refreshing after a long drive.
🌊 Beas River
Running along the entire Kullu-Manali valley, the Beas River is ideal for river rafting. You can also simply sit on its banks and enjoy the cool mountain breeze.
🏰 Naggar Castle
Located 22 km from Manali, this 15th-century castle offers a beautiful view of the Kullu Valley. It has been converted into a heritage hotel and houses an art gallery.
🍽️ Food & Culture of Manali
Manali is a place where the mountains fill not just your eyes but also your plate and soul. The local cuisine is simple, hearty, and deeply rooted in Himachali tradition. Must-try dishes include Siddu (steamed bread with ghee), Dham (festive rice and lentil feast), Chana Madra (chickpeas in yoghurt gravy), and fresh Beas River Trout. Street food lovers must try hot momos, Babru, and butter tea on chilly evenings at Mall Road.
Culturally, Manali is a vibrant mix of ancient traditions, indigenous tribes, and colourful festivals. The locals are warm, humble, and deeply connected to their roots. Festivals like Kullu Dussehra, Hadimba Devi Fair, and the Winter Carnival bring the valley alive with folk music and traditional Natti dance. Local markets overflow with hand-woven shawls, wooden crafts, and Tibetan jewellery. A visit to Manali is truly incomplete without experiencing its rich food and living culture.
Trip Highlights of Delhi to Manali Road Trip
✅ Scenic drive through the
✅ Beas River Valley
✅ Snow play at Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass
✅ Visit to the ancient
✅ Hadimba Temple in a cedar forest
✅River rafting on the Beas River
✅Explore Old Manali’s cafes and local markets
✅Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas
✅Experience local Himachali food and culture
✅Sunrise views from Naggar Castle
What's Included and Excluded in the Root Indians Package
What’s Included
☑️ Pickup and drop from Delhi
☑️ Comfortable and well-maintained vehicle (AC/Non-AC as selected)
☑️ Experienced driver with mountain driving expertise
☑️ Fuel charges
☑️ Toll taxes and parking fees
☑️ 4 nights accommodation (twin/triple sharing as per package)
☑️ Daily breakfast and dinner
☑️ Sightseeing as per itinerary
☑️ Travel insurance
☑️ 24×7 on-trip support
What’s Excluded
❌ Personal expenses (shopping, tips, phone bills)
❌ Any adventure activity charges (paragliding, skiing, rafting)
❌ Rohtang Pass permit fee (approximately ₹500 per person)
❌ Lunch meals
❌ Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
❌ Medical expenses
❌ GST (5%) as applicable
👉 How to Book Road Trips with Root Indians?
Booking Road Trip with Root Indians is very simple and easy. Just follow these steps:
🔹 Visit the Website https://rootindians.com/
🔹 Choose your Road Trip
🔹 Customize Your Itinerary
🔹 Select Your Cab: Choose your preferred cab type — sedan, SUV, or tempo traveler — based on your group size and comfort needs.
🔹 Confirm your date, place & Pay small advance to lock your booking.
🔹 A professional driver will pick you up on time. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip stress-free
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does the Delhi to Manali road trip take?
The total distance is around 570 km. It takes approximately 12 to 14 hours to drive non-stop. Most travellers split it into two days, stopping at Chandigarh overnight.
Q2. Is the Delhi to Manali road safe for driving?
Yes, the highway up to Manali is safe and well-maintained. However, the stretch from Mandi to Manali has narrow mountain roads with sharp curves. It is best to drive during daytime and hire an experienced driver for this stretch.
Q3. What is the best vehicle for this road trip?
SUVs like Innova Crysta, Fortuner, or Scorpio are ideal for this trip. If you are a group of 10 to 12 people, a Tempo Traveller works well. Avoid hatchbacks for the mountain sections.
Q4. Do I need a permit for Rohtang Pass?
Yes, an online permit is required to visit Rohtang Pass. Only a limited number of vehicles are allowed each day. You should book at least 2 to 3 days in advance at the official Himachal Pradesh government portal.
Q5. Is Manali open all year?
Manali town is open throughout the year. However, Rohtang Pass is closed from November to May due to heavy snowfall. Solang Valley is accessible most of the year.
Q6. What should I pack for the Delhi to Manali road trip?
Pack warm clothes (even in summer), sunscreen, sunglasses, a good pair of trekking shoes, a first-aid kit, a power bank, and any personal medications. Carry enough cash as ATMs in remote areas may not always work.
Q7. Can I do this trip in a budget?
Yes! The Delhi to Manali road trip can be done in a budget of ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 per person (inclusive of travel, stay, and food) if you travel in a group and choose budget accommodations
