Perched gracefully in the lap of the Himalayas, Manali is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most beloved hill stations, offering a perfect escape into nature’s grandeur. With its enchanting snow peaks, apple orchards, dense pine forests, and gurgling Beas River, Manali blends tranquility with adventure in the most magical way. Whether it’s a family holiday, a honeymoon, or a backpacker’s journey, Manali has something for everyone.
Cultural Charm – Stroll through Old Manali, where cobblestone streets, wooden homes, and bohemian cafés give off a rustic yet vibrant vibe. Explore local markets filled with handicrafts, woolens, and souvenirs.
Nature & Spirituality – The sacred Hadimba Devi Temple, surrounded by cedar groves, and the peaceful Vashisht village with its hot springs, offer a calming spiritual retreat.
Manali, located in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley, is well-connected by road and accessible via rail and air routes through nearby cities. Whether you’re traveling for adventure, leisure, or a honeymoon trip, getting to Manali is convenient with multiple options.
By Air
The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), about 50 km from Manali. It operates limited flights from Delhi and Chandigarh. From the airport, travelers can hire a taxi or use pre-booked cabs to reach Manali in around 1.5–2 hours. For more flight options, you can also land at Chandigarh Airport (310 km away) or Delhi Airport (540 km away) and continue by road.
By Train
Manali does not have its own railway station. The closest stations are:
Joginder Nagar (163 km away): The nearest narrow-gauge station, but with limited connectivity.
Chandigarh Railway Station (315 km away): Well-connected to Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, and other major cities.
Ambala Cantt (335 km away): Another convenient option with better train frequency.
From these stations, taxis and buses are available to reach Manali.
By Road
Road travel is the most popular way to reach Manali.
From Delhi (540 km, 12–14 hrs): Regular Volvo and deluxe buses run overnight from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Private taxis and self-drive options are also common.
From Chandigarh (310 km, 8–9 hrs): A shorter and scenic route through Bilaspur, Sundernagar, and Mandi.
From Shimla (250 km, 7–8 hrs): Another picturesque journey via Karsog and Kullu.
The roads are well-maintained, though winding in parts, making it a thrilling drive through the Himalayas.
By Bus
Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private operators run regular AC, Volvo, and deluxe buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, and Dharamshala. Overnight buses are the most convenient for Delhi–Manali travelers.
By Taxi or Self-Drive
For those who love road trips, driving to Manali is a memorable experience. The Delhi–Manali highway via NH 3 offers scenic mountain landscapes, rivers, and valleys. Self-drive travelers should be prepared for hilly terrains and sharp turns.
1. Solang Valley (13 km)
A paradise for adventure lovers, Solang Valley is famous for skiing in winter and paragliding, zorbing, and cable car rides in summer. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it’s a must-visit for thrill and nature seekers alike.
2. Rohtang Pass (51 km)
At an altitude of 3,978 meters, Rohtang is one of the most popular spots near Manali. It offers panoramic views of glaciers, snowfields, and peaks. The pass is open from May to October and is a favorite for snow activities and photography.
3. Naggar (21 km)
Known for its heritage charm, Naggar is home to the historic Naggar Castle and the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery. The town is a blend of culture, art, and scenic Himalayan beauty.
4. Kullu (40 km)
Situated on the banks of the Beas River, Kullu is famous for its temples, apple orchards, and the vibrant Dussehra Festival. It’s also a hub for river rafting and other adventure sports.
5. Kasol (75 km)
Popularly called “Mini Israel,” Kasol lies along the Parvati River and is loved by backpackers. It’s perfect for trekking, riverside camping, and experiencing a laid-back vibe amidst nature.
6. Manikaran (79 km)
Famous for its hot springs and religious significance, Manikaran is sacred to both Hindus and Sikhs. It is located in the Parvati Valley and offers breathtaking mountain views along with spiritual peace.
7. Gulaba (20 km)
A quiet alternative to Rohtang, Gulaba offers snowy landscapes, meadows, and adventure activities. It’s less crowded and perfect for those seeking peace in nature.
8. Tosh Village (95 km)
A hidden gem in the Parvati Valley, Tosh is known for its wooden houses, apple orchards, and stunning treks. Ideal for travelers looking for offbeat experiences.
Arrive in Manali, check into your hotel with Hodophile Tour and Travel.
Visit Hadimba Devi Temple, a 16th-century wooden temple surrounded by cedar forests.
Explore Manu Temple, dedicated to sage Manu.
Walk around Mall Road for shopping and local cafes.
Evening visit to Van Vihar, a peaceful park with deodar trees and a small lake.
Overnight stay in Manali.
After breakfast, drive to Solang Valley (13 km).
Enjoy activities like paragliding, zorbing, horse riding, and ropeway rides.
In winter, go for skiing and snowboarding.
On the way back, stop at Nehru Kund, a natural spring with crystal-clear water.
Evening free for leisure and a relaxed stroll around the town.
Overnight stay in Manali.
Early morning drive to Rohtang Pass (51 km).
Experience snow activities, mountain views, glaciers, and photo stops at Marhi and Rahalla Falls.
Visit Gulaba village if Rohtang is closed due to snow.
Return to Manali by evening and rest.
Overnight stay in Manali.
- Drive to Kullu (40 km), famous for river rafting and traditional handicrafts.
- Visit Naggar Castle and Roerich Art Gallery.
- Continue to Kasol (75 km), a scenic village in Parvati Valley.
- Head to Manikaran (79 km) for hot springs, Gurudwara, and temples.
- Return to Manali by evening.
- Overnight stay in Manali.
- Morning leisure walk, enjoy local cafés or shopping for souvenirs.
- Visit Tibetan Monasteries or Old Manali for a cultural experience if time permits.
- Departure by cab/volvo arranged by Hodophile Tour and Travel.
Summer (March–June): Pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing and adventure activities.
Winter (December–February): Best for snow lovers, skiing, and honeymoon trips.
Monsoon (July–September): Lush green landscapes, but heavy rains may cause landslides.
A 4–5 day trip is ideal to cover Manali, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and nearby places like Kullu, Kasol, and Manikaran.
- By Air: Nearest airport is Bhuntar (50 km).
- By Road: Well-connected with Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla through regular Volvo buses and taxis.
- By Train: Joginder Nagar (160 km) is the nearest railway station.
- Yes, a permit is required to visit Rohtang Pass. Your travel agency or local taxi operators can arrange it.
- Paragliding, river rafting, skiing, snowboarding, trekking, zorbing, camping, and mountain biking.
