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Delhi to Manali, Himachal Pradesh | Travel Guide
Destination Point: Manali
One of the most popular tourist places in Northern India situated along side Beas River is called Manali, Valley of Gods. The term stands for Manu (Manu Rishi) + Aali (Home) and I bet you his home (Manali 
) is just MAGICAL in nature. Manali is one of the oldest towns of Kullu Valley. The place surrounds with the the aura of ROMANCE everywhere, right from the hustle-bustle of mall road to the very calm, traditional, firang (foreigners) dominated old Manali to the woods/villages around/beyond Manu temple to the walk path around Hadimba temple. It can easily be called one of the ROMANTIC destinations of India. The place is ideal for families as well as young couple looking for some hide and seek with the flavor of romance on top of it. Manali is largely visited by the honeymoon couples (me did so Read story Snow at Manali and Naggar | Honeymoon Trip ) and in summers people from all walks of life (children to old) run to seek pleasant weather from low hot burning lands of Northern India. The Hadimba goddess runs the Manali town and is the center of worship of the people living at Manali. The almighty goddess also governs the tall mountains along with raw nature and it’s only after her permission that one gets to enjoy this beautiful place to the core. When people think of Manali the second keyword that comes is of course Rohtang Pass which no doubt is a must visit place if you go to Manali.
Some views of Manali…
Location
Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh on the banks of Beas River.
Altitude
1950 Meters or 6500 Feet (approximately)
Climate
Climate in Manali is almost nice throughout the year (if you like chill ) where you can enjoy chilling cold in winters (December-February) and nice pleasant cool weather in summers. The best time although to visit Manali is April to June when heat is burning the low lands of Northern India. July-August may experience rainfall but this place has again it’s unique beauty when it rains 
.
Snowfall may also occur in the months of January and February.
Best Time to Visit
April to June is the best time to visit Manali but do keep in mind that in summers (April-June) people from most Northern parts of India invade this place like anything and seeing the Mall road in the evening can cause serious shiver in your Head 
. It’s almost you are in Trade Fair of Pragati Maidan, Delhi 
But if you enjoy it, then it’s really awesome time to visit Manali. Also, you can take the shelter in Old Manali in such extreme cases which is far off from the hustle bustle of the (over) crowd. Right from accommodation to food to shopping to taxi / auto fares, everything is costly in this peak season summer holidays.
For honeymoon, of course if you get married in winters then Mid-November to February end is the best time as you get an additional benefit of heavy discount, being off-season topped with less number of tourists or at least you see similar love birds.
If you are looking for adventure sports then, hit for skiing December to February season is the best time and for rafting May to September would do good. All of you who seeks Paragliding in Manali, it’s always dependent on weather on the current day of the year
Do avoid Durga Puja holidays mainly in October when the rush is at peak again and people flood the Kullu Manali towns like anything … It is also the Dusherra Festival time in Kullu Valley with which also valley is under heavy tourist rush.
Also, there is official HPTDC off-season at the time of monsoon and winters (usually mid November-February) when they provide 30% discount on their services
Some More Views Manali…
How to reach Manali
By Air
Nearest Airport is Bhunter near Kullu about 50 KM away. From Kullu, you can hire a taxi to reach Manali in 90 minutes approximately. The fare of taxi could be Rs 600- Rs 800, depending upon the bargaining skills as well as season time.
By Train
Chandigarh is the closest major Railway Station from where it would take anywhere around 9-10 Hours to reach Manali by bus/car.
By Road
Manali is about 570 KM from Delhi (approximately) and takes around 12-14 Hours to reach.
Generaly the route followed for Manali from Delhi by road is –
Delhi – Ambala (188 KM) – Chandigarh – Roopnagar (282 KM) – Kiratpur – Bilaspur (371 KM) – Sunder Nagar – Mandi (440 KM) – Pandoh – Aut (481 KM) – Kullu – Manali (570 KM)
HPTDC Volvo Buses also run from Delhi at 6 P.M. everyday from HPTDC Office, Janpath and reaches Manali next morning around 8 AM. The fare is around Rs 990 on side. The similar buses leaves from Manali every evening 5.30 PM and reaching Delhi by 7.00 AM next morning.
Road Conditions
Delhi to Manali roads run on NH-21 and NH-1 highways and are pretty much in great shape being a highway. In the entire route there are one or two rough patches so that you never loose your concentration, specially the drive from Kiratpur to Sunder Nagar is horrible with with trucks running madly all over the road on both sides, slowing you down terribly. A slight Chandigarh to Roopnagar stretch is also in bad shape but rest of the road conditions are pure bliss to drive.
Preferred Vehicles
Best way is to take your car/bike and hit the road as there is no such specialty required in the vehicle be it 2X2 or 4X4. You can take it as long as its engine runs and fuel exists
Itinerary
From Delhi to visit Manali you require at least 3 Nights, 4 Days and it would be great if you have more But ideally in 3 Nights / 4 Days you can cover majority of this place. I would also provide some add-on or pop-up day tours which you can include exclude as you like.
Night – 1: Leave Delhi in the evening to reach Manali next morning either by car/or Volvo bus. You can take a morning flight to Kullu as well which takes you to first day.
Day – 1: Check-in at the hotel, rest for few hours and go on for Local Sightseeing. This may include Mall road (which of course you can’t avoid any day), Local Monastery, Hadimba Devi Temple, Manu Rishi Temple in the evening through the streets of old Manali. Have Dinner at one of the traditional / western cuisine restaurant at Old Manali. Come back to hotel for the rest.
Day – 2: Leave for Rohtang Pass early in the morning to avoid traffic JAM. Mind it, it’s worse JAM of the trip so be prepared and it’s always better to avoid by shooting for Rohtang early morning may be 7 A.M. Come back to hotel by evening or around 4 PM to rest at the hotel and enjoy the Mall road in the evening / night.
Day – 3: Leave for Solang Valley if you want to do some adventure sports and enjoy the day there. Come back in the evening. Leave for home in the night, either by taking the evening Volvo or by you own car.
Add-on or Top-up Days
Day – 4: If you are not interested in visiting a unique place then include Naggar Castle in your trip with a night stay at Naggar Castle. Well the views it offers is just breathtaking. So you can also opt for Naggar in place of Solang if you don’t like adventure sports then replace this day with the trip to Naggar Castle, just 30 odd KM from Manali. For honeymoon it’s one of the best place to stay and must visit for couples looking for ideal romantic point.
To get the glimpses of the views from Naggar Castle, check these links of my visit to this beautiful place.
You may take a day trip to Naggar and leave for Manali same day if you don’t like much but better include a night stay at this lovely Hotel. Next morning you can leave to Delhi from Naggar itself.
Day – 5/6: Another set of location you may include is that you leave for Kullu or Kasol in the evening if it’s the penultimate day of the trip or early morning on any day if you have ample amount of time. Just it would be great if you can do it on the way back to home towards Delhi or similar route.
Reach Kullu, shop in the market and head towards Manikaran. Visit this holy place and leave for Kasol where you can enjoy the evening in nice Israeli flavor. If you have time then dedicate a day for Kasol and try to enjoy the environment to the core besides the Parvati River. If you have ever been to Goa (Check My Goa Valentines Trip), you would say it’s almost a mini form of it without bikinis …
Leave for Delhi in the evening and reach by morning.
Accommodations
There are a lot of Hotel options available in Manali for accommodation ranging from luxury Hotels to budget range Hotels. Well I have been to all three kinds on my previous trips to Manali and this is what I felt a nice list to narrow down the choices. Of course I would say these are just Hotels either known to me or I have taken feedback from my family members who have stayed there
- HPTDC, Kunzum: Hotel Kunzum is just on the Mall road provides you with ample facilities being on the Mall road. Everything is so near by and I would really recommend it for families with children. Kids tends to demand this and that every now and then which makes Hotel Kunzum a good choice as everything you get in Manali is so near by. Range is Rs 1700 – Rs 3000
- HPTDC, Hadimba Cottages / Log / Hamta Huts: These huts ideal for honeymoon lovers are located a bit isolated towards Old Manali, again which is what love birds seek. But, don’t catch it into very off – season as it may also scare a bit out of you being alone. At least we felt so when we stayed and moreover food is not that good quality. You can check the entire review Hadimba Cottages, Manali | Hotel Review
- Johnson’s: Located near Circuit House is very famous for it’s cuisines. The rooms are really comfortable and worth the money. Even if you don’t stay do have a meal or two in it’s restaurant. Range is Rs 2200- Rs4000.
- Picaddily Resort: This is at the start of Mall road and not at all a budget hotel. We stayed here in very off season and still we got a room for 1500
I believe. But I must say the money was worth it as the Hotel have all sorts of deserving offerings one would like. - HPTDC, Rohtang Manalsu & The Beas: This hotel is a bit away from hustle bustle of town but very moderate budget hotels. Range is 650-2000 and you can always stay here if you are short on budget.
So, if you are no short of budget go for Johnson’s or Picaddily Resorts, although there are more luxury Hotel also available which you may check for sure.
If you are short on budget either choose HPTDC, Rohtang Manalsu or HPTDC, The Beas or else you can very well walk to the streets of Old Manali where you will get very good deals for some cheap hotels in Manali.
HPTDC is always a safe bet if you are in dilemma for cheap hotel, I believe.
Budgest Hotels in Manali
You can find lots of budget hotels around Manali in Vashishth, Old Manali and hotels on the Manali – Naggar road near Beas Bridge. The one at Manali – Naggar road named The River View and one just before that hotel are real good and economic options of stay in Manali. Read the complete review of The River View hotel at the below link: The River View, Manali | Hotel Review
Food Joints
- Johnson’s,located near Circuit House is very famous for it’s cuisines. A meal here is a must for us whenever we go to Manali.
- Chopsticks, located at Mall road, has a great variety of Chinese dishes topped with great taste.
- Grozy, located just at the start of Mall road shops is also quite good in food quality. In fact on of the trip we just had our meal on this restaurant only.
- IL Forno is by far the best place for Pizzas in Manali. If you love Pizzas then do not forget to check this awesome place.
- Sher-e-Punjab or Shan – e -Punjab (original one) is also a good food joint although I have never been there due to long queues
Tips to travel in winters
- Do take heavy woolens with you especially a heavy woolen jacket.
- Do take 2-3 pairs of inner thermals cots
- Do take woolen long socks. Airtight shoes would be perfect to help you avoid freezing feet.
- Do not exert yourself too much and try to keep your body hydrated on the day when visiting snow points.
- Take at least one complete day rest in Manali before venturing further heights. i.e. snow points in Solang or Gulaba. DO NOT go to snow points on the very first day you reach Manali region.
- In Winters (except xmas – new year week) HPTDC runs about 30% off season discounts [also valid for Naggar Castle], if you like to stay in their hotels. All other private hotels can offer as much as 40-50%
Around Manali:
There are ample of places around Manali and inside Manali town which as a tourist can be visited and clicked for some great memories in life. I will try to enlist some of them below -
Local Sightseeing
You can check below destinations within Manali town -
Manali Mall Road
You can enjoy food and shopping at this very road. There are few Hotels as well on the road including Hotel Kunzum, HPTDC. There is one Temple as well at the Mall road just aside Bus and Taxi Stand
Hadimba Temple
It’s near Circuit House approximately 15-20 minutes walk. Autos run all time in Manali to take you to the local tourist joints but charge a bit high. I feel walking down to these places has fun of it’s own kind.
Manu Temple
As you cross through the streets of lovely Old Manali you will reach this temple. Chingu Chingu is what you will hear all over as you start entering the road. Don’t fall into the trap of sales man of buying it, most of them are duplicate makes.
Local Monastery
Local monastery is situated just few 200 odd Meters from the bus stand at Mall road. You can surely buy some souvenir from the shops in front of the local Manali monastery.
Vashishth Hot Water Springs
Personally I didn’t like this place at all and considered it as total waste of time.
Other trails
Other trails in the woods through local villages and old Manali which can be enjoyed as well.
Rohtang Pass
At an height of 13,051 feet or 3978 Meters, this Pir Panjal Range pass is a must visit for every tourist who goes to Manali. You can find snow throughout the year at this place and is reachable from May End – October. It connects the Kullu Valley to Lahaul-Spiti Valley and is one of the main blockage point of Delhi-Manali-Leh Ladakh connectivity.
Solang Valley
Mountaineering and Allied sports Institute, Manali conducts various courses on Skiing at this place and if you love adventure sports you may find this place very exciting. Along with this, it also offers snow capped views of glaciers and even snow in winters. The place also helps in proper acclimatization if you are wishing to head Leh Ladakh.
Naggar
This is just amazing place which I have already explained in the Itinerary section and if you are really looking for some romantic joint, Naggar Castle is surely the place to be. Do read more at Naggar Castle, Naggar
Kullu
It’s a major district of Himachal Pradesh and is located at the banks of Beas River. The Airport Bhunter is just 10 KMs from this place and you will find ample of place to shop.
Kasol
42 KM from Kullu, Kasol situated at the banks of Parvati River is yet another place which is a must visit and provides a completely unique experience with Israeli atmosphere dominating the air.It’s an hub of backpackers and what they are after, you very well know.
Manikaran
It’s a Hindu and Sikh pilgrimage center located between the Beas and Parvati Rivers. Well you may like it or you may not like it. It’s a matter of taste but couple of hours giving to this place is worth enough.
Conclusion
If you ever have been to Manali then please share you valuable thoughts and suggestion as well so that it can help other fellow travelers to plan their journey to Manali accordingly. I will be looking forward to your comments and suggestions.
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Recent Comments
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Dheeraj Sharma:-Hi Zazen, For Vento taking on Manali - Leh Highway, I will suggest you rea
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Dheeraj Sharma:-Hi Namit, My 2 cents on the itinerary: You need to carry spare fuel so th
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Dheeraj Sharma:-Hi Anubhav, Yes, you can use that from Ladakh to Manali but inside Ladakh
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Dheeraj Sharma:-Hi Prasad, You will need to carry spare fuel in Jerry Cans which do not le
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Dheeraj Sharma:-Hi Tahzeeb, Though 10 days are very much less for Ladakh trip but still I
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Dheeraj Sharma:-Hi Hardik, Thanks alot buddy. Sorry I do not have contacts of anyone runni
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Dheeraj Sharma:-Hi Rajesh, Though I am not very much into technical details of automotive
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Dheeraj Sharma:-Hi Ranjit, Innova will suffer at few sections of the road, better get Scor
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Dheeraj Sharma:-Hi Zain, Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other directio
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Dheeraj Sharma:-Hi ajay, When do you want to start, 23rd May is right after 3 days?? Guess
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48 Comments
Hi Dheeraj – I was looking for your assistance in recommending where to stay while traveling between Delhi and Manali ? Wanted to have a night halt given the number of children and senior citizens we are traveling with. Bilaspur, mandi ..or any other place…do you have recommended hotels given its only one night..
Hi dheeraj,
I m a total adventure junkie. I m from mumbai and visiting manali and rohtang this april 12 till the 17…i m basically visting for snow adventure. i m planning a road trip from delhi. we r a group of 4 and could u plz guide us budget hotels around manali or even rohtang would be preferable. could u plz advice me on shieing adventures. Thank you in anticipation…
Hello Natash,
Great to know about your spirit for adventure. Well, in Manali you can check out Manali – Naggar road for budget accommodation options. There are many of them available there. You can also try to stay a bit away from Manali at Vashisht where as well you find some good moderate budget accommodation options. One of them where we stayed was: The River View Hotel – Manali. You can contact them and check about the prices, if you want.
Rohtang Pass will be closed and best I guess you can go upto Gulaba to enjoy snow or Solang Valley. at solang Valley, you can go for adventure sports.
I hope this helps. Please let me know for any doubts or queries you have.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
we are going from delhi to manali with kids and elders. I was thinking of taking a stop at either mandi, bilaspur or sundernagar to make sure its half way (traveling time perspective) so we can all stretch our legs and take a night halt. where would you recommend we do that and if you have any decent hotel in mind
1st week of June I am travelling with my family from New Delhi and intending to see Shimla and Manali. This is my first visit to North India. I want to know will visiting Rohtang Pass be a problem. Do you know of people who had altitude issues visiting these places. I am from Singapore and doctors are not sure or much of help.
Regards
Krishna
Hello Krishna,
Not sure how many days you have in hand but for visiting Shimla and Manali you can do something like:
Day 1 | Reach Shimla from by overnight volvo from previous night. Check-in and rest at hotel. In the second half explore local Shimla including Shimla Ridge, Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Back to Hotel By Evening.
)
Day 2 | Around Shimla, a relaxing day. Jakhoo Temple, State Museum, Mall Road, Ridge etc. as you like or may be you can visit Kufri in the first half of the day and all this in the second half of the day.
Day 3 | Shimla – Narkanda – Hatu Peak – Narkanda – Shimla (a bit long day) or you can do Shimla – Kufri – Chail – Shimla (Little les hectic
Day 4 | Shimla – Manali
Day 5 | Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc.
Day 6 | Manali – Rohtang Pass – Manali. Enjoy in snow and come back to Manali
Day 7 | Manali – Naggar Castle(stay at Naggar and enjoy the place. Very romantic with great views and food. Visit Roerich Musueum, Art Gallery and do not miss the hike to ancient Krishna Temple at the top)
Day 8 | Naggar Castle – Manali – Delhi. Checkout from Naggar Castle by noon. Since, the volvo to Delhi will be around 5.30 PM types, so either you can spend a sometime hanging around Naggar only and after lunch leave for Manali or you have the option to come back to Manali and hang around on Mall road and finally take the return bus. Or, you can also co-ordinate with bus HPTDC guys so that the bus pick you from the nearest pickup point for Naggar on the way to Delhi. Naggar Castle guys will arrange the taxi for the drop there.
** if you have time then try, Manali Sanctuary can also be covered as it is just about 2-3 KMs from Manali town and there is trail which starts from Manali Log Huts or Dhungri temple that leads you into the woods.
This will help your body get accustomed to hills before you reach Rohtang Pass.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any doubts or queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dinesh,
I am from Hyderabad. I am planning to visit Shimla/Manali from 13th April to 19th April. I will be visiting along with my parents, wife and two children of age 7 years and 10 years. I have decided to take an Innova from New Delhi. My schedule is as below:
13th April – Start from New Delhi and proceed to Shimla. If possible travel around Chandigarh. Night halt and Shimla
14th April – See 2 or 3 major places in Shimla and proceed to Kufri. In the night I will be going to Shelapani (Dwarika Residency) around 80 Kms from Shimla (This was the place strongly suggested by one of my relative and I also saw very good reviews even though it is not a famous landmark.)
15th April – Stay and Shelapani
16th April – Proceed towards Manali.
17th April – Visit places in Manali
18th April – Go to Solang valley and if possible a bit higher towards Rohtang Pass(I think the pass will be closed so maybe I will see how much distance it is allowed to go). On returning I will proceed to Naggar and have a night halt there.
19th April – Spend 3-4 hours in Naggar and proceed towards New Delhi so that I can reach there by night.
Overall I prefer to stay in Hotels away from the mad rush (Please suggest such hotels) and also have some adventure which my children can enjoy and my parents can join without much stress.
Suggest some hotels which are away from
Hi Khadeer,
The plan looks OK to me but quite a lot of traveling I see here to see places. Shelapani is indeed a great place to be and you are right about it. If possible drop Shimla altogether and straight away go to Shelapani and relax there for couple of days. Visit Karapather, Rohru and the way upto snow has blocked towards Chansal Pass. You will more enjoy there away from mad tourist and commercialized rush of Shimla town. But, if you intend to visit Shimla then there is nothing wrong with the plan above as per my knowledge.
Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc.
If you want to stay away from hustle bustle then better stay at Solang Valley, very calm and quite instead of Manali. Hotel Iceland is a nice option there. Johnson’s is also good in Manali though on the road towards old Manali, so you do hear some autos running around. But, being a bit away from mall (not much so that everything is accessible in case required), it is an optimum location. Otherwise, if you have a family you can book Hadmiba Cottages or Log Huts, away from town and secluded. Though food was not that good but since they provide kitchen may be you can try your hands with some cooking too in case required. But, very calm location.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj sarma
Thanks for your prompt and valuable response. Well maybe I will drop my plan for Chandigarh and Shimla but maybe I will go to Kufri. Maybe my children would enjoy it. My parents can rest in Shelapani.
Regarding my stay in Naggar also if it becomes very tiresome I can drop it.
Once again thanks a lot for your prompt advise.
Dear Sir,
We are planning a trip Delhi-Manali-Delhi in June’12 end. we are 4 members all are males. we are going by our car. please suggest places/sports/adventures/budget hotels and restaurants to visit in manali.
Hello Mahesh,
Well, June is the most rushed season of the year. You will find whole Manali flooded with lots of people and almost all hotels very much booked. Try to go pre-booked if you are one of those who do not prefer the hassles on vacation. Otherwise, with search here and there, you will be able to of course find some or the other accommodation.
Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc. You can enjoy adventure activities at Solang Valley for Paragliding, Snow activities at Rohtang Pass or Marhi, Rafting near Kullu etc. You can visit Naggar Castle if you have time.
You can refer the article above for the accommodation options and how to find budget hotels plus list of good restaurants in Manali.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Sir, Now we planning our trip in July end or 1st week of august. is there any problem in manali due to rainfall. i just want to know we can enjoy in this season or we have to cancel our trip
Hello Mahesh,
I will suggest avoid that period as monsoons will most probably will be in full swing and will mean too much trouble at times rather any kind of enjoyment. So, kindly avoid this period and make plans in Autumn or Fall in October types.
I hope this helps. Please let me know for any doubts or queries you have.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Sir, Actually we all are in Indian army. In may we are on leave for exams and for some family functions and next leave will be grant in july end or august. sep/oct no chance.
So advice we have to go manali or suggest some other place where we can enjoy. trip should be not more than 1500KMs
Hello Mahesh,
Well, I can understand but in monsoons most of the places in hills suffer from monsoons. The only worry is that for the past few years rains are so bad that it even affects the connectivity of Delhi – Manali Highway, forget about interiors. Also, when it will be raining all day you won’t be able to enjoy the trip. You can try your your luck but nothing will be guaranteed in hills. As per other places, you can try Jodhpur, Udaipur, Mount Abu in August end or mid types when heat goes off a bit. Here, too if sun is out instead of clouds you will feel the heat
I hope this helps. Please let me know for any doubts or queries you have.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
I am going to Manali/Manikaran new holi on 6-03-2012 with 8 of family members.At this time is it possible to visit rohtang pass ?
How is the weather at this time there ? how much woolen clothes we should take us ?
Regards,
Harvinder
Hello Harvinder,
Rohtang Pass will be closed at this time of the year. At max, you will be allowed upto Gulaba, about 32 KMs from Rohtang Pass. You need to carry heavy woolens as temperatures will be very low and cold.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
Just gone through the advices from you and thought u can help me too.
I am planning to visit Kulu- Manali & Shimla ( in May-2012)
so will u please suggest me hw to plan my schedule
Point which i need your suggestion is
1) from Delhi which place is better to visit first Shimla or Manali( i want to see both)
2) Which mode of transport will be better between shimla & Manali
3) will 5 days enough to visit both Shimla & Manali
4) WHich hotel will be recomended by you both in shimla & Manali ( My budget is 2000 per 24 hrs is that ok from nice decent room or it costs more please let me knoe the budget for a decent Room)
5) Places to visit in SHimla & Manali ( we are newly married couple)
6) Regarding shopping please let me know what & where we should buy( means what items are good in Shimla & Manali)
7) Do we need to take heavy woolen clothes along with us in May also.
Please do reply me through mail, waiting for your reply
Thanks in Advance
& Highly appreciating your responses
Hello Raja,
In 5 days, it is not advisable to visit both Shimla and Manali. It is better you visit Manali because you will be able to see snow in Manali in May but will not be able to see any snow in or around Shimla. So, go with Manali only as 5 days are too short to cover both the places.
Travel by overnight Volvo between Manali and Delhi. Go with Johnson’s or Jimmy Johnson’s Hotel in Manali or Manali Heights, if that is your budget. If you want to stay away from the hustle-bustle then stay at Hotel Iceland at Solang Valley, about 16 KMs from Manali. Yes, carry light woolens in May as well and atleast one heavy woolen clothing. As for the plan -
Day 1 – Reach Manali, take rest for half of the day and enjoy the x-mas in the evening including Mall road. (I assume that you will be reaching in the morning by Volvo)
Day 2 – Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc.
Day 3 – Manali – Snow Point either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass. Enjoy in snow and come back to Manali
Day 4 – Manali – Naggar Castle(stay at Naggar and enjoy the place)
Day 5 – Naggar Castle – Manali – Delhi (Checkout from Naggar Castle by noon. Since, the volov will be around 5.30 PM types, so either you can spend a sometime hanging around Naggar only and after lunch leave for Manali or come back to Manali and hang around on Mall road and finally take the return bus)
I hope this helps. Please let me know for any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi,
I am planning to got to manali during 21st March for 5 days from Pune .Let me know the best way to reach Manali and is there any way i can go to dal housie or shimla .I want to know will Rohtang pass be open and how would the weather be like.Any recommendations on the hotels say a 3 star with a good valley view.Would you recommend taking a car or catch a volvo to reach manali.
Regards
Priya
H Priya,
Well, you can come over to Delhi and take the overnight volvo from here. It is most convenient of the option unless you plan to self drive. Rohtang Pass will be closed at that time but you will find plenty of snow at snow points of Marhi or Gulaba. Do go with heavy woolens as weather would be cold at that time as though not like today’s
… Johnson’s, Jimmy Johnson’s, Manali Heights are some good options of stay in Manali. Johnson’s are my best bet always …
Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc, Snow Points are at either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass and do check out Naggar Castle (stay at Naggar and enjoy the place for a day, if possible). As per plan, you can try to follow something like -
Day 1 – Reach Manali, take rest for half of the day and enjoy the x-mas in the evening including Mall road. (I assume that you will be reaching in the morning by Volvo)
Day 2 – Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc.
Day 3 – Manali – Snow Point either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass. Enjoy in snow and come back to Manali
Day 4 – Manali – Naggar Castle(stay at Naggar and enjoy the place)
Day 5 – Naggar Castle – Manali – Delhi (Checkout from Naggar Castle by noon. Since, the volov will be around 5.30 PM types, so either you can spend a sometime hanging around Naggar only and after lunch leave for Manali or come back to Manali and hang around on Mall road and finally take the return bus)
I hope that helps. Please let me know incase you need more details or have some queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Great pictures and interesting tips. I hope to visit here someday..
We are total 6 friends planning to visit manali via Delhi and Shimla in the last week of january’12.
we have got 4days and 5 nights schedule.
Need your help in deciding the routine that will be most beneficial for us.
Thank You !
Will be gratefull if you suggest us means of transport and budget hotels.
Hi Osman,
If you have just 4 days then I will suggest that you better select one circuit out of either Shimla or Manali as it is not possible to enjoy both of them in such small duration of time. Please let me know on your selection and I will advice you the required plan/itinerary.
I hope this helps. Let me know for any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Great Working Dheeraj , I will be very thankful to you for your information
Hey Ravi,
You already did but pleasure is mine and I am already grateful that you liked the DeViL on WheeLs… Facebook Page. So, thanks for it. Best wishes for your trip and wishing you a very very happy and prosperous new year…
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
I’m planning to go for Manali via Kasauli from Delhi in 1 Jan,2012 till 6/7 Jan,2012 in our own car. Please suggest some cheap & best hotels/motels for both the places as its a budget trip(we both are male members only, so we can save some more costs at this point as well). Please suggest if any changes are required and please suggest would it be safe/economical to go by our own car.
Hi Friend,
Considering about 1200 KMs run, you will be spending about 6.5K-7K for fuel which divided by two will count about 3.5K per head. Taking volvo tickets to Manali will cost you about 2.5K each but then you will be hiring taxis for local sighseeing as well. Also, you do not have the option to go via multiple places and have to take Manali-Delhi volvo only. So, if you can drive that much then go by your own car. Starting 2nd Jan it will be off-season in entire Himachal so you will definitely find great deals at some hotels. I have never been to Kasauli so cannot comment on hotels and also if there is any specific reason for Kasauli then only include it otherwise it will increase the distance of traveling by much. If you are OK with driving and want to do Kasauli then I will suggest that you go furher towards Shimla – Kufri and Chindi route to reach Manali. It is quite scenic and beautiful. At Manali you can try hotels at Manali-Naggar road, old Manali, Vashishth. All of them present there are decent as well as economic.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more details or have some queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi,
Firstly congrats on an excellent blog.
I am planning a trip to Shimla-Manali in the last week of Mar ’12 from Kolkata. Planning to take Kol-chandigarh flight and stay 2 Nights there before proceeding to Shimla (3 Nights) and then to Manali (4 or 5 Nights). From manali I am thinking of taking flight from Kulu to Delhi and then Kolkata (Is this flight option feasible).
1) Is end Mar a good time to visit this hill station
2) Should I do Shimla and then manali or vice versa
3) Since R Pass will be closed where else will I find snow
4) Can travel agent you advise for good car travel.
5) Is the both way flight option a correct thing to do. (Getting it cheap right now).
Would love to get your comments.
Thanks
Gautam
Hi Gautam,
Thanks alot. If you are getting the tickets at cheaper cost then I will say go with it atleast on the way to Chandigarh. In between i.e. Chandigarh – Shimla and Manali – Delhi it will be much wiser decision to take Volvo and save some bucks. Manali – Delhi Volvo runs at evening so basically you will not be loosing on time front as well because of night, almost comfortable, journey
… So book tickets from Delhi to Kolkata only. Now coming back to your queries -
1. Yes, it is a good time to visit the place when weather is cold but fine too in the sunlight. Being off-season you will get hefty discounts at all places/hotels including HPTDC properties.
…
2. Go to Shimla first and then Manali. You will feel much more accustomed to hills by then.
3. Well, at Shimla side in March I feel you will find snow at Hatu Peak near Narkanda and on Manali side, don;t worry at all as you will find loads of snow at Marhi/Gulaba snow points.
4. No need to involve any travel agent at all. Book the Volvo tickets (Shimla-Chandigarh and Manali-Delhi) online from HPTDC Online Bus Booking website. For local travel you will find taxi easily from local taxi stands of Manali and Shimla. If you do not want to do it on your own then ask your hotel to arrange taxi for you. It will be much better and economic then opting for Travel Agent.
5. Nopes, as I said I am not sure about Delhi-Kolkata and vice versa but do not book it in between as it will save some good money, mostlikely half of the entire trip if you are more than 2
As per the itinerary goes -
Day 1 | Reach Shimla from Chandigarh by overnight volvo from previous night. Check-in and rest at hotel. In the second half explore local Shimla including Shimla Ridge, Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Back to Hotel By Evening.
)
Day 2 | Around Shimla, a relaxing day. Jakhoo Temple, State Museum, Mall Road, Ridge etc. as you like or may be you can visit Kufri in the first half of the day and all this in the second half of the day.
Day 3 | Shimla – Narkanda – Hatu Peak – Narkanda – Shimla (a bit long day) or you can do Shimla – Kufri – Chail – Shimla (Little les hectic
Day 4 | Shimla – Manali
Day 5 | Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc.
Day 6 | Manali – Snow Point either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass. Enjoy in snow and come back to Manali
Day 7 | Manali – Naggar Castle(stay at Naggar and enjoy the place. Very romantic with great views and food. Visit Roerich Musueum, Art Gallery and do not miss the hike to ancient Krishna Temple at the top)
Day 8 | Naggar Castle – Manali – Delhi. Checkout from Naggar Castle by noon. Since, the volvo to Delhi will be around 5.30 PM types, so either you can spend a sometime hanging around Naggar only and after lunch leave for Manali or you have the option to come back to Manali and hang around on Mall road and finally take the return bus. Or, you can also co-ordinate with bus HPTDC guys so that the bus pick you from the nearest pickup point for Naggar on the way to Delhi. Naggar Castle guys will arrange the taxi for the drop there.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have doubts or queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a ton for the immediate response. Only goes to show your passion.
Firstly, I would not like to take the 14 hr bus journey (family members uncomfortable) and since the tickets are cheap looking to block Kol-Chandigarh and Manali-Kol flight tickets tomorrow.
1) Is there a Chandigarh-Shimla and then Shimla Manali volvo service. Is it safe and comfortable enough.
2) How is the taxi service of HPTDC (planning to take it on the Shimla-manali route so that I can stop whereever I want and I believe the path is beautiful)
3) Is 3 days (shimla) and 5 days (manali) sufficent (will add a day or two on your suggestion)
4) Planning to stay at Apple country resort at manali. Is it fine. Any name you would reco.
5) Shimla not done enough reserach. Would you advise any hotel (Budget – 4000-7000)
6) Lastly flight from kulu is at 8:45 AM for delhi. How early will I have to start from hotel and is it safe.
Please let me know as per your convenience. Want to freeze the entire trip in a day or two. Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Gautam
Hi Gautam,
Please find my answers in respective order of your queries -
1. Yes, there is a volvo service between Shimla and Chandigarh, guess by HPTDC as well. I doubt if there is any Volvo service between Shimla and Manali but yes there is a Deluxe bus that runs between Manali and Shimla by HPTDC.
2. Path is OK I will say atleast the one you will take because in March the beautiful one via Jalori Pass will be closed. You can of course try Karsog Valley route via Chindi and may be halt for a day at Chindi to break the journey in between and on the go explore Naldhera – Tattapani – Karsog Valley on the route. Chindi is a very nice, secluded and calm place to be at. Since, you can add a day then I will advice you to take this route only. The third route i.e. normal route between Shimla – Manali isn’t that scenic
…
3. Yes, that will be fine I believe. Just add a day incase you plan to take Chindi route to enjoy it thoroughly.
4. Not sure about Apple country resort but yes, Johnson’s, Jimmy Johnson’s, Piccadily and Manali Heights are some good options IMO, if you are OK with their budgets. Even if you plan to stay somewhere else do checkout a meal or two at Johnson’s (both of them are equally good)
5. Try Peterhoff Heritage Hotel by HPTDC in Shimla. I never stayed in Shimla so cannot provide any first hand experience for its hotels.
6. Kullu is about 40 KMs from Manali, so try to start about 5.30-6.00 AM types to avoid any kind of last minute hassles. Yes, it is completely safe there. No worries.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have any queries or doubts. Do not miss a meal or two at few of the food joints mentioned above in the article
…
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Sorry for the late response and a big thank you for the detailed reply. My flights tickets are now booked. Working on other aspects of my trip. Will take further advise from you closer to my trip date.
Thanks again. Keep up the excellent work.
Gautam, you are most welcome anytime. Have a great new year ahead…
[...] Delhi to Manali, Himachal Pradesh | Travel Guide [...]
hi dheeraj,
the plan you suggested is gud,directly going to srinagar fm delhi n coming down to manali-shimla.i have a query,do u know any parcel service in delhi who courier bikes to srinagar?and how many days ll it take to get bike in srinagar?one more thing is will i get bike for rent at ladakh for going to manali and need a facility of leaving rented one at manali?thnx in advance mate.
Hello Jaison,
Well, I haven’t used it personally but I guess you can ship your bike to Srinagar using GATI services. Check their website to get the rates. If you are planning to transport using Railways upto Delhi then do carry the bikes with you and try to avoid parcel shipment as it may jeopardize the whole plan for you. Using, parcel shipment it may be possible that you end up waiting or finding traces of your bike in Railway officers and do not forget how babus work in our country
… Try GATI, I will say as I have seen lot of people using their services. They do offer discounts I guess to students, so check that too and try to convince them that you are a student. You can ask the process for getting the bike at Srinagar from GATI guys.
Yes, I guess there are bike rentals available in Leh who allow you to drop the bike in Manali. Of course, they charge a bit more. Also, check the some of the tips given in the article here on hiring bikes from Manali but many of these tips are applicable to Leh bike rentals as well.
I hope this helps. Let me know for further doubts/queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hello mr.dheeraj, thanks for that very informative blog of yours.is there snowfall in the last weeks of november or early december in shimla .
Hello Mr. Jagan,
I do not think that region around Shimla receive any snow before late December or early January. If you want snow and looking to visit Shimla/Kufri/Narkanda then plan your journey in January or February. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have more queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
first of all thanks for such an informative and planned blog..i am planning to visit manali for 3 nights and 4 days for honeymoon at november ,2011 end.could u sugget me the best hotel at manali.and whether it would be better to hire a car with driver to travel from rohtak/delhi to manali and use tha for all 4 days.or to go there by volvo bus ..please.waiting for ur reply.thanks.
Hello Dinesh,
Thanks buddy, just trying my best to keep updated information for fellow travelers as well as tourists.
Since, you are going on a Honeymoon I will suggest that you go with Johnsons Lodge or Jimmy Johnsons Hotel near circuit house, Manali. Both are great options of stay with almost equivalent comfort and almost identical in prices. You can opt for any of them. Personally, it is one of my favorites in Manali. Ask for off-season discount too or may be be bargain for the entire discounted package for honeymoon. HPTDC offers 30% discount in offseason so you can expect a bit more like about 40-45% from private properties. Best thing is it is near to Mall road, so everything is accessible easily and then it serves one of the finest cuisines in whole Manali town. Even if you do not plan to stay there then do check a meal or two in their restaurant.
You should plan to travel using overnight Volvo which will be far more comfortable as well as economic option rather than hiring taxi from Rohtak. Plus, you will be less tired too. Being off season you will get decent prices for local taxi from Manali taxi union.
As a side note, I will strongly advice a night stay at Naggar Castle, Naggar as I feel it is one of the romantic places around that region I have ever been. Having a meal or coffee in the restaurant at balcony table is just a great feeling as I recall from my honeymoon trip too
… If planning, then do book room with front view. Read complete review here.
I hope this helps. Feel free to let me know incase you have further doubts or queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
thanks for your reply sir.
about jhonson ‘s .i think cottage will be too big for two persons.and i have checked their website which doesn’t show any room with mountain view.
through net i zeroed on honeymoonin hote(http://www.hotelhoneymooninn.net/manali/rooms.html) but on tripadvisor.com i found some bad reviews about that.
could u please suggest me a good hotel which gave an excellent view of valley or mountains and room have balcony.
i am really thankful for your views on naggar and included it as a must visit place with one night stay…….
sir what about staying all 3 nights at naggar castle?
thanks….
Hello Dinesh,
Well, most hotels in Manali town will offer similar views what Johnson’s offer. In that case you need to get room outta Manali town. I am sorry I cannot recall any hotel with such view apart from Hadimba Cottages which offers similar views. You can check the complete review at the link but again that is away from mall road and food was not all that good. You can check some hotels in Solang Valley too for some great views.
Now staying at Naggar Castle for 3 days: Well, it is a great idea if you are looking forward to spend time at secluded place and ready to travel about 1-1.5 Hr to reach Manali and enjoy shopping or snow points because Naggar itself only offers a Krishna temple and some boring art galleries along with Naggar Castle itself. It is a great place with majestic views, if you are OK with the above facts and also keep in mind that in day time tourists from Manali will visit Naggar Castle to explore it and hence you may find a little rush there. But, you can always spend that time hiking to the Krishna temple or enjoying with the tourists or may be sitting in your balcony itself.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj,
we hav planned for shimla,manali trip in 1st week of october.is it better to go at this period??nd as i gt to know dat rohtang pass is closed on tuesdays.is it true??
Hello Saranya,
Well, firstly in the first week of October it will be Durga Puja and Dusherra festivals going on in Kullu – Manali region. The whole valley will be flocked with tourists and locales from all near by villages and you may have tough time finding the accommodations too. So, do book in advance especially for Manali region. As per weather, that will be fine enough to enjoy the beauty at its best. Yes, Rohtang Pass is closed on Tuesdays for tourists due to maintenance work on that road.
If interested, for more information on Manali and Rohtang Pass including accommodation options, food joints, must see places etc you can go through the Manali travel guide available at the link here
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have some doubts or queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi,
We are planning to Visit Manali on October 16 – 20, Are there any chances to see snow at Rohtang [not live], will be able to do skiing.. please advise
Minal, usually the snowfall starts by October at all the high mountain passes. I guess seeing a delayed monsoon you may or you may not be able to see snow at Rohtang Pass in mid-October. As far as skiing is concerned that will be very much unlikely to happen
… I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have some queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj
Dear Dheeraj,
We have planed a visit to Shimla, Kullu -manali during diwali vacation (23 to 1st Nov) Are there any change we see snow at least at Rohtang.
Hello Rajesh,
Yes, you will surely be able to see snow at/around Rohtang Pass near Manali by the time you are planning to visit the region. You can check the pictures of snow at Solang Valley in the second week of November 2009 at the link here.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
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