Recently I went on a road trip with my family from Delhi to Manali. I had been wanting to explore Manali and its surrounding areas for a long time and and doing it with my loved ones made it even more special. It was very special because I was with my family and the experience was better than I had expected.
Important Details : Delhi to Manali via New Route
| Total Distance | 530- 540 KM ( From Delhi) |
| Travel Time | 10 to 11 Hours (With Breaks) |
| Highway Route | NH 44 → NH 154 → NH 3 (via new Pandoh–Sundernagar bypass) |
| Toll Charges (One Side) | 1100 INR Approx. (Including Manali Green Tax) |
| Best Travel Time | March–June and October–December |
| Fuel Cost (One Way) | INR 4000 – 5000 |
Things to keep in Mind
I had a lot of fun on this trip, but there are a few things to keep in mind for a better experience. Since the peak season begins from May, so Manali gets extremely crowded like Mall Road and other connecting roads. There was heavy traffic and due to congestion, 30-40 kms took 3-4 hours to cover so If you plan your timings and routes well, you can avoid most of these hassles and enjoy the trip even more.
Breakfast Stop: Murthal – The King of Parathas
Our first stop was at Murthal, was around 60–70 km from Delhi : We stopped at Mannat, Murthal around 7 AM and enjoyed aloo-onion paratha with Garlic chutney and chai — the perfect start to a hill journey.
Road Conditions & Route Insights
Once you cross Chandigarh, you’ll hit hilly terrain via the new Sundernagar bypass and Pandoh Tunnel with amazing views. This route avoids Bilaspur’s old traffic zone. You pass scenic valleys before entering Kullu, then Manali.
Top Places to Visit in and Around Manali
- Hadimba Temple – Ancient wooden temple amid pine forest
- Mall Road – For shopping, cafes, and souvenirs
- Rohtang Pass (Must-Visit, Permit Required) – Located about 50 km from Manali, Open mid-May to November (depending on snow), Permit related details – https://rohtangpermits.nic.in
- Sissu Lake & Boating – Drive through Atal Tunnel and reach Sissu in about 45–60 mins (depends on traffic conditions, it took more than 3 hours to reach from Sissu lake to our hotel in Manali due to heavy traffic), Boating at Sissu Lake – Charges ₹200–₹400 per person
- Solang Valley – if you are interested in activities like Paragliding, ATV Ride Etc.
This photo was taken at Rohtang Pass, and believe me — the weather here changes faster than you can blink. One moment it was sunny with clear skies, and the next, clouds rolled in with a sudden chill and mist.
Travel Tips
- Check Traffic Conditions/Advisory and Avoid traveling on weekends or long holidays
- Apply for Rohtang Pass Permit in Advance
- Keep medicines for motion sickness, cold, and headaches.
- Bring warm clothes and gloves — temperatures drop quickly near Rohtang and Sissu.
- Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and moisturizers — even in cold weather, the sun can be harsh at high altitudes.
Hidden Gem
You can Visit Shangarh on Your Return Journey : If you have a few extra hours and are confident behind the wheel, I highly recommend taking a detour to Shangarh, a hidden gem in the Sainj Valley of Himachal Pradesh.
- Known for its lush meadows, ancient wooden temples, and untouched natural beauty.
- Perfect for photography, short hikes, and unwinding in nature.
- You can plan Shangarh as a stop while returning from Manali.
- Please Note : The last 15–20 km stretch from Sainj to Shangarh has narrow and bumpy roads with several sharp curves and a worst short sand patch.
- Only recommended for confident drivers with prior experience of mountain driving.
This picture was taken at Shangarh Valley — a place that truly tests your patience before rewarding you with jaw-dropping beauty. The journey wasn’t easy, but every bump and turn was worth this one perfect view.
This road trip from Delhi to Manali, with detours to Rohtang Pass, Sissu, and the hidden gem Shangarh Valley, gave us memories that will last a lifetime. From scenic tunnels to snow-filled meadows and peaceful local villages, every moment felt magical. If you’re planning a mountain getaway, this route promises not just a destination but a beautiful journey.
For more such real travel experiences, tips, and hidden places, keep visiting Top Travel Journeys — your trusted companion for exploring India, one road trip at a time.