The Drive at a Glance
Distance: 540 km | Drive time: 12-14 hours (recommended: 2 days) | Best season: March to June, September to November | Road condition: NH3 is excellent till Chandigarh, NH21 is scenic but narrow after Mandi
Best Cars for Delhi-Manali
- Mahindra Thar (Diesel, 4WD) — The ultimate Manali car. Handles mountain roads, looks incredible against snow.
- Hyundai Creta (Diesel AT) — Comfortable highway cruiser with enough ground clearance for mountain roads.
- Mahindra Scorpio N — If you need 7 seats and mountain capability.
- Maruti Brezza — Budget SUV option. Handles the route well.
Avoid low ground clearance sedans and hatchbacks — the road after Mandi can be rough, especially during monsoon.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi to Chandigarh (250 km, 4.5 hours)
Leave Delhi by 5 AM to beat traffic. The NH44 is a smooth 4-lane highway. Stop at Murthal for parathas (a Delhi-Chandigarh tradition). Reach Chandigarh by lunch, explore Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake in the evening. Stay overnight.
Day 2: Chandigarh to Manali (290 km, 7-8 hours)
Leave early. The drive passes through Bilaspur, Sundernagar, and Mandi. After Mandi, the road follows the Beas River through the stunning Kullu Valley. Stop at Kullu for lunch. Reach Manali by evening.
Day 3-5: Explore Manali
- Solang Valley — Paragliding, zip-lining, skiing (winter)
- Rohtang Pass — Permit required, book in advance
- Old Manali — Cafes, shops, Manu Temple
- Jogini Waterfall — Short trek from Vashisht
- Sissu/Atal Tunnel — Drive through the world's longest highway tunnel
Day 6: Manali to Delhi (return)
Start early (5 AM) to reach Delhi by evening. Or break the journey at Chandigarh again.
Estimated Costs (5-day trip)
- Self-drive rental (5 days): ₹10,000-20,000 (depending on car)
- Fuel (round trip): ₹6,000-9,000
- Tolls: ₹800-1,000
- Rohtang Pass permit: ₹500-600
- Stay (4 nights): ₹4,000-12,000
- Total: ₹22,000-45,000 (for 2 people)
Safety Tips for Mountain Driving
- Don't drive at night on mountain roads
- Honk before blind curves
- Keep your headlights on even during the day in tunnels and fog
- Give right of way to vehicles coming uphill
- Check weather and road conditions before starting — BRO website has updates
- Carry warm clothing even in summer — temperatures drop significantly after dark
Written by
Carsavaar Editorial Team
Editorial Team, Carsavaar
Reviewed by Carsavaar operations
Articles published under the Carsavaar Editorial Team are researched by our content team and reviewed by senior operations members for accuracy on pricing, policy and process details. We update guides quarterly to reflect current rates, document requirements, and route conditions across India.