How to Reach Manali from Ahmedabad
How to Reach Manali from Ahmedabad – Complete Travel Guide
Planning a trip to the breathtaking hill station of Manali from Ahmedabad? Manali, nestled in the beautiful Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is one of India’s most popular travel destinations. Known for its snow-clad mountains, adventure sports, and serene landscapes, this hill station attracts tourists all year round.
If you are wondering how to reach Manali from Ahmedabad, there are multiple travel options to suit different budgets and preferences. This guide covers every possible way to reach Manali, including flights, trains, buses, and road trips, along with travel tips to make your journey hassle-free.
How to Reach Manali from Ahmedabad Distance Between Ahmedabad and Manali
The distance from Ahmedabad to Manali is approximately 1,250 – 1,300 km, depending on the route you take.
Travel time varies based on the mode of transportation:
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By Flight + Road: Around 8 – 10 hours
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By Train + Road: 20 – 24 hours
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By Road (Car/Bus): 24 – 26 hours
1. How to Reach Manali from Ahmedabad Ahmedabad to Manali by Flight (Fastest Way)
There is no direct flight to Manali, as Manali does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), which is about 50 km from Manali.
You can take a flight from Ahmedabad to Delhi or Chandigarh, and then travel to Manali by road. Alternatively, you can fly directly to Bhuntar via connecting flights (subject to availability).
Steps:
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Book a flight from Ahmedabad (AMD) to Delhi (DEL) or Chandigarh (IXC).
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From Delhi or Chandigarh, hire a cab or take a bus to Manali.
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From Chandigarh, it takes around 7-8 hours to reach Manali by road.
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From Delhi, it takes 12-14 hours by road.
Table – Approximate Flight + Road Costs
| Route | Travel Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad → Delhi → Manali | 10-12 hours | ₹6,000 – ₹9,000 |
| Ahmedabad → Chandigarh → Manali | 9-10 hours | ₹7,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Ahmedabad → Bhuntar (via Delhi) → Manali | 8-9 hours | ₹9,000 – ₹12,000 |
Tip: Book flights at least 4-6 weeks in advance to get the best prices, especially during peak seasons like summer vacations and winter snowfall months.
2. Ahmedabad to Manali by Train (Budget-Friendly Option)
Manali does not have a railway station. The nearest major railway stations are Joginder Nagar (163 km), Chandigarh (310 km), and Ambala Cantt (330 km).
The most popular route is to take a train from Ahmedabad to Chandigarh, and then continue your journey by road.
Steps:
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Book a train ticket from Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) to Chandigarh (CDG).
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From Chandigarh, take a Himachal Pradesh Tourism (HPTDC) bus, private Volvo, or taxi to Manali.
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The road journey from Chandigarh to Manali takes about 7-8 hours.
Table – Approximate Train + Road Costs
| Route | Travel Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad → Chandigarh → Manali | 22-24 hours | ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 |
| Ahmedabad → Ambala → Manali | 22-24 hours | ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 |
Pro Tip: Book your train tickets on IRCTC well in advance, especially if you are traveling during the summer or festive season.
3. How to Reach Manali from Ahmedabad – Ahmedabad to Manali by Road (Scenic Route)
If you love road trips, driving from Ahmedabad to Manali is an adventurous option. The journey takes around 24-26 hours, so it’s best to plan an overnight stop along the way.
Popular Road Route:
Ahmedabad → Udaipur → Jaipur → Delhi → Chandigarh → Manali
Key Details:
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Total Distance: 1,250 – 1,300 km
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Travel Time: 2-3 days with halts
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Highway Quality: Mostly good roads with scenic views, especially after Chandigarh.
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Best Vehicle: SUV or a comfortable sedan.
Table – Road Trip Expenses
| Expense Type | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel (Round Trip) | ₹12,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Toll Charges | ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 |
| Food & Stay (per day) | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 |
Note: Driving through the mountains requires skilled driving, especially during the winter snow season.
4. Ahmedabad to Manali by Bus (Economical & Comfortable)
There is no direct bus from Ahmedabad to Manali, but you can travel in two steps:
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Take a bus or train from Ahmedabad to Delhi or Chandigarh.
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From Delhi or Chandigarh, take an HPTDC Volvo bus or private sleeper bus to Manali.
Approximate Costs:
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Ahmedabad → Delhi (Volvo Bus): ₹1,500 – ₹2,000
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Delhi → Manali (Volvo Bus): ₹1,200 – ₹1,800
Total Travel Time:
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Ahmedabad to Delhi: 14-16 hours
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Delhi to Manali: 12-14 hours
How to Reach Manali from Ahmedabad – Comparison Table – Travel Options
| Mode of Travel | Total Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Comfort Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Road | 8-10 hours | ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fastest travel |
| Train + Road | 20-24 hours | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Budget travel |
| Bus | 26-30 hours | ₹3,000 – ₹4,000 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Budget + Semi-comfort |
| Road Trip (Car) | 24-26 hours | ₹15,000 – ₹20,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Adventure lovers |
Best Time to Travel from Ahmedabad to Manali
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March to June: Ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and pleasant weather.
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July to September: Monsoon season; road conditions can be challenging due to landslides.
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October to February: Perfect for witnessing snowfall and enjoying winter sports like skiing.
Travel Tips
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Book early: Whether it’s flights, trains, or buses, book tickets 1-2 months in advance.
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Pack smart: Carry warm clothes, especially if traveling between October and March.
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Health check: If you have motion sickness, carry medicines as roads near Manali are winding.
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Cash essentials: ATMs may not always be accessible in hilly areas.
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Travel insurance: Recommended for safety during long-distance trips.
Conclusion
Reaching Manali from Ahmedabad is convenient with several travel options to choose from. If you want a quick and comfortable trip, opt for flights combined with a road journey. Budget travelers can go for trains or buses, while adventure enthusiasts can take a road trip for an unforgettable experience.
Plan wisely, book early, and get ready to explore the mesmerizing beauty of Manali!
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