How to Reach Manali from Chandigarh
How to Reach Manali from Chandigarh – Complete Travel Guide
Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in India, known for its scenic beauty, snow-capped mountains, adventure sports, and pleasant weather throughout the year. If you are planning a trip to Manali, starting your journey from Chandigarh is a great option. Chandigarh is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it a convenient starting point for travelers from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and nearby states.
In this guide, we will cover all the possible ways to reach Manali from Chandigarh, including distance, travel time, and cost estimates, so you can plan your journey smoothly.
How to Reach Manali from Chandigarh Distance and Travel Time Between Chandigarh and Manali
The distance between Chandigarh and Manali is approximately 300-310 km, depending on the route you take.
Here’s a quick overview of travel options:
| Mode of Travel | Approx. Distance | Travel Time | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Road (Car/Taxi) | 310 km | 7-9 hours | ₹4,500 – ₹7,000 (taxi) |
| By Bus | 310 km | 8-10 hours | ₹800 – ₹2,000 |
| By Train + Road | 310 km (via Joginder Nagar) | 10-12 hours | ₹600 – ₹1,500 |
| By Flight + Road | 60 km (flight to Kullu) + 40 km (road to Manali) | 4-5 hours | ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 |
1. How to Reach Manali from Chandigarh – Reach Manali from Chandigarh by Road
Traveling by road is the most popular and convenient way to reach Manali. The scenic drive passes through beautiful towns like Bilaspur, Mandi, and Kullu, offering breathtaking views of valleys and rivers.
By Car or Taxi
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Travel Time: 7-9 hours
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Best For: Families or groups
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Route: Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Sundernagar → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
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Cost: ₹4,500 to ₹7,000 for a one-way taxi
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Taxi Types: Sedan, SUV, or tempo traveler for larger groups
How to Reach Manali from Chandigarh If you enjoy road trips, driving to Manali can be a thrilling experience. However, the roads are hilly and winding, especially near Manali, so ensure you have an experienced driver.
By Bus
How to Reach Manali from Chandigarh – Manali is very well-connected to Chandigarh by Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private buses.
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Types of Buses:
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Ordinary HRTC buses – Budget-friendly
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Volvo semi-sleeper and sleeper buses – Comfortable and safe
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Luxury AC buses – Premium experience
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| Bus Type | Approx. Fare | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| HRTC Ordinary Bus | ₹800 – ₹1,000 | 9-10 hours |
| Semi-Sleeper Volvo | ₹1,200 – ₹1,500 | 9 hours |
| Sleeper Luxury Bus | ₹1,800 – ₹2,000 | 8-9 hours |
Tip:How to Reach Manali from Chandigarh – Night buses are a great option as you can reach Manali early in the morning and save on a day’s hotel stay.
2. Reach Manali from Chandigarh by Train
How to Reach Manali from Chandigarh-Manali does not have a direct railway station, but you can travel part of the journey by train and then continue by road. The nearest railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar, located around 145 km away.
Steps to Reach Manali by Train:
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Take a train from Chandigarh Railway Station to Pathankot Railway Station.
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From Pathankot, take the narrow-gauge train to Joginder Nagar.
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Finally, hire a taxi or take a bus from Joginder Nagar to Manali (4-5 hours).
| Segment | Travel Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chandigarh to Pathankot (Train) | 4-5 hours | ₹250 – ₹500 |
| Pathankot to Joginder Nagar (Toy Train) | 6-7 hours | ₹50 – ₹100 |
| Joginder Nagar to Manali (Taxi/Bus) | 4-5 hours | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 |
Note: This option is slower but scenic. It’s ideal for travelers who want a unique and memorable journey.
3. Reach Manali from Chandigarh by Flight
If you want to save time, you can take a flight from Chandigarh to Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhuntar Airport).
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Flight Duration: Around 1 hour
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Airlines Operating: Air India, Alliance Air
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Distance from Kullu Airport to Manali: 40 km (1-1.5 hours by taxi)
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Cost: ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 (depending on season and availability)
| Step | Time Required | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Chandigarh to Kullu (Flight) | 1 hour | ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Kullu to Manali (Taxi) | 1.5 hours | ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 |
Tip: How to Reach Manali from Chandigarh- Flights to Kullu are limited and depend on weather conditions, especially in winter.
Best Route from Chandigarh to Manali
How to Reach Manali from Chandigarh – The most common and scenic route is:
Chandigarh → Kiratpur Sahib → Bilaspur → Sundernagar → Mandi → Bhuntar → Kullu → Manali
This route is safe and has plenty of restaurants, fuel stations, and rest stops along the way.
Travel Tips for Chandigarh to Manali Journey
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Book in Advance: During peak seasons like summer (April-June) and winter (December-January), buses, flights, and hotels get booked quickly.
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Check Weather Updates: Manali weather can change suddenly, especially in winter, so check the forecast before you travel.
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Carry Essentials: Keep warm clothes, medicines, and snacks handy for the journey.
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Avoid Night Driving: If driving on your own, try to reach Manali before dark due to hilly roads and sharp turns.
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Permits for Rohtang Pass: If you plan to visit Rohtang Pass, apply for permits online in advance.
Best Time to Travel from Chandigarh to Manali
| Season | Weather | Travel Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (March-June) | Pleasant, 10°C – 25°C | Ideal for sightseeing and adventure sports |
| Monsoon (July-Sept) | Heavy rainfall | Risk of landslides, travel with caution |
| Winter (Oct-Feb) | Cold, Snowfall in Dec-Jan | Perfect for snow activities and honeymoon trips |
Conclusion
Reaching Manali from Chandigarh is convenient, with multiple travel options such as road trips, buses, trains, or flights. For most travelers, taking a bus or driving is the best choice as it is affordable and offers stunning views throughout the journey. If you prefer comfort and speed, opt for a flight to Kullu and then continue to Manali by taxi.
How to Reach Manali from Chandigarh – Plan your trip according to the season, book tickets in advance, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Manali without any travel stress.
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