Manali is one of the most loved group destinations from Delhi, with snow-capped peaks, pine forests, riverside cafes and adventure at Solang Valley. Travelling by a tempo traveller from Delhi to Manali means your whole group rides together, stops wherever you like and never worries about bus timings or luggage limits. Here is everything you need to plan the trip.
Delhi to Manali route by road
The standard route is about 540 km:
Delhi → Panipat → Karnal → Ambala → Kiratpur → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
The first half, up to Kiratpur, is fast highway. After that the road climbs into the hills through Bilaspur and Mandi before following the Beas river through Kullu to Manali. The newer tunnels and four-lane sections have cut travel time noticeably in recent years.
Good stops on the way: the famous Murthal dhabas for parathas, Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh (small detour), Pandoh Dam and the Kullu shawl factory outlets.
How long does the drive take?
Plan for 12–14 hours in a tempo traveller, including meal and tea breaks. Most groups choose one of two options:
- Overnight drive: leave Delhi around 8–9 pm and reach Manali by late morning. You save a day, and recliner or pushback seats let everyone sleep.
- Day drive: leave at 5–6 am and enjoy the mountain views. You reach by evening.
Delhi to Manali tempo traveller fare
| Vehicle | Starting rate | 6-day trip (min. 1,500 km) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Seater Tempo Traveller | ₹30/km | From ₹45,000 |
| 16 Seater Tempo Traveller | ₹35/km | From ₹52,500 |
| 20 Seater Tempo Traveller | ₹40/km | From ₹60,000 |
Local sightseeing in and around Manali (Solang, Atal Tunnel, Kullu, Manikaran) adds kilometres, but the minimum billing of 250 km per day usually covers it. Toll, Himachal entry tax and driver allowance are included; parking, GST and a ₹500 driver night charge (10 PM – 6 AM) are extra. For a group of 12, the base fare works out to roughly ₹3,750 per person for the whole trip. See live vehicle options on our Delhi to Manali tempo traveller page.
6-day Delhi–Manali itinerary by tempo traveller
- Day 1: Delhi to Manali (overnight drive)Evening pick-up from your homes or office anywhere in Delhi NCR. Dinner at Murthal and drive through the night.
- Day 2: Arrive in Manali and explore locallyCheck in and rest, then visit Hadimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Club House and the Mall Road in the evening.
- Day 3: Solang Valley and Atal TunnelDrive to Solang Valley for paragliding, ropeway and snow activities (in season), then through Atal Tunnel to Sissu for waterfall and valley views.
- Day 4: Rohtang Pass or NaggarIf you have a Rohtang permit and the pass is open, spend the day in the snow. Otherwise visit Naggar Castle, Jana waterfall and the Roerich Art Gallery.
- Day 5: Kullu, Kasol and ManikaranRafting at Kullu, cafes in Kasol and the hot springs and gurudwara at Manikaran Sahib. Start the return drive in the evening.
- Day 6: Arrive back in DelhiMorning drop at your doorstep across Delhi NCR.
Want to add Shimla or Dharamshala? Our Himachal tempo traveller package covers longer circuits.
Best time to visit Manali
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | March – June | Pleasant days, peak tourist season, Rohtang usually opens |
| Monsoon | July – September | Green valleys but landslide risk. Not recommended in peak rain |
| Autumn | October – November | Clear skies, fewer crowds, great for photography |
| Winter | December – February | Snowfall and snow activities. Some roads closed |
Travel tips for a tempo traveller trip to Manali
- Book 2–3 weeks early for May–June and Christmas–New Year, when both tempos and hotels fill up.
- Apply for Rohtang permits early. Daily vehicle permits are limited.
- Pack layers: even in summer, Solang and Rohtang get cold.
- Carry motion-sickness tablets for the hill section after Bilaspur.
- Keep cash for small dhabas, parking and adventure activities.
- Choose a hotel with tempo parking. Old Manali lanes are narrow.
In snow season, access to Solang, Atal Tunnel and Rohtang depends on weather and local police advisories. Our drivers carry snow chains, but always keep a flexible plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to go from Delhi to Manali by tempo traveller?
The distance is about 540 km and the drive usually takes 12–14 hours by tempo traveller, depending on traffic, weather and breaks. Most groups travel overnight.
What is the Delhi to Manali tempo traveller fare?
A 12 seater tempo traveller starts from ₹30/km on the Manali route. A typical 6-day trip (about 1,080 km plus local sightseeing) is billed on a minimum of 1,500 km at 250 km per day, so it starts from around ₹45,000, including toll, Himachal entry tax and driver allowance (parking and GST extra).
Can a tempo traveller go to Rohtang Pass and Atal Tunnel?
Tempo travellers can go through Atal Tunnel to Sissu and Lahaul when roads are open. Rohtang Pass needs a separate permit and is open only in season. Permits are limited per day, so ask us to check availability in advance.
Is it safe to travel to Manali by tempo traveller in winter?
Yes, with an experienced hill driver. In December–February roads beyond Manali can be closed by snow, and our drivers carry snow chains and follow local police advisories.
What is the best time to visit Manali by tempo traveller?
March to June for pleasant weather, October for clear skies, and December to February for snow. Avoid the peak monsoon (July–August), when landslides are common.
Book your tempo traveller in Delhi today
12, 16 & 20 seater AC tempo travellers and luxury Maharaja tempos with experienced drivers. Tell us your dates and route and get a free quote in minutes.
Delhi Tempo Traveller Team
We run tempo traveller trips from Delhi NCR every week, from same-day Agra runs to 12-day Char Dham yatras. These guides are written from what our drivers and customers tell us on the road.
