Manali anchors the upper Kullu valley, 2,050 m up along the Beas. Most travellers arrive by the famous overnight Volvo from Delhi or Chandigarh; the nearest airport and railhead sit further down the valley.
Bhuntar Airport, Kullu (KUU) is 50 km south (1.5 h by taxi) with ATR flights from Delhi and Chandigarh — weather-dependent, so many flyers prefer Chandigarh (310 km, 7–8 h drive) for schedule reliability.
The nearest broad-gauge railheads are Chandigarh (~310 km) and Ambala; the charming Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge line (160 km) is scenic but slow. Practically, most rail travellers alight at Chandigarh and continue by road.
Delhi–Manali is ~540 km (12–14 h) via NH44 and NH3 through Murthal, Bilaspur, Mandi and the Kullu valley; premium overnight Volvos (HRTC and private) are the default choice. Chandigarh–Manali is 310 km (7–8 h). The Atal Tunnel now puts Sissu and Lahaul 30 minutes from town.
Local taxis run fixed rates to Solang (13 km), Sissu via Atal Tunnel (40 km), Naggar (20 km) and Rohtang (51 km — permit required, closed Tue). Old Manali, Hadimba temple and the Mall are walkable.
| From | Route | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 540 km via NH44/NH3 | 12–14 h (overnight Volvo) |
| Chandigarh | 310 km via Mandi | 7–8 h |
| Bhuntar airport | 50 km along the Beas | 1.5 h |
| Shimla | 250 km via Mandi | 7 h |
Bhuntar (Kullu) airport, 50 km away. Flights are small-aircraft and weather-sensitive, so Chandigarh airport plus a 7–8 hour taxi is often the more dependable combination.
HRTC and private Volvo coaches leave Delhi (Majnu ka Tila/Kashmere Gate) between 5–10 pm and reach Manali by morning — around 12–14 hours. Our packages can include Volvo tickets or a private cab.
No — Rohtang (3,978 m) opens roughly May to November and is shut Tuesdays for maintenance, with daily permit caps. The Atal Tunnel gives year-round access to the Lahaul side (Sissu) without a permit.
