Route guide
Road, bus, flight or train: distances, travel times and fares at a glance.
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At a glance
• Distance: about 280–300 km
• By road: 7.5–9 hours
• Altitude: 6,725 ft down to about 1,150 ft
Snowfall near Manali or the Aut Tunnel can add delays in winter.
Option 1 · By road
Manali → Kullu → Aut Tunnel → Mandi → Nerchowk → Kiratpur Sahib → Chandigarh
Driving time: 7.5–8.5 hours
Check the tolls on this route with our free Toll Calculator.
What has changed
Between Mandi and Kiratpur, new multi-lane tunnels and flyovers now bypass the old, steep Bilaspur–Swarghat stretch.
The final leg from Kiratpur into Chandigarh is a smooth six-lane highway.
The scenic detour
A good choice if you want to see Tirthan Valley, Jibhi or Narkanda. Plan it over 2–3 days.
Driven in one go, it can take 13–15 hours. Jalori Pass is steep, narrow and often closed by snow.
Option 2 · Volvo bus
• Board near Mall Road, 4–7 PM
• Reach ISBT Sector 43 around 4–6 AM
• Fare: about ₹1,000–₹1,800
The best pick if you want to arrive rested.
Budget option · HRTC
HRTC ordinary and deluxe buses leave the Manali bus stand throughout the day. Fares are about ₹500–₹800.
Tip: take a right-side window seat for river views.
Option 3 · By air
• Fly from Bhuntar (KUU), about 50 km from Manali
• Flight time: 40–50 minutes
• Fares: about ₹4,000–₹10,000 or more
Cloud cover often delays or cancels flights.
Option 4 · By train
The Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge line runs towards Pathankot, not Chandigarh.
For this route, road or bus is the practical choice.
Before you go
• Expect weekend traffic near Kiratpur Sahib
• Carry motion-sickness medicine for the Manali–Mandi bends
• Stop at Mandi or Sundernagar for a meal
• Use engine braking on long descents
Plan your trip
Costs, a side-by-side comparison of every option and answers to common questions.
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