A road trip to Shimla and Manali is really something. You get to drive on these winding roads that go through the mountains. The views are amazing with valleys and rivers all around. Then there are the pine forests and snow-covered peaks. It is a feeling that you just cannot get from taking a train or a flight.
If you are going with your friends or your family or even your partner, a road trip to Shimla and Manali is great. You get to have a lot of adventure and freedom.. The best part is that you will have memories that you will never forget. A Shimla and Manali road trip is perfect, for making these memories.
This guide for a trip to Shimla and Manali will tell you about the roads to take how far it is, how long it takes to get there what the roads are like and some important things to keep in mind so you can have a safe and easy trip, to Shimla and Manali.
Why Choose a Road Trip to Shimla and Manali?
A road trip allows you to do lots of things.
- See places
- Meet new people on the road trip
- Take a road trip to places you have never been, before
A road trip is a great way to have fun on the road trip and make memories on the road trip.
Travel at your own pace
Stop at scenic viewpoints
Explore hidden places
Enjoy fresh mountain air
Experience real Himachal beauty
Road trips are really a way to save money if you are going with a lot of people. Road trips can be very budget-friendly when you are traveling in a group.
Best Time for Shimla and Manali Road Trip
Summer (March to June)
Best time for first-time road travelers
Pleasant weather
Clear roads and views
Monsoon (July to September)
Lush green landscapes
Fewer tourists
Risk of landslides in some areas
Winter (October to February)
Snowy views and magical scenery
Challenging roads
Best for experienced drivers only
Shimla and Manali Road Trip Distance Overview
Major Distances:
Delhi to Shimla: ~340 km
Shimla to Manali: ~250 km
Delhi to Manali: ~540 km
Total Road Trip Distance:
So you want to know about traveling from Delhi to Shimla to Manali. The total distance you will cover is around 590 to 600 kilometers when you go from Delhi to Shimla to Manali.
Best Route for Delhi to Shimla Road Trip
Recommended Route:
Delhi → Panipat → Karnal → Kurukshetra → Chandigarh → Shimla
Distance: ~340 km
Travel Time: 8–9 hours
Road Condition: Good highways till Chandigarh, hilly roads after
Road Trip Tip:
Start early in the morning to avoid city traffic.
Best Route for Shimla to Manali Road Trip
Popular Route:
Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Kullu → Manali
Distance: ~250 km
Travel Time: 7–8 hours
Scenic beauty: Very high
This route goes through rivers and apple orchards and valleys and mountain villages. The route takes you through rivers. You will also see apple orchards on this route. The route passes through valleys and small mountain villages. The mountain villages, on this route are very nice.
Alternative Route (Shorter but Challenging)
Shimla → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
Slightly shorter
Narrow roads in some sections
Best during clear weather
Road Conditions on Shimla–Manali Route
Roads are mostly motorable throughout the year
Some patches may be rough due to landslides
When it is monsoon and winter we need to be really careful. The monsoon and winter seasons can be very tricky. We have to take care during the monsoon and winter months.
Fuel stations are available at regular intervals
Best Stops During Shimla and Manali Road Trip
From Delhi to Shimla
Murthal (for food)
Chandigarh (short break)
Timber Trail (viewpoint)
From Shimla to Manali
Narkanda (apple orchards)
Rampur (local market)
Pandoh Dam
Kullu Valley
These stops are really great because they make your road trip a lot more fun. They can make the whole experience of traveling by car very enjoyable. These stops are what make your road trip more enjoyable.
Vehicle Choice for Shimla and Manali Road Trip
Best Vehicles:
Hatchback or sedan (summer & clear roads)
SUV (best for all seasons)
Bike (for experienced riders)
Vehicle Tips:
Check brakes and tyres
Carry spare tyre
Ensure good engine condition
Keep fuel tank at least half full
Fuel Cost Estimate (One-Way)
Small car: ₹4,000 – ₹5,000
SUV: ₹6,000 – ₹7,500
Bike: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000
The cost of fuel really depends on how miles you drive and the way you drive your car. Your mileage and driving style are the things that affect how much you spend on fuel. The cost of fuel is directly related to mileage and driving style.
Safety Tips for Shimla and Manali Road Trip (Very Important)
- Drive Slowly in Hills
When you are driving on mountain roads you have to be very careful. Mountain roads are really narrow. They have a lot of sharp turns. If you drive slowly on mountain roads it will keep you safe. Slow driving is the way to stay safe on mountain roads.
- Avoid Night Driving
Night driving can be really bad because of the fog the animals that’re on the road and the fact that you can not see very far ahead. The fog and the animals and the low visibility are all things that make night driving very risky for the people who are driving at night especially when there is a lot of fog and a lot of animals, on the road.
- Check Weather Before Travel
Always check road and weather updates before starting your trip.
- Keep Emergency Essentials
First-aid kit
Torch
Power bank
Extra food and water
- Follow Traffic Rules
Give way to uphill vehicles and avoid overtaking on curves.
Road Trip Packing Checklist
Warm clothes (even in summer)
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Driving license & vehicle papers
Offline maps
Budget for Shimla and Manali Road Trip
Approximate Cost (Per Person for 5–6 Days):
Fuel: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000
Hotel stay: ₹3,000 – ₹6,000
Food & sightseeing: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000
Total Budget: ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 per person (group travel)
Ideal Road Trip Itinerary (5 Days)
Day 1: Delhi to Shimla
Drive via Chandigarh
Evening walk on Mall Road
Day 2: Shimla Sightseeing
Kufri, Jakhoo Temple, Ridge
Day 3: Shimla to Manali
Scenic drive with stops
Day 4: Manali Sightseeing
Solang Valley, Hidimba Temple
Day 5: Manali Local & Return
Old Manali, Vashisht
Start return journey
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-speeding
Ignoring weather alerts
Carrying insufficient cash
Starting late in the day
Driving when tired
Is Shimla and Manali Road Trip Safe?
Yes, it is safe if:
You have to follow the traffic rules so that you can drive safely. Following traffic rules is very important. Traffic rules are made for our safety and the safety of people, on the road. When you follow traffic rules you are helping to prevent accidents and also helping the traffic to flow smoothly. Traffic rules are there to protect you and other drivers and pedestrians from harm. So it is very important that you follow the traffic rules every time you are driving.
Drive carefully
Avoid risky weather
Keep vehicle in good condition
A lot of people go on this road trip every month. They do it safely. Thousands of travelers have a trip, on this road every month.
Best Road Trip for Couples, Friends & Families
Couples: Romantic views & privacy
Friends: Adventure and freedom
Families: Comfortable stops and sightseeing
Shimla and Manali road trip suits all age groups.
Final Thoughts
A road trip to Shimla and Manali is really fun. You get to see a lot of things on the way. The roads are nice and smooth at first. Then they get all windy and exciting as you go up the hills. You will see valleys and quiet villages in the mountains. Every part of the trip to Shimla and Manali is special. The journey, to Shimla and Manali is what makes it so great not just getting to Shimla and Manali.
This Shimla and Manali Road Trip Guide – Route, Distance & Safety Tips will help you plan a confident, safe, and memorable journey. Pack your bags, check your vehicle, and hit the road to experience the true beauty of Himachal Pradesh.
