Manali is for all types of travelers, including solo travellers, couples, thrill-seekers and families. Manali can be explored as an individual destination, or as part of a mountain vacation through Shimla-Kullu Manali. It is easier to travel from Shimla (the state capital), making it an enjoyable journey.

The most popular route for a road trip is Shimla to Manali. Manali, a Himalayan city in the Himalayas, is not only a popular tourist destination but also a melting pot for cultures. The picturesque views of the mountains make it the ideal place to relax in the laps of nature.
You can personalize your trip according to your preferences, time availability, tour itinerary and route preference when you book a taxi. A road trip should be exciting. With us, you can make a boring ride an unforgettable experience.

Car travel from Shimla to Manali
A Manali tour from Shimla to Manali by car takes you to every mountain location. It is a wonderful way to travel, and it makes for a memorable experience. This route is popular for road trips in the state.
Book Shimla to Manali tour packages and you will have a blast driving along the serpentine highways. You'll be surrounded by pine forests, hilly villages, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Your Manali trip from Shimla to Manali will be a memorable experience.
Let us now help you find the best routes to make your Shimla-Manali road trip the most memorable.
Book a cab with Capture A Trip to experience the joy of the road.

When is the best time to go on a car trip?
Manali, like any other Himalayan region, also has an alpine climate. It is cold and frosty during winter, and warm and sunny in summer. It is not recommended that you travel to this area during the rainy season.
Depending on your preference for the season, you can visit during the colder months to enjoy its snow views (if they snow) and New Year celebrations.
If you wish to see the area in its full glory and greener cover during the summer months, then Shimla to Manali is the best time to travel by car. This is when the landscape looks its best. You can also drive down from Shimla in the warmer months and enjoy the ride, even without the windchill.
Route 1: Distance and time taken via NH205 & NH3 Shimla Distance via NH205 & NH3
Distance between Shimla to Manali is approximately 250 km. It takes approximately eight hours to travel this distance. This road route is the fastest and most popular for travel between Shimla and Manali.
Road conditions from Shimla to Manali via NH205 & NH3
This route is popular with regular travelers. However, the Shimla-Manali road traffic is light. Peak tourist season (March to December) can see high volumes.
To get a real assessment of the Shimla-Manali road conditions, it is advisable to check live traffic updates before you travel.
You will find these popular spots along the route:
The scenic route between Shimla, Manali and Manali is breathtaking. You can stop at any one of these stops to see what each pit stop has in store.
Gobind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur – To reach the water body, you will need to make a detour at Bilaspur junction. This lake also serves as the catchment area for the Bhakra–Nangal dam. You can see it from Nangal's other side. The tranquil lakeside is a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area.
Aut - An unassuming village by the banks of The Beas River. Aut is a small, cozy hamlet. Take your time and enjoy the tunneled roads. You can also stop for a cup or two to admire the view.
Prashar Lake in Mandi - Just a few miles from Mandi's highway, you will find the clear, 9000 foot lake. It is a popular spot for long treks up to the Himalayas. You can capture breathtaking views of the lakeside mountain ranges of Pir Pinjal and Dhauladhar.
Great Himalayan National Park Tirthan Val - This is known for its rich biodiversity and exotic Himalayan fauna. It is also one of the most visited wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal. You will need to travel towards Shoja from Mandi in order to get there. You can stop for the night and camp in forests, or you can do a day hike. It is possible to plan your itinerary beforehand.
Pandoh Dam in Mandi - This beautiful dam is located just outside Mandi. To get a full view of the dam, and surrounding landscapes, you will need to hike up a small hill.
Chandrakhani Pass in Kullu – This lush area of alpine forests, gurgling streams is one of the highlights of Kullu district.
Naggar Castle, Naggar -- This historic castle is a must-see along the Shimla–Manali route. The 15th-century castle is made of solid timber and stones. It also features ethnic architecture. The main castle, although it is now a heritage hotel and can still be explored by visitors. This is the main castle.
This route has some great places to eat:
Musician Dhaba Shalaghat is a local eatery that serves authentic Himachali cuisine. It's a great place to stop for breakfast, tea and snacking in between.
Cafe Madana in Sundernagar is a casual, local restaurant that serves all meals all day. It's great for large groups and children.
Bahadur/Bhadure Ka Dhaba Bilaspur is a popular local restaurant that serves traditional and quick meals.
Chawla's in Mandi, one of the oldest restaurants on this road offering Punjabi delicacies is a favorite among travelers.

Another way to travel from Shimla and Manali: How to reach Manali by train
It is not possible to take a train directly from Shimla or Manali. Only one train route connects Shimla to Manali, and that is Kalka. To reach Kalka you can take the train, but to get to Manali, you'll need to either drive or take a bus.
These trains run less often and take longer than the highway, however. For the most current train times from Shimla to Manali via Kalka, please check with Indian Railways.
Fly to Manali
Unfortunately, Manali does not have its own airport. Kullu – Manali Airport, (KUU), is the closest airport to Manali. These flights are not often available so make sure to check the airline websites or travel portals for current times.
The flight time from Shimla to Manali can take anywhere between one and five hours, depending on the airline and route. The average price of an airline ticket from Shimla-Manali is INR 2000-10000 depending on season and airline. Online travel portals offer the best deals for your Shimla-Manali flight booking.
The Handy Guide to Manali: How to Live Like a Local
Manali, a once quiet little village nestled in the Himalayas has become a hub for outdoor adventures, parties and everything that defines fun, thrill and excitement. You will find everything you need in this bustling tourist destination of Himachal, from the serene mountain vibe to the vibrant tourist trappings.

Manali, with its unique nightlife, unstoppable parties, artistic jaunts and religious heritage, is an incredible treasure trove of amazing experiences. These tips and suggestions will make your Manali vacation memorable.
Attractions for Sightseeing
Manali is home to some of the most notable nature hotspots in Himachal Pradesh. You can visit the Manali Gompa and Gadhan Thekchoking Gompas, which are both Buddhist monasteries in India.
A walk or boat ride can be taken through Van Vihar National Park, which boasts pine forests, a deer park and occasionally migratory bird habitats.
You can spend a day at Vashisht Temple's sacred and healing hot springs. Also, explore the surrounding nature trails. The Hadimba Temple is also available, which is hidden in the pine and cedar forests.
The Solang Valley is a short distance from the town and offers outdoor activities in the midst of nature. Paragliding, ziplining and skiing are all possible in the rolling valleys and grassy meadows.
End the day by taking a stroll down Mall Road to browse the Tibetan bazaars.
Capture A Trip recommends: Manali's most popular places to eat
Manali is a multicultural town and has a wide variety of cuisines to choose from. It has a wide variety of cuisines to suit the needs of its large population of international tourists.
If one had to choose, Tibetan cuisine would be the most popular and readily available in the town. There are also many recipes for river trout which are also seasonal specialties.
These popular restaurants offer Manali's best cuisines
Chopsticks, Mall Road
Lazy Dog, Manu Temple Road, Old Manali
Cafe Nirvana Old Manali
Drifter's Cafe Manu Temple Road Old Manali
People Art Cafe &Lounge, Manu Temple Road, Old Manali.
Johnson's Cafe Circuit House Road.
Cafe 1947, Near Nehru Kund, Bahang.