Travel guide
Delhi to Manali: The Ultimate Highway & Pitstop Guide
Everything you need to know before driving NH-44 and the new Kiratpur-Nerchowk Expressway to Manali.
The 535 km journey from Delhi to Manali is North India's quintessential mountain drive. Thanks to the newly operational Kiratpur-Nerchowk Expressway, what used to be a grueling 14-hour drive can now easily be covered in 10-11 hours.
Phase 1: Delhi to Chandigarh (NH 44 - 240 km)
Depart early around 4:00 AM to beat the Delhi NCR exit traffic. Make your mandatory breakfast stop at Murthal. Amrik Sukhdev and Haveli offer world-class tandoori parathas with fresh white butter.
Phase 2: Kiratpur to Mandi (Expressway & Tunnels)
The Kiratpur-Nerchowk bypass cuts through 5 mountain tunnels, bypassing the notorious Swarghat bottlenecks. Enjoy smooth 4-lane tarmac as you enter the Mandi valley.
Phase 3: Mandi to Manali along the Beas River
Drive alongside the raging Beas River through Pandoh, Kullu, and Naggar. Stop at Kullu for authentic handloom shawls and local trout fish.
Key Pitstops & Food Hubs:
• Murthal: Amrik Sukhdev & Gulshan Dhaba
• Swarghat / Kiratpur: Cafe Coffee Day & HPCL Highway Nest
• Mandi: River Bank View Restaurant
• Naggar: Heritage Castle Cafe