CHANDIGARH
TO MANALI
310 kilometres of mountain highway, Beas River gorges, and one destination that justifies every kilometre.
310 km
Distance
7–8 hrs
Drive time
Moderate
Difficulty
Mar–Nov
Best season
Jimny / Creta
Recommended car
THE ROUTE
WHAT TO EXPECT
ON THIS DRIVE
The Chandigarh–Manali highway (NH3 → NH21 → NH3) is well-maintained by Indian standards, but it's a mountain road - not a motorway. Plan for 7–8 hours of actual driving, not including stops.
The most scenic section is the Pandoh Dam to Kullu stretch: the Beas River runs below on your right, sometimes 200 metres below you, with nothing but a crash barrier between the road and the drop. It's spectacular. Drive it in daylight.
Above Kullu, the road flattens and the valley widens into apple orchards. This stretch - Kullu to Manali - is the most relaxing 30km of the journey.
The Rohtang Pass (if you're going further) opens around May and closes in October. To cross it in a self-drive vehicle, you need a permit from the NGT, which we arrange for Jimny customers. No permit is needed to reach Manali itself.
PRACTICAL TIPS
Leave Chandigarh before 6am - avoids both city traffic and afternoon mountain fog
Fill up at Kiratpur Sahib - it's the last reliable petrol before the hills
Avoid driving after dark on the Pandoh–Kullu gorge section
The road past Mandi has frequent landslide zones in July–August - check road conditions
Carry a physical map - mobile data drops out after Aut tunnel
Manali market parking fills up. Park near Old Manali and walk in
BOOK FOR THIS ROUTE
Chandigarh → Manali
Rohtang Pass Permit
If you plan to cross Rohtang Pass, you need an NGT permit. We arrange this for Jimny customers at no extra charge. Mention it when booking.
ROUTE BREAKDOWN
STOP BY STOP
0
km
Chandigarh
Leave by 5–6am to avoid city traffic and reach Mandi before the mountain roads get busy.
65
km
Kiratpur Sahib
Fuel stop here. Last petrol pump before you enter the hills. Fill up regardless of current level.
130
km
Bilaspur
Gobind Sagar Lake appears on your right. Stop for 15 minutes - it's unexpectedly beautiful for a dam reservoir.
200
km
Mandi
Lunch here. The Pandoh Dam stretch after Mandi on NH3 is one of the most scenic 20km drives in Himachal.
280
km
Kullu
The valley opens up. Beas River runs alongside the road. Apple orchards on both sides in season.
310
km
Manali
Old Manali is quieter than the main market. Check in, walk the Mall Road in the evening.
WHAT MANALI LOOKS LIKE
READY FOR MANALI?
Permits included. 24/7 support on the road. Vehicle delivered to your door in Chandigarh.