Jaipur to Manali by road is a wonderful experience that every traveller must have once in their lifetime. The scenery changes from the flat plains of Rajasthan, crossing the heartland of Punjab to the Himalayan valleys of Himachal Pradesh. One of the best long drives in India, the road trip blends culture, nature and adventure in one unforgettable journey. A road trip from Jaipur to Manali must be in every Jaipur traveller’s bucket list, be it in your own car, bike or a cab.
Jaipur to Manali Distance
Manali is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh. The distance from Jaipur to Manali is around 726 kms and takes about 12 hrs 50 mins to reach. Most travellers split this across two days with an overnight halt at Delhi, Chandigarh or Bilaspur.
Which Route to Take from Jaipur to Manali?
There are two routes that you can take from Jaipur to Manali by road.
Route 1: Via Delhi and Chandigarh (Recommended)
Jaipur → Delhi → Ambala → Chandigarh → Kiratpur Sahib → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
Total distance: 590 km
You can take National Highway 48 that is directly connected to Delhi and from Delhi, take National Highway 44 to reach chandigarh and from there, National Highway 3 that connects to Manali.
Route 2: Via Hisar and Ambala (Avoiding Delhi)
Jaipur → Sikar → Hisar → Ambala → Chandigarh → Manali
Total Distance: 620 km
This route has more distance to cover than the other route but it is the fastest too, as it avoids Delhi traffic completely and directly takes you to Rajasthan and, from there, Haryana. This route is not travel-friendly.
6-Day Jaipur to Manali by Road Itinerary
Day 1: Jaipur to Delhi and Chandigarh (280 km/5 hours)
Start your journey from Jaipur in the early morning around 6:00 AM to avoid traffic in Delhi. From Delhi drive to Panipat and Ambala. You can take short breaks for meals and refreshments at the highway’s local dhaba. Reach Chandigarh by evening and stay overnight.
Day 2: Chandigarh to Manali (310 km/7–8 hours)
Start Jaipur to Manali by road trip early in the morning because hill driving takes more time. The route passes through Bilaspur, Mandi and Kullu. Directly reach Kirtarpur and from there, you will pass through Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi and Kullu. After Kullu, it is another 40 km to Manali. Arrive by afternoon, check in and rest in your hotel.
Day 3 – Local Sightseeing in Manali
On Day 3, do local sightseeing in Manali at famous places such as Hidimba Temple, Mall Road, Vashisht Temple and Jogini Waterfall. In the evening, do shopping at Mall Road and have dinner there with family.
Day 4 – Solang Valley
Manali to Solang Valley is around 13 km and takes about 35 mins to reach. Solang Valley is famous for adventure activities. You can try ropeway rides, ATV rides, snow activities (if you visit during the months of the snowfall) and paragliding.
Day 5 – Solang Valley to Rohtang Pass
Delhi to Rohtang Pass is around 44 km and takes about 1 hr and 20 mins to reach. You will need a permit booked in advance to visit Rohtang Pass through the Himachal Pradesh government portal website. Carry the photocopy of the pass with you. Rohtang Pass is one of the best experiences to have in Manali. In the evening, go back to Manali and rest overnight.
Day 6 – Manali to Jaipur
Leave Manali by 6:00 AM and drive back to Chandigarh. Chandigarh to Jaipur via Delhi, reaching home by evening.
Pro Tip: Always check Rohtang Pass permit availability and book the pass early. Carry essential documents with you and check road conditions before starting your journey. If you are travelling in a group, choosing the best tempo traveller in Jaipur can make your trip from Jaipur to Manali by road more comfortable and convenient for long-distance mountain travel.
Best Time to Visit Manali
The best time to visit Manali is between October to February to experience snow; it is a perfect time for snow lovers, while March to June gives you pleasant weather and adventure activities like paragliding and river rafting are in full swing. Ideal for families and first-timers.
Places to Visit in Manali
Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass is open from May to October. You need a pass to make a visit there. It is one of the best places to visit in Manali. You will get to see the views of mountain glaciers, peaks and valleys.
Solang Valley
Solang Valley is famous for adventure activities. Visit early to get tickets and enjoy paragliding, snow activities, bungee jumping and the ropeway.
Hadimba Temple
This is a wooden temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, who was the wife of Bhima, a Mahabharata character. This temple is beautifully designed with wooden artifacts. The temple is built around a cave where Devi Hidimba performed meditation.
Vashisht Hot Springs
Vashisht spring is located in the village of Vashisht. It is a natural hot spring famous for its medicinal properties. You can take a bath in the warm water.
Mall Road
Mall Road is a famous hub in Manali with shops, restaurants and street food. Take a stroll on the mall road in the evening, buy souvenirs and have street food like momo, siddu and Maggi with tea.
Essential Tips for Jaipur to Manali by Road
Start Your Drive Early: Whether you are starting your journey from Jaipur, Delhi, Chandigarh and Manali, starting your drive early will save you time and avoid traffic.
Book Rohtang Pass Permits in Advance: If you have any plan to visit Rohtang Pass, make sure to book a permit from their portal and carry the pass with you with other essential documents that might be needed later.
Carry Cash: It is a must to carry some cash with you, as you might not be able to make an online payment each time. Many local dhabas, small hotels and activity operators in Manali and Solang Valley only accept cash.
Pack the Right Clothes: In whatever month you are visiting, check the weather condition of that whole week and pack clothes according to the weather. Carry an extra pair of shoes and a jacket with you to avoid spending extra money to buy from there.
Carry Essentials: Carry medicines, a water bottle, snacks, a cap, gloves, sunglasses and other such essentials that may be needed anytime.
Book Your Vehicle in Advance: Not everyone on a road trip wants to be behind the wheel, especially during the long journeys. Booking an Innova Crysta on rent can be an ideal choice to travel Jaipur to Manali by road comfortably with family.
Conclusion:
A Jaipur to Manali by road can be taken with family and solo. From driving through the busy streets of Delhi, passing through Chandigarh, the City Beautiful and finally reaching the snow-covered mountains of Manali, this trip got it all. Every stop on the way has something to offer. To make this trip more comfortable, prepare everything early and carry your pass, document and essential items. Whether driving your own car or hiring a car on rent, make sure to check that the vehicle is in good condition and booked with a reputable travel service partner such as The Thar Way Cab and have all the vehicle documents with you. Follow the itinerary to cover all the places in the least time possible.