Himalaya only · Saver trips from ₹7,500
Try "Spiti", "snow leopard", "Char Dham", "homestay", "Tiger's Nest"
Route · Himachal
The main north–south run of the hive: down from Shimla to the Sutlej at Bilaspur, up through Mandi and the Beas gorge to Kullu and Manali. About 245 km and 7–9 hours by road, with frequent HRTC buses and newer four-lane stretches and tunnels.
Photo: Neerajsinghazm · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsEvery way to go
| How | Time | Cost, indicative 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| HRTC ordinary bus | 9–10 h | ₹450–650 |
| HRTC Volvo or semi-deluxe | 8–9 h | ₹900–1,500 |
| Private car | 7–8 h | ₹5,000–7,000 one way |
HRTC buses leave Shimla's ISBT Tutikandi for Manali in the morning and evening, stopping at Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi and Kullu. They are slow and crowded at the stops but cheap and reliable. Sit on the right side after Mandi for views of the Beas gorge. Book online at peak times.
A few air-conditioned and semi-deluxe HRTC services run overnight or early in the day between the two towns. They are more comfortable for the long day and stop less. Check the HRTC online portal for the current timetable, as these services change by season.
A taxi lets you stop at Mandi's temples, the Pandoh dam and the Aut tunnel area, and drop you at your hotel. Expect tunnel and highway traffic near Kullu at weekends. Start early to reach Manali before dark; one-way fares include the driver's return.
At each end
Photo: Navneet Sharma · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
The old summer capital, reached by a 1903 mountain railway
Photo: Neerajsinghazm · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Head of the Kullu valley, under cedar forest and snow peaks
Questions
About 245 km, usually 7–8 hours by car and 9–10 hours by HRTC ordinary bus. Monsoon slides and weekend traffic near Kullu can add several hours, so start early.
Yes. HRTC runs direct buses from ISBT Tutikandi in Shimla to Manali bus stand, including ordinary and some semi-deluxe or Volvo services. Book on the HRTC portal in season.
Roughly ₹5,000–7,000 one way for a sedan, more for an SUV and in peak season. Agree the price, tolls and stops before you start.
The Gobind Sagar reservoir near Bilaspur, the old temples of Mandi, Pandoh dam and the Beas gorge, and Kullu town. With a car, Naggar is a short detour across the river before Manali.
More in Himachal
Plan with a local planner
We reply within one working day with a route, a sleeping-altitude profile and an itemised price in your tier. Change anything. Pay nothing until you are sure.