Manali Travel Guide

Honeymooner Paradise – Explore How to Reach, Weather, Places to Visit and Things to Do in Manali

Home » Himachal Pradesh » Manali » How to Reach » Shimla To Manali

How to Reach Manali From Shimla

Shimla-Kulu-Manali is a very popular tourist circuit in Himachal Pradesh. Therefore, a large no of tourists start the tour at Shimla and then goes to Manali. Road distance between Shimla and Manali is 246 KM. HPTDC and HRTC buses are available all through the year. In addition, shared and private taxis are also available.

It is always advised that you travel from Shimla to Manali during daytime. This is because, the road goes through some very scenic places. Moreover, in the Kulu to Manali stretch river Beas flows all through beside the road. If your budget permits, it is advised to make this journey by private car which will ensure you enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and the landscape.

Shimla To Manali Route

The usual route goes via –
Shimla-Sundar Nagar-Mandi-Bhuntar-Kulu-Manali (246 km)

Another route via Naggar is –
Shimla-Sundar Nagar-Mandi-Bhuntar-Kulu-Naggar-Jagatsukh-Manali (255 km)

FROM	TO	DISTANCE (Km)	FROM SHIMLA (Km)
Shimla	Sundar Nagar	122	122
Sundar Nagar	Mandi	12	134
Mandi	Bhuntar	60	194
Bhuntar	Kulu	12	206
Kulu	Manali	40	246
Kulu	Naggar	28	234
Naggar	Manali	21	255

Shimla To Manali By Bus

Both Himachal Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) and Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) runs AC Deluxe bus service in this route. In Addition, there are private operators running AC Deluxe bus services. Moreover, HRTC also runs non-AC buses which costs much less than the AC ones. Buses take about 9 hrs to reach with 2 stops on the way for refreshments.

HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation)

HPTDC runs daily Non-AC Deluxe services in the route.

Timing – There are daily 2 buses run by HPTDC. One bus starts from Shimla at 08:00 hrs in the morning reaching Manali in the evening. The other bus is an overnight one starting from Shimla at 20:00 hrs reaching Manali at 06:00 hrs in the morning.

Booking – Advance booking can be done at – www.booking.hptdc.in. Due to their consistent service, HPTDC tickets are in high demand, especially during the high season and it is advised to book well before the journey date.

Fare – One-way fare is approximately Rs 900

Starting Point – Victory Tunnel, Shimla

Halt – The buses halt twice on the way for refreshments

Drop and Transfer to Hotel – The HPTDC bus will drop you at parking lot near the Manali Mall road. If you are staying at a nearby hotel, you can pull your own luggage or hire a porter. Otherwise, hire a local cab to drop you to your hotel.

Tips – The journey is through one of the most scenic routes in Himachal Pradesh. A window seat on the right side of the bus will make your journey perfect

HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation)

HRTC runs multiple AC Volvo/Deluxe buses on a daily basis. HRTC also runs few Non-AC ordinary buses in this route. HRTC buses are more in number and available for both morning and night journey.

Timing –
HRTC Volvo/AC Deluxe from Shimla to Manali – 08:00, 10:30, 20:20 Hrs

HRTC Volvo/AC Deluxe from Manali to Shimla – 06:00, 18:20, 22:30 Hrs

Apart from the AC Deluxe buses, there are also few Non-AC ordinary buses run by HRTC in this route.

Booking – Advance booking available at – www.hrtchp.com/hrtctickets. If you are planning to visit during the high season, book your tickets well ahead of the journey date as the demand for tickets are high.

Fare – One way fare from approximately Rs 1000.

Starting Point – Shimla ISBT, Tutikandi

Halt – The buses halt twice during the journey. Depending on the time of travel, one stop will be for lunch/dinner and the other stop for tea break.

Drop and Transfer to Hotel – The HRTC bus will drop you at bus depot near the Mall road. If you are staying at a nearby hotel, you can pull your own luggage or hire a porter. Otherwise, hire a local cab to drop you to your hotel.

Tips – HRTC buses run on schedule and they do not cancel a journey at the last moment in case there are less passengers

Shimla to Manali Private Bus Service

Apart from HPTDC and HRTC there are few private operators who are providing AC and Non-AC bus services in this route. Compared to private buses, HPTDC and HRTC services are much more punctual and dependable. You should opt for a private bus only if bookings in HPTDC and HRTC buses are not available.

Shimla To Manali By Car

By car takes 9 to 10 hrs to reach Manali from Shimla. The journey is through some very scenic route via Shimla-Sundar Nagar-Mandi-Bhuntar-Kulu-Manali. From Kulu you may also go via Naggar. Going via Naggar route will give you a chance to halt at Naggar Castle and enjoy the beauty of Kulu valley from a height.

If you choose to go via the Kulu route, you can enjoy the beauty of the Bipasa river flowing beside you for the entire stretch between Kulu and Manali. Photography enthusiasts will get ample chance to click few memorable shots.