From Chandigarh to Manali: My Dreamy Mountain Drive
Some trips stay with you forever—and for me, our road trip from Chandigarh to Manali is etched in my memory like the Beas River carving its way through the Himalayas.
Just like my Triund trip, the Manali road trip was unforgettable.
Why I Chose Manali (And You Should Too)
When city life starts feeling like a loop of traffic, deadlines, and noise, the mountains start calling—and trust me, Manali doesn’t just whisper, it yells with open arms. Nestled in Himachal Pradesh, Manali is one of those places that offers something for everyone: adventure junkies, soul searchers, and even those just chasing some quiet time with a hot bowl of Maggi.
The Itch to Drive: Planning the Road Trip
I’ve always believed that the journey is just as important as the destination. So, instead of hopping onto a bus or flight, we decided to drive from Chandigarh to Manali. It’s about 300 kilometers of pure road trip therapy, and I can say without hesitation—it’s one of the most scenic drives in North India.
We took NH 205 → NH 3, and let me tell you, that route is a stunner. Hills that unfold like a movie, dhabas that smell like heaven, and hairpin bends that make you both scream and laugh. We started early—around 5:30 AM—to make the most of daylight and avoid traffic bottlenecks near Bilaspur.
Roadside Bliss: Pit Stops You Shouldn’t Miss
Pinjore Gardens – Just 45 minutes from Chandigarh, we stopped here to stretch and sip some chai while walking through perfectly trimmed Mughal gardens. Peaceful and refreshing.
Mandi Dhaba Experience – Mandi is a gem. We stopped at a dhaba that had no name—just the aroma of tandoori parathas pulling us in. The uncle there served us food like we were family. That’s Himachal for you.
Sundernagar Lake – I almost missed this, but thankfully, a friend insisted we stop. We sat by the lake, feet dangling over the edge, watching ducks glide through the morning mist.
That First Glimpse of Manali
You know when the pine trees thicken, the air feels lighter, and the roads curve with more attitude? That’s when you know Manali is close.
And when we reached—man, what a feeling! The Beas River greeted us like an old friend, and the snow-kissed peaks in the distance were every bit as magical as I’d imagined.
My Favorite Manali Moments
Hadimba Devi Temple – This place felt like stepping into a different time. Surrounded by towering deodar trees and wooden architecture that smells of history. Spiritual or not—you’ll feel something here.
Solang Valley – We went wild here. Paragliding, ATV rides, snowball fights—I was a kid again. The energy in Solang is contagious.
Atal Tunnel + Rohtang Detour – The new Atal Tunnel made it easier to access the other side without weather disruptions. We went as far as we could—snow on the roads, mist in the air. Pure cinematic stuff.
Vashisht Hot Springs – After days of travel and adventure, soaking in the natural hot springs felt like therapy. Simple, local, healing.
Where I Stayed & What I Ate
We stayed in Old Manali—more chill, less crowd. Our Airbnb was a wooden cottage with views that made getting out of bed a crime. Cafés here have personality: I still dream of the walnut brownie I had at Café 1947.
Must-eats in Manali:
- Sidu (Himachali bread stuffed with filling)
- Momos with spicy chutney that’ll blow your mind
The Manali Magic: Why This Trip Changed Me
More than the views and adventures, Manali gave me something I didn’t expect—clarity. Watching the clouds play hide-and-seek with the peaks, sipping tea by the river, having random convos with locals—it reminded me to slow down, to breathe, to live a little more.
Final Tips for Your Manali Drive:
- Start early. Driving in daylight = safer + prettier.
- Keep your vehicle mountain-ready: brakes, fuel, and water are non-negotiables.
- Pack layers—it can be sunny one moment and chilly the next.
- Don’t rush. Stop, explore, eat local, talk to people. That’s the real journey.
If you’ve been thinking about taking that Chandigarh to Manali road trip—stop thinking and start packing. This is one of those journeys that’ll linger long after the snow melts. Trust me, I lived it.
Have questions or planning your own Manali escape? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—and don’t forget to review us on Trustpilot!
