Dharamshala and Manali are the two places most visitors to Himachal want to see, and they are linked by one long, scenic road. By car it is about 232 km and 6.5–7.5 hours of driving, without long stops.
The route
Dharamshala → Palampur → Baijnath → Joginder Nagar → Mandi → Pandoh → Aut → Kullu → Manali
The first half runs east along the Kangra valley, under the Dhauladhar. After Baijnath the road climbs over the ridge at Ghatasani and drops down to Mandi on the Beas river. From Mandi it follows the Beas upstream through the Aut tunnel and the Kullu valley all the way to Manali.
Stops worth making
- Palampur (about 1 hour from Dharamshala): tea gardens right beside the road, and a good breakfast stop.
- Baijnath: the 13th-century stone Shiva temple sits just off the highway — a 20–30 minute stop.
- Bir (detour): if you want to watch the paragliders, Bir is a short detour from the highway near Baijnath. It is better as a separate day.
- Mandi: the halfway point, with old stone temples on the banks of the Beas. A natural lunch stop.
- Pandoh Dam and the Beas gorge: the road runs right along the river for long stretches.
- Kullu: shawl factories and the Beas river rafting points, about an hour before Manali.
Time it right
- Leave early. Starting by 7–8 AM means you reach Manali in daylight, even with stops.
- Avoid the monsoon if you can. In July and August, the stretch between Mandi and Kullu along the Beas is the one most affected by landslides and roadworks. Keep a buffer day.
- Winter is fine on this road — Manali itself is reachable all year — but snow beyond Manali (Solang, Atal Tunnel, Sissu) depends on the day’s conditions.
Which car?
For a family with luggage, the Innova Crysta is the comfortable choice for a full day on hill roads. Couples and small groups travel well in the Swift Dzire. See the Dharamshala to Manali taxi page for the one-way fare.
Make it a tour
Most travellers combine both towns: Dharamshala and McLeodganj first, then Manali, Solang and the Atal Tunnel. Our Grand Himachal tour and Manali tour are planned around this road, with the driver staying with you for the whole trip.
