Manali is more than just a popular hill station in Himachal. It’s the gateway to countless road adventures and thrilling drives that offer something unique to you. The scenic highways, snow-draped peaks, and valleys carpeted with pine and deodar trees make your road trips here an experience in itself. Whether you’re planning a quick escape or a longer journey, there are endless options for road trips from Manali.
You can plan from peaceful hill towns to high-altitude passes and spiritual getaways; all these destinations will offer something for every traveller. A weekend gateway from Manali can take you to serene lakes, hidden villages, and bustling markets, while a longer drive opens doors to such beautiful places as Leh, Spiti, or Kasol, each offering its own unique charm. These weekend getaways from Manali aren’t just about reaching the destination but about savouring every curve, bend, and view along the way.
In this guide, we’ll uncover some of the best places to visit near Manali by road, pre-planned itineraries, some important travel tips and seasonal highlights. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple on a romantic trip, or a family looking for adventure, this blog will help you plan your perfect road journey starting from Manali.
Why Take a Road Trip from Manali?
A Manali road trip is one of the most rewarding travel experiences you can have in your lifetime. The town is nestled in the lap of the gigantic Himalayas, surrounded by the snow-clad peaks, lush valleys, and winding mountain trails. However, it itself is a rewarding paradise for tourists, but Manali also serves as the perfect base for short drives, weekend escapes from Manali, or long scenic adventures. Whether it’s the thrill of crossing high-altitude passes like Rohtang and Atal Tunnel, the serenity of exploring nearby villages like Naggar, or the joy of reaching spiritual spots such as Manikaran, every road trip from Manali brings new surprises to you. Unlike a fixed tour, road trips from Manali allow you to enjoy the journey at your own pace, stopping at waterfalls, apple orchards, or roadside cafés. Manali has well-developed road transport for tourists. You can choose local buses, taxis or can also book your taxi service in Manali online with a platform like CabBazar. From adventure seekers to families, the flexibility and charm of driving through these landscapes make every trip unforgettable.
Best Places to Visit Near Manali by Road (Under 300 km)
A trip to Manali never gets old or clichéd, as it is one of the beautiful summer hill stations for travellers and tourists alike. It is located in the sky-high hills of the Himalaya, surrounded by the beautiful landscape, which makes it an incredible site that also becomes a snow paradise during the winter season. Also, the city offers tourists a trail that includes ancient sacred temples, thrilling views, and the lush green forests nearby.
Solang Valley: It is one of the picturesque spots near Manali that captures the attention of tourists. The valley is adorned with spectacular natural diversity that includes snow-capped peaks, lush greenery, serene landscapes, and adventure spots. It is one of the perfect sites to enjoy the sightseeing of the breathtaking aerial view of the valley’s changing vistas and indulge in adventure activities like paragliding, zorbing and skiing during winter.
Kullu: It is the twin city of Manali that welcomes you into the stunning beauty of the majestic Himalayas. Where Manali is more of an adventure activity and nature, Kullu offers you cultural heritage and spiritual significance of the region that glimmer from the stunning landscapes. However, Kullu attracts travellers throughout the year with its stunning vistas, adventure spots and natural beauty, but the best time to experience the cultural richness of the town is during Dussehra, when a week-long festival is held annually.
Kasol: It is a beautiful village located near Manali at a distance of 93 Km. It is nested in the beautiful Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh and is famous for its trekking routes, cafes, adventure sports and peaceful natural sites. It is also famous as “the Mini Israel of India” as here you find lots of Israeli people living for years. Major attractions are its popular hot water springs, Kheerganga and Malana trek, or hidden villages like Rasol and Kalga.
Mandi: Mandi is a serene village that is 109 Km away from Manali, which you can easily visit from there. There are ample public and private transport options for travellers from Manali to reach there. It is a perfect blend of nature, culture and religion and offers lots for travellers to explore here. As you visit the city, its lush green valley, snow-capped hills and peaceful surroundings will surely captivate you with their beauty.
Tirthan Valley: Another beautiful escape from Manali is this beautiful hidden valley that is located in the lap of pristine Himalayan ranges and is known for its unadulterated beauty. It is one of the paradises for trekkers, nature lovers and those who love to explore offbeat, away from the crowded sites. Also, you can explore the nearby Great Himalayan National Park, which is located very close to here.
Chandigarh: It is one of the nearest major cities and is a gateway to Manali and other north-south hill stations. After exploring, you can also plan to add Chandigarh to your travel list, as it is also a great tourist spot. Most of the tourists added it. They took a Manali to Chandigarh cab, took some rest and explored India’s first planned city before heading to their home. There are beautiful gardens, architecture and cultural masterpieces that you should visit.
Hill Stations Near Manali by Road
Manali itself is a fabulous hill station, but that is not the only one, as there are many other world-famous hill stations located near Manali. Here you will get information about some most popular cool places to visit near Manali that offer you a memorable experience.
McLeod Ganj: Another hill station where you can easily go from Manali is McLeod Ganj, which offers you unparalleled beauty that runs through the valley of the Himalaya, surrounded by sky-high snow-laden hills. The town is famous for its impressive Buddhist monasteries that offer a deep dive into the traditional architecture and exquisite handicrafts of the Tibetan community. Along with that, you can enjoy the crisp mountain air, eye-soothing natural scenery.
Dharamshala: It is also one of the wonderful hill stations in Himachal Pradesh that attracts travellers for its two distinct experiences. Where one side of town playfully captivates with its breathtaking beauty, where winds play on the mountains and rhododendrons and pine forests, the slopes. On the other hand, it is one of the best places for Buddhists and travellers who love to indulge in cultural and religious practices.
Palampur: Just 183 Km from Manali, lies the “Tea Capital of North India” Palampur. It is a small peaceful town settled on the slope of the Himalayan hills and offers wonderful views of the Dhauladhar mountain. It is one of the best for those who love to explore hidden places and want to enjoy nature closely. If you are looking for summer gateways from Manali, it could be your first preference.
Shoja: Amid the nearby popular destinations, Shoja always attracts the attention of travellers. It is a hidden, peaceful mountain village that is located near Jibhi. It is one of the perfect hill stations that offers you an escape from the mundane city life and the buzzing hill station. Here you enjoy the secluded ambience that is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, beautiful forests that are full of chirping of birds, beautiful sightseeing, nature walks, etc.
Jibhi: It is one of the most visited hill stations near Manali by road. It is a small town nestled in the middle of lush green Himalayan Valleys surrounded by alpine meadows. Its high elevation location also makes it perfect for Apple orchards that are flourishing near the bank of the pristine Jibhi River. Some of the major attractions here are Jalori Pass, Serolasar Lake, Jibhi Waterfall and the cultural trail to the town.
Shimla: It is also one of the best options to travel from Manali. Titled as ‘Queen of the Hills’, Shimla is a beautiful destination that is known for its beautiful natural sights, pleasant weather, colonial architecture and wonderful divine shrines. Travellers come here to enjoy its serene beauty, cultural indulgence and heritage walk.
Offbeat & Less-Crowded Escapes Near Manali
From Manali, you can also plan several trips to the nearby offbeat and less crowded escapes. They offer you something unique and amazing experience that includes breathtaking views of the Himalayan hills, sitting in the green landscape on the high hills and adventure activities like trekking to rugged terrain, and camping in the beautiful valleys.
Bairagarh: It is a quite small village located in the Chamba district of Himachal. It is one of the offbeat places near Manali that has not much to offer you, but its hidden charm will surely amaze you. As there are no fancy cafes, restaurants and tourist sites in the town, but as you explore this tiny hamlet of Himalaya, you will encounter several wonderful sites, including streams, waterfalls, Snow point and several scenic spots.
Barot Valley: Another less crowded escape near Manali is this beautiful valley. The valley is nestled on the bank of the Uhl River, amidst the dense forest and offers a trail to the untouched beauty of the Himalaya that is full of diverse opportunities. The valley is famous for its adventure activities like trekking, trout fishing and camping. Here you can also enjoy a trail to the nearby Nargu wildlife sanctuary.
Gadagushaini: Gadahushaini is one of the hidden places near Manali that is famous for its pristine green meadows, that is nestled in the Tirthan Valley. Here, tourists will enjoy the sprawling green pastures, unadulterated natural charm and tranquil ambience. Making it one of the paradises among the natural lovers who are always looking for something new to explore. Along with that, the town also offers adventure activities like camping, hiking, fishing and water sports in the nearby river.
Sainj Valley: Here, the sprawling grasslands in the backdrop of the Himalaya, dense forests and chirping of the birds will remind you of the beauty of Kashmir
Bir Billing: Bir and Billing are both paragliding paradises for the tourists who visit Manali. They plan a trip to Bir Billing to enjoy the thrilling experience of Paragliding. Billing is the take-off site, where Bir is the landing spot, which offers an exhilarating altitude change. Along with the peaceful and serene environment of the site makes it a popular site for meditation and spiritual studies.
Adventure & Wildlife Getaways Near Manali
For adventure seekers and wildlife explorers, Manali serves as the gateway to several world-renowned sites that offer a breathtaking experience to visitors. There are lots of adventure gateways from Manali that offer thrilling exploration. Also, the wildlife places near Manali offer a soul-soothing experience that is full of sightseeing of exotic animals and rare wildlife.
Great Himalayan National Park: It is one of the most beautiful wildlife places near Manali, located in the Kullu Valley. The park is divided into four different, unique and enchanting valleys named Sainj, Tirthan, Jiwa Nal and Parvati. It is a true paradise for nature lovers and wildlife explorers. This is the perfect destination for your Manali road trip with safari experience.
Parvati Valley: It is one of the popular tourist spots from Manali, which is famous for its secluded landscape that is surrounded by the lush green forests and sky-high snow-capped Himalayan mountains. Parvat Valley is also known for its unforgettable trekking and camping experience. There are several places in the beautiful valley to explore, including Kasol, Tosh, Malana, Manikaran and many more.
Malana Village: It is one of the small, beautiful villages of Himachal that is nestled in the backdrop of the gigantic, majestic Himalaya. It is one of the offbeat villages that is known for its unique culture and breathtaking nature. Tourists enjoy the peaceful surroundings here and go for the trek to Parvati Valley, which also starts from here. One of the interesting facts about the village is that they consider themselves to be the descendants of Alexander the Great and all outsiders as untouchables.
Hampta Pass Trek: For your adventure quest, Hampta Pass near Manali is the perfect location to visit. The pass is accessible by a thrilling trek journey. It goes through several glaciers and rivers and offers you the opportunity to explore the unadulterated beauty of the Himalaya. Exploring this offers visitors a memorable experience.
Beas Kund Trek: Another beautiful adventure gateway from Manali is the Beas Kund Trek. The trek starts from Manali and ends at Dhundi. The trek leads you to the Bead Kund, which is located in the mountains and is believed to be the holy place used by the revered Vyas Rishi. You can easily start your trek from Manal, which passes through the Solan valley and offers you a rejuvenative experience.
Rohtang Pass: It is one of the most popular adventure destinations among the tourists who visit Manali. It is an incredibly beautiful mountain pass that is located only 51 Km away from Manali on the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. The way to reach there is by cab, which you can easily book, and for an affordable Manali to Rohtang Pass taxi fare, choosing CabBazar is the best option. It offers panoramic views of the breathtaking landscapes and a really incredible adventure experience.
Spiritual Places Near Manali
If you are looking for spiritual places near Manali. So don’t worry, the city has several temples and spiritual sites near its beautiful vicinity that are worth visiting. From Manali, you can easily travel to them by taking local transport or hiring private cabs for a better and safer travelling experience. These are the popular religious road trips from Manali; choose which one suits you.
Manikaran: It is one of the popular spiritual places near Manali that you can never miss from your itinerary. It is one of the revered pilgrimages that is located in the beautiful hills of the Himalaya. The town is dotted with several spiritual sites and natural wonders such as hot springs, gurudwara and ancient temples. Apart from its spiritual significance, it also offers visitors several adventure activities such as trekking,
Bijli Mahadev Temple: It is another sacred temple near Manali that you can easily add to your religious road trips from Manali. The temple is nestled in the high elevation, where you can reach after a scenic trek that passes through rugged terrain and verdant forests. As you reach the temple, you will be fascinated by its magnificent structure that is adorned with colourful flags that are beautifully fluttering with the soothing mountain breeze.
Rewalsar: It is a small town that is known to be a great sacred spot for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. Tourists come to explore its spiritual charm, but the major attraction of the town is its beautiful lake, which is located in the lap of the sky-high hills. There are also Islands of floating reeds on the Rewalsar Lake that capture tourists' attention.
Dechen Choekhor Monastery: It is one of the best Buddhist monasteries of Himachal, which is located near Manali. This is built in the traditional Tibetan style, which offers a glimpse of Ladakh. As you reach here, it beckons as a serene Buddhist sanctuary that is decorated with intricate murals, golden statues of the Buddha, and spinning prayer wheels.
Basheshwar Mahadev Temple: It is one of the magnificent temples near Manali that was built in the 9th century and still is one of the key attractions among tourists with its divine aura. Built in a pyramid style, the temple houses a large “Yoni-Lingam” idol that represents Lord Shiva and his wife, Goddess Parvati. The grand structure at a significant height will offer a mesmerizing experience.
Travel Tips for Road Trips from Manali
There are lots of places near Manali to explore, but making plans and following some tips makes your experience smooth and memorable. We all know that planning a smooth road journey enhances the overall trip experience, and keeping a few simple things in mind can make your trip from Manali truly enjoyable. Here are some essential Manali road trip tips to consider:
- Starting your trip early in the morning, especially on weekends, helps you skip heavy traffic and enjoy more sightseeing time.
- Long drives can get tiring, so staying fueled and connected is a must. Also, carrying snacks, water, and power banks is good.
- Mountain weather changes quickly, so it is important to stay updated about the weather and current road conditions before starting your journey.
- As there will be enough network or ATM, and online payment. But digital payments may not always work in remote areas, making cash a handy option.
- As Manali is one of the popular hill stations so you might face difficulty booking a cab at the last minute, so booking in advance with a company like CabBazar is best for a comfortable experience.
These are some key tips for your road trip planning from Manali. By following them, you can find your best way to travel from Manali.
Best Time to Visit These Places from Manali
Planning your trip wisely makes the journey even more enjoyable. Manali is one of the popular hill stations visited by tourists throughout the year, regardless of the season and weather. But visiting Manali during the best time is best. The best time to travel from Manali depends on what kind of getaway you’re looking for. Here’s a seasonal breakdown for quick reference:
Summer (Mar–Jun): Summer is one of the peak seasons when tourists visit the hill stations like Manali, which offers a cool and pleasant experience. It is perfect for a refreshing escape as the weather stays pleasant with temperatures ranging between 10°C and–25°C. Ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and nature walks. This is also the peak season for family trips and outdoor adventures.
Monsoon (Jul–Sep): If you are planning during the monsoon season, be cautious. As Manali and its nearby destinations get covered in lush greenery, it is a picturesque sight. However, roads can be slippery due to heavy rainfall. Best suited for those who love solitude and want to experience the raw beauty of the hills.
Winter (Oct–Feb): Winter season for those who love snow, as the valley transforms into a snowy wonderland with temperatures often dipping below freezing. A perfect season for snow lovers, honeymooners, and adventure enthusiasts who wish to try skiing or simply enjoy the chilly mountain vibes.
Whether you’re planning a quick Manali getaway or a seasonal trip near Manali, these timings will help you choose the best experience for your journey.
FAQs
- What are the best weekend getaways near Manali by car?
Some of the best weekend road trips from Manali include Kasol, Tirthan Valley, Kullu, Naggar, and Solang Valley. These destinations are easily accessible by road and perfect for a short escape.
- Can I take a one-day road trip from Manali?
Yes! Places like Solang Valley, Naggar Castle, Kullu, and Jana Waterfalls can be comfortably covered in a one-day trip from Manali.
- What are some good family-friendly destinations from Manali?
For family travellers, Kullu, Naggar, Tirthan Valley, and Kasol offer peaceful stays, nature walks, and activities suitable for all age groups.
- How can I book a cab for a road trip near Manali?
You can book a cab online with CabBazar, which offers affordable, reliable, and comfortable taxi services for both one-day and multi-day road trips from Manali.
- Are there hill stations within 300 km of Manali?
Yes, you can visit Dharamshala, Bir-Billing, Dalhousie, and Shimla, all of which fall within 300 km of Manali and are perfect for scenic road trips.
Manali is a wonderful hill station that also offers several adventurous trails and a peaceful gateway to just spend time in the company of nature and yourself. A planned road trip from Manali offers you the freedom to enjoy the mountain breeze and collect memories along the way. Whether you are planning a quick break to the nearby valleys or an extended journey into the high passes, each route offers something unique to refresh your mind and soul. So why wait? It’s a great time to plan a road trip from Manali and experience the joy of driving beyond the city rush.
Also, with CabBazar, your journey becomes even smoother. From clean, well-maintained cabs to professional and verified drivers, you can count on safety, comfort, and affordability. Whether you’re heading for a family outing or searching for weekend getaways from Manali, CabBazar ensures a hassle-free experience.
Start your adventure today—book your cab and let the mountains lead your way!
