Malana is a remote village located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, known for its unique culture and scenic beauty. Delhi, the capital city of India, serves as the main gateway for travelers heading to this offbeat destination. Many travelers from Delhi seek to explore Malana’s serene environment and distinct traditions.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Malana. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. Whether you prefer trains, buses, self-driving, or flights, this article covers all you need to plan your trip confidently.

Getting from Delhi to Malana – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical way to cover the long distance from Delhi to Himachal Pradesh’s nearest railheads. However, Malana itself does not have a railway station, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway stations to Malana are Joginder Nagar and Pathankot, both well connected to Delhi via multiple trains. The journey takes around 8 to 12 hours depending on the train chosen, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹1,200 in sleeper and AC classes.

• Trains depart frequently from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) and Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI), with popular options including the Himachal Express and Jan Shatabdi Express. Booking through IRCTC is recommended to secure confirmed seats.

• From Joginder Nagar or Pathankot, you must hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Malana, which is about 60 to 80 km away. The road journey can take 3 to 4 hours due to hilly terrain and narrow roads.

• During winter months, fog and landslides can delay trains and road transport, so plan buffer time. Avoid traveling late at night from these stations as local transport options reduce significantly.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and budget-friendly way to travel from Delhi to the Kullu-Manali region, which is the closest accessible area to Malana by road. However, no direct bus goes to Malana itself.

• Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private operators run Volvo and deluxe buses from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Manali and Bhuntar bus stands. The journey takes around 12 to 14 hours covering approximately 550 km, with fares between ₹700 and ₹1,500.

• From Manali or Bhuntar, you can take local buses or taxis to Jari or Malana base village. The last 10 km to Malana is accessible only by foot or mule, so prepare for a trek.

• Buses depart mostly in the evening or night from Delhi, allowing you to reach Manali early morning. Booking tickets in advance during peak season (summer and holidays) is essential to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Road conditions on NH44 and NH3 are generally good but can be affected by monsoon rains causing landslides. Carry snacks and water as food options on the route are limited during night travel.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Malana offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic stops along the way. This option suits travelers comfortable with mountain driving and who prefer a personalized schedule.

• The distance from Delhi to Malana is about 550 km via NH44 and NH205, taking approximately 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. The route passes through Karnal, Ambala, Chandigarh, and Mandi.

• Self-driving allows you to stop at popular spots like Shimla, Kullu, or Manali for rest and sightseeing. Fuel stations and eateries are available along the highway but become sparse near Malana.

• Be prepared for narrow, winding roads after reaching Jari village, where you must park and continue on foot. The last 10 km trek to Malana is steep and requires good physical fitness.

• During winter, snow and ice can make driving risky, so check weather and road updates before departure. Toll plazas on NH44 and NH205 require cash or FASTag payments.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover the long distance from Delhi to the nearest airport to Malana. However, you will still need road transport and trekking to reach the village.

• The closest airport to Malana is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), about 70 km away. Regular flights operate from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport to Bhuntar, taking around 1 hour.

• Flight fares vary widely, typically between ₹2,000 and ₹5,000 one-way, depending on the season and airline. Booking early through airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip is advisable.

• From Bhuntar Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Jari or Malana base village. The road journey takes 2 to 3 hours on hilly terrain with narrow roads.

• Flight schedules can be affected by weather conditions such as fog or rain, especially in winter and monsoon seasons, so keep flexible plans and check for updates.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Malana. It helps you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance using IRCTC or airline apps to secure confirmed seats and avoid last-minute price hikes, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• If traveling by train, choose a train that arrives early at Joginder Nagar or Pathankot to ensure you have daylight for the onward road journey to Malana.

• Arrange local transport from the railway station or airport to Jari village beforehand by contacting reliable taxi operators or using app-based cabs like Ola or Uber where available.

• Pack light and carry essentials for the trek from Jari to Malana, including water, snacks, comfortable trekking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.

• Start the trek early in the morning to avoid afternoon weather changes and ensure you reach Malana before dark, as the trail is steep and narrow.

• Inform local guides or the village council in Malana about your arrival if possible, as the village has restricted access and unique local rules for visitors.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry sufficient bottled water and avoid drinking tap water during the journey to prevent stomach issues common among travelers in hilly regions of India.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs from airports and railway stations to avoid overcharging by local drivers unfamiliar to tourists.

• Book bus or train tickets online early, especially during summer holidays and festivals like Dussehra and Diwali, when demand spikes significantly.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, as the last part of the journey to Malana involves trekking and no vehicle access is possible.

• Carry some cash in small denominations as ATMs are scarce near Malana, and many local shops do not accept digital payments.

• Be cautious during monsoon season (July to September) due to frequent landslides and slippery roads, which can delay travel and increase risks on mountain routes.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Malana is from April to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Winters are cold with heavy snowfall, making access difficult.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains and landslides, often disrupting road and rail services. Travelers should avoid this period or be prepared for delays and cancellations.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Holi and Diwali in Delhi, as transport services are crowded and prices surge.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and ensure you reach Himachal before nightfall.

• Winter months (December to February) can cause road closures due to snow, so check local weather and road conditions before planning your trip.

• Monsoon rains between July and September increase the risk of landslides on NH44 and mountain roads, so plan alternative routes or travel dates accordingly.

Arrival at Malana & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Malana, you will find a small, secluded village with limited modern amenities but rich cultural heritage. The village is accessible only by foot after Jari, so prepare for a moderate trek carrying your essentials.

Local transport options end at Jari or the base village, where you can hire mules or porters if needed. Accommodation in Malana consists mainly of guesthouses and homestays, so booking in advance is recommended during peak seasons.

For local commute, walking is the only option within Malana due to narrow paths. The village council manages visitor access, so respect local customs and regulations. Prepaid taxis or app-based cabs are available only up to Bhuntar or Manali, so plan your last-mile travel accordingly.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Malana from Delhi depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Flights to Bhuntar combined with taxi and trekking offer the fastest route, while trains and buses provide economical options with longer travel times. Self-driving gives flexibility but requires experience with mountain roads.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport will ensure a smooth journey. With proper preparation, you can confidently explore Malana’s unique culture and stunning landscapes, making your trip a memorable experience.