Manikaran is a beautiful town located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is famous for its hot springs, temples, and scenic beauty. Many travelers visit Manikaran for spiritual reasons and to explore the natural landscapes of the region.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Manikaran from major nearby cities. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Delhi to Manikaran – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for reaching Manikaran, especially for those coming from Delhi or nearby cities. However, the nearest railway station is not in Manikaran itself, so you will need additional transport from there.

• The nearest major railway station to Manikaran is Joginder Nagar, about 45 km away, connected by narrow-gauge trains from Pathankot or Chandigarh. The journey from Delhi to Pathankot takes around 8-10 hours by train.

• From Joginder Nagar station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Manikaran, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on road conditions and weather.

• Train fares from Delhi to Pathankot range from INR 300 to INR 900 depending on class, with frequent trains available daily. Booking through IRCTC is recommended to secure seats during peak seasons.

• During winter months, fog can cause train delays on the route, so plan extra time for connections. Summer months are best for smoother travel and clearer views of the valley.

• Facilities at Joginder Nagar station are basic, so carry water and snacks for the onward journey to Manikaran. Local buses are limited, so pre-booking a taxi is advisable for convenience.

Bus

Buses are a common and affordable way to reach Manikaran from nearby towns and cities. They offer good connectivity but can be crowded during peak tourist seasons.

• Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) operates regular buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Manali to Bhuntar or Kasol, which are close to Manikaran. From these points, local buses or taxis can be taken to Manikaran.

• The bus journey from Delhi to Bhuntar or Kasol takes around 12 to 14 hours, depending on traffic and weather, with fares ranging from INR 600 to INR 1200 for AC and non-AC buses.

• From Kasol, Manikaran is only about 4 km away, accessible by frequent local buses or shared taxis costing INR 20 to INR 50 per person, taking 10-15 minutes.

• Buses can be crowded during summer holidays and festivals, so booking tickets in advance through HRTC online portals or travel agents is recommended.

• Road conditions on NH3 and NH205 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause landslides and delays, so check weather updates before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Manikaran offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy the scenic Himalayan roads at your own pace. This option is popular among families and groups.

• The distance from Delhi to Manikaran by road is approximately 530 km, taking around 12 to 14 hours via NH44 and NH3, depending on traffic and stops.

• From Chandigarh, the drive is about 210 km and takes 6 to 7 hours, mostly on well-maintained highways and mountain roads.

• Self-drive vehicles or taxis can be hired from Delhi, Chandigarh, or Manali. Taxi fares from Chandigarh to Manikaran typically range from INR 3500 to INR 5000 one way.

• There are multiple toll plazas on the route, so keep cash handy. Frequent stops for refreshments are available at highway dhabas and towns like Mandi and Kullu.

• During monsoon season, landslides are common on mountain roads, so check local conditions and avoid night driving for safety.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach the region near Manikaran, but you will still need road transport from the airport to reach the town itself.

• The nearest airport to Manikaran is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), about 45 km away, with regular flights from Delhi and Chandigarh.

• Flight duration from Delhi to Bhuntar is approximately 1 hour, with fares ranging from INR 2500 to INR 6000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Bhuntar Airport, taxis and buses are available to reach Manikaran, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours by road.

• Bhuntar Airport is small with limited facilities, so pre-booking a taxi or arranging pickup is advisable to avoid waiting times.

• Flights can be affected by weather conditions, especially fog in winter and rain during monsoon, so keep flexible travel plans and check flight status regularly.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Manikaran, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure the best fares and avoid last-minute hassles during peak seasons.

• If traveling by train, plan your arrival at Joginder Nagar or Pathankot with enough buffer time to catch a taxi or bus to Manikaran, as local transport may be infrequent.

• For bus travelers, check HRTC schedules online or at bus depots, and try to travel during daytime for better safety and road visibility.

• If driving, ensure your vehicle is well-maintained for mountain roads, carry a physical map or GPS device, and start early to avoid night driving in hilly areas.

• Upon reaching Bhuntar Airport or nearby bus stands, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for reliable and fair-priced rides to Manikaran.

• Carry sufficient water, snacks, and warm clothing regardless of the season, as mountain weather can change quickly and local amenities may be limited.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a valid ID and keep photocopies handy, as police and transport authorities often check documents in Himachal Pradesh for security reasons.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid stomach issues, and try local food at trusted eateries in Kasol or Manikaran for authentic flavors.

• Book your tickets online in advance, especially during summer and festival seasons, to avoid sold-out trains, buses, or flights.

• Use local shared taxis or buses for short distances within Parvati Valley, as they are affordable and frequent, but negotiate fares beforehand if using private taxis.

• Pack light but include rain gear and warm clothes, as weather can be unpredictable, especially during monsoon and winter months.

• Be cautious during monsoon season due to landslides and slippery roads; check local weather and road conditions before starting your journey.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Manikaran is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Winters can be cold with snowfall, while monsoons bring heavy rain and landslide risks.

Travel conditions vary greatly with seasons, so planning your trip accordingly will ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Dussehra and Diwali in nearby towns, as roads and accommodations get crowded and prices rise.

• Monsoon season (July to August) often causes landslides and roadblocks in Parvati Valley, leading to delays and cancellations of buses and taxis.

• Winter months (December to February) bring fog and snow, which can disrupt train and flight schedules, so allow extra travel time.

• Early morning departures are advisable to avoid traffic jams and to reach Manikaran before dark, especially if driving or taking local transport.

Arrival at Manikaran & What to Expect

When you arrive in Manikaran, you will find a small but vibrant town centered around the famous hot springs and temples. The area is well connected by local buses and shared taxis for short-distance travel.

Most travelers stay in guesthouses or hotels near the Manikaran Gurudwara or along the Parvati River. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are limited, so using local transport or arranging pickups in advance is recommended.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Manikaran depends on your starting point and travel preferences. Flights to Bhuntar combined with a taxi ride offer the quickest access, while trains and buses provide budget-friendly options with scenic views. Driving yourself gives flexibility but requires caution on mountain roads.

Plan your journey by booking tickets early, checking weather and road conditions, and preparing for local transport challenges. With proper planning, you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Manikaran, soaking in its natural beauty and spiritual atmosphere with confidence.