Bhavnagar to Manali : Ultimate Travel Guide 

So, you’re planning the epic journey from the coastal plains of Bhavnagar to the pine-scented mountains of Manali? Great choice!

But let’s be honest this is no quick getaway. Manali doesn’t have a direct train or airport, so no matter how you start, your journey will always end with a final, mandatory mountain road trip.

That said, the trip is absolutely worth it. Let’s break down everything you need to know—from the best routes and seasons to costs, safety tips, and smart planning strategies.

When to Go

Summer (March – June): Peak Adventure Season

• Vibe: Lush green valleys, blue skies, pleasant temperatures (10°C – 25°C)
• Activities: Paragliding (Solang), river rafting (Beas), trekking, and access to Rohtang Pass
• Downside: Peak crowds, higher hotel/transport costs

Winter (October – February): Snow Wonderland

• Vibe: Manali turns magical with snow; temperatures drop to -5°C
• Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, snow treks
• Downside: Rohtang Pass is closed from mid-November to May

Avoid Monsoon (July – September)

• Warning: Landslides and flash floods are common
• Reality: Roads frequently close; landslides block highways; Beas River floods
• Verdict: Do not plan your trip during this time
  

Travel Plan: 3 Best Options from Bhavnagar to Manali

We’ve listed the best ways to reach Manali based on your budget, balance, and adventure level.

Option 1: Budget Route (Train + Bus)

This is the most common, cheapest, and most time-consuming path. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but it’s perfect for backpackers and those on a tight budget.

• Total Time: 35 – 40 hours  
• Bhavnagar to Ahmedabad. Your first step is getting to a major hub. The best way is by train. The Sabarmati Incity (20966) is fast (under 4 hours) and very cheap. A GSRTC bus is also a great option, with over 56 buses daily.  
• Ahmedabad to Delhi. From Ahmedabad, catch one of the many daily trains to Delhi. The journey takes 13-17 hours, and a Sleeper Class (SL) ticket is very affordable, costing around ₹470-₹540.  
• Delhi to Manali. This is the final leg. From Delhi, you’ll hop on a 12-14 hour overnight Volvo bus. This is a highly competitive route with many comfortable private buses and reliable government options like HPTDC. Fares can be as low as ₹600-₹1000 or around ₹1,420 for the HPTDC Volvo.  

Option 2:  Balanced Approach (Fly to Chandigarh)

This is our top recommendation for most travelers. It offers an excellent balance of speed, comfort, and reasonable cost.

• Total Time: 17 – 19 hours
• Bhavnagar to Ahmedabad. Same as Option 1: a quick, cheap 4-hour train or bus.  
• Fly Ahmedabad (AMD) to Chandigarh (IXC). This is the key. Instead of a long train ride, you take a short 1 hour 45-minute direct flight from Ahmedabad to Chandigarh. Flights are frequent (up to 23 per week) and reasonably priced.  
• Drive Chandigarh to Manali. From Chandigarh, you have an 8-9 hour road journey. This gives you maximum flexibility:
  • By Taxi: The most comfortable option. A pre-booked private taxi will cost between ₹4,500 and ₹6,500.  
  • By Bus: The budget-friendly choice. Dozens of buses run this route, from cheap government (HRTC) buses (starting at ₹615) to private Volvos.  

Option 3: Epic Road Trip 

For the adventurous, the journey is the destination. But make no mistake, this is a massive expedition, not a casual drive.

• Total Distance: ~1,650 km to 1,717 km  
• Total Driving Time: 25 – 28 hours (of pure driving), so this is a mandatory 3-day trip. A 2-day drive is not recommended.  
• Suggested Itinerary:
  • Day 1: Bhavnagar to Jaipur (~12-13 hours). Overnight in Jaipur.  
  • Day 2: Jaipur to Chandigarh (~8-9 hours). This route avoids Delhi traffic. Overnight in Chandigarh.
  • Day 3: Chandigarh to Manali (~8-9 hours). The final, winding mountain leg.
• The Real Cost: This is the most expensive option for a solo traveler but can be the cheapest for a group of four. A realistic one-way budget is over ₹21,000:
  • Fuel: ~₹8,100 (Based on 1700 km, 20 km/l mileage, and petrol at ~₹95/l).  
  • Tolls: ~₹3,300+ (You will cross many toll plazas on NH48 and other expressways. The Delhi-Manali leg alone is over ₹1,300).  
  • Hotels & Food: ~₹10,500 (2 nights’ stay plus 3 days of food).

Road Conditions: The Delhi-Manali highway is currently open , but be aware of major 6-lane construction, which can cause significant traffic jams and dust. 

Bhavnagar to Manali 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: The Road Trip to Manali

• Morning: Today is all about the scenic drive into the Himalayas. After an early breakfast in Chandigarh or Delhi, your pre-booked taxi will pick you up for the “last mile” journey.
• The Scenery: The journey starts on the highway but quickly transforms. The last few hours are a stunning, winding drive along the Beas River as you climb into the Kullu Valley. Be prepared for some traffic and dust, as parts of the highway are under massive construction to widen the road.  
• Evening: You’ll arrive in Manali in the evening. Check into your hotel, breathe in that crisp, cool mountain air, and have a relaxing dinner.

Day 2: Local Manali Sightseeing

Today is for acclimatizing and exploring the heart of Manali. A local taxi for the day makes this easy.

• Morning: Start your day at the Hadimba Devi Temple. This 15th-century wooden temple is set in a peaceful deodar cedar forest and is the most famous landmark in town. (Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, no entry fee).
• Mid-day: Head to the Vashisht Temple, famous for its natural hot water springs. You can take a dip in the separate, public baths, which are a perfect way to relax your travel muscles.
• Afternoon: Wander over to Old Manali and visit the Manu Temple, dedicated to the sage Manu. Afterwards, visit the Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Monastery (Manali Gompa) in the main town to see its vibrant colors and peaceful atmosphere.

Evening: Explore Mall Road for some classic souvenir shopping. For dinner, skip the main road and walk up to Old Manali, which is famous for its riverside cafés and laid-back, international vibe

Day 3: Adventure in Solang Valley

Get ready for an adrenaline rush! Today is all about adventure in the stunning Solang Valley, located about 13-14 km from Manali.

• Morning (The Main Event): Go paragliding. Solang is one of India’s best spots to soar over the valley. This is best done in the morning for clearer skies and calmer winds. (Best seasons: March-June and September-November).
• All Day: Take the cable car (Gondola) ride up the mountain. The panoramic views from the top are absolutely breathtaking.
• Seasonal Activities:
  • If you’re here in summer/autumn (May-Nov): Try zorbing (rolling down a hill in a giant ball) or ATV rides on the rocky paths.

If you’re here in winter (Dec-Feb): Solang Valley transforms into a snowy wonderland. This is the prime time for skiing and snowboarding.

Day 4: The High-Altitude Marvel (Rohtang or Atal)

This is the “wow” day. Today you head for the high-altitude passes and the snow.

• CRITICAL Note: Your plan depends entirely on the month you visit.
• Option 1 (If visiting May/June to mid-November): The Rohtang Pass Excursion This is the legendary pass you’ve heard of. It requires a special permit, which your taxi driver will help you arrange. The drive itself is the adventure, taking you up to 13,058 feet. You’ll find walls of snow, even in the summer, and unbelievable views of the Himalayas. This pass is CLOSED all winter.  

Option 2 (If visiting in Winter or if Rohtang is closed): The Atal Tunnel & Sissu This is the new “must-do” and is just as spectacular. You will drive through the Atal Tunnel, an engineering marvel that is one of the world’s longest high-altitude tunnels. When you exit, you are in the completely different, starkly beautiful Lahaul Valley. Your destination is Sissu, a village on the other side known for its stunning glacier views and waterfalls.

Day 5: Kullu Valley & Naggar Castle Tour

After two days of high-octane adventure, today is about culture, history, and scenic drives.

• Morning: Take a day trip south to the historic town of Naggar (about 22 km from Manali). Your first stop is the 500-year-old Naggar Castle. Now a heritage hotel, its wooden architecture and art gallery are incredible, but the main reason to visit is the stunning panoramic view of the Kullu Valley from its balconies.
• Afternoon: Drive down into the main Kullu Valley. This is the heart of the region’s shawl industry. Visit a Kullu Shawl Weaving Industry to see artisans at work on their looms and to buy authentic shawls and handicrafts directly from the source.

Evening: On your way back, you can also stop for a bit of white-water rafting on the Beas River (if you’re visiting in the right season) before heading back to Manali for your last evening.

Day 6: The Return Journey

• Morning: Enjoy one last cup of mountain tea. After breakfast, you’ll begin the long drive back down from the mountains to your “base camp” city.
• Afternoon/Evening: Drive back to Chandigarh (8-9 hours) or Delhi (12-14 hours) to catch your evening or next-day flight/train.
• Final Leg: Fly from Delhi/Chandigarh back to Ahmedabad, and then take your final connecting train or bus home to Bhavnagar, full of memories.  

If you’re considering a longer road trip further north after Manali, check out our detailed guide on travelling from Bhavnagar to Kashmir for planning tips and costs

Final Checklist Before You Go

Pick the Right Season

• Summer for activities
• Winter for snow
• Never during monsoon

Match Your Route to Your Priorities

• Cheapest: Option 1 (Train + Bus)
• Most Comfortable: Option 2 (Fly to Chandigarh + Bus/Taxi)
• Group Adventure: Option 3 (3-Day Road Trip)

Book Early

• Reserve trains/flights at least 2–3 weeks in advance
• Pre-book Rohtang permits if visiting in summer
• Confirm Volvo buses or taxis from Delhi/Chandigarh to Manali

Pack Smart

• Warm layers (especially in winter)
• Good walking shoes
• ID, cash, medicine
• Snacks and water for long travel segments

You’re Not Just Traveling You’re Leveling Up

Traveling from Bhavnagar to Manali isn’t just a trip, it’s a real adventure. It’s a journey through changing landscapes, cultures, and climates—from Gujarat’s sunny coast to Himachal’s snow-capped peaks.

With this guide in hand, you’re traveling smarter and safer. Plan wisely, travel light, and enjoy every single mile.