The route between Chandigarh and Manali is one of the most popular ones in North India, for a quick road trip or a weekend getaway. The best way to enjoy your trip is by booking one of the Manali packages available on the Internet. The distance from Chandigarh to Manali is approximately 320 kilometres and the best way to travel to Manali from Chandigarh is by bus. A number of buses are operated by HRTC (AC Volvo / Scania X2) and they take around 10 hours to reach their destination. These buses can be boarded from ISBT – Sector 17 and Sector 43, Chandigarh. Cab services are also available on various online platforms like Ola, Meru and Uber. They offer one-way and round trip rides from Chandigarh to Manali and the passengers can also choose their preferred car. There are no trains running on this route and the nearest airport to Manali is the Bhuntar airport which is around 50 kilometres away. This airport has direct flights operating from Chandigarh and Delhi only.

Manali is one of the oldest and the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. It has endless views of breathtaking Greater Himalayas due to which it has become the perfect place for wanderers and artistic souls. There are also a number of places to visit that are usually covered in the Manali Travel Packages that you choose and can be easily reached by hiring a cab.

Kasol: Located at a distance of 76 kilometres from Manali, it is one of the most beloved spots for hippie backpackers. The mesmerizing view of the Parvati Valley and the ambience of this ‘Mini Israel’ wins every heart. It is ideal for anybody who wants to spend some quality time in the lap of nature. There are a number of cafes serving Israeli cuisine that one can explore during their time in Kasol.

Manikaran: One of the most popular tourist places near Manali is known to be a very sacred place for the Sikhs. This Gurudwara (place of worship), is famous for its natural hot springs that possess healing powers and also for its beautiful landscape. It is located at a distance of 80 kilometres from Manali.

Malana: This ancient village is around 84 kilometres from Manali and it came into limelight with its well known Malana Cream. The view of the mountains from this place is bewildering and peaks like Chandrakhani and Deo Tibba can be easily spotted from here.

Tosh: This place is adorned with stunning views of snow clad Himalayan peaks. If you love being amidst nature, then you are the right place from where you can have a look of the valley filled with Himalayan wildflowers. The mountain huts compliment the landscape perfectly.

Kheerganga: It is one of the most sought after treks in Himachal Pradesh, located at a distance of 77 kilometres from Manali. You will feel at heaven when you are at an altitude of 13,500 feet, surrounded by mountains, floating clouds and lush greenery. Trekking all the way up to this place could be the most amazing experience of your life.

Manali is a picturesque hill station that offers tourists with an array of adventure sports.

River Rafting: One of the most awe-inspiring adventure sports in Manali that can be done all through the year. Although the best time to go river rafting is from April to June and October to March. The best river rafting experience can be gained from Jhidi to Pirdi locations and it approximately costs INR 2500 per couple.

Mountaineering: Beas Kund, Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba and Manali Peak offer mountaineers the best experience and is considered to be one of the most robust adventures in Manali. It can be experienced all year round, except monsoons and basic lessons are provided to the mountaineers so that challenges can be easily faced.

Paragliding: Manali is best known for its paragliding and it’s a treat for people who are both nature lovers and adventure junkies because surfing around the majestic mountains and getting lost in the blue sky is in a thrill in itself. The ideal time to paraglide is from April till June when the temperature varies from 10 – 25 degree Celsius.

Skiing: It has gained popularity as an adventure sport in Manali due to its snowy Himalyan Mountains. Even though the cold continues after January, the best time to experience skiing is in December and January. Keep in mind to carry a lot of warm clothes.

Zorbing: In zorbing, a human sized plastic ball is wrapped around you and you’re rolled downhill and it gives the view of the world turned upside down. It may sound unbalanced but it is a safe trail. It can be experienced in Rohtang Pass as well as in Solang Valley.

Rohtang Pass is almost a 2 hours drive from Manali and a lot of private taxis and state owned buses run on this route. You can also take cabs that are owned by the hotels where you’ll be staying. For buses, the bookings can be made at the Himachal Tourism office on Mall Road, Manali. Since the roads are slippery and narrow, it is recommended to take a cab.

In Manali, you might get to see snow in December or January, although Rohtang Pass is covered with snow in October itself. During this time, the average temperature can go as low as -7 degree Celsius.