Where serenity meets steam in the heart of the Parvati Valley Tucked away in the mystical Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Manikaran is a destination that defies easy categorization. At once a revered pilgrimage site and a gateway to backpacker-favored trails, Manikaran is a place where sacred rivers, hot springs, and spiritual legends converge.
For Hindus and Sikhs alike, the village is sacred—home to the revered Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, natural hot water springs believed to cure ailments, and ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Rama. But beyond the faith, there is a sensory tapestry here: the scent of sulfur mingling with pine, the hum of the river against the silence of the cliffs, the clink of steel thalis in the langar kitchens.
Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, a curious traveler, or a digital nomad drawn to nearby Kasol, Manikaran deserves a slow, meaningful journey. And the first step is knowing exactly how to get there.
In this extensive 2025 travel guide, we’ll walk you through every route, every transportation option, every hidden tip on how to reach Manikaran—from bustling Delhi and Chandigarh to the serene slopes of the Himalayas.
Where Is Manikaran?
- Location: Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude: 1,760 meters (5,774 ft)
- Distance from Kasol: ~4 km
- Distance from Kullu: ~45 km
- Distance from Manali: ~80 km
- Famous for: Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, hot springs, Shiva and Ram temples, Parvati River
Recommended Operator: https://www.easeindiatrip.com/enquiry.html
How to Reach Manikaran
| Mode of Transport | From Delhi | From Chandigarh | Approx. Time |
| By Air (to Bhuntar) | 1.5 hr flight + 2.5 hr drive | 45 min flight + 2.5 hr drive | 4–5 hrs total |
| By Train (to Joginder Nagar/Chandigarh) | 12–14 hrs train + road trip | 5–6 hrs train + road trip | 10–16 hrs |
| By Road (Bus/Car) | 11–13 hrs | 7–9 hrs | Variable |
By Air – The Fastest Way
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport)
- Airport Code: KUU
- Distance to Manikaran: ~35 km (2 to 2.5 hours by road)
- Flights: Operated by Alliance Air, IndiGo, and charter services
From Delhi to Bhuntar:
- Multiple daily flights, especially during the tourism season (March to October)
- Flight time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
- Advance booking is strongly recommended, as weather disruptions are common and seats are limited
From Bhuntar to Manikaran:
- Hire a pre-paid taxi or local cab from outside the airport
- Route: Bhuntar → Jari → Kasol → Manikaran
- Expect lush forest views, cliffside turns, and narrow valley roads
T+L Insight: Opt for a daytime arrival at Bhuntar. The roads from Bhuntar to Manikaran are narrow and winding—best navigated in daylight.
See Where to Go Next: Himachal Travel in June Travel Guide
By Road
Self-Drive or Private Taxi from Delhi or Chandigarh
From Delhi: ~530 km | 12–14 hours
- Route: Delhi → Ambala → Chandigarh → Mandi → Bhuntar → Kasol → Manikaran
- Ideal for: Road trip enthusiasts, couples, groups
- Toll roads and good highway conditions until Bhuntar, after which hill driving begins
From Chandigarh: ~290 km | 8–9 hours
- Route: Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Bhuntar → Kasol → Manikaran
- Faster and more comfortable for those flying into Chandigarh first
Cab Booking Tips
- Book a certified Himachal-registered taxi, especially if starting from Delhi
- Expect fares around:
- ₹8,000–₹11,000 (Delhi–Manikaran, one way)
- ₹4,500–₹6,000 (Chandigarh–Manikaran, one way)
- Avoid night travel due to potential fog and landslide zones near Mandi
By Bus – Budget-Friendly and Adventurous
From Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate):
- Overnight HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) buses to Bhuntar or Kullu
- Duration: ~12 hours (to Bhuntar), ₹800–₹1,300 for Volvo
- Operators: HRTC, Himsuta, Laxmi Holidays, City Land Travels
From Chandigarh (ISBT Sector 43):
- Daily buses to Bhuntar or Manali (via Mandi and Kullu)
- Duration: ~7–8 hours
Note: There are no direct buses to Manikaran. From Bhuntar/Kullu, you’ll need to take a local bus or cab to Manikaran (via Kasol). Trip to Manali and Kasol Check 5 Days Adventure Trip
From Bhuntar to Manikaran
Once you’ve reached Bhuntar, the gateway to Parvati Valley, the remaining journey is a scenic ascent along the Parvati River.
Local Bus
- From Bhuntar Bus Stand, catch buses heading to Kasol or Manikaran
- Frequency: Every 30–40 minutes from morning to evening
- Duration: ~2.5 hours (with frequent stops)
- Fare: ₹60–₹80
- Experience: Basic seating, packed during peak hours—but incredibly scenic
Taxi from Bhuntar
- Private taxis charge ₹1,500–₹2,500 depending on vehicle and season
- Recommended for those carrying luggage or traveling with family
T+L Tip: Take the local bus if you’re feeling adventurous and want a real taste of Himachal’s daily rhythm. Just hold on—it’s a winding ride.
By Train – Not Direct, but Doable
There is no direct rail connectivity to Manikaran or Kasol, but travelers can take a train up to Joginder Nagar or Chandigarh, and then continue by road.
Via Joginder Nagar Railway Station (Narrow Gauge)
- Board the Kangra Valley Railway from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar
- Slow but picturesque mountain rail route (~10 hours)
- From Joginder Nagar, hire a taxi or take a bus to Bhuntar (4–5 hours) → then onward to Manikaran
Via Chandigarh Railway Station
- Take a train from Delhi to Chandigarh (Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi)
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Then, proceed by taxi or bus to Manikaran as described above
Ideal For: Slow travelers, train enthusiasts, or those combining destinations like Amritsar → Dharamshala → Pathankot → Himachal interiors
Need help planning? Start with this Manikarnika Mandir Kasol
What to Expect Upon Arrival in Manikaran
Arriving in Manikaran feels like stepping into a pocket of sacred geography. The steamy clouds of the hot springs, the soothing gurgle of the Parvati River, and the towering hills create a theatrical backdrop for spiritual and cultural immersion.
Key Attractions
- Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara: Hot water bathing pools, langar meals, spiritual energy
- Shiva Temple: Said to have survived an earthquake; frequented by pilgrims year-round
- Ram Temple: Offers a contrasting aura of serenity and simplicity
- Hot Springs: Used for bathing and even cooking prasad
Where to Stay
- Budget guesthouses and dharamshalas available nearby
- For upscale lodging, stay in Kasol or Jari, and make a day trip to Manikaran
Before you go, check the full blog for Adventure Guide Things to Do in Manikaran
Best Time to Visit Manikaran
While Manikaran is a year-round destination, your experience can vary significantly depending on when you visit. Here’s how each season feels in this sacred Himalayan village:
Spring (March to May)
- Weather: Crisp mornings and evenings (8–18°C), sunny days
- Highlights: Rhododendrons bloom along the Parvati Valley, and snowmelt feeds the river
- Ideal for: Outdoor walks, peaceful temple visits, spiritual retreats
Summer (June)
- Weather: Warmer days (15–28°C), occasional pre-monsoon showers
- Busy Season: June sees high footfall from Sikh and Hindu pilgrims
- Travel Tip: Book accommodation in advance and arrive early in the day
Monsoon (July to September)
- Weather: Heavy rain, cloudbursts possible, landslide risk on roads
- Caution Advised: Road travel may be disrupted
- Should You Go? Visit only if you’re experienced in monsoon travel or staying long term in Kasol/Manikaran
Autumn (October to November)
- Weather: Clear skies, brilliant light, temperatures between 8–18°C
- Golden Season: Ideal for photographers, backpackers, and anyone seeking serenity
- Fewer Crowds: Especially after mid-October
Winter (December to February)
- Weather: Cold (0–10°C), occasional snowfall in surrounding hills
- Atmosphere: Misty mornings, icy river edges, steam rising from hot springs
- Travel Note: Roads may be icy near Bhuntar; ideal for snow lovers and quiet seekers
Keep Reading: How to Reach Narkanda from Delhi
Backpacking Routes to Manikaran
For those traveling through the Himachal backpacker circuit, Manikaran often becomes a spiritual detour. Here’s how to include it in your slow travel itinerary:
1- Route: Kasol → Manikaran (4 km)
- Walk or take a short bus/taxi
- Scenic riverside trail, perfect for photography and meditation stops
- Ideal for budget travelers, digital nomads, and café explorers staying in Kasol
2- Route: Manali → Kasol → Manikaran
- Manali to Bhuntar (by bus or cab): ~2 hrs
- Bhuntar to Kasol: ~2 hrs
- Kasol to Manikaran: ~30 min
- Great if combining mainstream and offbeat Himachal in one trip
3- Route: Tosh → Barshaini → Manikaran (Trekking Option)
- Tosh to Barshaini (by walk or taxi): 3–4 km
- Barshaini to Manikaran: shared cab or local bus (~1 hr)
- Ideal for those exploring Kheerganga, Tosh, or Kalga and ending with a spiritual wind-down in Manikaran Plan Your Trip: Kinnaur in Summer Travel Guide
The Spiritual Significance of Manikaran
Manikaran isn’t just a stop on a mountain journey—it’s a myth-soaked sanctuary that has drawn sages, pilgrims, and mystics for centuries.
Hindu Belief
- Associated with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who meditated here for 11,000 years
- A legend tells of Parvati’s lost jewel, which Shiva’s wrath brought back through a geyser—hence the hot springs and the name “Manikaran” (mani = jewel, karan = ear)
Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib
- Linked to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who visited this site with Bhai Mardana
- The story goes that food for the langar couldn’t be cooked—until a hot spring emerged miraculously
- Today, the langar kitchen still uses these geothermal waters for cooking
Spiritual Note: Whether or not you come for faith, there’s something profound in soaking your feet in the springs as chants echo and the river rushes by.
Book Your Journey: How to Reach Kasol from Delhi
Suggested Itineraries to Reach Manikaran
1- Itinerary: The Classic Spiritual Route (5 Days)
1- Day: Arrive in Chandigarh → Drive to Mandi (overnight)
2- Day: Mandi to Kasol → Evening visit to Manikaran
3-Day: Full day at Gurudwara, Shiva Temple, riverside walk
4- Day: Excursion to Tosh or Kheerganga (optional)
5- Day: Return via Bhuntar or continue to Manali
2- Itinerary: The Backpacker’s Slow Journey (7–10 Days)
1–2 Day: Delhi to Bhuntar (overnight bus or flight)
3- Day: Explore Kasol, settle into riverside stay
4- Day: Trek to Tosh or Kalga
5- Day: Chill day in Parvati Valley
6- Day: Transfer to Manikaran for spiritual pause
7–8 Day: Return or explore Pulga, Malana, or Parvati trek
9–10 Day: Head toward Dharamshala or back to Manali
3- Itinerary: Winter Pilgrimage (December–February)
1- Day: Fly to Bhuntar → Reach Kasol
2- Day: Snow visit to Manikaran
3–4 Day: Quiet retreat in a warm riverside stay
5- Day: Travel back before heavy snowfall blocks higher passes
Start Your Adventure for How to Reach Pin Valley National Park
FAQs: Answering Your Manikaran Travel Questions
Q1. Is Manikaran safe for solo travelers and women?
Yes. It’s a spiritually active but peaceful zone. Locals are helpful. Stick to well-lit areas in the evening and avoid isolated trails alone.
Q2. How far is Manikaran from Kasol?
Just 4 km. You can walk, drive, or take a local bus. It’s an easy journey through scenic terrain.
Q3. Are there ATMs in Manikaran?
Very limited. It’s best to carry cash from Bhuntar or Kasol. Card payments may not be accepted in local shops.
Q4. Is there network connectivity?
Signal is unreliable, especially for Jio or BSNL. Wi-Fi is available in select cafes and hotels in Kasol, but Manikaran itself is better for a digital detox.
Q5. Can I combine Manikaran with a trek?
Absolutely. Kheerganga, Tosh, Kalga, and Pulga treks are all nearby and usually start from Barshaini, which is ~10 km beyond Manikaran.
How to Elevate Your Manikaran Journey
Pack smart
- Bring woolens, especially at night—even in summer
- Carry your own water bottle, torchlight, and basic medical supplies
Dress respectfully
- Both Gurudwara and temples require modest clothing
- Cover your head with a scarf or cap while visiting religious sites
Slow down
- Don’t just check off the hot springs and temple. Sit by the river. Let the mist find your eyelashes. Let the sacred energy reach you on its own time.
Avoid plastic
- Manikaran and Kasol are part of a fragile ecosystem. Carry reusable bags, bottles, and avoid littering
Final Word: Why the Journey to Manikaran Matters
The road to Manikaran is not just about distance—it’s about intent, reverence, and the rhythm of nature. Whether you arrive by winding bus routes, in a cab hugging the cliffs, or on foot with mud on your boots, reaching Manikaran is a travel experience that stays with you.
Here, amid the echo of hymns and the rumble of the Parvati River, time slows down. You’ll leave with more than photos—you’ll take away stories, stillness, and maybe, a touch of something divine.
So whether you’re planning a Himachal road trip, a solo spiritual journey, or simply curious about what lies beyond Kasol’s cafes—don’t skip Manikaran.
Let the journey challenge you. Explore destination soften you. Let the mountains do the rest.
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