Why Plan a Trip to Kullu Manali from Kolkata?
There’s something about escaping the hustle and bustle of Kolkata and arriving in the serene hills of Himachal that feels magical.
Kullu and Manali are the antithesis of everything in the plains — snow-capped mountains in winter, green hills and valleys in summer, and fresh mountain air all 12 months a year.
Whether it’s a honeymoon, a family vacation, a student group tour, or a friend getaway, this destination works for every kind of vibe and every kind of budget.
The top reasons Kolkata travellers from Kolkata love Kullu – Manali:
- Dramatic change of scenery: hot plains to snow-capped mountains
- Plenty of affordable tour packages for groups & honeymoons from Kolkata
- Adventures year-round: Whatever your adventure thrill is, you can find year-round activities from paragliding to snow activities to river rafting
- Convenient: Plan your trip by flights, trains, or combo Volvo
- Weather escape: Enjoy the cool air of Himachal – incomparable to the humid conditions in Kolkata
How to Reach Kullu Manali from Kolkata (All Travel Options)
Traveling from Kolkata to Kullu Manali will typically involve a combination of air, train, or road, because you can’t fly or take a train straight to Manali, but when you factor in the distance, there are plenty of smart choices to plan your journey to your desired budget and time frame.
Option 1: By Air (Kolkata → Delhi/Chandigarh → Manali by Road)
- Fastest and most comfortable option
- Flights from Kolkata to दिल्ली (2.5 hrs) or चंडीगढ़ (2 hrs)
- From Delhi/Chandigarh, take a Volvo bus (overnight) or private cab to Manali (10–12 hrs)
Travel Tip: Early morning flights give you buffer time for connecting buses.
Option 2: By Train (Kolkata → Delhi/Chandigarh → Manali)
- Best for budget-conscious travellers
- Trains like Rajdhani Express or Duronto from Kolkata to Delhi (17–20 hrs)
- From Delhi, board a Volvo bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate or hire a cab
Travel Tip: Book train + bus combo tickets to avoid last-minute hassles.
Option 3: By Road (Not Recommended for Most Travellers)
- Total distance: ~1800 km
- Only suited for road trip enthusiasts or overland bikers
- Route: Kolkata → Varanasi → Lucknow → Delhi → Manali
- Takes 3+ days with overnight halts
Recommended Route: Flight + Volvo Combo
- Fly from Kolkata to Delhi or Chandigarh
- Board a Volvo bus (overnight) or pre-booked cab to Manali
- Best balance of cost, comfort, and convenience
Ideal Trip Duration & Suggested Itinerary for Kullu Manali from Kolkata
You may be wondering how many days it would take for a memorable and comfortable Manali trip from Kolkata?
The best would be a 5 Nights 6 Days itinerary, because it is considerable time for travel, sightseeing, and relaxing.
5 Nights / 6 Days Itinerary (Recommended)
Day 1: Kolkata to Delhi/Chandigarh Flight + Overnight Volvo to Manali
- Catch a morning flight from Kolkata
- Explore Delhi/Chandigarh if time permits
- Board an overnight Volvo or private cab to Manali
दिन 2: मनाली में आगमन + स्थानीय पर्यटन स्थलों का भ्रमण
- Check-in at your hotel and relax
- Visit Hadimba Devi Temple, Mall Road, Vashisht Hot Springs, and Manu Temple
- Enjoy café hopping in Old Manali by evening
Day 3: Solang Valley Adventure Day
- Try paragliding, skiing (in winter), snow scooters, or zip-lining
- Optionally visit Anjani Mahadev hike for scenic views
- Return to Manali by evening
Day 4: Kullu, Kasol & Manikaran Day Trip
- Drive along the Beas River to Kullu
- Explore the spiritual charm of Manikaran and riverside cafés in Kasol
- Return to Manali by night
Day 5: Optional Day Trip to Sissu via Atal Tunnel
- Witness snow-capped peaks and frozen waterfalls (especially Dec–March)
- Visit Sissu Lake and return by evening
- Perfect day for couples or families seeking snow
Day 6: Return Journey to Kolkata
- Checkout and take Volvo back to Delhi/Chandigarh
- Catch a return flight to Kolkata
Need More Time?
If you have 7–8 days, consider adding Naggar Castle, Jana Waterfall, or extending your stay in Kasol or Sissu.
Best Time to Visit Kullu Manali from Kolkata
Kullu Manali is a destination for all seasons and will, therefore, provide varied experiences depending on the season you visit.
We have provided a breakdown by month so that you can plan your trip based on your travel goals.
April to June – Summer Bliss
- Perfect for: Families, friend groups, and students
- मौसम: 10°C–25°C, clear skies, blooming valleys
- Highlights: River rafting in Kullu, sightseeing in Solang, snow at Rohtang (if open)
- Why go now: School holidays, pleasant temperatures, great for first-timers
October to February – Snowfall & Winter Charm
- Perfect for: Honeymooners, couples, snow lovers
- मौसम: -5°C to 10°C
- Highlights: Snow in Solang, Sissu, Atal Tunnel; warm cafés; winter sports
- Why go now: Christmas–New Year snow views, quiet romantic vibes
March & September – Budget-Friendly Window
- Perfect for: Budget travelers and offbeat seekers
- मौसम: Cool with melting snow or pre-winter vibes
- Why go now: Lower hotel rates, fewer crowds, clear skies
Pro Tip:
If you’re aiming to see snowfall, plan between 15th December and 10th February. For comfortable sightseeing, April to June is ideal.
Budget Tips – How to Save on Your Kullu Manali Trip from Kolkata
If you’re planning for a mountain getaway from Kolkata, you don’t have to go crazy.
Depending on the plan, you can have fun witnessing epic views of the Himalayas, explore snowy activities, and enjoy cozy accommodations without denting your bank account. Here’s how:
1. Book Flights & Hotels 30–45 Days in Advance
- Airfares from Kolkata to Delhi or Chandigarh fluctuate—early bookings give you the best price.
- Many hotels in Manali offer discounts on early reservations, especially for 5–6 night stays.
2. Travel During the Shoulder Season
- Best value: Late March or early December
- You’ll still find snow (or scenic landscapes) without peak season prices.
3. Choose Group or Combo Tour Packages
- Packages that include Volvo, hotel, meals, and local sightseeing cost less than booking separately.
- Ideal for families, students, or budget-conscious groups.
4. Use Kolkata–Delhi Train or Flight + Volvo Combo
- Fly to Delhi and take an overnight Volvo to Manali – saves on one night of hotel cost.
- Or take a train to Chandigarh and book a shared cab from there.
5. Save on Food & Activities
- Explore local dhabas instead of touristy cafés.
- Check for combo passes in Solang for adventure activities like skiing + zipline.
Best Places to Stay in Manali (As per Traveller Type)
Moreover, Manali range is loved by many. There are numerous beautiful places for every farmer’s taste: romantic boutique-owned hotels, river-facing cottages, budget hostels, etc.
The following is a summarised explanation behind each stay based on your travel group:
For Couples: Old Manali & Boutique Stays
- Stay near पुराना मनाली for peaceful surroundings and quaint cafés.
- Popular picks: Shivadya Resort, Larisa Manali, or romantic cottages near Naggar.
For Families: Mall Road & Log Huts Area
- Choose centrally located hotels near माल रोड for easy access to shops and restaurants.
- Log Huts Area is quieter, surrounded by pine trees—great for families with kids.
- Top stays: The Orchard Greens, Honeymoon Inn Manali, Snow Valley Resorts.
For Groups: Riverside Cottages or Kullu Side
- Book riverside villas in Aleo or Prini, or cottages in कुल्लू if you’re doing day trips.
- Best for bonfires, group dinners, and mountain views.
- Check out: Mountain Abode, The Highland Resort, or Indraprastha Cottages.
For Budget Travellers: Hostels & Backpacker Zones
- Hostels offer bunk beds, Wi-Fi, and café spaces—perfect for solo or low-budget travelers.
- Stay in Backpacker Panda, Zostel Manali, or Moustache Manali for under ₹500–₹1000/night.
What to Pack for Your Trip from Kolkata
Packing right is key to enjoying your Kullu Manali trip—especially when you’re flying from the plains of Kolkata to the chilly Himalayan terrain.
Essentials for All Seasons:
- ID proof & travel documents
- Sunscreen, moisturiser, lip balm (high altitudes = dry skin)
- Camera & power bank
- Offline maps or printed itinerary (mobile network can be patchy)
If You’re Travelling October–March (Winter/Snow Season):
- Heavy woollen jackets & thermals
- Gloves, woollen cap, socks, muffler
- Snow boots or waterproof trekking shoes
- Sunglasses (snow glare is intense)
- Medicines for cold, fever, motion sickness
If You’re Visiting April–June (Summer):
- Light woollens for evening chill
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
- Light jackets or hoodies
- Water bottle, sunglasses, and cap
Tip: Always carry extra layers—Manali’s weather changes quickly, especially near Solang or Atal Tunnel.
FAQs – Kolkata to Kullu Manali Travel
Is there a direct train or flight from Kolkata to Manali?
→ No. Manali does not have an airport or a railway station. The best way is to travel by flight/train to Delhi or Chandigarh, then take a Volvo bus or private cab to Manali.
How long does it take to reach Manali from Kolkata?
→ About 8 to 10 hours for the flight/train leg + 10 to 12 hours from Delhi/Chandigarh to Manali. Always plan keeping some buffer time in mind.
What is the best time to visit Manali from Kolkata?
→ For snow: December to February.
→ For greenery and mild weather: April to June.
→ For lesser crowds and lower rates: March or October.
Are there cheap tour packages from Kolkata to Manali?
→ Yes, there are a lot of packages available. Many operators have a combination of hotel + meals + Volvo bus or they will do a group tour from Delhi/Chandigarh for Kolkata customers.
Will I still be able to see snow if I visit in December?
→ Yes, you will. Especially in Solang Valley or Sissu and around the Atal Tunnel North Portal, when you visit from mid-December.
Do honeymoon packages exist from Kolkata to Manali?
→ Yes, honeymoon packages are available that include private stays, candlelight dinners, and couple’s activities. Most packages will include Volvo + stay + meals.
Do I require permits to reach Rohtang Pass or Sissu?
→ Maybe! When travelling to Rohtang Pass, permits are usually required. When travelling to Sissu via Atal Tunnel, there is usually no permit- but check locally to make sure before you visit.
यह भी पढ़ें: Where Will You See Snow in Manali in December? Full Guide for 2025 Travelers
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