Posted Jan 28
A road journey from Delhi to the Char Dham is not just a pilgrimage but a long, demanding Himalayan expedition...
The best time to drive from Delhi to Manali is between May and June or September and October roads are clear and the views are stunning.
Start early from Delhi around 4–5 AM to avoid city traffic. Most groups break the journey at Chandigarh or Mandi for a night's rest since the full drive is around 550 km. Day two takes you through Kullu and the beautiful Beas river route before reaching Manali by afternoon.
Once in Manali, spend at least 3–4 days covering Solang Valley, Hadimba Temple, Old Manali, and if permits allow Rohtang Pass.
For a group of 10–12 people, travelling together makes the trip much more comfortable and affordable. If you're wondering about the Delhi to Manali tempo traveller cost, it ranges between ₹18,000 to ₹28,000 depending on the vehicle size and trip duration.
The best time to drive from Delhi to Manali is between May and June or September and October roads are clear and the views are stunning.
Start early from Delhi around 4–5 AM to avoid city traffic. Most groups break the journey at Chandigarh or Mandi for a night's rest since the full drive is around 550 km. Day two takes you through Kullu and the beautiful Beas river route before reaching Manali by afternoon.
Once in Manali, spend at least 3–4 days covering Solang Valley, Hadimba Temple, Old Manali, and if permits allow Rohtang Pass.
For a group of 10–12 people, travelling together makes the trip much more comfortable and affordable. If you're wondering about the Delhi to Manali tempo traveller cost, it ranges between ₹18,000 to ₹28,000 depending on the vehicle size and trip duration.
Yes, and this is something most people don't find out until the driver asks for it mid-journey which is why it's worth understanding before you book.
Whenever a tempo traveller crosses from one state into another, a state entry permit tax is applicable. This is charged by the state government, not the operator, so it gets added on top of your agreed fare. Every state has a different rate. For example, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan all charge differently, and the amount also depends on the seating capacity of the vehicle.
The right way to handle this is simple: before finalising your booking, ask the operator to give you a full cost breakup that includes tolls, driver allowance, and state permit charges for your specific route. A genuine operator will always be transparent about this upfront. If someone is quoting you a flat all-inclusive price for an interstate trip without mentioning it at all, ask them specifically because it will come up during the journey regardless.
Before confirming any outstation trip, always look up the Tempo Traveller State Tax Rates for the states you will be travelling through. This one step ensures you know the complete trip cost in advance and there are zero surprises on the road.
Yes, absolutely! Most tempo travellers come equipped with a music system, aux input, USB port, and sometimes Bluetooth connectivity. So you can connect your phone and play your own playlist, songs, or even videos on the built-in screen without any issue.
Just a couple of things worth knowing before your trip. Always confirm with the operator beforehand that the vehicle has a working aux/Bluetooth and screen if you specifically need video playback not every model has the same setup. Some older vehicles may only have a CD player or basic FM system, so it is better to ask and confirm in advance rather than assume.
Also, carry a good quality aux cable as backup even if Bluetooth is available connectivity can sometimes be patchy on long routes.
Overall, playing your own music is totally normal and most operators are completely fine with it. When you go for tempo traveller booking in Delhi, just mention your requirements at the time of booking and the operator will confirm the available features in your specific vehicle.
Not gonna lie - this was my biggest worry and it's challenging.
Public toilets are available but cleanliness varies widely. Carry your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes everywhere. The "paid toilets" (10-20 rupees) are usually better maintained than free ones.
Between towns, options are limited. Dhabas and restaurants let you use facilities if you eat there. Gas stations have toilets but they're hit or miss. Ladies especially need to plan bathroom stops carefully.
Hotels and guesthouses have attached bathrooms - mostly Indian style toilets, western toilets are rare. Hot water availability is unpredictable. Morning times are best for bathing because geysers might not work later.
Pro tip: go whenever you get a decent option. Don't wait thinking "I'll find better ahead" because you might not. We learned this the hard way.
Temple complexes have toilet facilities but expect long queues during peak times. Kedarnath has basic facilities but given the location, they're acceptable.
People doing Delhi to Chardham yatra by tempo traveller should discuss this openly with the group. Everyone needs bathroom breaks at different times, so plan accordingly.
It's manageable, just adjust expectations!