Travel Guide · Road Trip
Manali to JibhiDistance · By Car · By Bus · Road Trip Guide
A short 3–4 hour drive through the Kullu Valley — perfect as part of a Himachal loop trip
100–115 km
Distance
3–4 hrs
Drive Time
~₹5,000
Taxi Fare
The Drive in a Nutshell
Manali to Jibhi is approximately 100–115 km by road and takes around 3–4 hours by car. It is the shortest of the major routes to Jibhi and a popular leg for travellers doing a Himachal loop — Jibhi on the way in, Manali on the way out, or vice versa.
The entire route follows NH3 south from Manali through the Kullu Valley along the Beas river. It is a well-maintained highway until Aut, where you branch off left onto the narrower valley road into Tirthan. There are no major ghats or dangerous stretches — the road is straightforward and scenic.
One important note: the Jibhi turn comes before the Aut Tunnel. If you find yourself entering the tunnel, you have gone too far. Take the valley road on the left at Aut.
The Route
Manali → Kullu → Bhuntar → Aut → Banjar → Jibhi
Kullu
~42 km from Manali~1.5 hrsHead south on NH3 from Manali. Kullu town is a good breakfast stop. Fill up fuel here — it is a larger town with reliable pumps.
Bhuntar
~52 km from Manali~2 hrsSmall town just south of Kullu, near the airport. Quick stop if needed but no need to linger.
Aut
~70 km from Manali~2.5 hrsThe junction town where the Jibhi road branches off the main highway. From Manali, you will see the turn on your left. The Aut Tunnel is just ahead on the main highway — you do not need it; take the valley road before it.
Banjar
~95 km from Manali~3.5 hrsThe main town before Jibhi. Last petrol pump before the village. Good place to stock up on groceries if needed.
Jibhi
~100–115 km from Manali~3.5–4 hrsYou are in Tirthan Valley. The last stretch from Banjar narrows — take it slow and enjoy the pine forests.
Manali to Jibhi by Bus
Budget OptionThere is no direct bus from Manali to Jibhi or Banjar. You need to travel in two legs — first to Kullu, then onward. Here is how:
Manali → Kullu
Frequent HRTC buses run from Manali Bus Stand to Kullu throughout the day. Buses leave roughly every 30–60 minutes in the morning.
Distance
~42 km
Time
~1.5 hrs
Fare
₹80–120
Kullu → Banjar or Jibhi
From Kullu Bus Stand, you have two onward options:
Kullu → Banjar
More frequentMore buses run on this route throughout the day. From Banjar, take a shared cab (₹70–100) or walk to the Jibhi road and catch a passing vehicle. Banjar to Jibhi is ~20 km.
Kullu → Jibhi (Direct)
Less frequentDirect buses to Jibhi do run from Kullu but only a few times a day. If the timing works, this is the easier option — no change needed. Ask at the Kullu Bus Stand for the next departure.
Bus Travel Tips
- · Start from Manali early — morning buses are more frequent and you avoid waiting at Kullu for a connection.
- · At Kullu Bus Stand, ask specifically for a Banjar or Jibhi bus — staff will tell you the next departure time.
- · Shared taxis also run Kullu → Banjar alongside the buses and can be faster.
- · Signal drops after Aut — save your accommodation address and contact offline.
- · Pro tip: WhatsApp your property the night before — most can arrange a pickup from Kullu or Banjar.
Manali to Jibhi by Hired Cab
The most convenient option is a hired cab direct from Manali to Jibhi, costing approximately ₹4,500–5,000 one way. The cab covers the full 100–115 km in around 3–4 hours with no changes or waiting at bus stands.
This works best for families, groups of 3–4 splitting the cost, or anyone with luggage. Most hotels and taxi stands in Manali can arrange a drop to Jibhi — book the evening before for an early morning departure.
Pro tip: If you are already staying in Jibhi, ask your property to recommend a trusted driver for the Jibhi → Manali leg — local drivers know the valley road well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Manali to Jibhi?
Manali to Jibhi is approximately 100–115 km by road via Kullu, Bhuntar, and Aut. The exact distance varies slightly depending on your starting point in Manali.
How long does the Manali to Jibhi drive take?
Expect 3–4 hours by car including a short stop in Kullu. The last stretch from Aut to Jibhi (45–50 km) is a narrow valley road and takes 1.5–2 hours alone.
Is there a direct bus from Manali to Jibhi?
There is no direct bus from Manali to Jibhi. Take a Manali → Kullu bus first, then change at Kullu for a Kullu → Banjar or Kullu → Jibhi bus. Kullu to Banjar buses are more frequent; Kullu to Jibhi direct buses run but less often.
How much does a taxi from Manali to Jibhi cost?
A hired cab from Manali to Jibhi costs approximately ₹4,500–5,000 for a one-way drop. Price may vary slightly by vehicle type.
Which route is best from Manali to Jibhi?
Take NH3 south from Manali to Kullu and Bhuntar, continue to Aut, then branch left onto the valley road toward Banjar and Jibhi. Do not take the Aut Tunnel — the Jibhi turn is before it.
Can I do Manali and Jibhi in the same trip?
Yes, Manali and Jibhi are a popular combination. Most travellers do Jibhi first (coming from Delhi or Chandigarh), then drive north to Manali, or return from Manali to Jibhi before heading back. The short distance makes it easy.
Where to Stay in Jibhi
You've Made the Drive — Now Rest Well
Winterfell is a boutique cottage property in the heart of Jibhi. Three cottages, forest views, and hosts who know every trail in the valley.
More Jibhi Guides