Delhi → Jibhi Road Trip Guide

Jibhi and the Tirthan Valley sit just far enough off the main Kullu-Manali highway to stay quiet, while still being a doable single long day of driving from Delhi.

The route

Delhi → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Aut → Banjar → Jibhi. The route runs on NH44 for most of the way before branching onto the state highway past the Aut tunnel into the Tirthan Valley.

Fuel cost

Expect around ₹3,500 to ₹4,000 one-way for a small car or sedan, based on roughly 13 km/l over 500 km of mixed highway and hill driving.

Road conditions

NH44 is in good shape all the way to Mandi. The stretch through the Aut tunnel and into the valley narrows considerably, and the tunnel itself sees controlled one-way traffic that can cause short waits. Minor landslides are possible in the monsoon months but the road generally stays open.

Food stops

• •Murthal, just outside Delhi, for the obligatory parantha breakfast
• •Swarghat or Bilaspur for roadside dhabas with Gobind Sagar lake views
• •Mandi town for a proper lunch stop
• •Aut for fruit and juice stalls before the final stretch into Banjar and Jibhi

Scenic viewpoints

• •Gobind Sagar Lake near Bilaspur
• •Pandoh Dam on the way to Mandi
• •The Tirthan river valley as you enter Banjar
• •Jalori Pass, a seasonal detour with 360-degree Himalayan views (closed under heavy snow)
• •Serolsar Lake, an easy day hike from the Jalori Pass road

Hotel suggestions

Riverside cottages and homestays in Jibhi and neighbouring Ghiyagi are the pick of the valley and book out fast on weekends, so reserve ahead. Banjar has more budget guesthouse options if you are travelling on a tighter budget or booking last minute.

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