If you have decided to head to the mountains and Manali is calling, booking a Volvo from Delhi is easier than finding Maggi at a Himachal dhaba.
First, figure out if you want a government bus (HRTC or HPTDC) or a private one. Government Volvos leave mostly from ISBT Kashmiri Gate — they are punctual, sturdy and budget-friendly. Private Volvos, on the other hand, give you more boarding points like Majnu Ka Tilla or RK Ashram and sometimes a complete Manali Volvo tour package with hotels and sightseeing.
For booking, you have got plenty of options:
- Government buses → hrtc.gov.in (straightforward but looks like it’s from 2005)
- Private buses → Redbus, MakeMyTrip, or directly from a Best tour operator’s website
If you are going in peak season (summer or around New Year), book at least a week ahead or earlier. Don’t just look at the price- check departure time, seat type (sleeper, semi-sleeper, luxury), and reviews. Delhi to Manali Volvo packages are cheaper in the off-season. In peak months — May–June for summer holidays and December–January for snow season, prices shoot up because every other traveller in Delhi seems to have the same “Let’s go to Manali” idea. Hotel rates spike, and even your comfy Volvo seat costs more.
But travel in the shoulder months, say March–April or September–November — and you’ll find sweet deals. Many private operators drop package rates, sometimes bundling Volvo tickets + 2–3 nights hotel stay for less than what just the hotel would cost in peak season. Even government buses (HRTC/HPTDC) have the same fare year-round, but the real savings come from cheaper accommodation in these packages.
And here is a pro tip: reach your boarding point 30–40 minutes early.
Comments