Driving through the hills after dark sounds adventurous until you are actually on the road. We took NH21 from Chandigarh side post sunset and learned a few things the hard way that every traveller heading to Manali should know before planning an overnight journey.
Road Conditions and Visibility After Dark
Between Mandi and Manali, the highway narrows significantly with sharp hairpin bends and no street lighting for long stretches. Fog settles quickly during winter and monsoon months, cutting visibility to nearly zero in some sections. Landslide debris is another real hazard that is almost impossible to spot at night. For groups travelling together, booking a Delhi to Manali Tempo Traveller with a professional driver familiar with these mountain roads makes a significant difference in safety and comfort.
When Should You Actually Drive This Route
The safest approach is to leave Delhi by early morning and aim to cross Mandi before sunset. Most seasoned drivers on this route follow the same pattern. If your departure gets delayed, halting at Chandigarh or Mandi overnight is far wiser than pushing through dark mountain roads. A well planned Tempo Traveller package for Delhi to Manali through a trusted operator like tempotravellerindelhi.in typically accounts for this, scheduling departures and rest stops so passengers reach Manali in daylight.
FAQ
Is NH21 safe for night driving near Manali?
No. The stretch between Mandi and Manali has unlit curves, narrow lanes, and frequent landslide zones that become extremely risky after dark.
What is the best time to leave Delhi to reach Manali by daylight?
Leaving Delhi between 4 AM and 5 AM allows you to cross the hill sections well before sunset, even accounting for traffic and meal stops.
Are rest stops available on NH21 for overnight halts?
Yes. Chandigarh, Bilaspur, and Mandi all have decent hotels and dhabas where travellers frequently stop for the night instead of continuing in the dark.
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