HomeDestination Comparison
G
4.8

Gulmarg

860 km from Delhi

VS
M
4.7

Manali

540 km from Delhi

Gulmarg vs Manali — Which Snow Destination to Visit By Car?

OPTION A

Gulmarg

Winter wonderland, world-class skiing, meadows and gondolas

Drive Time

16-18 hours (2 days)

Cab Fare

₹18,920 (sedan round trip)

Daily Cost

₹4,000-7,000/person

Best Time

December-March (snow), May-June (summer)

Best For

Skiing enthusiastsSnow loversHoneymoon couplesGondola fans

Top Highlights

Gulmarg Gondola
Skiing (Asia's best)
Kongdoori
Apharwat Peak
Golf Course
Strawberry Fields

Advantages

  • +Best skiing in Asia — international standard slopes
  • +World's highest gondola (Phase 2 to 3,979m)
  • +Pristine snow quality December-March
  • +Less commercialized than Manali
  • +Stunning Himalayan panoramas from gondola

Drawbacks

  • -Very far from Delhi (2-day drive)
  • -Expensive cab fare
  • -Limited activities beyond snow/ski
  • -Accommodation options are limited
  • -Seasonal — many things closed in off-season
OPTION B

Manali

All-season adventure, Himalayan culture, vibrant town life

Drive Time

10-12 hours

Cab Fare

₹11,880 (sedan round trip)

Daily Cost

₹3,500-6,000/person

Best Time

March-June, December-February

Best For

All-round travelersAdventure seekersBudget snow loversGroups and friends

Top Highlights

Solang Valley Snow
Rohtang Pass
Old Manali
Hadimba Temple
Paragliding
River Adventures

Advantages

  • +Closer to Delhi — more accessible
  • +Year-round activities beyond just snow
  • +Vibrant town with cafes, nightlife, shopping
  • +Better variety of accommodation
  • +Can combine with Solang, Rohtang, and Kullu

Drawbacks

  • -Snow quality and quantity less than Gulmarg
  • -No professional skiing infrastructure
  • -Overcrowded during peak season
  • -Rohtang Pass often closed in winter
Point by Point

Head-to-HeadComparison

Category
Gulmarg
Manali
Winner
Distance from Delhi
860 km (2 days)
540 km (10-12 hrs)
Manali
Cab Cost (Round Trip)
₹18,920 (sedan)
₹11,880 (sedan)
Manali
Skiing Quality
World class (Asia's best)
Basic/recreational only
Gulmarg
Snow Quality
Pristine powder snow
Good but less reliable
Gulmarg
Non-Snow Activities
Limited
Rafting, paragliding, cafes, trekking
Manali
Accommodation Variety
Limited options
Budget to luxury — huge range
Manali
Gondola/Cable Car
World's highest gondola
Solang Valley ropeway
Gulmarg
Overall Value
Premium snow experience
Best all-round value
Manali

Expert Analysis

Our Verdict

Choose Gulmarg for a world-class skiing and premium snow experience — it is truly Asia's best winter destination. Choose Manali for an all-round mountain holiday with snow, adventure, cafe culture, and more activities at a lower cost. Gulmarg is the specialist; Manali is the all-rounder.

Book Your Trip Now

Triveni Cabs — AC sedan at ₹11/km, SUV at ₹15/km. Expert drivers for every route.

G

Cab to Gulmarg

860 km | ₹18,920 (sedan round trip)

M

Cab to Manali

540 km | ₹11,880 (sedan round trip)

No Hidden Charges 4.9 Rated Service 5000+ Trips Done

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FAQs

Gulmarg vs Manali — FAQs

Common questions about choosing between these destinations

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