Which Delhi Highway Exit Is Fastest for Manali Route During Peak Traffic?
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2026 10:30 am
I have lived in Delhi my whole life and done this route more times than I can count here's the honest answer.
Your exit strategy depends entirely on where in Delhi you're starting from.
From South Delhi / Gurgaon side: NH-44 via Mukarba Chowk is your cleanest shot. Avoid Azadpur during morning hours. It's a nightmare on weekends.
From East Delhi / Noida: Cross via NH-9 to GTK Road. Early morning departure before 5am makes this surprisingly smooth.
Universal tips for any Delhi to Manali Tempo Traveller journey:
-Leave between 11pm–2am Delhi traffic disappears completely
-Panipat bypass saves 40 minutes versus old GT Road
-Karnal to Ambala stretch has heavy trucking plan a chai break here
-Avoid Friday evenings every group in Delhi has the same idea
Most operators offering tempo traveller hire Delhi to Manali know these routes well but always confirm your departure time during booking. A good driver will suggest leaving late at night automatically. If they say "anytime is fine" that's a red flag.
Your exit strategy depends entirely on where in Delhi you're starting from.
From South Delhi / Gurgaon side: NH-44 via Mukarba Chowk is your cleanest shot. Avoid Azadpur during morning hours. It's a nightmare on weekends.
From East Delhi / Noida: Cross via NH-9 to GTK Road. Early morning departure before 5am makes this surprisingly smooth.
Universal tips for any Delhi to Manali Tempo Traveller journey:
-Leave between 11pm–2am Delhi traffic disappears completely
-Panipat bypass saves 40 minutes versus old GT Road
-Karnal to Ambala stretch has heavy trucking plan a chai break here
-Avoid Friday evenings every group in Delhi has the same idea
Most operators offering tempo traveller hire Delhi to Manali know these routes well but always confirm your departure time during booking. A good driver will suggest leaving late at night automatically. If they say "anytime is fine" that's a red flag.