Delhi is exhausting. If you live there, you know it. The good news: Jibhi is only 10 hours away, and a long weekend there resets everything. This guide covers exactly how to plan a Delhi-to-Jibhi weekend trip — route, timing, budget, and a ready-to-use itinerary.
The Quick Facts:
- Distance: Delhi to Jibhi — 510 km
- Drive time: 10-12 hours (depending on traffic and stops)
- Ideal trip length: Thursday night to Monday morning (long weekend) or Friday night to Sunday evening
- Best seasons: October – November or March – May
- Budget per person: ₹8,000 – 20,000 depending on room choice
Why Jibhi and Not Shimla or Manali?
Shimla and Manali are the obvious choices for a Delhi weekend escape — and they're obvious for a reason. They're closer and more accessible. But here's the reality check:
- Shimla is 4.5 hours from Delhi. Easy drive. But it's packed on weekends. Finding a peaceful spot takes effort.
- Manali is 6-7 hours. Good for adventure. Also crowded, especially in peak season.
- Jibhi is 10 hours. Yes, it's farther. But you arrive somewhere that is genuinely quiet, genuinely beautiful, and genuinely different from Delhi. The extra drive time is worth it if you have a long weekend.
The math works if you leave Thursday night or early Friday morning. You arrive Friday evening or night, have all of Saturday and most of Sunday, and drive back Sunday night or Monday morning.
The Route: Delhi to Jibhi
The drive is straightforward. One main route, well-marked, scenic for the last 2-3 hours.
1
Delhi → Chandigarh (250 km, 4 hours)
Take NH44 south then merge onto NH44 north. Straightforward highway driving. Stop at Panipat or Karnal for a break if needed.
2
Chandigarh → Mandi (180 km, 3 hours)
This is where the hills start. The road through Una and Bilaspur is decent but winding after Bilaspur. Take your time.
3
Mandi → Aut (45 km, 1 hour)
Beautiful mountain road. Aut is a small town with the Aut Tunnel — a quick shortcut that saves 30 minutes.
4
Aut → Banjar → Jibhi (35 km, 1 hour)
The final stretch. Small mountain roads, gorgeous views, and you'll feel the city completely disappear. Banjar is the last market town before Jibhi.
Driving Tips:
- Leave Delhi before 6 AM or after 9 PM to avoid city traffic. The first 100 km on NH44 with Delhi traffic can add 2 hours.
- Fuel up at Chandigarh or Mandi. Stations get sparse after Mandi.
- The road after Aut is hilly. Don't rush. It's genuinely scenic.
- Night driving after Mandi is not recommended if you're not familiar with the roads.
- Google Maps is reliable on this route.
Option B: Bus or Train
If you don't want to drive:
- Overnight bus: Delhi Kashmiri Gate to Banjar. Takes 10-12 hours. You arrive in the morning. Buses run daily. From Banjar, take a taxi to Jibhi (30 min, ₹500-800).
- Train + taxi: No direct train to Jibhi. The closest station is Joginder Nagar (125 km away). Not practical for a weekend trip.
- Flight: Delhi to Bhuntar Airport (Kullu) has flights. Bhuntar to Jibhi is 52 km (2 hours). This makes the trip much faster but flights are limited and can be cancelled due to weather.
The Itinerary: 3-Night Weekend Trip
Thursday Night — Travel Day
- Leave Delhi at 8-9 PM after dinner.
- Drive through the night (or until you're tired). Stop at Chandigarh or Mandi for a rest.
- Arrive in Jibhi around 6-8 AM Friday.
Friday — Settle In and Explore Nearby
- Breakfast at Emberwood. Take your time.
- Late morning: Walk to Jibhi Waterfall (500m). Short, easy, beautiful.
- Afternoon: Rest. Nap if you drove through the night. Read on the balcony.
- Late afternoon: Walk along the Tirthan River (1 km). It's a flat, easy path.
- Evening: Bonfire at the property. Chai, warm blankets, the mountain sky coming alive with stars.
Saturday — The Big Day
- Morning: Early breakfast. Drive to Jalori Pass (45 minutes). Trek around the pass, visit the ancient temple at the top, take in the 360° views.
- Option: Continue the trek to Serolsar Lake (5 km, 2-3 hours). It's a sacred alpine lake surrounded by forest. Worth it if you have the energy.
- Afternoon: Drive back to Jibhi. Lunch at the café.
- Late afternoon: Visit Chehni Kothi (8 km drive). The 1,500-year-old fortified tower with panoramic views is one of the best spots in the valley.
- Evening: Sunset from the property. Dinner. Stargazing if the sky is clear.
Sunday — Relax and Head Back
- Morning: No alarm. Breakfast at your own pace.
- Late morning: Visit Kulhi Katandi rock pools (5 km) if the weather is good. Natural swimming pools with emerald water.
- Lunch at the café.
- Afternoon: Check out. Start the drive back to Delhi.
- Arrive Delhi late Sunday night or early Monday morning.
Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
| Item | Budget Option | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Room (2 nights, shared) | ₹2,000 | ₹6,000 |
| Fuel (Delhi–Jibhi–Delhi) | ₹3,500 (split 2-3 people) | ₹2,000 (split 3) |
| Food & drinks (3 days) | ₹2,000 | ₹3,500 |
| Activities & transport | ₹500 | ₹1,500 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹500 | ₹1,000 |
| Total per person | ₹8,500 | ₹14,000 |
When to Go
Not every weekend is equal. Here's the honest take on timing:
- October – November: Best. Clear skies, comfortable weather, stunning autumn colors. Stargazing is at its peak. Go if you can.
- March – May: Green and pleasant. Good for trekking. Gets busy in May — book early.
- September: Monsoon is leaving. Late September can be excellent. A bit of a gamble weather-wise.
- December – February: Cold but magical if you want snow. The drive back can be tricky in bad weather.
- June – August: Avoid for a weekend trip. Rain makes driving and trekking unpredictable.
What to Pack
- Layers — temperature swings 10-15°C between day and night
- A light jacket or fleece
- Comfortable walking shoes (not just sneakers)
- Sunscreen — UV is strong at 2,100m
- A water bottle
- Phone charger and power bank
- A book or two (internet is limited)
- Cash — ATMs are scarce after Banjar
Ready to Escape Delhi?
Book your weekend at Emberwood, Jibhi. We'll take care of the rest.
Book Your Weekend GetawayRelated reading: Complete Guide to Visiting Jibhi | About Emberwood Hotel | Jalori Pass Trek Guide