Manali Vs Dharamshala: Where should you go for long weekend trip in Monsoon !

Here comes the long weekend and you have already packed your mind with lots of thoughts. Another long weekend is approaching and this can be the ideal time to plan a weekend trip to hill stations. Although there are many hilly destinations within 500km of New Delhi, but Manali and Dharamshala top the list together. Here's why-

Commuting

Manali and Dharamshala- There are ample ways of reaching either of the destination. You can go by bus, self drive, hire a car or even go by train (to closest railway station). Closest major railway station to Manali is Una in Himachal Pradesh while Pathankot is the nearest railway station to Dharamshala. 

But it is not advisable! 

Weather

Both of the hill stations will have awesome weather to relish. Since this is the rainy season, Manali and Dharamshala will be a great sight if you have fetish for cloudy scene since there are several hill top locations where visiting once in a lifetime is a must. 

Things to do

There are so many things to in Manali as well as in Dharamshala that you can't even finish off all the things in one trip. 

Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Jogini Falls are some of the must see and would require at least a day each for ample enjoyment. 

In Dharamshala, you need at least a day or two for going around Mcleod Ganj, Bhagsunag Fall and Temple trekking, Triund Trekking, Kangra Fort. Triund Trekking alone will take a day at least. 

(These are some of those places which I have visited)

So which one should you visit? Here is the detailed comparison:-

Parameter	Manali	Dharamshala
Distance (from New Delhi)	538 km	473 km
Traveling Time* (Self Driving)	12 hours (including bad weather, bad roads, rains)	10 hours (Just short breaks for food)
Cost of Vacation*	Rs 6,000 (Went in a group of 5. Including food, travel, stay for 3 days)	Rs 4,000 (Including 3 star resort, food, travel, went in a big group)
Type of Destination	Ideal for couples, family	Best with friends as these are trekking destinations

*- personal experience 

If this is has not motivated you yet, you can view Dharamshala Pics, McLeodGanj Pics, Manali Pics  for understanding how wonderful it feels to be at a hilly destination and enjoying rains. 

Do comment, if you want to know something extra about these destinations.