Planning a scenic journey from the serene hills of Dharamshala to the historic town of Mandi? The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) offers a reliable and frequent bus service connecting these two popular destinations. Finding the correct Dharamshala to Mandi HRTC bus timing is the first step for a smooth trip.
This guide provides the most accurate and updated HRTC bus schedule, fares, and essential travel tips to make your journey comfortable.
Quick Overview of Dharamshala to Mandi Bus Route
The road distance between Dharamshala and Mandi is approximately 150-160 kilometers, winding through beautiful valleys and towns like Palampur, Baijnath, and Joginder Nagar. The journey time typically ranges from 4 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the bus type and traffic conditions.
Complete Dharamshala to Mandi HRTC Bus Timetable
Here is the detailed, day-wise schedule of HRTC buses plying from Dharamshala to Mandi. All timings are in 24-hour format.
| Bus | Service No. | Depot | Bus Type | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus – 1 | 1018 | Sundernagar | Himdhara 3×2 AC | 00:15 (Night) | 04:50 | 4 Hrs 35 Mins |
| Bus – 2 | 916 | Dharamsala | Ordinary | 05:00 (Early Morning) | 11:00 | 6 Hrs 0 Mins |
| Bus – 3 | 932 | Kullu | Ordinary | 07:10 (Morning) | 13:00 | 5 Hrs 50 Mins |
| Bus – 4 | 930 | Rec Peo | Ordinary | 15:40 (Afternoon) | 21:00 | 5 Hrs 20 Mins |
| Bus – 5 | 931 | Keylong | Ordinary | 17:50 (Evening) | 23:55 | 6 Hrs 5 Mins |
| Bus – 6 | 1010 | Chamba | Ordinary | 20:30 (Night) | 02:15 (Next Day) | 5 Hrs 45 Mins |
| Bus – 7 | 119 | Dharamsala | Himsuta AC Volvo / Scania | 23:30 (Night) | 04:00 (Next Day) | 4 Hrs 30 Mins |
Detailed Route Information for Key Buses
To help you plan your stops, here’s a look at the routes of some popular buses:
- Service No. 1018 (Himdhara AC): This is one of the fastest and most comfortable options. It originates from Chamba and follows the route: Dharamshala (00:15) → Palampur (01:25) → Baijnath (02:15) → Mandi (04:50).
- Service No. 119 (Himsuta AC Volvo): The most premium bus on this route. It offers a comfortable overnight journey. Its route is: Dharamshala (23:30) → Palampur (00:50) → Baijnath (01:30) → Joginder Nagar (01:45) → Mandi (04:00).
- Service No. 916 (Ordinary): An early morning bus that is perfect for day travelers. It continues beyond Mandi to Shimla. Route: Dharamshala (05:00) → Palampur (06:45) → Baijnath (07:20) → Joginder Nagar (08:00) → Mandi (11:00).
Which Dharamshala to Mandi Bus is Best for You?
- For Comfort & Speed: Choose Service No. 119 (Himsuta AC Volvo) or Service No. 1018 (Himdhara AC). They have fewer stops and offer a smoother, faster ride.
- For Early Morning Travel: Service No. 916 is your best bet.
- For Day Travel: Service No. 932 (Morning) and Service No. 930 (Afternoon) are ideal.
- For Late Evening Travel: Service No. 931 is a good option.
Dharamshala to Mandi HRTC Bus Fare (Approximate)
- Ordinary Bus Fare: ₹ 250 – ₹ 350
- Himdhara AC Bus Fare: ₹ 500 – ₹ 650
- Himsuta AC Volvo/Scania Fare: ₹ 700 – ₹ 850
Fares are subject to change. Please check the official HRTC website for the exact fare at the time of booking.
How to Book HRTC Bus Tickets from Dharamshala to Mandi
You can easily book your tickets in two ways:
- Online Booking: Visit the official HRTC online portal or use authorized booking apps. Booking online is recommended, especially for AC and overnight buses, to secure your seat in advance.
- Offline Booking: Visit the Dharamshala HRTC Bus Stand counter to purchase your ticket directly. For popular timings, it’s advisable to reach the station at least an hour before departure.
Travel Tips for Your Journey
- Book in Advance: During peak tourist season (April-June, October-November), buses get full quickly. Always try to book your tickets a few days before your travel date.
- Arrive Early: Arrive at the bus stand at least 20-30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- Carry Essentials: Pack water, snacks, and a light jacket as the weather in the hills can be unpredictable.
- Motion Sickness: The route has many curves. If you are prone to motion sickness, carry necessary medication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the first bus from Dharamshala to Mandi?
The first bus is Service No. 916, which departs at 05:00 AM.
Q2: What is the last bus from Dharamshala to Mandi?
The last bus is Service No. 119, which departs at 11:30 PM.
Q3: Which is the fastest bus from Dharamshala to Mandi?
Service No. 119 (Himsuta AC Volvo) and Service No. 1018 (Himdhara AC) are the fastest, taking approximately 4.5 hours.
Q4: Where can I check live bus status for Dharamshala to Mandi?
You can check the live status on the official HRTC website or through various travel apps that integrate HRTC data.
We hope this detailed guide on Dharamshala to Mandi HRTC bus timing helps you plan your journey perfectly. For the latest schedules and real-time updates, keep visiting hrtcbustimetable.in.
Safe Travels!
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
The Dharamshala to Mandi HRTC bus timing, routes, and fare information provided in this article are for general informational purposes only. We have compiled this data from reliable sources to the best of our knowledge. However, hrtcbustimetable.in is an independent information provider and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or in any way officially connected with the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC).
- Timings & Schedule are Subject to Change: Bus schedules, routes, and trip durations are subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions, road closures, festivals, or operational decisions by HRTC. The timings listed are not guaranteed.
- Fares are Approximate: The ticket fares mentioned are approximate and can vary based on the bus type, service changes, and government revisions. The final and exact fare will be displayed at the time of booking on the official HRTC portal or at the bus stand counter.
- Verify Officially: We strongly advise all passengers to verify the current bus schedule and availability directly from the official HRTC website ([https://hrtchp.com](https://hrtchp.com/)) or by contacting the Dharamshala or Mandi HRTC bus stand inquiry counters before finalizing their travel plans.
- No Liability: While we strive to keep the information on our blog updated and correct, hrtcbustimetable.in makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or availability of this information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. We will not be liable for any loss or inconvenience, including missed buses, resulting from the use of this information.
