Aut to Jibhi: taxi, bus and the road today

Short answer: Aut to Jibhi is roughly 28–35 km via Banjar, usually about 1–1.5 hours by road. Aut is where overnight Delhi–Manali and Delhi–Kullu buses drop you for Jibhi, just before the long tunnel on the Mandi–Kullu highway. From Aut you can take a local bus to Banjar and on to Jibhi, or a taxi straight to your stay. For our guests, we help arrange a taxi from Aut; fares vary with dates and demand, so book ahead.

Aut is a small town on the Beas, on the Mandi–Kullu highway (NH-3). Buses heading to Kullu and Manali stop here. The road to Banjar, Jibhi and the Tirthan side branches off near the Aut tunnel: you go along the Tirthan side instead of through the tunnel towards Kullu. If you are on a bus, tell the conductor you want "Aut" before you sleep.

• Time: about 1–1.5 hours, longer after rain or snow.
• Where to find one: taxis wait near the Aut bus stop in the morning; in peak weeks they go fast.
• Our guests: WhatsApp your bus and expected arrival time; we help arrange a taxi from Aut to Chhet (fares vary by dates, so book ahead).
• Fares: we do not quote fares here because they change with season, time of day and demand. Agree the fare before you get in.

Local HRTC and private buses run from Aut to Banjar, and from Banjar to Jibhi and on towards Shoja. Some services run Aut to Banjar only, so you may change at Banjar. Timings change by season and are not always online, so ask at the Aut stop or a local shop. With luggage, a dog or a late arrival, a taxi is far easier.

• Normal days: a narrow but paved hill road along the Tirthan side, through Larji and Banjar.
• Monsoon (July–August): landslides can block the road for hours; travel with buffer time.
• Winter: this route does not cross a high pass and is usually open, but the last stretch above Banjar can be icy after snow. Drive in daylight.
• How to check: District Kullu notices, the IMD Shimla forecast and, if you are staying with us, a WhatsApp the evening before.

When Jalori Pass shuts after heavy snow, Aut becomes the only practical way in. That is why our winter guides always send you through Aut and Banjar. See Jibhi in winter and Jibhi snowfall for what snow means for the road.

• Delhi: an overnight private Volvo to Manali or Kullu, get down at Aut, usually early morning. See Delhi to Jibhi by bus.
• Chandigarh: a Manali or Kullu bus, get down at Aut. See Chandigarh to Jibhi.
• Kasol / Bhuntar: a bus heading south towards Mandi or Aut. See Kasol to Jibhi without a car.
• Manali: south via Kullu and through the tunnel to Aut. See Manali to Jibhi.

• Buses can reach Aut before sunrise; it is cold from October, so keep a jacket in your hand luggage.
• Tea stalls near the stop open early.
• Charge your phone on the bus; you will want it for the taxi call and maps.
• Arriving very early? Tell us when you book so we know when to expect you.

Distances and times are approximate, from public route guides and our own drives; mountain roads vary with weather, traffic and roadworks. Check the District Kullu notices before travel in winter or monsoon.

The last hour from Aut is the most beautiful part of the trip, and the end of it should be warm. Peaks N Valley Stays is in Chhet (PIN 175123), a few minutes past Jibhi. Every cottage has a room heater, hot water runs 24x7 and there is power backup if the valley supply drops. You can drive right up to the door and park free, our local chefs cook home-style meals, and pets are welcome.

Couples usually pick the glass house in Jibhi: a glass roof over the bed, the valley beside you and a private hot tub, for up to 2 guests. Families and friends take the mud house cottages in Chhet, up to 3 guests each or 6 with both, side by side with a shared patio. Room decoration, a cake and a candlelight dinner are available on request with 1 day's advance notice. A bonfire can be arranged on request at an extra charge.

Check dates on WhatsApp