Getting Here

How to Reach Kinnaur

Complete route guide from Delhi, Shimla, and Chandigarh — distances, timings, road conditions, and transport options for every budget.

Route Overview

Three Main Routes to Kinnaur

🏙️→🏔️

From Delhi

650 km · 12–14 hours

The classic route. NH44 → Chandigarh → Shimla → Rampur → Karcham → Sangla. Most people break this into two days with an overnight in Shimla or Narkanda.

Delhi → Chandigarh: 250 km (4 hrs) — highway
Chandigarh → Shimla: 115 km (3 hrs) — foothills
Shimla → Sangla: 235 km (7–8 hrs) — mountain road

⛰️→🏔️

From Shimla

235 km · 7–8 hours

The most popular starting point for Kinnaur. Follow NH5 through Rampur and Karcham, then turn into the Baspa Valley. Excellent road for most of the route.

Shimla → Rampur: 130 km (4 hrs)
Rampur → Karcham: 55 km (1.5 hrs)
Karcham → Sangla: 17 km (45 min) — steep ascent

🌆→🏔️

From Chandigarh

380 km · 8–10 hours

Shorter than Delhi, skipping the capital. Drive via Shimla or take the direct mountain route through Narkanda for varied scenery.

Chandigarh → Shimla: 115 km (3 hrs)
Shimla → Sangla: 235 km (7–8 hrs)
Possible to complete in one long day

Road Conditions

What to Expect on
Mountain Roads

The roads to Kinnaur are a genuine mountain driving experience — narrow in places, dramatic in all places. They are also well-maintained for the most part and driven safely by millions of Indians every year. Some realistic expectations:

NH5 (Shimla to Karcham): Generally good condition, two lanes, some narrow sections near gorges. Allow the full 5–6 hours without rushing.
Karcham to Sangla (17 km): The most challenging section — steep, narrow, significant drops. Follow the road signs and take it steady. Doable in any car with a careful driver.
Sangla to Chitkul (26 km): Narrow mountain road, good condition, one lane in places. Stunning scenery. Give way to vehicles coming downhill.
Monsoon precautions: July–August can bring rockfall and temporary closures. Check HPTDC road updates before setting out.

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Transport Options

Getting Around Without a Car

🚌

HRTC Bus

Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation operates buses from Shimla to Sangla and other Kinnaur destinations. Affordable but slower than private vehicles. Book seats in advance during peak season.

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Shared Jeep / Taxi

Shared taxis and jeeps run between major Kinnaur towns. More flexible than buses, faster, and often more comfortable. Negotiate fares beforehand. Available from Reckong Peo for local destinations.

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Private Vehicle / Self-Drive

Most flexible option. Rent a car with driver from Shimla or Delhi, or drive your own vehicle. Ensure good brakes, reliable tyres, and ideally a vehicle with decent ground clearance for rougher sections.

📌 Pro Tip: Whatever transport you use, fill petrol at Karcham. There is a petrol station in Sangla town but it may not always have fuel. Beyond Sangla, there is no reliable fuel supply. Do not assume you can refuel in Chitkul or Rakcham.