Menu

Shimla to Kalpa & Sangla

Drive the legendary Hindustan-Tibet Highway into the heart of Kinnaur, witnessing the dramatic Tranda Dhank cliff roads and the snow-capped Kinnaur Kailash range. This couple-friendly road trip combines the spiritual aura of Sarahan's Bhimakali Temple with the raw beauty of India's last village, Chitkul. Experience cosy riverside camps in Sangla and sunset vistas in Kalpa on this unforgettable Himalayan circuit. Note that toll taxes for out-of-state passenger vehicles entering Himachal Pradesh have been revised to ₹100 per day, effective from April 1, 2026. Recent heavy rainfall and early snowfall in late September have led to increased landslide activity on NH-5 in Kinnaur and temporary road closures, particularly around Nigulsari, Maling Nala, Tapri, and Nathpa. Chitkul also experienced snowfall and an avalanche beyond the village in late September. Isolated to scattered rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is forecast for Himachal Pradesh from October 5th-8th, 2026. Expect challenging driving conditions with potential for slippery roads, reduced visibility, and continued landslide risk. Shimla has also experienced significant traffic congestion due to tourist influx in early October.

Verified
Route
Verified · 4 Oct 2026 · Active
Roads: Rough

📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Shimla → Sarahan

8:00 AM — Start from Shimla

Depart early to avoid city traffic, which has been significantly congested in early October due to tourist influx. Head towards Narkanda via Kufri. Isolated to scattered rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is forecast for Himachal Pradesh from October 5th-8th, 2026. Expect potential for slippery roads and landslide risk, especially during and after rainfall. Drive with caution.

0 km

10:30 AM — Breakfast at Negi Dhaba, Narkanda

Stop at the famous Negi Dhaba in Narkanda market for authentic Himachali siddu or parathas. Be careful of ice on roads in winter.

62 km

⚠️ Black ice zone near Narkanda in Feb. Isolated to scattered rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is forecast for Himachal Pradesh from October 5th-8th, 2026. Expect slippery roads, reduced visibility, and increased landslide risk during and after rainfall. Drive with caution.

1:00 PM — Lunch at Rampur Bushahr

Descend to the warmer Sutlej valley. Refuel at the main HP pump in Rampur.

125 km

4:00 PM — Arrive Sarahan

Take the detour from Jeori uphill to Sarahan. Check into Hotel Shrikhand. Evening visit to the magnificent Bhimakali Temple.

163

Day 2: Sarahan → Sangla (via Chitkul)

9:00 AM — Depart Sarahan

Drive back down to Jeori and rejoin NH5. Prepare for the dramatic Tranda Dhank cliff section. Isolated to scattered rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is forecast for Himachal Pradesh from October 5th-8th, 2026. Kinnaur district experienced heavy rainfall and early snowfall in late September, leading to increased landslide activity on NH-5, particularly around Nigulsari, Maling Nala, Tapri, and Nathpa. Prepare for slippery roads and increased risk of landslides, especially approaching the Tranda Dhank section, which remains an active stone-fall zone. Drive with extreme caution.

0 km

11:00 AM — Tranda Dhank Experience

Drive through the famous rock-cut road. Drive slowly and honk at curves. Do not stop in the middle of the road.

50 km

⚠️ This is an active shooting stones and landslide-prone zone, particularly at Nigulsari. National Highway-5 through Kinnaur has experienced recent blockages due to shooting stones and mudslides, notably at Maling Nala, Tapri, Nigulsari, and Nathpa in late September. Isolated to scattered rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is forecast for Himachal Pradesh from October 5th-8th, 2026. Exercise extreme caution due to a very high risk of shooting stones, landslides, and flash floods. Avoid stopping in this section.

1:30 PM — Lunch at Sangla Market

Reach Sangla via Karcham Dam. Enjoy lunch at a local cafe like Cafe 42.

85 km

3:30 PM — Chitkul Excursion

Drive 24km to Chitkul, the last village. If road is closed due to snow, drive up to Rakchham. Return to Sangla for overnight stay.

135

⚠️ The Sangla-Chitkul road is generally open but remains highly susceptible to temporary closures due to rockfall and flash floods. Chitkul experienced light snowfall in late September, and an avalanche was reported on the Rani Kanda route beyond Chitkul. Isolated to scattered rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is forecast for Himachal Pradesh from October 5th-8th, 2026. There is a high risk of flash floods, landslides, and debris on the road. Check local road status and conditions before proceeding to Chitkul, as roads may be affected by rain and early winter conditions.

2 more days locked

Day 3 · Sangla → Kalpa

40 km · 2 hours · 4 timed stops

✓ Verified 8 days ago by a partner rider

10:00 AMMorning by Baspa River0 km

Short walk to the river bank in Sangla or Batseri village to see the Badri Narayan Temple. Isolated to scattered rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is forecast for Himachal Pradesh from October 5th-8th, 2026. Kinnaur district experienced heavy rainfall and early snowfall in late September. Be prepared for wet conditions and potentially increased water levels in the Baspa River due to recent and forecast rainfall.

+ 3 more stops in this day

  • Remaining itinerary2 days · 8 stops
  • Per-day cost breakdownfuel ₹4,750 +
  • Packing list for this route29 items
  • Offline PDF + navigationincluded

30 days · every trip · no auto-renew · refund policy

💰 Cost Breakdown

Estimated Total₹9,250 - ₹15,250
🔒

Per-day cost breakdown locked.
Unlock to see fuel, stay, food, and activity estimates.

📋 Packing Checklist

🎒

29-item route-specific packing list locked.
Tuned for this route's terrain, weather, and altitude.