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.
Depart early to avoid city traffic. Head towards Narkanda via Kufri. **IMD has issued an Orange Alert for hailstorms, thunderstorms, and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) for Shimla district on April 28th and 29th. A wet spell with light to moderate rain/snow is forecast for Himachal Pradesh until May 3rd, with continued risk of thunderstorms and gusty winds (30-50 kmph) until May 4th. Expect continuous rain and hailstorms, with snowfall in higher reaches. Drive with extreme caution due to slippery roads, low visibility, and increased landslide risk.**
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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
Descend to the warmer Sutlej valley. Refuel at the main HP pump in Rampur.
125 km
Take the detour from Jeori uphill to Sarahan. Check into Hotel Shrikhand. Evening visit to the magnificent Bhimakali Temple.
163
Drive back down to Jeori and rejoin NH5. Prepare for the dramatic Tranda Dhank cliff section. **A wet spell with light to moderate rain/snow is forecast for Himachal Pradesh until May 3rd, with continued risk of thunderstorms and gusty winds (30-50 kmph) until May 4th. Sustained winds of 30-40 kmph are likely in Kinnaur on April 30th, increasing to 40-50 kmph on May 3rd and 4th. Drive with caution due to potential rain/snow and strong winds.**
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Drive through the famous rock-cut road. Drive slowly and honk at curves. Do not stop in the middle of the road.
50 km
Reach Sangla via Karcham Dam. Enjoy lunch at a local cafe like Cafe 42.
85 km
Drive 24km to Chitkul, the last village. If road is closed due to snow, drive up to Rakchham. Return to Sangla for overnight stay.
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Short walk to the river bank in Sangla or Batseri village to see the Badri Narayan Temple. **A wet spell with light to moderate rain/snow is forecast for Himachal Pradesh until May 3rd, with continued risk of thunderstorms and gusty winds (30-50 kmph) until May 4th. Sustained winds of 30-40 kmph are likely in Kinnaur on April 30th, increasing to 40-50 kmph on May 3rd and 4th. Be prepared for cold, wet, and windy conditions.**
Short drive back to Karcham and then up to Reckong Peo and Kalpa. Fill fuel at Peo if needed. **Expect slippery roads and reduced visibility due to ongoing wet spell and rain/snow forecast until May 3rd, and continued risk of thunderstorms and gusty winds (30-50 kmph) until May 4th. Drive with caution.**
Check into a hotel with Kinnaur Kailash view (e.g., The Monk or HPTDC).
Drive 10 mins to the famous Suicide Point cliff and explore the traditional Roghi village.
Watch the sunrise turn Kinnaur Kailash red (Alpenglow). Start long drive back to Shimla. **A wet spell with light to moderate rain/snow is forecast for Himachal Pradesh until May 3rd, with continued risk of thunderstorms and gusty winds (30-50 kmph) until May 4th. Expect challenging driving conditions with rain/snow, slippery roads, reduced visibility, and increased landslide risk, especially with continuous rain and hailstorms in Shimla and higher reaches.**
Stop for a meal at Rampur. A good midway break. **Be aware of potential traffic congestion, slippery roads, and reduced visibility due to ongoing wet weather, thunderstorms, and gusty winds forecast for Himachal Pradesh until May 4th.**
Quick tea break. If time permits, visit Hatu Peak if road is clear of snow. **Hatu Peak road may be affected by fresh snowfall and ongoing wet weather. Check local conditions before planning a visit, and be aware of potential slippery roads and reduced visibility due to thunderstorms and gusty winds forecast for Himachal Pradesh until May 4th.**
Reach Shimla by evening. End of trip.
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