In the era of the fastest internet and all the chaos of daily life, traveling is the best way to find yourself again. And when it comes to road trips, where everything you plan goes with the flow, it’s even better!
It was a Thursday evening. After a long, tiring day at the office, I felt completely exhausted. That’s when I decided, “I need a break! Time to visit some pahads (mountains).” Without thinking much, I called my sister from another mother and shared my crazy idea: a road trip from Delhi to Sangla Valley. Guess what? She took it seriously! Her first question was, “How many days of leave should I apply for?” And after a few “blah blah” moments, we were set for this adventure.
How Far is Chitkul from Delhi?
Chitkul is about 585 kilometers from Delhi. That might sound like a really long distance, but trust me, the journey is so beautiful that you won’t even notice how far you’re going! It’s like dreamy world of Indian movies where the scenes keep getting prettier and prettier. You’ll find yourself driving through breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and serene rivers.
How Long Will the Road Trip Take?
Our journey took around 15-16 hours of actual driving time. But here’s a tip – don’t try to reach there in one go! We broke our journey into two days to enjoy it properly and stay safe. Remember, mountain roads need careful driving, and it’s better to travel during daylight.
Day 1: We left Delhi at 5 am (super early, I know!) and reached Narkanda by 5 pm.
Day 2: Started from Narkanda at 8 am and reached Sangla by 2 pm.
Best Routes You Can Choose
There are two main routes to Chitkul. The most popular one is via Shimla, whereas another is via Manali:
Delhi – Panipat – Ambala – Shimla – Narkanda – Rampur – Jeori – Karcham – Sangla – Chitkul
This route takes you through the charming towns of Shimla and Kufri. The roads are well-maintained, and you’ll pass by stunning apple orchards and valleys.
Chandigarh – Manali – Rohtang Pass – Gramphu – Batal – Kunzum Pass – Kaza – Dhankar – Tabo – Nako – Pooh – Karcham – Sangla – Chitkul
A lot of people ask about going through Manali, but I would recommend something other than that route because it goes through Rohtang Pass, which is super tricky. Also, The pass stays closed in winter, which makes roads more challenging to drive. You can choose this route if you want to skip Shimla’s traffic. Narkanda is famous for its peaceful vibes, and the drive is smooth.
How to Reach Chitkul?
Let me tell you about all the ways you can reach this beautiful Village. We chose to drive, but there are other options too!
By Car (Our Choice!)
Car is the most preferable option to travel to Chitkul. We made a tiny mistake – we took a Honda City (sedan). Oh man, was that challenging! The car was too low for mountain roads, and we had some scary moments. I recommend going for an SUV for a smooth and happy journey. Thankfully, we took the Shimla route, which turned out to be a good decision. We stopped at Shimla for a break, and you can also take a break at Kufri if you want. Both places are worth exploring.
We resumed our journey the next day at 8 am, feeling fresh for the drive. It took us about 6 hours to finally reach the beautiful Chitkul.
By Train
If you’re considering traveling by train, the nearest railway station is Shimla. You can take a train from Delhi to Kalka and then switch to the famous Kalka-Shimla Toy Train. The train ride is scenic, passing through lush green mountains, tunnels, and old-world charm stations. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach Shimla.
Once you reach Shimla, you must hire a taxi or take a bus to Chitkul, which will take another 7-8 hours. Though the train journey is relaxing, the road from Shimla to Chitkul is still an adventure.
By Air
For those who want to travel by air, the nearest airport is Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla. However, flights here are limited. Another option is the Chandigarh Airport, which has more frequent flights from major cities. From Chandigarh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Chitkul. The journey from Chandigarh to Sangla is about 10-12 hours by road.
Traveling by air can save time, but you’ll still need to enjoy the mountain roads by car or bus to reach Sangla. So, whether you fly or drive, the last stretch will always be by road.
Best Places to Stop Between
What rule I follow on my road trip fits with the quote: ‘Take the scenic route and let each stop surprise you.’ And definitely, stopovers make me more excited for the rest of the journey. You probably shouldn’t skip these stopovers that come along the way to make the most out of your trip.
Chandigarh (250 km from Delhi)
If you are a first-time visitor, you should visit Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake. It was our third visit to the city, so we decided to skip all the tourist spots. Personally, I love the city’s vibe and atmosphere. We were hungry, so we went for lunch at Sethi Dhaba. Around 1 pm, we resumed our journey to Shimla.
Shimla (120 km)
After crossing Chandigarh, Shimla unfolds the most picturesque spots for tourists that we always enjoy. You can explore Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, and Christ Church in one day. The destination houses the best scenic hotels and resorts where you can plan a one-day stay. And what to say about the weather—it’s always the perfect escape from Delhi’s summer!
Where to spend the night?
If you want to break the journey, you can spend the night in:
- Shimla: Many hotels and guesthouses here offer a good night’s rest before you continue your trip.
- Narkanda: This is another great option if you want a quieter place to stay.
Things To Do at Chitkul
Once you reach Sangla, there are many fun activities you can enjoy:
1. Rupin Pass
One of the most famous treks in India, Rupin is a high-altitude mountain pass situated around 15,250 feet. Located between Bawta and Sangla in Himachal Pradesh, it’s a highlight spot for adventure lovers. From stunning waterfalls to snowfields and forests to a hanging village, every scene will surely astound you. The journey takes you through diverse terrains and traditional villages. The breathtaking views make it a must-do adventure for nature lovers.
2. Trek to Chitkul
Chitkul is the last village on the India-Tibet border, and the trek is beautiful. You can experience local Himalayan culture here amidst the lap of nature. Camping and stargazing activities offer an incredible experience, waking up to stunning views. For cultural heritage, visiting Chitkul Fort is a worthwhile experience.
3. Visit the Kamru Fort
A must-visit fort with stunning views of Sangla Valley that will take you back in time. You can admire streams, apple gardens, and incredible surroundings from the balcony area. You enter through several gates, and a lovely statue of Lord Buddha welcomes you at the main entrance. The fort is a must-visit all year round, where you can capture some of the most beautiful pictures.
4. Relax by the Baspa River
The majestic beauty of the Baspa River is unreal to hide. The crystal-clear water and soothing sound of the river are perfect for rejuvenating from city chaos. Flowing through forests and meadows, surrounded by snowy mountains, the Baspa River offers fishing, camping, and trekking. Locals offer unique basket-like boat rides, making it ideal for sightseeing, tasting Tibetan food, and exploring handicrafts.
5. Walk through Sangla Meadow
Does your heart skip when seeing snowy mountains? This is the place you’ve seen in postcards – so picture-perfect that you can’t help but fall in love!” Sangla Meadows is like stepping into your favorite picture book! The lush green meadows spread like a giant carpet, and the mighty Kinner Kailash mountains, wearing snowy white caps, stand tall. It’s so pretty that you’ll want to pinch yourself to ensure it’s real!
Where to eat?
There are a few local eateries where you can taste delicious Himachali food. Try dham, a traditional feast, or warm yourself with some Thukpa, a hearty soup.
The best time to visit
The best time to visit Chitkul is from April to June and September to October. The weather is pleasant during these months, and the valley is blooming with flowers.
This road trip is about more than just reaching the destination. It’s about the journey, the stories you create, and the memories that stay with you forever. Whether you plan to travel by car, bus, or vehicle, Chitkul is worth visiting. So, pack your bags, call your loved ones, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!