how to reach Narkanda from Shimla

How to reach Narkanda from Shimla – 2023 Updated

Known for widespread snowfall during winters and year round spectacular views of snow capped Himalayan ranges, Narkanda is a nice tourist destination. Winter sports such as skiings are a famous attraction here.  This blog will share complete knowledge of how to reach Narkanda from Shimla through different modes.

Where is Narkanda located?

Situated on the hilltop,  Narkanda is a small town situated in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. Narkanda is located in the upper Shimla on Hindustan Tibet Road.

It is around 60 Km from Shimla after Kufri.

Name of the PlaceNarkanda (नारकंडा ) 
State Himachal Pradesh
District Shimla
Elevation of Place 2700 m, 8900 feet
AccessibilityBy road 
Best time to visitThroughout the year
Distance from ShimlaAround 60 Km

How to reach Narkanda from Shimla

Narkanda is connected by road and accessible throughout the year except during heavy snowfall or during heavy rainfall. The distance between Narkanda from Shimla is around 60 Km. There are different modes by which one can reach Narkanda.

how to reach Narkanda from Shimla

How to reach Narkanda from Shimla by Road

There are various options to reach Narkanda by road.

 You can refer to the below table to plan your journey to Narkanda.

Sr. No.Location Distance (Km)Elevation (ft)Elevation (m)Time  (Hr)
1Shimla07200220000:00
2Kufri158500260000:45
3Narkanda608900270002:15
how to reach Narkanda from Shimla

How to reach Narkanda from Shimla on a Bus

Himachal Pradesh State Owned Buses are called HRTC buses ( Himachal Road Transport Corporation buses). They are usually green/blue in color.   

There are multiple options to reach Narkanda by bus.Visit our partners,shoes – leaders in fashionable footwear!

Shimla – Narkanda by Bus 
Below are the bus details you can choose
SR. No.SERVICE NO.SHIMLA ISBT TUTIKANDINARKANDADURATIONDEPOTTYPEORIGINDESTINATIONONLINE BOOKING
1151012:30 AM3:00 AM2:30 HrsRAMPURORDINARYCHANDIGARHRAMPURNO
23333:40 AM6:40 AM3:00 HrsREC PEOORDINARYSHIMLA ISBT TUTIKANDIPOOH VILLAGEYES
312205:00 AM9:30 AM4:30 HrsREC PEOORDINARYHARIDWARRECONGPEONO
4935:01 AM8:30 AM3:29 HrsDW TARADEVIHIMSUTA AC VOLVO / SCANIA 2X2DELHI ISBT KASHMIRI GATERAMPURYES
55385:30 AM7:30 AM2:00 HrsRAMPURORDINARYDELHI ISBT KASHMIRI GATERAMPURNO
65565:45 AM9:15 AM3:30 HrsREC PEOORDINARYDELHI ISBT KASHMIRI GATERECONGPEONO
72556:56 AM9:30 AM2:34 HrsREC PEOORDINARYSOLANRECONGPEONO
85187:15 AM9:45 AM2:30 HrsREC PEOORDINARYDELHI ISBT KASHMIRI GATESANGLANO
912258:25 AM10:45 AM2:20 HrsRAMPURORDINARYHARIDWARSARAHANNO
10CHD-KLK-KFN8:30 AM11:00 AM2:30 HrsREC PEOORDINARYCHANDIGARHKAFNUNO
1115139:00 AM11:30 AM2:30 HrsREC PEOORDINARYCHANDIGARHRECONGPEONO
12CHD-RPO-2X210:30 AM1:00 PM2:30 HrsREC PEOHIMMANI DELUXE 2X2 NON ACCHANDIGARHRECONGPEONO
13172611:30 AM2:50 PM3:20 HrsRAMPURORDINARYCHANDIGARHSARAHANNO
1416181:55 PM4:45 PM2:50 HrsRAMPURORDINARYAMBALA CANTRAMPURNO
151913:20 PM6:15 PM2:55 HrsSHIMLA RURALORDINARYSHIMLA ISBT TUTIKANDIRAMPURYES
163214:40 PM7:15 PM2:35 HrsRAMPURORDINARYSHIMLA ISBT TUTIKANDIRAMPURYES
172736:30 PM8:45 PM2:15 HrsREC PEOORDINARYSHIMLA ISBT TUTIKANDIRECONGPEOYES
18151110:20 PM12:50 AM2:30 HrsREC PEOHIMMANI DELUXE 2X2 NON ACCHANDIGARHRECONGPEONO
19CHD-SML-RPO10:30 PM1:00 AM2:30 HrsREC PEOORDINARYCHANDIGARHRECONGPEONO
20151211:30 PM2:00 AM2:30 HrsRAMPURORDINARYCHANDIGARHKALPANO
For online booking of buses on the HRTC website kindly Click here

Note: If you are planning to take an offline HRTC bus, kindly confirm the timings from the HRTC Depot office before finalization. Click here to know the phone numbers. 

 How to reach Narkanda from Shimla on your own Vehicle

If you can reach Shimla in your own Vehicle then reaching Narkanda is not too difficult a task.

  1. The travel time is around 5.15  hrs so please make sure you start early in the day so that you reach Narkanda in the evening..
  2. You don’t require a 4X4 vehicle there as the normal vehicle can reach there.
  3. In winter there would be high snowfall above Shimla to Narkanda 
  4. There are limited petrol pumps the way after Rampur.

How to reach Narkanda from Shimla on a bike

Kindly consider the below points before planning a trip to Narkanda on a bike.

  1. Every bike can reach Narkanda but prefer a bike with > 150 cc engine if you are with a pillion rider. 
  2. You will feel the major variation in the temperature while traveling on the bike as there is a gain and drop of altitude. Shimla to Narkanda at a higher altitude than Rampur at a lower altitude.
  3. Ride carefully as the road from Rampur to Narkanda is considered a dangerous road so driving should be done carefully.
  4. Carry rain covers along with as there might be rain at higher reaches.
  1. During winters Bike riding is not advisable as there will be snowfall / black ice on roads and bike riding is extremely dangerous.

How to reach Narkanda from Shimla on a Taxi

Taxis can easily be hired for Narkanda and there are many options available on the online platforms. Following key things to be considered while taxing taxis to Narkanda.

  1. The Driver should be experienced in traveling these areas.
  2. Vehicle to be comfortable since travel time would be more than 12 hrs.
  3. Ground clearance of the Vehicle to be good.
  4. Negotiate well before finalization.

How to reach Narkanda from Shimla by Train

Narkanda is not connected by train. The last station is at Shimla

How to reach Narkanda from Shimla by air

Since Narkanda is located inland in the Himalayas, there is no airport nearby. The Last airport is at Shimla.

Summary – “How to reach Narkanda from Shimla”

Let’s summarize what we have understood in this blog  “How to reach Narkanda from Delhi ”

  • Narkanda is a wonderful travel destination located in the Narkanda district of Himachal Pradesh at around 120 KM from Shimla.
  • You can reach Narkanda in one day from Shimla.
  • Narkanda can be reached throughout the year but the best time is from April – June and then from September – October.
  • Narkanda can be reached by self-driven car, bike, taxi, and by Bus.
  • Cheapest way to reach Narkanda is by the HRTC bus and many options are available.

We hope you have got a good understanding of “How to reach Narkanda from Shimla ”. If you want to give suggestions on this blog ” please comment.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions:

Question – Shimla to Narkanda bus

Answer – There are many buses  from Shimla to Narkanda but with and without online booking . You can read this blog to know further.

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