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. In this blog, we will share complete knowledge of how to reach Narkanda from Manali 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 Place | Narkanda (नारकंडा ) |
| State | Himachal Pradesh |
| District | Shimla |
| Elevation of Place | 2700 m, 8900 feet |
| Accessibility | By road |
| Best time to visit | Throughout the year |
| Distance from Shimla | Around 200 Km |
How to reach Narkanda from Manali
Narkanda is connected by road and accessible throughout the year except during heavy snowfall or during heavy rainfall. The distance between Narkanda, Narkanda from Manali is around 200 Km. There are different modes by which one can reach Narkanda.
How to reach Narkanda from Manali by Road
There are 2 options to reach Narkanda by road.
OPTION – 1 Manali to Narkanda Via Jalori Pass (Shortest one – closed in Winters)
You can refer to the below table to plan your journey to Narkanda via Jalori Pass.
| Sr. No. | Location | Distance (Km) | Elevation (ft) | Elevation (m) | Time (Hr) |
| 1 | Manali | 0 | 6400 | 1950 | 00:00 |
| 2 | Kullu | 40 | 5200 | 1575 | 01:00 |
| 3 | Aut | 70 | 3900 | 1200 | 01:45 |
| 4 | Jalori Pass | 115 | 8700 | 2650 | 03:45 |
| 5 | Anni | 145 | 4100 | 1250 | 05:00 |
| 6 | Narkanda | 200 | 8900 | 2700 | 06:45 |
OPTION – 2 Manali to Narkanda Via Karsog
| Sr. No. | Location | Distance (Km) | Elevation (ft) | Elevation (m) | Time (Hr) |
| 1 | Manali | 0 | 6400 | 1950 | 00:00 |
| 2 | Kullu | 40 | 5200 | 1575 | 01:00 |
| 3 | Aut | 70 | 3900 | 1200 | 01:45 |
| 4 | Mandi | 115 | 2600 | 800 | 03:00 |
| 5 | Sunder Nagar | 140 | 3000 | 900 | 03:30 |
| 6 | Karsog | 230 | 4600 | 1400 | 06:30 |
| 7 | Narkanda | 300 | 8900 | 2700 | 09:15 |
How to reach Narkanda from Manali on a Bus
There is no direct bus from Manali to Narkanda, the best option is that you need to take a bus to Shimla and the Shimla to Narkanda. There are many buses from Manali to Shimla.
| SR. No. | SERVICE NO. | MANALI | SHIMLA ISBT TUTIKANDI | DURATION | DEPOT | TYPE | ORIGIN | DESTINATION | ONLINE BOOKING |
| 1 | 711 | 6:00 AM | 3:30 PM | 9:30 Hrs | KULLU | HIMMANI DELUXE 2X2 OLD | MANALI | SHIMLA ISBT TUTIKANDI | YES |
| 2 | 717 | 7:03 AM | 4:15 PM | 9:12 Hrs | SHIMLA LOCAL | ORDINARY | MANALI | SHIMLA ISBT TUTIKANDI | YES |
| 3 | 812 | 9:20 AM | 7:30 PM | 10:10 Hrs | SHIMLA LOCAL | ORDINARY | MANALI | SHIMLA ISBT TUTIKANDI | YES |
| 4 | 710 | 6:20 PM | 4:30 AM | 10:10 Hrs | KULLU | HIMMANI DELUXE 2X2 OLD | MANALI | SHIMLA ISBT TUTIKANDI | YES |
| 5 | 726 | 7:20 PM | 4:30 AM | 9:10 Hrs | KEYLONG | ORDINARY | KEYLONG | SHIMLA ISBT TUTIKANDI | Yes |
| 6 | 155 | 9:00 PM | 6:10 AM | 9:10 Hrs | KULLU | HIMSUTA AC VOLVO / SCANIA 2X2 | MANALI | SHIMLA ISBT TUTIKANDI | YES |
| 7 | 718 | 9:30 PM | 4:23 AM | 6:53 Hrs | SHIMLA RURAL | ORDINARY | MANALI | SHIMLA ISBT TUTIKANDI | YES |
For reaching Narkand, you can read this blog.
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 Manali on your own Vehicle
If you can reach Manali in your own Vehicle then reaching Narkanda is not too much difficult a task but it depends on the choice of the route you are taking
For Option -1 and Option 2
- The travel is around 200 or more than that so please make sure you start early in the day so that you reach Narkanda in the evening..
- You don’t require a 4X4 vehicle there as the normal vehicle can reach there.
- In winter there would be snow at Jalori pass so better take the route via Karsog.
How to reach Narkanda from Manali on a bike
Kindly consider the below points before planning a trip to Narkanda on a bike.
- Every bike can reach Narkanda but prefer a bike with > 150 cc engine.
- Make your bike fully serviced.
- Ride carefully as the road is considered dangerous road
- Carry rain covers along with as there might be rain at higher reaches.
- There are many landslide-prone areas that are treacherous during the rainy season.
How to reach Narkanda from Manali on a Taxi
Taxis can easily be hired for Narkanda and there are many options available on online platforms. Following key things to be considered while taxing taxis to Narkanda.
- Drivers should be experienced in traveling in these areas.
- You can add the Spiti circuit during route -3.
- Ground clearance of the Vehicle to be good.
- Negotiate well before finalization.
How to reach Narkanda from Manali by Train
Narkanda and Manali are not connected by train.
How to reach Narkanda from Manali by air
Since Narkanda is located inner in the Himalayas, there is no airport nearby. The Last airport is at Buntar Near Kullu and the other at Shimla.
Summary – “How to reach Narkanda from Manali”
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.
- You can reach Narkanda by three options from Manali.
- Narkanda can be reached throughout the year during option 2 but for Option-1 & 2 plan during summers
- 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 Manali ”. If you want to give suggestions on this blog ” please comment.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions:
Question – Manali to Narkanda bus
Answer – There is no direct bus from Manali to Narkanda. You need to take bus to Shimla first and then to Narkanda.
