Tucked away in the hills of Himachal Pradesh, Narkanda is a tranquil mountain town located about 60 kilometers beyond Shimla. Known for its apple orchards, stunning views of snow-capped peaks, and the scenic Hatu Peak, Narkanda has become an increasingly popular destination among travelers seeking a quieter alternative to tourist-heavy hill stations like Manali or Shimla.
If you’re wondering how to reach this Himalayan haven from Delhi, this comprehensive guide will break down every travel route—including road trips, train journeys, flights, and bus options. We also cover stopovers, weather considerations, travel times, driving tips, and alternative routes so you can plan a stress-free, scenic journey to Narkanda from Delhi.
About Narkanda: Why It’s Worth the Journey
Before we dive into transportation options, it’s worth understanding what makes Narkanda a unique mountain destination.
Located at an altitude of approximately 2,700 meters (8,900 feet), Narkanda offers:
- Unobstructed views of the Shivalik and Greater Himalayan ranges
- Cool summers and snow-laden winters
- Access to trekking trails like Hatu Peak and Jalori Pass
- A quieter, less-commercial atmosphere than nearby tourist towns
Its proximity to Shimla makes it accessible year-round, and it’s especially popular among offbeat travelers, nature photographers, and those heading to Spiti Valley.
1: Distance Between Delhi and Narkanda
| Route | Distance | Average Travel Time |
| By Road (Car or Bus) | 410 to 440 km | 9 to 12 hours |
| By Train (to Kalka + onward by road) | 295 km (train) + 150 km (road) | 12 to 14 hours |
| By Flight (to Shimla or Chandigarh) | 330 km (incl. road travel) | 6 to 9 hours |
Narkanda is well-connected to Delhi via National Highway 5, and depending on your comfort level and time constraints, you can choose to drive directly, take a train to Kalka, a bus to Shimla, or fly to Chandigarh or Shimla and drive from there.
2: How to Reach Narkanda from Delhi by Road
The most popular and scenic way to reach Narkanda from Delhi is by road. This route offers flexibility, stunning landscapes, and the opportunity to explore charming towns along the way.
1 Route Description
Delhi → Panipat → Karnal → Ambala → Chandigarh → Solan → Shimla → Kufri → Theog → Narkanda
This is the standard NH-44 to NH-5 route, and it is the most commonly followed by both private and public transport.
Key Highlights:
- Four-lane highway up to Shimla
- Moderate to steep hilly terrain beyond Shimla
- Well-serviced with fuel stations and food outlets
2 Estimated Travel Time and Road Conditions
- Total Distance: Approximately 420 to 440 kilometers
- Estimated Driving Time: 9 to 11 hours
- Best Time to Start: Early morning (5:00–6:00 AM) to avoid Delhi traffic and reach the hills during daylight
- Road Conditions: Smooth till Shimla, followed by narrow, winding roads from Kufri to Narkanda. In winter (Dec–Feb), the area may experience snow—check weather forecasts and carry snow chains if self-driving.
3 Fuel Stations and Food Stops
- Murthal (Haryana): Famous for roadside dhabas like Sukhdev Dhaba
- Zirakpur and Dharampur: Options for branded food joints and fuel
- Shimla and Kufri: Last major urban points before reaching Narkanda
3: Traveling by Bus from Delhi to Narkanda
1 Direct Buses to Narkanda
There are no direct buses from Delhi to Narkanda. However, you can reach Narkanda by:
- Taking a Volvo or semi-sleeper bus from Delhi to Shimla
- Then, boarding a local Himachal Road Transport (HRTC) bus or hiring a taxi from Shimla to Narkanda
2 Delhi to Shimla Buses
Several government and private operators run overnight Volvo buses and deluxe services from:
- ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi
- Majnu Ka Tila (for private services)
Travel Time: 8 to 10 hours
Fare: ₹700 to ₹1,200 (Volvo AC), ₹400–₹800 (Ordinary or Non-AC)
3 Shimla to Narkanda by Local Bus
- HRTC runs buses between Shimla and Narkanda throughout the day.
- The journey from Shimla to Narkanda takes 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Fare: Approximately ₹100–₹150
You can also find shared cabs or private taxis for a more comfortable ride.
Read this Blog: How to Reach Solan, Himachal Pradesh from Delhi
4: How to Reach Narkanda from Delhi by Air
1 Nearest Airports to Narkanda
| Airport | Distance from Narkanda | Approx. Drive Time |
| Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti) | 90 km | 3 to 3.5 hours |
| Chandigarh Airport | 180 km | 6 to 7 hours |
Delhi to Shimla by Air:
- Alliance Air operates flights on select days.
- Flights are limited, weather-dependent, and prone to cancellation during winter and monsoon.
Delhi to Chandigarh by Air:
- Multiple daily flights by IndiGo, Vistara, Air India
- More reliable and frequent compared to Shimla flights
After landing, hire a cab to Narkanda. Taxis from Shimla or Chandigarh are readily available and can be pre-booked. Read this Blog: How to Reach Kasol from Delhi
5: Train Travel from Delhi to Narkanda
Since Narkanda doesn’t have a railway station, the next best option is to reach Kalka or Shimla by train, followed by road travel. Read this Blog: How to Reach Manali from Delhi by Train
1 Delhi to Kalka by Train
Kalka is the closest broad-gauge station with connections to Delhi.
Recommended Trains:
- Kalka Shatabdi Express (12011): Leaves NDLS at 7:40 AM; reaches Kalka at 11:45 AM
- Himalayan Queen (14095): Leaves Delhi Sarai Rohilla at 5:35 AM; reaches Kalka by 11:10 AM
Travel Time: Approx. 5.5 to 6 hours
Booking: Available on IRCTC
From Kalka, you can:
- Board the Kalka–Shimla Toy Train, a UNESCO-listed heritage journey
- Or hire a cab directly to Narkanda (takes ~5 to 6 hours)
Read this Blog: How to Reach Shimla by Train from Delhi
2 Kalka to Shimla by Toy Train
- Duration: ~5 to 6 hours
- Experience: Slow-paced journey through tunnels, pine forests, and mountain villages
- Booking: Required in advance during tourist season
From Shimla, continue by road to Narkanda (60 km, 2.5 to 3 hours)
Read this Blog: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Shimla from Delhi
6: Travel Tips and Driving Advice for Narkanda
- Winter Travel: Between December and February, snow can block roads near Narkanda. Check real-time road status before departure.
- Fuel: Top up your tank at Theog or Shimla. No major fuel stations between Theog and Narkanda.
- Mobile Connectivity: Airtel and Jio have decent connectivity; BSNL works best in remote stretches.
- Navigation: Download offline maps before entering hill areas.
- Parking: Limited in Narkanda; roadside parking is common, especially during ski season.
7: Where to Stay in and Around Narkanda
1 Narkanda Hotels and Homestays
- Tethys Ski Resort: Ideal for winter sports lovers
- The Wilderness Narkanda: Cozy wood cabins with mountain views
- Echor Narkanda: Modern amenities in a boutique setting
- Hatu Hotel (HPTDC): State-run, scenic location
2 Staying Near Shimla (If Breaking Journey)
- WelcomHeritage Elysium
- Hotel Marina
- Taj Theog Resort & Spa – halfway point to Narkanda from Shimla
Read this Blog: Himachal Pradesh in May 2025
8: Best Time to Travel to Narkanda from Delhi
| Season | Travel Conditions | Notes |
| Summer (Apr–Jun) | Clear roads, warm days | Best for apple blossoms and trekking |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Landslide-prone | Travel only with caution |
| Autumn (Oct–Nov) | Clear skies, scenic drives | Apple harvest season |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Snow-covered roads | Requires 4×4 vehicle or snow chains |
9: Places to Visit Near Narkanda
- Hatu Peak (7 km): Breathtaking views and peaceful trail
- Kotgarh (17 km): Known for its historic apple orchards
- Thanedar (15 km): Missionary-era town with rustic charm
- Tani Jubbar Lake (8 km): Small but scenic lake, ideal for a short picnic
Read this Blog: What are the Best Spots for Photography in Himachal Pradesh?
10: Suggested Itinerary – Delhi to Narkanda
1 Day: Drive from Delhi to Shimla (stay overnight)
2 Day: Shimla to Narkanda via Kufri and Theog
3 Day: Trek to Hatu Peak, explore Kotgarh
4 Day: Leisure, Tani Jubbar Lake, local markets
5 Day: Depart for Delhi
Read this Blog: Top 10 Hill Stations Near Chandigarh – Best Getaways
Final Thoughts: Is Narkanda Worth the Journey?
Absolutely. For travelers looking to escape touristy crowds, breathe clean air, walk through forests, and wake up to views of snow-covered peaks, Narkanda offers both accessibility and serenity. Its relatively close distance from Delhi and its rich natural surroundings make it ideal for a long weekend or even a slow-travel mountain retreat.
Whether you’re driving your SUV into the pine-covered hills, arriving on the toy train through misty tunnels, or gliding into Chandigarh by flight—reaching Narkanda is as memorable as being there.
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