Kinnaur is a beautiful district located in the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Mumbai, on the west coast of India, is a major metropolitan city and a common starting point for travelers heading to the Himalayas.

This route from Mumbai to Kinnaur is popular among adventure seekers and nature lovers. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel, including trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Mumbai to Kinnaur – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for reaching the closest railheads to Kinnaur. While there is no direct train to Kinnaur, you can reach nearby stations and continue by road.

• The nearest major railway stations to Kinnaur are Shimla and Kalka, both well connected to Mumbai via trains like Mumbai–Delhi Rajdhani or Mumbai–Chandigarh Express, taking about 24 to 30 hours.

• From Kalka, you can board the famous Kalka–Shimla narrow-gauge train, which offers scenic views but is slower and takes around 5 to 6 hours to reach Shimla.

• After reaching Shimla, you need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Kinnaur, which is approximately 200 km away, taking 7 to 9 hours by road depending on weather and traffic.

• Train fares from Mumbai to Kalka or Shimla range from ₹800 to ₹2,500 depending on class, with tickets available on IRCTC. Booking early is recommended due to high demand, especially in summer and festivals.

• During winter, fog and landslides can cause train delays on this route, so plan for extra travel time and check train status regularly.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to reach Kinnaur from nearby cities, though there are no direct buses from Mumbai to Kinnaur. You will need to combine buses and taxis.

• From Mumbai, take a Volvo or deluxe bus to Chandigarh or Shimla, which takes about 24 to 30 hours. MSRTC and private operators run these services with fares ranging ₹1,200 to ₹2,000.

• From Shimla, Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) operates regular buses to Kinnaur towns like Reckong Peo and Sangla, taking 7 to 9 hours on hilly roads.

• Local buses from Shimla to Kinnaur are frequent but can be crowded and less comfortable, especially during peak tourist seasons and festivals.

• Bus routes pass through National Highway 205 and NH5, which are scenic but prone to landslides during monsoon, so check weather and road conditions before traveling.

• Bus tickets can be booked online on HRTC’s website or purchased at bus stands; arriving early at the bus stand is advisable for better seat choice.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Kinnaur is a flexible option for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore at their own pace. The route covers diverse landscapes and requires careful planning.

• The distance from Mumbai to Kinnaur is approximately 1,900 km via NH48 and NH205, taking around 36 to 40 hours of driving time, usually split over 3 to 4 days.

• The route passes through major cities like Pune, Nashik, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Shimla before reaching Kinnaur, offering multiple rest stops and food options.

• Road conditions vary; highways are generally good, but mountain roads in Himachal Pradesh are narrow and winding, requiring cautious driving, especially during monsoon and winter.

• Toll plazas are present on NH48 and NH205, so keep cash or FASTag ready. Fuel stations are available regularly on highways but sparse in mountainous areas.

• Self-drive allows you to stop at attractions like Manali or Shimla en route, but be prepared for limited mobile network and fewer amenities in remote Kinnaur.

Flight

Although Kinnaur does not have an airport, flying is a fast way to cover most of the distance from Mumbai before continuing by road.

• The nearest airports to Kinnaur are Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti) and Bhuntar Airport near Kullu, both about 150 to 180 km away by road.

• Direct flights from Mumbai to Delhi or Chandigarh are frequent and take about 2 hours; from there, you can catch connecting flights to Shimla or Bhuntar, which take around 30 to 45 minutes.

• From Shimla or Bhuntar airports, taxis or buses are available to Kinnaur, with road travel taking 5 to 8 hours depending on your destination within Kinnaur.

• Flight fares from Mumbai to Delhi or Chandigarh range from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000, while connecting flights to Shimla or Bhuntar cost ₹2,000 to ₹5,000; booking in advance is advised to get better prices.

• Weather conditions like fog in winter can cause flight delays or cancellations at Shimla Airport, so keep flexible travel plans and check flight status frequently.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Kinnaur, helping you organize your journey efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your Mumbai to Delhi or Chandigarh train or flight tickets early via IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats and avoid last-minute price hikes.

• Arrange onward transport from Delhi or Chandigarh to Shimla by train, bus, or taxi, depending on your budget and comfort preferences; pre-book taxis for convenience.

• From Shimla, plan your road journey to Kinnaur by booking HRTC bus tickets online or hiring a private taxi; confirm timings and road conditions before departure.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, as Kinnaur’s weather can be cold even in summer; carry snacks and water for long road trips where food stops may be limited.

• Use Ola or Uber in Mumbai and major cities for local transfers, but in Himachal Pradesh, rely on prepaid taxis or local buses to avoid overcharging.

• Keep mobile chargers and offline maps handy, as network coverage can be patchy in mountainous areas; inform family or friends about your travel plans for safety.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in Kinnaur to prevent stomach issues; buy water from trusted shops or use water purifiers.

• During monsoon (July to September), landslides are common on NH205 and mountain roads, so check weather forecasts and avoid traveling during heavy rains.

• Book train and bus tickets well in advance, especially during summer holidays and festivals like Dussehra and Diwali, when demand surges sharply.

• Use prepaid taxi counters at Shimla and Bhuntar airports to avoid bargaining and ensure fair pricing; app-based cabs are limited in remote areas.

• Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medicines, as pharmacies may be scarce in remote Kinnaur villages.

• Pack light luggage with sturdy bags, as you may need to handle your own bags on buses and taxis; avoid overpacking to ease last-mile travel.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Kinnaur depends on weather and road conditions. Summer months offer pleasant weather but attract many tourists. Winters are cold and can cause road closures.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains and landslides, making travel risky and slower. Planning your trip during spring or early autumn ensures safer and more comfortable journeys.

• Avoid peak festival periods like summer holidays (May-June) and major Himachali festivals when roads and accommodations are crowded and prices rise.

• Winter months (December to February) bring heavy snowfall in Kinnaur, causing road blockages and flight cancellations, so only experienced travelers should attempt this time.

• Start early in the morning when traveling by road to avoid night driving on narrow mountain roads and to enjoy daylight views safely.

• Check weather updates regularly during monsoon and winter, as sudden changes can impact travel plans significantly.

Arrival at Kinnaur & What to Expect

When you arrive in Kinnaur, you will find a peaceful and scenic environment with limited but reliable local transport options. The main towns like Reckong Peo serve as hubs for exploring the district.

Local transport includes shared taxis, private cabs, and HRTC buses. Prepaid taxis are available at Shimla and Bhuntar airports for the onward journey. Accommodation ranges from guesthouses to small hotels, mostly concentrated in larger towns.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Kinnaur is a rewarding experience that combines long-distance travel with scenic mountain roads. The most efficient option depends on your time, budget, and comfort preferences, with flights plus road travel being fastest, and trains or buses offering economical alternatives.

Plan your journey carefully by booking tickets early, checking weather and road conditions, and preparing for mountain travel challenges. With the right preparation, you can confidently enjoy the beautiful landscapes and unique culture of Kinnaur.