Narkanda is a beautiful hill station located in Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the Himalayas at an altitude of about 2700 meters. It is famous for its apple orchards, skiing slopes, and serene landscapes. Many travelers visit Narkanda to enjoy its cool climate and scenic beauty, especially during summers and winters.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Narkanda from nearby cities like Shimla, Delhi, and Chandigarh. You will learn about different transport options including trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical travel tips for a comfortable journey.

Getting from Major Cities to Narkanda – Main Options

Train

Train travel is popular for reaching nearby cities like Shimla or Kalka before proceeding to Narkanda by road. The nearest broad gauge railway stations are Kalka and Chandigarh, while Shimla is connected by a narrow gauge toy train.

• Kalka Railway Station is about 90 km from Narkanda and connects to major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. Trains here are frequent and comfortable, with fares ranging from ₹200 to ₹800 depending on class.

• The famous Kalka-Shimla toy train offers a scenic route but is slower and less frequent. Shimla station is about 60 km from Narkanda by road, requiring a taxi or bus to complete the journey.

• Chandigarh Railway Station is well connected to many Indian cities and lies approximately 120 km from Narkanda. From here, you can hire a taxi or take a bus for the uphill drive.

• Train travel is best combined with road transport as there is no direct train to Narkanda. Seasonal fog during winters may cause minor delays on some routes.

Bus

Buses are a cost-effective and widely used option to reach Narkanda from nearby towns. State-run and private buses operate regularly, but comfort and frequency vary by season.

• Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) runs regular buses from Shimla to Narkanda, covering about 60 km in 2 to 3 hours. Ticket prices range from ₹50 to ₹150 depending on bus type.

• Buses from Chandigarh to Narkanda are less frequent and take around 5 to 6 hours due to hilly roads. Booking in advance during peak seasons is advisable.

• Private Volvo and deluxe buses operate between Delhi and Shimla, but you will need to switch to a local bus or taxi for Narkanda.

• During monsoon, landslides can cause delays or cancellations. Night buses are less common due to winding roads and safety concerns.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Narkanda offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic views along the way. The roads are well maintained but can be narrow and winding in some stretches.

• The distance from Shimla to Narkanda is about 60 km via NH205, taking roughly 2 hours by car. The route passes through Hatu Peak and apple orchards, with several small eateries en route.

• From Chandigarh, the drive is around 120 km via NH5 and NH205, taking about 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Expect toll plazas on the highways, and watch for occasional fog in winter mornings which can reduce visibility.

• Self-drive is ideal for travelers who want to stop at viewpoints or explore nearby villages. Ensure your vehicle is well serviced for hill driving and carry extra fuel as petrol pumps are limited.

Flight

The nearest airport to Narkanda is Shimla Airport, but it has limited connectivity. Chandigarh Airport is the better option for most travelers flying in from other states.

• Shimla Airport is about 60 km from Narkanda and mainly serves small aircraft with flights from Delhi. Flight frequency is low and weather conditions often cause cancellations.

• Chandigarh International Airport is well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. It is approximately 120 km from Narkanda.

• From Chandigarh Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Narkanda. Taxi fares range from ₹2500 to ₹3500 depending on vehicle type.

• Booking flights early during peak seasons like winter and summer holidays is important as seats fill quickly.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Narkanda to make their journey smooth and hassle-free.

• Book your train or flight tickets to Kalka, Shimla, or Chandigarh well in advance, especially during holidays, using IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes.

• From your arrival station or airport, arrange a taxi or check bus schedules for onward travel to Narkanda. Prepaid taxi counters or apps like Ola and Uber are available in Chandigarh and Shimla.

• If taking a bus, arrive early at the bus depot to get good seats and confirm the bus type (ordinary or deluxe) for comfort on hilly roads.

• Carry light luggage with essential warm clothes, as temperatures in Narkanda can drop sharply, especially at night and in winter.

• Plan your departure time to avoid night travel on mountain roads, as visibility and road safety can be challenging after dark.

• Keep emergency contacts handy, including local taxi numbers and HRTC helpline, in case of delays or roadblocks due to weather.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and snacks during road travel, as food options on the highway can be limited and hygiene varies.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs when arriving at stations or airports to avoid overcharging by local drivers unfamiliar to tourists.

• During monsoon, check weather and road conditions before traveling, as landslides and road closures are common in Himachal Pradesh.

• Book your train or bus tickets online through IRCTC or HRTC portals to secure confirmed seats and avoid long queues at stations.

• Carry a physical copy of your ID and booking confirmations, as these are often required during ticket checks and hotel check-ins.

• Wear comfortable shoes and carry a small first-aid kit, as some parts of Narkanda involve walking on uneven terrain or hiking trails.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Narkanda depends on the experience you want. Summers offer pleasant weather, while winters bring snow and skiing opportunities.

Travel conditions vary with seasons, so planning accordingly helps avoid discomfort and delays.

• Avoid traveling during peak festival seasons like Diwali and Christmas when roads and accommodations are crowded and prices surge.

• Monsoon months (July to September) can cause landslides and slippery roads, making travel risky and slower.

• Winter mornings often have dense fog reducing visibility, so start your journey after sunrise for safer driving.

• Early morning departures from nearby cities help avoid traffic jams and allow you to reach Narkanda before dark.

Arrival at Narkanda & What to Expect

When you arrive in Narkanda, you will find a small town with limited but sufficient facilities for tourists. The main bus stand and taxi drop points are close to the town center.

Local transport options include shared taxis, auto-rickshaws, and private cabs. Many hotels offer pickup services if informed in advance. Popular areas to stay include near the Hatu Peak road and the main market area, which have good access to restaurants and shops.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Narkanda is to take a train or flight to Chandigarh or Shimla, followed by a comfortable taxi or bus ride up the hills. This combination balances convenience, cost, and travel time well.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather updates, and choosing travel times that avoid night driving and peak traffic. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a safe and scenic journey to Narkanda’s beautiful hill station.