Narkanda is a beautiful hill station located in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its apple orchards, skiing slopes, and scenic views of the Himalayas. Chandigarh, the capital city of Punjab and Haryana, serves as a major gateway to Himachal Pradesh and is a common starting point for travelers heading to Narkanda.

This guide will help you understand the main ways to travel from Chandigarh to Narkanda. You will learn about trains, buses, self-drive options, and practical travel tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Chandigarh to Narkanda – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable and scenic option up to the nearest railhead. However, Narkanda itself does not have a railway station, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway station to Narkanda is Shimla Railway Station, about 65 km away, connected to Chandigarh via Kalka on the broad gauge line and then the narrow gauge toy train from Kalka to Shimla.

• From Chandigarh Railway Station, trains to Kalka run frequently, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours, with fares ranging from ₹100 to ₹300 depending on class and train type.

• The Kalka-Shimla toy train is a UNESCO World Heritage narrow gauge line, offering a scenic journey of about 5 to 6 hours, but it is slower and less frequent, so plan accordingly during peak tourist seasons.

• After reaching Shimla, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Narkanda, which is about a 2-hour drive via NH5, with taxi fares typically between ₹1,200 and ₹1,800.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Narkanda from Chandigarh. Both government and private operators run services connecting these points, suitable for budget travelers.

• Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) operates regular buses from Chandigarh ISBT to Narkanda, with journey times around 5 to 6 hours covering approximately 125 km.

• Bus fares generally range from ₹150 to ₹300 depending on the type of bus, such as ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo services.

• During peak seasons like summer holidays and winter ski months, buses can get crowded, so booking tickets in advance through the HRTC website or counters is advisable.

• The route follows NH5 and NH205, passing through towns like Solan and Shimla, with several rest stops offering local snacks and tea.

• Monsoon season may cause occasional delays due to landslides or road repairs, so check weather and road conditions before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Chandigarh to Narkanda offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy the scenic mountain roads at your own pace. This option suits travelers comfortable with hilly terrain driving.

• The distance by road is approximately 125 km via NH5 and NH205, with a typical drive time of 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through Chandigarh, Panchkula, Solan, and Shimla before reaching Narkanda, featuring well-maintained highways but some narrow mountain stretches.

• Toll plazas are present on NH5 and NH205, so keep some cash handy; toll charges usually range between ₹50 and ₹150 for this route.

• Fuel stations and eateries are available along the way, especially near Solan and Shimla, making it convenient for breaks and refreshments.

• During winter, some roads may be slippery due to snow or ice, so ensure your vehicle is equipped with necessary gear like snow chains and check weather forecasts before departure.

Flight

There is no airport in Narkanda. The nearest airport is Shimla Airport, which has limited connectivity. Chandigarh Airport is the closest major airport to start your journey.

• Chandigarh International Airport offers flights to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, making it accessible for travelers arriving by air.

• From Chandigarh Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Narkanda, with road travel taking approximately 4 to 5 hours.

• Shimla Airport, about 70 km from Narkanda, has limited flights mainly from Delhi; however, flights are often affected by weather conditions, especially fog in winter.

• Due to limited flight options and weather dependency, flying is generally not the preferred mode to reach Narkanda directly.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Chandigarh to Narkanda, ensuring a smooth and well-organized journey.

• Book your train or bus tickets in advance through IRCTC or HRTC websites to secure your preferred timing and avoid last-minute rush, especially during holidays.

• If traveling by train, plan your arrival at Kalka early to catch the toy train to Shimla, as seats are limited and the journey is scenic but slow.

• Arrange a taxi or check bus schedules from Shimla to Narkanda ahead of time, as public transport frequency reduces in the evenings and off-season.

• Pack warm clothes and some snacks for the journey, as mountain weather can be chilly and food options limited on certain stretches.

• Use mobile apps like Ola or Uber in Chandigarh and Shimla for local transport, but in Narkanda, prepaid taxis or local buses are more reliable due to limited app coverage.

• Check weather forecasts before departure to avoid delays caused by monsoon rains or winter snow, and keep emergency contacts handy.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a bottle of safe drinking water and avoid roadside water sources to prevent stomach issues common during mountain travel in India.

• Book your tickets early during peak seasons like summer holidays and winter ski months to avoid sold-out situations and inflated fares.

• Use prepaid taxi services or trusted local cabs in Shimla and Narkanda to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Pack light but include warm layers, as temperatures can drop suddenly in the hills, especially after sunset.

• Be cautious of monsoon season landslides; check local news and road conditions before starting your journey.

• Carry some cash in small denominations, as many small eateries and local transport providers may not accept digital payments.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Chandigarh to Narkanda depends on your preference for weather and activities. Summer months offer pleasant weather, while winter attracts skiing enthusiasts.

Monsoon season from July to September can cause roadblocks and delays due to landslides, so it is advisable to avoid this period for safer travel.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas in Shimla and Chandigarh, as roads and transport get crowded and prices rise.

• Winter months (December to February) bring snow to Narkanda, which can cause slippery roads and occasional closures; plan accordingly.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic in Chandigarh and reach Narkanda before dusk, ensuring safer mountain driving.

• Summer (April to June) is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities, with clear roads and comfortable temperatures.

Arrival at Narkanda & What to Expect

When you arrive in Narkanda, you will find a small town with limited public transport but friendly locals and basic amenities. The main bus stand and taxi stands are close to the town center.

Local transport options include shared taxis and small buses that connect nearby villages and tourist spots. Most travelers prefer hiring private taxis for convenience. Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels near the main market area.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola or Uber are not widely available in Narkanda, so it is best to negotiate fares beforehand or book through your hotel. The town is walkable, but hilly terrain means comfortable footwear is recommended.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Narkanda from Chandigarh depends on your priorities. For comfort and scenic experience, combining train travel to Shimla with a taxi to Narkanda works well. For budget travelers, direct buses offer a convenient and affordable option. Self-driving provides flexibility but requires caution on mountain roads.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport in advance will ensure a smooth journey. With these tips and options, you can confidently plan your trip from Chandigarh to Narkanda and enjoy the beautiful Himalayan landscapes and peaceful hill station atmosphere.