Narkanda is a beautiful hill station located in Himachal Pradesh, known for its scenic views and pleasant climate. It lies about 340 kilometers north of Delhi, nestled in the Himalayan foothills. Many travelers from Delhi visit Narkanda to enjoy its natural beauty and peaceful environment.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Narkanda. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. This will help you plan your journey with confidence and ease.

Getting from Delhi to Narkanda – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a comfortable and economical option for part of the journey from Delhi to Narkanda. However, Narkanda does not have a direct railway station, so you will need to combine train and road travel.

• The nearest major railway station to Narkanda is Shimla Railway Station, which is about 65 kilometers away. You can take a train from New Delhi Railway Station to Kalka or Chandigarh, then board the famous Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge train or a connecting bus to Shimla.

• The train journey from Delhi to Kalka takes around 4 to 6 hours, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹1,200 depending on the class of travel. Trains run frequently, but booking in advance via IRCTC is recommended, especially during holidays.

• From Shimla Railway Station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Narkanda. The road trip from Shimla to Narkanda takes about 2 to 3 hours, covering 65 kilometers on National Highway 5 and NH205, with tolls and winding mountain roads.

• During winter, the Kalka-Shimla train may face delays due to fog or snow, so plan accordingly. Also, the narrow-gauge train is slower but offers scenic views of the hills.

Bus

Buses are a popular and budget-friendly way to reach Narkanda from Delhi, especially for travelers who prefer direct road transport without train changes.

• Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) operates Volvo and deluxe buses from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Shimla, which takes around 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.

• From Shimla, you can catch a local HRTC bus or shared taxi to Narkanda. The bus journey takes about 2 to 3 hours, with fares ranging from ₹100 to ₹300 for this segment.

• Direct private buses to Narkanda from Delhi are rare, so most travelers prefer to break the journey at Shimla. Buses run frequently but can be crowded during peak tourist seasons and festivals.

• Road conditions on NH44 and NH205 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause landslides and delays. It is advisable to check weather updates before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Narkanda is a flexible and scenic option, ideal for travelers who want to explore at their own pace and stop en route.

• The distance from Delhi to Narkanda by road is approximately 340 kilometers, which takes about 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. The route mainly follows NH44 and NH205 through Karnal, Ambala, Chandigarh, and Shimla.

• Driving allows you to stop at popular places like Chandigarh and Shimla for refreshments or sightseeing. Fuel costs for the trip can range from ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 depending on your vehicle’s mileage.

• Roads are mostly well-maintained, but the mountainous section near Narkanda has sharp turns and narrow stretches, so drive carefully, especially during fog or rain.

• There are several toll plazas on the route, so keep cash or FASTag ready. Popular rest stops with food options include Murthal (famous for dhabas), Ambala, and Solan.

• Self-drive cars can be rented from Delhi with daily rates starting around ₹2,000. Ensure your vehicle is serviced and equipped for hill driving before starting the journey.

Flight

There is no airport in Narkanda, but flying is an option for part of the journey if you want to save time on the Delhi to Himachal Pradesh leg.

• The nearest airport to Narkanda is Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti), about 65 kilometers away. It has limited flights from Delhi operated by small aircraft, taking about 45 minutes.

• Flights from Delhi to Shimla can be expensive, ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 one way, and are subject to weather cancellations, especially in winter.

• From Shimla Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Narkanda. The road journey takes 2 to 3 hours with fares around ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 by taxi.

• Due to limited flight frequency and weather dependency, flying is less popular but useful for travelers with tight schedules or mobility issues.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Narkanda, helping you navigate the journey smoothly with clear steps and practical tips.

• Step 1: Book your train or bus tickets in advance through IRCTC or HRTC websites to secure seats, especially during holidays or weekends when demand is high.

• Step 2: Reach your departure point early—New Delhi Railway Station for trains or ISBT Kashmiri Gate for buses—to avoid last-minute rush and find your platform or bus easily.

• Step 3: If traveling by train, disembark at Kalka or Chandigarh and transfer to the Kalka-Shimla toy train or a connecting bus. Confirm timings beforehand to minimize waiting time.

• Step 4: Upon reaching Shimla, arrange local transport to Narkanda. Prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available but book in advance during peak seasons.

• Step 5: Carry light luggage and warm clothing, as the weather in Narkanda can be cool even in summer. Keep snacks and water handy for the mountain road journey.

• Step 6: Inform someone about your travel plan and expected arrival time for safety, especially if traveling alone or during off-peak hours.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a valid ID proof and keep digital copies of your tickets and bookings to avoid hassles during ticket checks or police verification on highways.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water and eat at well-known eateries to avoid stomach issues, especially when traveling by road through rural areas.

• Book your tickets online early, as last-minute bookings can be difficult during festivals like Diwali or summer vacations when many tourists visit Himachal Pradesh.

• Use local transport apps or prepaid taxi counters at Shimla and Narkanda for safer and fair-priced rides instead of hailing random cabs.

• Pack a basic first-aid kit and any necessary medications, as medical facilities in Narkanda are limited compared to Delhi.

• During monsoon (July to September), check weather and road conditions regularly, as landslides can disrupt travel and cause delays.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Narkanda depends on your weather preference and road conditions. Summers offer pleasant weather, while winters bring snow and cold temperatures.

Monsoon season can cause travel disruptions due to landslides and slippery roads, so it is advisable to avoid traveling during heavy rains.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and New Year when roads and trains are crowded, and accommodation prices rise sharply.

• Winter months (December to February) bring fog and occasional snowfall, which can delay trains and flights but offer beautiful snow-covered landscapes.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and reach Narkanda by evening, allowing you to settle before dark on mountain roads.

• Summer months (April to June) are ideal for comfortable travel with clear roads and moderate temperatures in the hills.

Arrival at Narkanda & What to Expect

When you arrive in Narkanda, you will find a small town with limited public transport but good options for local travel. The main bus stand and taxi stands are close to the town center.

Most visitors stay in hotels or guesthouses near the Hatu Peak road or the main market area. Prepaid taxis and shared cabs are available for local sightseeing or transfers to nearby attractions.

App-based cab services like Ola and Uber are not widely available in Narkanda, so it is best to arrange transport through your hotel or local operators. Walking is also a good way to explore the town safely.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Narkanda from Delhi is by combining train and road travel—taking a train to Kalka or Chandigarh, then continuing by bus or taxi to Shimla and finally to Narkanda. This option balances comfort, cost, and scenic experience.

For those who prefer flexibility, self-driving offers freedom to explore en route but requires careful planning and driving skills on mountain roads. Bus travel is economical but can be slower and crowded during peak seasons. Flights to Shimla are limited and weather-dependent.

By following this guide’s step-by-step plan and practical tips, you can confidently plan your trip to Narkanda. Prepare your bookings in advance, check weather updates, and choose the transport mode that suits your comfort and budget. Enjoy your journey to this serene Himalayan destination!