Epic Shimla to Chitkul Road Trip – Itinerary, Tips & Hidden Gems

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Shimla to Chitkul Road Trip

If the Himalayas were a storybook, the road from Shimla to Chitkul would be the most poetic chapter. A journey through winding mountain roads, cedar forests, ancient temples, and apple-laden valleys — this Kinnaur road trip takes you from the colonial charm of Shimla to the mystical calm of Chitkul — the last inhabited village of India near the Tibet border.

Fasten your seatbelt — this isn’t just a road trip; it’s a journey into the soul of Himachal Pradesh.

Complete Shimla to Chitkul Itinerary & Route Overview

Distance	Approx. 250–270 km
Route	Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Kalpa → Sangla → Chitkul
Best Season	April–June & September–October
Time Required	3 to 5 days (ideal for relaxed travel)
Total Drive Time	~10–12 hours (excluding stops)

✅ Roads are narrow and winding but well-maintained (NH-5)

Day 1 – Scenic Drive from Shimla to Narkanda

Distance: 60 km | Time: 2–3 hours
Drive through tall pine forests and apple orchards
Must-Visit:
- Kufri – quick detour for views & yak rides
- Theog – breakfast stop
- Hatu Peak (Narkanda) – panoramic Himalayan views
Stay Option: Overnight at Narkanda for a peaceful hilltop escape

📍 Pro Tip: Try fresh apples or apricot juice during season

Day 2 – Road Trip from Narkanda to Kalpa via Rampur

Distance: 160 km | Time: 5–6 hours
Cross the Sutlej River, pass through rugged terrain
Highlights:
- Rampur Bushahr – historic trade town on old Tibet road
- Jhakri Waterfall (near Jeori)
- Karcham Dam – major hydro project and gateway to Sangla
Reach Kalpa by evening for sunset over Kinnaur Kailash

✅ Kalpa Stay Tip: Book a stay with a view of the Shivling peak

Day 3 – Travel from Kalpa to Sangla via Baspa Valley

Distance: 38 km | Time: ~2 hours
One of the most scenic stretches — narrow roads with pine cliffs
Explore En Route:
- Kamru Fort in Sangla – ancient wooden marvel
- Baspa River – perfect for riverside picnics
- Batseri village – stone paths and wooden temples
Enjoy camping or homestays along the Baspa River

🎒 Add activities like:

Nature trails
Trout fishing
Bonfires under the stars

Day 4 – Journey to Chitkul: India’s Last Inhabited Village

Distance: 22 km | Time: ~1 hour
Welcome to Chitkul — the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border
What to See:
- Traditional wooden houses with slate roofs
- Buddhist monasteries and old temples
- ITBP check post — trek 5 mins beyond for a selfie at the border signboard
Altitude: ~3,450 meters — carry warm clothes

✅ Enjoy the famous rajma-chawal at Hindustan ka Aakhri Dhaba!

Must-Try Food on the Shimla to Chitkul Route

Shimla: Madra, Siddu, Himachali thali
Rampur: Local river fish and rajma
Kalpa: Apple desserts, local cider
Sangla & Chitkul: Rajma-chawal, thukpa, butter tea

✅ Stay hydrated and eat light in higher altitudes

Best Places to Stay Between Shimla and Chitkul

Location	Recommended Stays
Shimla	Hotel Willow Banks, Snow Valley Resorts
Narkanda	The Wilderness, Hatu Peak Retreat
Kalpa	Hotel Kinner Kailash, Kalpa Deshang Homestay
Sangla	Banjara Camps, The Monk
Chitkul	Zostel Chitkul, Wanderer’s Nest Homestay

Suggested Shimla to Chitkul Road Trip Itinerary

Day	Location	Key Activities
1	Shimla → Narkanda	Sightseeing, local food, relax
2	Narkanda → Kalpa	Roadside views, Kalpa sunset
3	Kalpa → Sangla	Kamru Fort, riverside stay
4	Sangla → Chitkul	Explore Chitkul, border trek
5	Return or extend	Return via same route or explore Spiti

Top Photo Spots on the Shimla to Chitkul Drive

Spot	What to Capture
Hatu Peak	Himalayan panorama shots
Kalpa Ridge	Sunrise over Kinnaur Kailash
Kamru Fort	Wooden carvings and valley view
Baspa River	Reflections and pine forests
Chitkul Border	Signboard selfie: “Last village of India”

Important Tips for the Shimla to Chitkul Road Journey

Start early every day to avoid night driving
Carry extra fuel; next petrol pump after Rampur is in Peo
Keep ID and permits (if traveling further to Spiti or restricted zones)
Avoid monsoon months (July–Aug) due to landslides
Mobile networks work best: BSNL, Jio (limited beyond Kalpa)

Summary

The road trip from Shimla to Chitkul isn’t just about reaching a destination — it’s about every curve, every smile from a roadside villager, every apple tree, and every river crossed. It’s about journeying into a different pace of life, where nature and culture come together in perfect harmony.

Planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh? Don’t miss our other posts on amazing places in the Kinnaur District.