Pickup Chandigarh Narkanda Via Shimla - Sangla - Kaza - Local - Nako - Shimla - Flyback Chandigarh

Embark on a captivating journey from the city of Chandigarh to the serene hills of Narkanda, with a charming stopover in the queen of hills, Shimla. This road trip covers approximately 175 km and typically takes around 5-6 hours of driving time, not including stops.

Begin your day by departing from Chandigarh towards Shimla. The drive from Chandigarh to Shimla spans roughly 110 km and takes about 3 to 4 hours, navigating through scenic mountain roads and small towns.

En route to Shimla, consider visiting the following attractions:

• Pinjore Gardens: Just outside Chandigarh, these 17th-century Mughal gardens offer a refreshing stop.
• Timber Trail, Parwanoo: Experience a thrilling ropeway ride offering panoramic views of the Shivalik range (optional, time permitting).
• Kalka-Shimla Railway viewpoints: Catch glimpses of the UNESCO World Heritage toy train track.

Upon reaching Shimla, take a brief break to stretch your legs and perhaps enjoy lunch amidst the bustling Mall Road or Ridge. After a refreshing stop, continue your onward journey towards Narkanda. The distance from Shimla to Narkanda is approximately 65 km, and this leg of the journey will take around 2 hours.

As you drive from Shimla to Narkanda, you'll encounter these picturesque spots:

• Kufri: Known for its scenic beauty, zoological park, and adventure activities like horse riding and yak rides.
• Fagu: A small village offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and apple orchards.

Arrive in Narkanda, a tranquil hill station nestled amidst dense forests and apple orchards. Check into your hotel and settle in. The rest of your day can be dedicated to exploring the serene surroundings of Narkanda.

Before beginning your drive, ensure any remaining sights in Narkanda, such as the panoramic views from Hatu Peak (if not visited previously), are completed. Today, embark on a picturesque journey from Narkanda towards the stunning Sangla Valley, a drive renowned for its dramatic landscapes and cultural stops.

Your first leg takes you from Narkanda to the spiritual town of Sarahan, approximately 90 km away, which will take around 3 to 3.5 hours due to winding mountain roads. The route descends through verdant hillsides, offering glimpses of the Sutlej River valley.

En route to Sarahan, consider these stops:

• Sarahan: Visit the iconic Bhimakali Temple, a magnificent example of Himachali architecture and a revered Shakti Peeth. Explore its intricate woodwork and spiritual ambiance.

After your visit to Sarahan, continue your onward journey to Sangla, covering the remaining 65 km, which will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. This part of the drive is particularly scenic as you enter the Kinnaur Valley.

En route to Sangla from Sarahan:

• Wangtu Bridge: Pause for a photo opportunity at this impressive bridge spanning the Sutlej River, marking your entry into the more rugged terrain of Kinnaur.
• Karcham: Witness the confluence of the Sutlej and Baspa rivers and catch views of the massive Karcham-Wangtoo Hydroelectric Project from the road.

Upon arrival in Sangla, check into your accommodation and unwind. The evening is free to explore this beautiful valley. Nestled beside the Baspa River, Sangla is famous for its natural beauty and unique culture.

In Sangla, explore these charming attractions:

• Kamru Fort: A multi-storied tower-like fort with a rich history and a temple dedicated to Kamakshi Devi.
• Bering Nag Temple: An important local temple dedicated to Lord Jagas, offering insights into local religious practices.
• Sangla Meadow (Batseri Village): Take a leisurely stroll through the lush green meadows alongside the Baspa River, soaking in the serene mountain views.

Enjoy a delicious local dinner before resting for the night, concluding your scenic single-day journey through the heart of Himachal Pradesh.

Your scenic journey from Sangla to Kaza begins bright and early! After checking out from your hotel in Sangla, ensure all remaining sightseeing in Sangla Valley is completed before you embark on this breathtaking drive into Spiti. The route will take you through dramatic landscapes, challenging roads, and high-altitude villages.

The first significant leg of your journey is from Sangla to Nako, covering approximately 160 km and taking around 7-8 hours, including short stops. This stretch traverses the stunning Kinnaur Valley, hugging the Sutlej River.

En route from Sangla to Nako, you will pass through:

• Powari and Reckong Peo: Administrative centers of Kinnaur, offering glimpses of local life.
• Pooh: A small, picturesque town often serving as a stopover for travelers, on the Hindustan Tibet Road.
• Khab: The confluence of the Spiti and Sutlej rivers, a spectacular sight as you transition towards a drier landscape.
• Nako Lake: A serene, high-altitude lake surrounded by willow trees and the Nako Monastery. Take some time to stroll around its tranquil waters.

After a refreshing stop at Nako, continue your drive towards Kaza. This segment from Nako to Kaza is about 110 km and typically takes approximately 4-5 hours, showcasing the unique barren beauty of the Spiti Valley.

En route from Nako to Kaza, you will encounter:

• Gue Monastery: Home to a remarkably preserved natural mummy of a meditating lama.
• Tabo Monastery: Often called the "Ajanta of the Himalayas," this ancient monastery houses exquisite frescoes and stucco sculptures.
• Dhankar Monastery and Village: Perched precariously on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Pin and Spiti rivers, offering unparalleled views.

Upon arrival in Kaza, the heart of the Spiti Valley, check into your accommodation. The rest of your evening is at leisure to relax after the long and exhilarating drive. You might take a short stroll to acclimatize to the high altitude and soak in the initial impressions of this magical cold desert landscape.

Embark on an unforgettable single-day journey exploring the cultural and natural wonders surrounding Kaza. Your adventure begins as you set out from Kaza, ready to delve into the heart of Spiti Valley's spiritual and fossil-rich landscapes.

First, head towards the iconic Key Monastery. This drive from Kaza is approximately 12 km and takes around 30-40 minutes, offering breathtaking views of the Spiti River.

Highlights of Your Day:

• Key Monastery (Ki Gompa): Perched majestically atop a hill, this is the largest and most famous monastery in the Spiti Valley. Explore its ancient temples, intricate murals, and collection of rare thangkas, and soak in the serene monastic life.
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• After an enriching visit, continue your drive towards the villages of Langza and Komic. The journey from Key Monastery, often via parts of the Kaza road, to Langza is approximately 25-30 km and can take about 1 to 1.5 hours due to the winding mountain roads.
• Langza Village: Known as the "Fossil Village" of Spiti, Langza is famous for its ancient marine fossils. Spot the towering Buddha statue overlooking the valley and enjoy panoramic views of the Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak.
• Komic Village: Perched at an astonishing altitude, Komic is one of the highest motorable villages in the world. Visit the Tangyud Monastery, explore the local culture, and enjoy a warm meal at a local cafe.

As the afternoon draws to a close, begin your scenic return journey to Kaza, which is roughly 18-20 km from Komic and takes about 45-60 minutes. Reflect on a day filled with spiritual insights, ancient history, and unparalleled natural beauty in the high Himalayas.

Start your day with an early breakfast in Kaza. After checking out from your accommodation, prepare for a captivating journey through the rugged and beautiful landscapes of the Spiti Valley, heading towards Nako via the ancient village of Tabo. Any remaining sightseeing in Kaza should ideally be completed the previous day or very early this morning before departure.

The first leg of your journey takes you from Kaza to Tabo, covering approximately 50 km and taking around 2 hours to drive, depending on road conditions and stops.

En route, you will visit the following attractions:

• Dhankar Monastery: Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers, this ancient monastery offers breathtaking panoramic views. Explore its old prayer halls and admire the unique architecture.

Upon arrival in Tabo, immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of the region.

• Tabo Monastery: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as the "Ajanta of the Himalayas." This 11th-century monastery complex is home to stunning ancient murals, stucco sculptures, and numerous temples that have been remarkably preserved over centuries. Spend time exploring its sacred chambers and feeling its profound tranquility.

After your visit to Tabo, continue your scenic drive towards Nako. This segment covers approximately 65 km and typically takes around 2.5 hours, offering more spectacular vistas of the cold desert mountains.

En route from Tabo to Nako, make sure to stop at:

• Giu Monastery (Mummy Temple): Take a short detour from the main highway to visit this unique monastery which houses the remarkably well-preserved 500-year-old mummy of Sangha Tenzin, a Buddhist monk.

Finally, arrive at the picturesque village of Nako, nestled on the edge of the Kinnaur district.

Upon reaching Nako, the rest of your day can be spent exploring its serene beauty:

• Nako Lake: A tranquil high-altitude lake, surrounded by willow and poplar trees. Take a leisurely stroll around its perimeter and enjoy the serene reflections of the surrounding mountains.
• Nako Monastery: Explore the ancient monastery complex within the village, which dates back to the 11th century and features several temples with intricate artwork.
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Check into your accommodation in Nako for an overnight stay, reflecting on the day's incredible journey through Spiti's cultural and natural wonders.

Note: No Sights will be visited twice even though mentioned twice in the itinerary, and no alternative sight would be covered. We might have mentioned the multiple so that traveller does not miss it.

Embark on an early morning drive from Nako, making sure to complete your hotel checkout before setting off. The journey to Shimla is a picturesque but extensive one, covering approximately 290-310 km and taking around 10-12 hours, excluding major stops. It is crucial to start early to comfortably reach your destination before nightfall.

En route, immerse yourself in the evolving landscapes and consider these brief stops:

• Kinnaur Valley views: Marvel at the dramatic transition from barren mountains to lush greenery as you descend through the Kinnaur Valley.

Upon arrival in Shimla in the late evening, check into your pre-booked hotel. Given the long travel day, the evening is best spent at leisure, allowing you to relax and unwind.

Enjoy a comfortable dinner at one of the many restaurants on Mall Road before retiring for the night, ready for new adventures the following day.

Your day begins with checking out from your hotel in Shimla. Before departing, you may wish to capture some final panoramic views of the hill station or enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Afterward, embark on a scenic drive towards Chandigarh, with the option to drop off at Kalka.

The journey from Shimla to Kalka is approximately 90-100 kilometers and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. From Kalka to Chandigarh, it's a further 30-40 kilometers, adding another 1 to 1.5 hours to your travel time. The total estimated drive from Shimla to Chandigarh is about 120-140 kilometers, taking approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and stops.

En route to Kalka/Chandigarh, consider visiting:

• Pinjore Gardens (Yadavindra Gardens) – A beautiful Mughal-style garden featuring fountains, palaces, and lush greenery, located just before Kalka.

Upon reaching Kalka, guests opting for a drop-off can disembark. For those continuing, proceed directly to Chandigarh. Upon arrival in Chandigarh, the modern and well-planned city, you will be dropped at your desired location, concluding your journey.

Note: If you wish to visit sights in Chandigarh due to time available, it would be charged additionally based on the vehicle.