Overview
Delhi to Narkanda is roughly 400–410 km, usually 10 to 11 hours by taxi: up the NH44 to Zirakpur, the NH5 through Kalka, Solan and Shimla, then about 63 km along the old Hindustan–Tibet road via Kufri and Theog to Narkanda's ridge at roughly 2,700 m. Narkanda is one of the most reliable places within a day's drive of Delhi for winter snow and beginner skiing, and in spring and autumn it's quiet apple country with views of the higher Himalaya from Hatu Peak. Most Delhi families either leave very early or stop a night in Shimla. We pick you up anywhere in Delhi NCR and drive you straight to your Narkanda hotel.
Usual route: NH44 to Zirakpur, NH5 via Kalka, Solan and Shimla, then the Hindustan–Tibet road via Kufri and Theog
Included
- Fuel and driver allowance
- Tolls and state entry taxes
- Pickup anywhere in Delhi
- Short refreshment stops
Not included
- ×Parking at sightseeing stops
- ×Detours beyond the agreed route (quoted upfront)
- ×Night allowance on trips that need one (quoted upfront)
The climb from Delhi to Narkanda
How high you go, and the stops along the way. Useful if anyone in your group gets motion sick or feels the altitude.
Start
216 m
Delhi
Total climb
+2,494 m
over ~405 km
Finish
2,710 m
Narkanda
- Delhi
- Murthal
- Dharampur
- Shimla
- Kufri
- Theog
- Narkanda
Illustrative profile. Start, finish altitudes are approximate; stops are shown in order, not to scale.
Delhi to Narkanda taxi fare and cab rates
Starting prices for a one-way trip (~405 km), per vehicle, with fuel, driver, tolls and HP entry tax included. Your exact price is confirmed in writing on WhatsApp before you book; it can vary with dates, vehicle model and extra stops. All Himachal taxi fares
₹9,300
starting · one way
₹11,750
starting · one way
₹12,950
starting · one way
₹21,050
starting · one way
Your quote
Delhi → Narkanda
Sedan · one way · ~405 km
- FuelIncluded
- Driver & driver allowanceIncluded
- Highway tollsIncluded
- Himachal state entry taxIncluded
- Pickup anywhere in DelhiIncluded
Total you pay
starting price
₹9,300
Only ever extra: parking at sightseeing stops you choose (paid at cost), and detours you add on the day (quoted before you go).
Driving tips for this route
- 1Leave Delhi by 4–5 am to reach Narkanda by mid-afternoon.
- 2A night in Shimla splits the trip into an eight-hour day and a two-hour morning.
- 3The driver uses the Shimla bypass and goes straight to Dhalli, avoiding the town centre.
- 4After heavy snow, the road beyond Kufri or Theog can close for a day or two; we check before leaving.
- 5Winter fog on the NH44 (December–January) can slow the morning; we may start later for safety.
Worthwhile stops on the way
Delhi
Pickup
Murthal
Breakfast dhabas an hour out of Delhi.
Dharampur
Tea stop in the lower hills.
Shimla
Lunch, or an overnight stop.
Kufri
Snow point just above Shimla.
Theog
Market town halfway between Shimla and Narkanda.
Narkanda
Drop at your hotel
Snow within reach of Delhi
Narkanda is higher than Shimla and Kufri, so it usually keeps snow on the slopes near town for weeks in a typical winter, when Shimla may have none. That's why it's where the skiing happens, with beginner slopes and equipment hire in good years. For Delhi families wanting a proper snow holiday without going as far as Manali, it's one of the best options.
Things to do in Narkanda
The main outing is Hatu Peak, at around 3,400 m, about 7–8 km above town on a narrow road, with a carved wooden temple to Hatu Mata and views of the higher Himalaya. Tannu Jubbar lake is a short drive away. Below the ridge, the orchards of Kotgarh and Thanedar are where Samuel Stokes is credited with introducing new apple varieties; late summer and autumn bring the harvest.
- Hatu Peak and Hatu Mata temple
- Tannu Jubbar lake
- Skiing in winter
- Kotgarh and Thanedar orchards
Splitting the drive at Shimla
Ten or eleven hours is a long day, especially with children or in winter, when daylight is short. Stopping a night in Shimla breaks it into a long first day of seven to nine hours and a two-hour second morning, with an evening on the Mall Road and the Ridge in between. With the same car for both days, you pay for the extra day, not a second trip.
Going on from Narkanda
What to pack for a snow trip
Narkanda in January and February is properly cold, often well below freezing at night. Pack thermal underlayers, a warm jacket, gloves, a woollen cap and waterproof shoes; snow boots and ski gear can be hired locally in season. Sunscreen and sunglasses matter on bright snow days. Carry some cash for ski hire, parking and dhabas, and keep a change of socks in the car, since wet feet are the quickest way to spoil a snow day.
Weather & road conditions
When to go to Narkanda
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January: Snow likely, roads can close | February: Snow likely, roads can close | March: Best time | April: Best time | May: Best time | June: Best time | July: Monsoon, landslide risk | August: Monsoon, landslide risk | September: Best time | October: Best time | November: Best time | December: Snow likely, roads can close |
- Best time
- Snow likely, roads can close
- Monsoon, landslide risk
- Fine, check weather
Pickup options
- • Delhi NCR addresses (Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad)
- • Delhi airport (all terminals)
- • New Delhi, Old Delhi and Nizamuddin stations
Other ways to travel
Overnight buses run from Delhi to Shimla, with HRTC buses on to Narkanda. Trains go to Kalka, then the toy train to Shimla.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Delhi to Narkanda cab cost?+
Starting one-way fares are Sedan ₹9,300, SUV ₹11,750, Toyota Innova Crysta ₹12,950, Tempo Traveller ₹21,050, all-inclusive with fuel, driver, tolls and Himachal entry tax. Your exact taxi price is confirmed in writing on WhatsApp before you book.
How far is Narkanda from Delhi?+
Roughly 400–410 km, usually 10 to 11 hours by taxi (approximate; verification pending).
Can we reach Narkanda in one day?+
Yes, with a 4–5 am start. A night in Shimla makes it easier.
Is there snow in Narkanda?+
Usually from late December to February, more reliably than in Shimla.
Is skiing available?+
In good snow years, beginner skiing runs in winter, with equipment hire in season.
Can we visit Hatu Peak?+
Yes, if the road is open. It may be closed after snow.
Which car is best in winter?+
An SUV, for snow and the Hatu road.
Can children try skiing?+
In good snow years, instructors offer beginner lessons for children and adults; ask about it when you book your hotel.
Where do we stay in Narkanda?+
HPTDC's Hotel Hatu and several private hotels and homestays sit on or near the highway; book early for snow weekends.
Reviews
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