Overview
Shimla to Chail is about 44–49 km by the Kufri road, usually 1½ to 2 hours by taxi, or about 55 km by the longer Kandaghat route. Chail, at about 2,250 m, was built as a summer retreat by the Maharaja of Patiala, and it's still far quieter than Shimla: deodar forest, the old palace, and a cricket ground at about 2,444 m that's often described as the world's highest. It makes an easy, relaxed day trip from Shimla, or a peaceful overnight. We pick you up in Shimla, stop at Kufri on the way if you like, and wait in Chail.
Usual route: Via Kufri and the Chail road (or about 55 km via Kandaghat)
Included
- Fuel and driver allowance
- Tolls and state entry taxes
- Pickup anywhere in Shimla
- 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 Shimla to Chail
How high you go, and the stops along the way. Useful if anyone in your group gets motion sick or feels the altitude.
Start
2,376 m
Shimla
Total descent
−126 m
over ~46 km
Finish
2,250 m
Chail
- Shimla
- Kufri
- Deodar forest stretch
- Chail Palace
- Chail cricket ground
- Chail
Illustrative profile. Start, finish altitudes are approximate; stops are shown in order, not to scale.
Shimla to Chail taxi fare and cab rates
Starting prices for a one-way trip (~46 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
₹3,350
starting · one way
₹4,200
starting · one way
₹4,650
starting · one way
₹7,550
starting · one way
Your quote
Shimla → Chail
Sedan · one way · ~46 km
- FuelIncluded
- Driver & driver allowanceIncluded
- Highway tollsIncluded
- Himachal state entry taxIncluded
- Pickup anywhere in ShimlaIncluded
Total you pay
starting price
₹3,350
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
- 1The Kufri route is shorter but busier; the Kandaghat route is longer and often calmer. Your driver picks the better one for the day.
- 2Leave by 9–10 am for a comfortable day with time at the palace and the cricket ground.
- 3Roads beyond Kufri are narrower, with forest sections; expect a slower pace.
- 4In winter, snow on the Chail road can slow or stop traffic for a while; we check before leaving.
- 5If you're heading on to Chandigarh, Chail to the plains via Kandaghat avoids going back through Shimla.
- 6Fuel up in Shimla before leaving; it saves a stop later on the narrower forest roads beyond Kufri.
Worthwhile stops on the way
Shimla
Pickup
Kufri
Snow point and horse rides, on the way via the Kufri road.
Deodar forest stretch
Quiet forest road on the approach to Chail.
Chail Palace
The Maharaja of Patiala's former summer palace, now a heritage hotel.
Chail cricket ground
Hilltop ground at about 2,444 m, often called the world's highest.
Chail
Drop at your hotel
Things to see in Chail
Chail is about slowing down. The palace, set in large grounds, is the centrepiece, and you can walk the gardens or stop for tea. The cricket ground sits on a ridge-top clearing within a military school's land; check access rules on the day. The Chail Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds the town, with forest walks and the chance to see birds and deer.
There's also the Kali Ka Tibba temple on a hilltop near town, with wide views on a clear day. Two to four hours in Chail is enough for a day trip; an overnight lets you enjoy the quiet evening and morning light.
- Carry a warm layer; Chail is cooler than Shimla.
- Shops are limited, so carry water and snacks.
- Check cricket-ground access on the day.
Chail as a stop between Shimla and Chandigarh
Chail works well as a stop on the way down from Shimla. Instead of returning to Shimla, continue via Kandaghat to the Chandigarh highway. It adds a little time but turns the drive home into a scenic half day, with lunch at Chail. Tell us if you'd like this, and we'll book it as a one-way trip with the stop included.
Staying and eating in Chail
Chail has a small choice of places to stay. The best known is the palace itself, now run as a heritage hotel, with cottages in the grounds. There are also a handful of smaller hotels and homestays around the market. Rooms are limited on weekends and holidays, so book ahead if you plan to stay the night.
Food options are simpler than in Shimla: the palace restaurant, a few dhabas and small cafés near the market. For a day trip, many travellers have lunch at the palace and leave by mid-afternoon to get back to Shimla, or down to Chandigarh, before dark.
Weather & road conditions
When to go to Chail
| 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
- • Shimla hotels (Mall Road, Chhota Shimla, Sanjauli, Lakkar Bazaar)
- • Shimla railway station and ISBT
Other ways to travel
Buses run to Chail from Shimla and Solan, but less often than to Kufri. A taxi lets you add Kufri or continue to Chandigarh.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Shimla to Chail cab cost?+
Starting one-way fares are Sedan ₹3,350, SUV ₹4,200, Toyota Innova Crysta ₹4,650, Tempo Traveller ₹7,550, 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 Chail from Shimla?+
About 44–49 km via Kufri, usually 1½ to 2 hours, or about 55 km via Kandaghat (approximate; verification pending).
Is the Chail cricket ground really the highest?+
It's often described as the world's highest, at about 2,444 m.
Can we combine Chail with Kufri?+
Yes. The Kufri route passes through Kufri; a full day covers both.
Is Chail worth an overnight?+
Yes, if you want quiet. It's much calmer than Shimla in the evenings.
Can we go from Chail straight to Chandigarh?+
Yes, via Kandaghat. Book it as a one-way trip with the Chail stop.
Is there snow in Chail?+
Occasionally, December to February, but less reliably than Kufri.
Which route does the driver take, Kufri or Kandaghat?+
Whichever is clearer on the day. The Kufri road is shorter but often busier; the Kandaghat road is longer and usually calmer, and handy if you're continuing to Chandigarh afterwards.
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