Overview
Shimla to Narkanda is roughly 60–65 km, usually 2 to 2½ hours by taxi along the old Hindustan–Tibet road (NH5) through Kufri, Fagu, Theog and Matiana. Narkanda sits on a ridge at roughly 2,700 m, high above Shimla, and in winter it's one of the most reliable places near Shimla for snow and beginner skiing. In summer and autumn, it's apple country: orchards line the road towards Kotgarh and Thanedar, and the drive up to Hatu Peak, about 7–8 km above town, leads to a wooden temple and wide Himalayan views. We pick you up from your Shimla hotel's nearest vehicle point, wait in Narkanda and bring you back.
Usual route: Old Hindustan–Tibet road (NH5) via Dhalli, Kufri, Fagu, Theog and Matiana
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 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
2,376 m
Shimla
Total climb
+334 m
over ~63 km
Finish
2,710 m
Narkanda
- Shimla
- Kufri
- Fagu
- Theog
- Matiana
- Narkanda
Illustrative profile. Start, finish altitudes are approximate; stops are shown in order, not to scale.
Shimla to Narkanda taxi fare and cab rates
Starting prices for a one-way trip (~63 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
₹2,900
starting · one way
₹3,650
starting · one way
₹4,050
starting · one way
₹6,550
starting · one way
Your quote
Shimla → Narkanda
Sedan · one way · ~63 km
- FuelIncluded
- Driver & driver allowanceIncluded
- Highway tollsIncluded
- Himachal state entry taxIncluded
- Pickup anywhere in ShimlaIncluded
Total you pay
starting price
₹2,900
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 Shimla by 8–9 am to beat the traffic at Dhalli and Kufri.
- 2The road is a busy two-lane highway with apple trucks in late summer and autumn; it's slower than the distance suggests.
- 3The Hatu Peak road is narrow and steep; in snow or after rain it may not be drivable, and the last stretch may be on foot.
- 4After heavy snowfall, the road beyond Kufri or Theog can close for a day or two; check before setting out.
- 5Add Kufri on the way up or back; it's only a few minutes off the route.
Worthwhile stops on the way
Shimla
Pickup
Kufri
Busy resort just above Shimla; good for a quick stop on the way back.
Fagu
Quiet ridge with views and potato fields.
Theog
Market town about halfway, for tea and snacks.
Matiana
Small apple town before the final climb to Narkanda.
Narkanda
Drop at your hotel
Things to do in Narkanda
Most day visitors come for Hatu Peak, at around 3,400 m. The road climbs about 7–8 km through deodar and spruce to a carved wooden temple to Hatu Mata at the top, with views of the higher Himalaya on a clear day. Tannu Jubbar lake, a small lake a short drive from town, makes a quieter stop. In winter, the slopes near Narkanda are known for beginner skiing, with equipment hire in season.
Below Narkanda, the road to Kotgarh and Thanedar runs through the orchards where the American Samuel Stokes is credited with introducing new apple varieties in the early 20th century. Late summer and autumn bring the harvest.
- Hatu Peak and Hatu Mata temple
- Tannu Jubbar lake
- Winter skiing near town
- Apple orchards at Kotgarh and Thanedar
Day trip or overnight?
A day trip works well: leave Shimla in the morning, drive up to Hatu Peak, have lunch in Narkanda and return by evening. If you want sunrise at Hatu, snow play or skiing lessons, stay a night. HPTDC's Hotel Hatu and several private hotels and homestays are in and around Narkanda.
Narkanda is also the first stop for longer trips towards Rampur, Sarahan and Kinnaur. If you're heading that way, keep the same car and we'll plan the onward route.
Narkanda in the snow
Narkanda is higher than Kufri and often keeps snow longer. That's its appeal, but it also means road closures after heavy snowfall. The highway is usually cleared quickly, while the Hatu Peak road can stay snowbound for days. In January and February, book an SUV if you can, carry warm clothing, and stay flexible on timing. Our drivers check conditions before leaving Shimla.
Combining Narkanda with Kufri and Chail
Narkanda is on the same road as Kufri, so a full-day trip from Shimla can include both: Kufri on the way back, when the morning crowds have thinned. Chail is in a different direction, through Kufri and down past Sadhupul, so it's better as a separate day. For two days of easy outings from Shimla, do Kufri and Narkanda on one day and Chail on the other, with the same car and driver.
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
- • Shimla hotels (nearest vehicle point to the Mall)
- • Shimla ISBT and railway station
- • Chotta Shimla, Sanjauli and Dhalli
Other ways to travel
HRTC buses run from Shimla towards Rampur through Narkanda. A taxi is quicker and can take you up to Hatu Peak.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Shimla to Narkanda cab cost?+
Starting one-way fares are Sedan ₹2,900, SUV ₹3,650, Toyota Innova Crysta ₹4,050, Tempo Traveller ₹6,550, 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 Narkanda from Shimla?+
Roughly 60–65 km, usually 2 to 2½ hours by taxi (approximate; verification pending).
Can we visit Hatu Peak on the same trip?+
Yes, if the road is open. It's about 7–8 km above Narkanda, and the last part may be on foot.
Is there snow in Narkanda?+
Often from late December to February, more reliably than in Shimla. Conditions vary year to year.
Can we combine Narkanda with Kufri?+
Yes. Kufri is on the way; add an hour or so for a stop.
Is skiing available?+
In good snow years, beginner skiing runs in winter, with equipment hire in season.
Which car is best?+
A sedan in summer; an SUV in winter for snow and the Hatu road.
Reviews
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