Overview
East of Shimla the road follows a high ridge through apple country to Narkanda, then drops to the Sutlej and climbs again to Sarahan, home of the Bhimakali temple. This five-day trip takes that road at an easy pace: a night in Shimla, two in Narkanda for Hatu peak and the orchards of Kotgarh, and a night in Sarahan, where the temple's carved wooden towers face the Shrikhand range. It's a quieter alternative to Manali, with very little traffic outside the apple harvest.
Best for: Travellers who have seen Shimla and Manali, or want orchards and temples instead of crowds
- Hatu peak and its temple above Narkanda
- Orchards of Kotgarh and Thanedar
- The Bhimakali temple at Sarahan
- Views of the Shrikhand range
- Quiet roads and village walks
- A night in Shimla to start
Day by day
- Day1
Chandigarh to Shimla
About 115 kmOvernight: Shimla
The short climb from Chandigarh through Parwanoo and Solan to Shimla, with the afternoon free for the Ridge, Christ Church and the Mall. Overnight in a hotel near the Mall.
Road guide: Chandigarh to Shimla → - Day2
Shimla to Narkanda
About 65 kmOvernight: Narkanda
Through Kufri and Theog along the ridge to Narkanda, about 2,700 m, surrounded by forest and orchards. In the afternoon drive up the narrow road to Hatu peak's wooden temple and its wide views.
Road guide: Shimla to Narkanda → - Day3
Kotgarh and Thanedar orchards
About 40 kmOvernight: Narkanda
Down to Kotgarh and Thanedar, where an American, Samuel Stokes, introduced commercial apple growing in the early twentieth century. Walk through the orchards, visit the old church and, in harvest season, watch the packing sheds at work.
- Day4
Narkanda to Sarahan
About 105 kmOvernight: Sarahan
Down to the Sutlej at Rampur, once the capital of the Bushahr kingdom, and up the side valley to Sarahan. Visit the Bhimakali temple in the late afternoon light; the inner shrine requires a cap, which the temple provides.
- Day5
Sarahan to Chandigarh
About 270 km
A long but steady drive back via Rampur, Narkanda and Shimla to Chandigarh, about eight to nine hours with lunch on the way.
Himachal's apple country
The ridge east of Shimla is the heart of Himachal's apple industry, which supports thousands of families. Orchards cover the slopes around Kotgarh, Thanedar and Narkanda, and in spring the trees flower white and pink.
Visiting during harvest means busy roads but also fresh fruit sold at the roadside and orchard owners happy to talk about their trees.
Hotels on this route
Narkanda has hotels and resorts with views of the Himalaya, including the state tourism hotel. Sarahan has a handful of simple hotels near the temple; comfort-tier rooms there are the best available rather than luxurious.
About the Bhimakali temple
The Bhimakali temple at Sarahan was the family shrine of the rulers of the Bushahr kingdom. Its towers are built in the kath-kuni style, with alternating layers of timber and stone that flex during earthquakes, and topped with slate roofs and carved wooden balconies. The goddess is worshipped as a form of Durga.
Visitors are welcome in the outer courtyards, and the inner shrine is open at set hours. Caps are compulsory inside and are lent at the entrance; leather belts, wallets and bags are left outside. Mornings are the quietest time, and the views of the Shrikhand range from the temple yard are at their best before the clouds build.
Who this suits
This is a good choice for travellers who've done Shimla and Manali before, for photographers who want temples and orchards rather than crowds, and for anyone who'd like to see Kinnaur later without committing to the full Spiti loop now.
Families should note that Sarahan is simple: hotels are basic, and evenings are quiet. In return, you have the temple, the views and the village almost to yourselves.
Route and price at a glance
The Shimla, Narkanda and Sarahan trip covers about 595 km by road over 5 days, with overnight stops in Shimla, Narkanda and Sarahan. The car is priced on the same basis as our private car tours: 1,250 billable km (the larger of the real distance and 250 km a day) at the vehicle's per-km rate, plus 4 nights of driver allowance, with fuel, tolls and parking included.
For two travellers on standard hotels, that comes to ₹14,500 for 4 hotel nights with breakfast and dinner, ₹30,350 for the car and driver and a ₹6,728 service fee: ₹51,577 in all, or ₹26,000 each. Larger groups share the car and pay less per person.
- Day 1: Chandigarh to Shimla (about 115 km, overnight Shimla)
- Day 2: Shimla to Narkanda (about 65 km, overnight Narkanda)
- Day 3: Kotgarh and Thanedar orchards (about 40 km, overnight Narkanda)
- Day 4: Narkanda to Sarahan (about 105 km, overnight Sarahan)
- Day 5: Sarahan to Chandigarh (about 270 km)
Shimla, Narkanda and Sarahan price
Per person, by hotel tier and group size. Prices last calculated 21 October 2026 from current rate cards and hotel listings.
3-star hotels, standard camps and homestays
| Travellers | Per person | Group total | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | ₹26,000 ≈ US$305 | ₹52,000 | Sedan |
| 4 | ₹20,500 ≈ US$240 | ₹82,000 | Innova |
| 6 | ₹21,000 ≈ US$245 | ₹1,26,000 | Tempo Traveller |
Per person, twin sharing, all-inclusive of the items listed below. Dollar prices are approximate (₹85 = US$1). Your exact price is confirmed in writing before you book; it depends on dates, hotel availability and group size.
Where the money goes: 2 travellers, standard hotels
- Hotels and camps (breakfast and dinner)₹14,500
- Private car and driver for the whole trip₹30,350
- Our service fee (15% on hotels and transport)₹6,728
- Total for both₹51,577
Included
- 4 nights in Shimla, Narkanda and Sarahan, twin sharing, with breakfast and dinner
- Private car with driver for all 5 days (sedan or Innova for two, Innova for four, Tempo Traveller for six), including fuel, tolls, parking, state taxes and the driver's allowances
- Pickup from Chandigarh and drop at Chandigarh
Not included
- ×Train, bus or flights to Chandigarh
- ×Lunches, drinks and snacks
- ×Entry fees, ropeways, activities and snow gear hire
- ×GST on the package, travel insurance and tips
Good to know: roads, permits and safety
- No permits are needed; Sarahan is well below the upper Kinnaur permit area.
- The Bhimakali temple has a strict dress code; leather items aren't allowed inside.
- The road to Hatu peak is narrow and closes after snow.
When to go
- • April to June and September to November bring the best weather.
- • August to October is apple harvest season, when the orchards are busy and the roads carry apple trucks.
- • Narkanda gets snow from December to February; Sarahan can be cold but stays accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Shimla, Narkanda and Sarahan package cost?+
About ₹21,000 per person for six travellers on standard hotels, or ₹26,000 per person for a couple, for all 5 days. Comfort hotels cost more; the price table shows every option.
Is Sarahan worth the drive?+
Yes if you like temples and mountain views. The Bhimakali complex is one of the finest examples of Himachal's wood-and-stone architecture.
Can we continue into Kinnaur?+
Yes. Sarahan is on the road to Sangla and Chitkul; see our Kinnaur package.
When is the apple season?+
Roughly August to October, depending on altitude and the year.
Is Narkanda good for snow?+
Yes, from about December to February, when the slopes near town are used for skiing.
Which car do we get on the Shimla, Narkanda and Sarahan trip?+
A sedan for two travellers, an Innova for up to four and a Tempo Traveller for six, with the same driver for the whole trip.
Plan the rest of your trip
Price and route sources: Wikipedia: Narkanda · Wikipedia: Sarahan · Wikipedia: Bhimakali Temple · Wikipedia: Samuel Evans Stokes
