First of all, let me introduce you to Shimla and Kinnaur. Shimla is a popular hill station and the capital of Himachal Pradesh in India. Shimla is also known as the “Queen of the Hills” as it is famous for its natural beauty. Kinnaur is a district in Himachal Pradesh famous for its natural beauty and unique culture. Its main attraction is the low mountain ranges along with the Greater and Dhauladhar Mountains. The region is also famous for the Kinner Kailash hunting trail, which is an important place for Hindus and Buddhists.
You can travel from Shimla to Kinnaur by covering a distance of approximately 235 km. It usually takes 7-8 hours to travel from Shimla to Kinnaur.
Shimla to Kinnaur Map
Weather from Shimla to Kinnaur
The weather from Shimla to Kinnaur changes throughout the year, but it is generally cool, especially during summer.
| Location | Weather Type | Temperature Range (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Shimla | Subtropical highland climate; cool summers, cold winters | Summer: 15°C – 25°C Winter: -4°C – 10°C |
| Kufri | Cooler than Shimla, ideal for winter sports | Summer: 12°C – 22°C Winter: -2°C – 8°C |
| Narkanda | Cool climate with heavy snowfall in winter | Summer: 10°C – 20°C Winter: -5°C – 5°C |
| Rampur Bushahr | Mild, temperate climate with cool winters | Summer: 20°C – 30°C Winter: -2°C – 12°C |
| Jeori | Temperate climate, slightly warmer than Narkanda and Shimla | Summer: 18°C – 28°C Winter: 0°C – 10°C |
| Sangla | Alpine climate, cold winters and cool summers | Summer: 15°C – 25°C Winter: -10°C – 2°C |
| Rakcham | Cool, alpine climate, colder than Sangla | Summer: 12°C – 22°C Winter: -10°C – 2°C |
| Kalpa | Cold, with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains | Summer: 10°C – 20°C Winter: -10°C – 5°C |
| Chitkul | One of the last inhabited villages, cool alpine climate | Subtropical highland climate: cool summers, cold winters |
Best Time to Visit Shimla to Kinnaur
During the spring and summer months, from April to June, and again from September to October, is the best time to visit Shimla and Kinnaur. During these periods, the weather is usually mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the region.
| Season | Best For | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (March to June) | Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities | Mild temperatures, cool evenings, and clear skies |
| Monsoon (July to September) | Not recommended for travel | Heavy rainfall, slippery roads, and risk of landslides |
| Autumn (October to November) | Clear skies, stunning landscapes, and perfect for road trips | Crisp air, pleasant temperatures, and fewer tourists |
| Winter (December to February) | Snowfall, winter sports, and scenic snowy landscapes | Heavy rainfall, slippery roads, and the risk of landslides |
Shimla to Kinnaur Distance By Bus
If you are going from Shimla to Kinnaur by bus, you will have to cover a distance of 235 km. The bus from Shimla to Kinnaur goes via NH 22. It takes 7-9 hours to reach Kinnaur by bus.
| Route | Distance | Estimated Travel Time | Bus Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimla to Kinnaur | 225-250 km | 8-10 hours | HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) |
| Shimla to Reckong Peo | 225 km | 8-9 hours | HRTC/Private Bus |
| Shimla to Kalpa | 250 km | 9-10 hours | HRTC/Private Bus |
| Shimla to Kaza (Spiti Valley) | 300 km | 10-12 hours | HRTC/Private Bus |
Shimla to Kinnaur Bus Timing
To travel from Shimla to Kinnaur, buses run at various times on different days, offering both normal and deluxe services. Many HRTC buses run on this route, which operate from 4:00 in the morning until 10:50 in the evening. This journey takes about 9-10 hours in general.
| Route | Bus Timing | Bus Type |
|---|---|---|
| Shimla to Kinnaur (Reckong Peo) | 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM | HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) |
| Shimla to Kalpa | 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM | HRTC/Private Bus |
| Shimla to Kaza (Spiti Valley) | 6:00 AM, 7:30 AM | HRTC/Private Bus |
Shimla to Kinnaur Bus Route
To reach Kinnaur from Shimla by bus, you can take a Himachal Road Transport Corporation bus from Shimla’s ISBT Tutikandi. There are several buses, including ordinary and semi-deluxe options, that travel to Reckong Peo, the main town in Kinnaur. The routes pass through Narkanda and Rampur Bushahr.
| Stop/Location | Distance from Shimla | Approx. Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimla | 0 km | – | Starting point at Shimla Bus Stand |
| Solan | 45 km | 1.5 hours | Small town, gateway to Kinnaur |
| Kufri | 16 km | 0.5 hours | Scenic hill station, quick stop |
| Narkanda | 65 km | 2 hours | Small hill station, popular stop for refreshments |
| Rampur Bushahr | 130 km | 3 hours | Junction for various routes to Kullu, Spiti, and Kinnaur |
| Jeori | 160 km | 4.5 hours | Scenic village, close to the Baspa River |
| Sangla | 200 km | 6 hours | A small village near the Kinnaur Valley base |
| Reckong Peo | 225 km | 7.5 hours | District headquarters of Kinnaur |
| Kalpa | 231 km | 8 hours | Small village near the Kinnaur Valley base |
Nearest Railway Station to Kinnaur?
The nearest railway station to Kinnaur is Shimla Railway Station, which is connected to Kalka by a narrow-gauge railway line. From Shimla, you can take a bus or a taxi to reach different parts of Kinnaur. The journey from Shimla to Reckong Peo (Kinnaur) is about 232 kilometers and typically takes around 8 hours by road.
Shimla to Kinnaur Train Route
There is no direct rail route to go to Kinnaur from Shimla, as Kinnaur does not have its own railway station. The nearest station is Shimla, which is connected to Kalka via the Narrow-Gauge railway line.
| Stage | Route | Distance | Duration | Transport Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Shimla to Kalka | Shimla to Kalka (Heritage Railway) | 96 km | 5-6 hours | Narrow-gauge train |
| 2. Kalka to Kinnaur | Kalka to Reckong Peo (by road) | 200-225 km | 7-8 hours | HRTC/Private Bus/Taxi |
Shimla to Kinnaur Distance By Train
| Stage | Route | Distance | Duration | Transport Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Shimla to Kalka | Shimla to Kalka (Heritage Railway) | 96 km | 5-6 hours | Narrow-gauge train |
| 2. Kalka to Kinnaur | Kalka to Reckong Peo (by road) | 200-225 km | 7-8 hours | HRTC/Private Bus/Taxi |
| Total Distance | Shimla to Kinnaur | 296-321 km | 12-14 hours | Train + Road Travel |
Which Places Can be visited while going from Shimla to Kinnaur?
On the way from Shimla to Kinnaur, you can visit several scenic spots like Narkanda, Rampur Bushahr, and Kalpa. Narkanda is famous for its natural beauty and Hatu Peak. Rampur Bushahr is a historical town with cultural significance, while Kalpa is a popular tourist destination in Kinnaur, offering stunning views of the Kinner Kailash range.
| Place | Description | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Narkanda | Situated 65 km from Shimla, surrounded by apple orchards and pine forests. | Hatu Peak, Local Lake, Nag Devta Temple |
| Rampur Bushahr | The headquarters of Kinnaur district, known for its natural beauty and apple orchards. | Raghunath Temple, Padmani Palace |
| Kalpa | Located near the Indo-China border, a calm and serene village. | Kinner Kailash Range views, Narayan Nagini Temple, Monastery |
| Chitkul | Known for its lake and monastery, which offer a peaceful atmosphere. | Natural beauty, scenic atmosphere |
| Sangla Valley | Known for its natural beauty, apple orchards, and small villages. | Scenic landscapes, Apple Orchards |
| Nako Village | A small village in Sangla Valley, known for its natural beauty. | Nako Lake, Monastery |
| Rakcham | A historical city on the banks of the River Sutlej. | A historical city on the banks of River Sutlej. |
Restaurants on the Way from Shimla to Kinnaur?
There are many good restaurants and dhabas to stop at on the way from Shimla to Kinnaur. Tapri ka Dhaba is one of the most popular stops where many vehicles often stop for food.
| Stop/Location | Restaurant/Cafe | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|
| Shimla | Cafe Simla Times | Indian, Continental, Cafe |
| The Indian Coffee House | South Indian, Snacks | |
| Solan | Ashiana Restaurant | Indian, Chinese |
| Shivalik Restaurant | Indian, Punjabi | |
| Kufri | The White Owl Cafe | Continental, Fast food |
| Narkanda | Hatu Peak Restaurant | Indian, Himachali |
| The Narkanda Inn | Indian, Continental | |
| Rampur Bushahr | Sagar Ratna | South Indian |
| Srinagar Restaurant | North Indian, Chinese | |
| Jeori | Tara Restaurant | North Indian, Chinese |
| Sangla | Sangla Valley Restaurant | Indian, Himachali |
| Rakcham | Rakcham Village Café | Local, Snacks |
| Kalpa | The Kinnaur Kailash Restaurant | Indian, Tibetan, Local |
| Kalpa Views Café | Indian, Continental, Coffee |
