Shimla, Sarahan, Chitkul & Kalpa

📍 Himachal Pradesh, India

Apple orchards, the Sutlej and Baspa valleys, and the Kinner Kailash range.

Kinnaur Valley Circuit

This circuit follows the Hindustan-Tibet road through Narkanda and Rampur to Sarahan, Chitkul and Kalpa, in Kinnaur.

How the Trip Works

Stays: Shimla, Sarahan, Chitkul and two nights in Kalpa, with a day left free in Kalpa so the trip does not feel rushed.

Quick Information

Duration5 Nights / 6 Days
RouteShimla → Sarahan → Chitkul → Kalpa → Shimla
PickupKalka / Chandigarh
DropKalka / Chandigarh
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Detailed Itinerary

1
Arrive Shimla
  • Arrive by afternoon, check in and relax.
  • Evening: The Ridge, Christ Church, Mall Road, Scandal Point and Lakkar Bazaar.
  • Café or restaurant dinner, overnight in Shimla.
2
Shimla to Sarahan
  • Route: Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Jeori → Sarahan.
  • Suggested stops: Kufri or Narkanda, apple orchards, Hatu Peak (weather and roads permitting), Rampur, Jeori and first views of the Sutlej Valley.
  • Reach Sarahan by late afternoon and visit the Bhimakali Temple.
  • Village exploration and sunset over the mountains.
3
Sarahan to Chitkul
  • Route: Sarahan → Tapri → Karcham → Sangla → Rakchham → Chitkul.
  • One of the most scenic days of the trip.
  • Explore Chitkul village, traditional wooden houses, Kagyupa Temple, the Baspa River and village trails.
  • Sunset and, on a clear night, night-sky photography.
4
Chitkul to Kalpa
  • Approx. 4–5 hours of driving, excluding stops.
  • Route: Chitkul → Rakchham → Sangla → Karcham → Reckong Peo → Kalpa.
  • Evening: village walk, apple orchards, Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar Gompa, Narayan-Nagini Temple and sunset views of Kinner Kailash.
5
Full Day in Kalpa
  • A slow mountain day, deliberately not overloaded.
  • Visit Kalpa monastery, Narayan-Nagini Temple, Reckong Peo and the local market, and walk through Kalpa village.
6
Kalpa to Shimla / Chandigarh
  • After breakfast, start the return journey.
  • Route: Kalpa → Reckong Peo → Rampur → Narkanda → Shimla.

Trip Highlights

🛕

Bhimakali Temple

The temple at Sarahan, with sunset over the surrounding mountains.

🏡

Chitkul Village

Wooden houses, the Baspa River and clear night skies.

🍎

Apple Orchards

Narkanda on the way out and Kalpa on the way back.

⛰️

Kinner Kailash

Sunset views from Kalpa.

Good to Know

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Pickup & Drop

Kalka or Chandigarh.

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Pace

Day 5 is kept open for a relaxed day in Kalpa.