Short answer: Break the drive at Sarahan or Rampur on day one, reach Sangla on day two, visit Chitkul on day three, move to Kalpa on day four for the Kinner Kailash view, and return towards Shimla on day five with a halt if needed.
The plan at a glance
| Day | Route | Night at |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shimla – Narkanda – Sarahan | Sarahan or Rampur |
| 2 | To Sangla | Sangla |
| 3 | Chitkul and Rakcham | Sangla |
| 4 | Sangla – Reckong Peo – Kalpa | Kalpa |
| 5 | Kalpa – Shimla | Shimla, or Narkanda |
Who this plan suits
Travellers who want big mountain scenery without Spiti's altitude. The roads are narrow, so it suits calm passengers.
Day by day
Day 1: Shimla – Narkanda – Sarahan
- Bhimakali temple at Sarahan.
Day 2: To Sangla
- Sutlej gorge, then the Baspa valley.
- Kamru fort in the evening.
Day 3: Chitkul and Rakcham
- 26 km to Chitkul, about 3,450 m.
- Riverside time at Rakcham.
Day 4: Sangla – Reckong Peo – Kalpa
- Fuel and cash at Reckong Peo.
- Roghi village walk; sunset on Kinner Kailash.
Day 5: Kalpa – Shimla
- Reckong Peo is about 235 km from Shimla; start at dawn or halt at Narkanda.
Best time for this trip
April to June and September to mid-October. Avoid late July and August because of landslides. Apple harvest runs from late August to mid-October.
Practical notes
- Use a driver experienced on this highway and travel only by day.
- Indian citizens need just a photo ID for these places.
- Expect apple trucks on the road in harvest season.
- Keep one spare day in hand for a blocked road or bad weather.
What it costs
We do not publish a fixed price: the cost depends on your dates, group size, vehicle and the standard of stays. Tell us those and we will send a written quote that states exactly what is included.
Read more
- Kinnaur valley travel guide
- How to reach Yulla Kanda
- Spiti Valley 10-day itinerary
- Best scenic drives in Himachal
Check before you go
- India Meteorological Department — forecasts and warnings.
- Himachal Pradesh Tourism — official destination information.
- HRTC online booking — state bus timetables.
Want this itinerary planned for you?
Funtoor can adapt this plan to your dates, pace and starting city, and arrange transport and stays. Request a custom itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Is five days enough for Kinnaur?
Yes for Sangla, Chitkul and Kalpa. Add two days for Nako.
Is the road to Chitkul safe?
It is narrow with steep drops; with an experienced driver in dry weather it is routinely driven.
Can I continue to Spiti?
Yes, from Kalpa via Nako to Tabo and Kaza.
Is Kinnaur suitable for children?
Older children, yes. The drives are long.
Compiled by the Funtoor team from published sources and official pages, last reviewed in October 2026. It is a sample plan, not a first-hand trip report or a fixed package: driving times are approximate, and rules, fees and road status change, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you travel.
Written by
Funtoor Travel Team
Travel planners based in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. We plan and arrange trips — stays, transport and experiences — across the Himalayas.
