Private journeys across India · Replies within 24 hours
Reviewed by Mirza Shadab Beg, Founder, Travelage India, Agra · Last updated 24 October 2026
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Short answer: seven days works for Shimla and Kinnaur. Take the toy train to Shimla, spend a day in the hill town, then drive into the Kinnaur valley by way of Sarahan and Sangla to Kalpa, and return to Shimla. You have your own luxury vehicle and a local driver throughout.
Himachal Pradesh has two faces. Shimla, the old summer capital of British India, is a hill town of colonial buildings reached by a narrow-gauge railway. Beyond it, Kinnaur is a high valley of apple orchards, wooden temples and peaks above 6,000 metres, much quieter and far more remote.
This journey takes the toy train up to Shimla, then drives into the Kinnaur valley by way of Sarahan and Sangla to Kalpa. The roads are mountain roads, so we pace the days, choose stays with a view and keep a buffer for landslides.
Drive or take the morning train from Delhi to Kalka (about four hours by train or five by road). Board the Kalka-Shimla toy train, a 96 km (60 miles) narrow-gauge line with 100 tunnels and 800-plus bridges, for the five-hour climb to Shimla (timings depend on the service).
Walk the Ridge, Christ Church and Mall Road, and visit the Viceregal Lodge. Drive to Kufri for a view of the Himalaya, and return for an evening stroll.
Drive about 170 km (105 miles) to Sarahan (about six hours) through apple country, over the Jalori and Narkanda roads, and visit the Bhimakali Temple, a timber-and-stone temple of the Kinnaur style.
Drive about 90 km (55 miles) to Sangla in the Baspa valley (about four hours). Visit Kamru Fort and the village, and walk by the river. Chitkul, the last village on this road, is about 28 km (17 miles) further.
Drive about 60 km (35 miles) to Kalpa (about three hours), with the Kinner Kailash range visible across the valley. Walk through the old village and visit the Roghi village if time allows.
A long drive of about 235 km (145 miles) back to Shimla (about eight hours), with stops. Keep this day flexible as landslides can cause delays.
Drive about 115 km (70 miles) to Chandigarh (about three and a half hours) for flights or the train, or continue about 350 km (215 miles) to Delhi (seven to eight hours).
Himalayan roads need care. Here is what we arrange so the journey feels smooth.
Your driver knows the Kinnaur roads, which are narrow and winding, and keeps the pace safe.
Landslides and snow can close the road. We keep a buffer so a delay does not spoil the trip.
We choose hotels for the setting, from a colonial hotel in Shimla to a mountain lodge in Kalpa.
Your guide is chosen for the language you prefer and the things you love. Ask for Japanese or Russian and we will arrange it where we can.
Here is every leg with its distance and likely drive time. Times vary with traffic and stops.
| Leg | Distance | Drive time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Kalka | about 270 km (170 miles) | 4 hours by train | Then the toy train to Shimla |
| Shimla to Sarahan | about 170 km (105 miles) | 6 hours | Narkanda and apple orchards |
| Sarahan to Sangla | about 90 km (55 miles) | 4 hours | Baspa valley |
| Sangla to Kalpa | about 60 km (35 miles) | 3 hours | Kinner Kailash view |
| Kalpa to Shimla | about 235 km (145 miles) | 8 hours | Allow buffer for landslides |
| Shimla to Chandigarh | about 115 km (70 miles) | 3.5 hours | Airport or train |
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“I went to India alone and had an amazing experience with my tour guide, shiraz. He showed me all the beautiful places that india has to offer and even brought to places that was not initially planned after requesting it to make sure that I was completely satisfied with my tour.”
“Ali is a wonderful person and a fantastic & experienced driver! He keeps an immaculate car and is always very accommodating with any need, responsive and smiling. We felt comfortable and safe with him. Also a big shout out to Prahlad for his very interesting guided tour of Jodhpur!”
“I had an amazing time with Kishan (driver) and Bobby (guide). They both are very polite, nice and easy going. Bobby taught me so many facts and interesting things about Taj Mahal and India Culture in general.”
“A dream come true! Bobby’s expertise and warm hospitality made my Agra trip seamless and perfect. The Taj Mahal was beyond words especially with his talented photography skills.”
“We actually did 14 days which included a trip to Varanasi, then the Golden Triangle & out to Jaisalmer. Every step of the way we were accompanied by Bobby. Our Driver & coach was super, but focus on detail and ensuring that the safety & wellbeing of individual travellers was met, really put the trip at an all time high!”
“Shadab is a tireless worker. He has arranged our trip according to our wishes. He has also managed to promptly overcome any inconvenience or mistake during the trip.”
Each journey is a different part of the Himalaya. The highlighted row is the journey on this page.
| Journey | Time needed | How you travel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimla & Kinnaur Himalaya Tour | 7 days / 6 nights | Private luxury car, toy train | Colonial hills and the Kinnaur valley |
| Kashmir Valley Tour | 7 days / 6 nights | Private luxury car, houseboat | Lakes, meadows and snow |
| Ladakh Tour | 8 days / 7 nights | Private luxury car, camps | High-altitude desert and lakes |
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A 96 km (60 miles) narrow-gauge railway opened in 1903, with 100 tunnels and over 800 bridges. It is part of the UNESCO Mountain Railways of India, and the ride takes about five hours.
April to June and September to November. July and August are monsoon, and snow closes some Kinnaur roads from December to February.
Foreign nationals may need a permit for parts of the Kinnaur valley. We confirm the requirement and apply in advance with your passport copies.
About 235 km (146 miles), roughly eight hours by road, so we break the journey at Sarahan and Sangla.
It is a mountain road with long drops, but local drivers know it well. Landslides can delay travel, so we keep a buffer.
From December to February, Shimla and Kufri usually have snow, and Kinnaur has more. Kinnaur roads may be closed in heavy snow.
Yes. You have your own luxury car, driver and guides. Nothing is shared with other travellers.
Yes. We can extend the journey to Manali or on to Spiti in summer. Tell us your dates and we shape the route.
Yes, with the right pace. The roads are long and winding, and Kalpa and Chitkul are high. Tell us about mobility needs or motion sickness.
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Your driver or our representative meets you in Delhi, or at Kalka station if you travel separately. Share your plans and we confirm everything the day before.
7 days / 6 nights. Starts in Delhi, with a private vehicle and a local driver.
The toy train runs on a set timetable and tickets are limited, so we book early. If the train is full or suspended, we take you by road.
Foreign nationals may need a permit for parts of the Kinnaur valley, and we confirm and apply in advance. Please send passport copies early.
April to June and September to November are best. July and August bring monsoon rain and landslides. December to February is cold and snowy, and Kinnaur roads may close.
Kalpa is about 2,900 metres and Chitkul about 3,450 metres. Take it easy on arrival and drink water.
Roads in Kinnaur are narrow with long drops, and can be slow after rain. If you are nervous on mountain roads, tell us and we adjust.
