Planning to visit Sangla Valley? Delhi to Sangla Valley is less than 600 km is a perfect relaxing getaway for a long weekend. The way towards Sangla Valley is not only one of the gorgeous road trips but also the world’s deadliest roads.
Sangla Valley is in upper Kinnaur district with a small village in Himachal Pradesh, India. A valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains covered with Deodar trees and river at its foot, the village is natural beauty at its best. The high altitude of the upper Himalayan gives the land a suitable environment for apple plantation and wherever you roll your eyes to apple farms are easily spotted. Friendly locals, a hint of Tibetan culture is Sangla for tourists and a mountain lover’s paradise. Being a photography lover I captured tons of pictures not only in Sangla valley but also on the entire route from Delhi to Sangla valley.
Don’t miss my Sangla travel guide!
After finally decided for a 3 day trip to Sangla Valley, we referred Google maps predicting 14+ hours journey from Delhi. When visiting with family we generally prefer to hire a cab and rather not drive on such a long route Yup, with family I prefer more of a relaxed journey and not a tiring trip. We are a firm believer in enjoying the stunning landscape than focusing on the drive. Going by the thorough research we did and the road conditions, we decided that it would be better to hire a cab. You might wonder why considering me and my brother could drive? Because the roads in the upper Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh are some of the World’s Deadliest Roads and if you’re not an experienced driver in steep mountains it’s advisable to not drive on your own. Still, fancy a drive on your own…? Then, read more from Helena’s road trip to gain some insight and tips that might prove fruitful before embarking on your journey from Delhi to Sangla valley.
Because we were not driving ourselves, we planned & started from Delhi to Sangla Valley at night around 22h30. Crossed Chandigarh by 03h30 and once we touched the hilly area the speed dropped by half. We drove non-stop for almost another 3 hours, stopping around Shimla for morning tea and then reached Narkanda where we found the lovely nature camp. Tired of such a long drive with minimal breaks we were literally exhausted by the time we reached our destination around 14h00.
If you plan to visit the picturesque village of Sangla valley and want to avoid the mistakes we made, read further on how to reach Sangla Valley from Delhi.
How to reach Sangla Valley from Delhi
1. By Car
If anyone asks me how to reach Sangla valley from Delhi, I would promptly answer driving is one of the best ways to reach Sangla valley from Delhi. It is an almost 16-hour journey via road from Delhi despite Google suggesting only 14 hours. The route includes Delhi – Chandigarh – Shimla – Kufri – Narkanda – Rampur – Karcham – Sangla. Another alternative route may include Manali in place of Shimla, but that again has its level of difficulties as that incorporates Rohtang Pass. Rohtang Pass is also closed in winters, so if you plan to visit from Delhi to Sangla Valley, Manali is not an ideal choice of route.
Planning for a road trip? Read my Road Trip Essentials List!
The Car
We chose a Maruti Suzuki Desire (sedan) which made the ride highly precarious and ultimately the journey turned out to be arduous in the end. If you are not traveling in a comfortable car – preferably an SUV or don’t prefer long drives, I would strongly recommend you should stop for a night stay somewhere around Shimla or Kufri.
Kufri and Shimla both are tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh and will give you spectacular views to soothe your mountain-buds. You may then continue the journey the next day providing you plentiful time to soak in the beauty of Sangla Valley. Driving on such scenic route would require an amazing camera or a drone. A phone camera takes nice pictures but doesn’t do justice, I suggest taking a car camera with you – check out the best cameras.
2. By Train
As Sangla valley is at 8,530 feet above sea level and still developing so, unfortunately, no direct trains are available till here. Yet, some distance from Delhi to Sangla Valley can still be covered via train. There are various trains till Shimla from New Delhi with interchanges available. From Delhi to Kalka the train takes almost 6 hours which is the interchange point. From Kalka to Shimla Toy train is available – moving at an average speed of 18 km so it will take almost 5 hours till Shimla. But the train route will mesmerize you with breathtaking views of the Himalayan state. Upon reaching Shimla, you may take a bus or hire a private cab for the journey till Sangla valley. Although cars are ideals, if asked for how to reach Sangla valley from comfortably with an advantage of incredible views, I would probably choose trains.
3. By Flight
There are two airports which can help to cover at least half way from Delhi to Sangla Valley. One being in Shimla is the closest one and other in Kullu near to Manali. Take a bus or a private taxi to cover the rest of miles from Shimla or Kullu. There is also an alternate air-route with Rampur having helipad facility so this can also be tapped but this may involve an extra hit to your budget. I would choose flights as an ideal medium to reach Sangla Valley from Delhi for those who are short on time yet like to visit the incredible and unexplored Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh.
4. By Bus
Sangla valley is almost cut off from the parts of the country in terms of no direct medium to reach there. As per date, no direct buses are available from Delhi to Sangla valley. But Shimla does cater to some bus services till Sangla valley so again the journey needs to broken in parts if you’re planning to visit Sangla valley via bus. From Delhi, Volvo buses are available from Himachal Roadways which are nice and comfortable as opposed to the non AC ones. The drivers are a lot competent but yes sometimes a tad rash as well. So keep this mind before cursing your way on your entire journey from Delhi to Sangla Valley. Those with weak stomach & fear of heights then non-AC buses are best so open windows will be of relief. It’s no mystery that I’m not a bus-travel person, but it is the best mode to reach Sangla valley from Delhi for budget travelers.
Have you visited Sangla valley yet? What medium did you choose while deciding on how to reach Sangla Valley from Delhi? Do share your experience with me.
Are you planning to visit Sangla valley? Or have you visited already? What did you like most about it? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
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That is so awesome, i don’t know why i missed visiting north side of India during my recent visit and i totally regret it. I hope I can visit it in my next trip in future.
Hope you do and like it too 🙂
Very helpful post! I live in Delhi and Sangla Valley sounds like a perfect summer getaway. Himachal Pradesh is incredibly beautiful and the views are to die for. Considering the dangerous roads, I agree hiring a cab with driver is a better option. Thanks for sharing the details on different ways to reach Sangla from Delhi. I’ll be planning my trip soon. 🙂
This is a great guide! saving this for when i finally get to go!
This looks like such a great place to visit! The scenery is fantastic… 🙂 I always prefer driving, but now that you mentioned all the dangers, I think I might also want to find an alternate route – the train looks like a good idea and I am sure that there are some views to be had 🙂 I wonder… how much does a cab cost? for 14+ hours drive, I bet it is quite a lot of money…
Wow, that road sounds a little scary but I bet you are rewarded with an amazing landscape as soon as you arrive in Sangla.I would definitely hire a driver, though, I don’t think I would be able to drive there eheh
Yeah we too hired a driver 🙂
Great post! Why is the road to the valley the World’s Deadliest Roads? And eventhough you didn’t drive did you worry during the journey at all, especially since there were stretches where you guys drove straight through? Gosh, 14 hours by road sure is a long way!
That’s actually a very good idea that you’ve given me! My family lives in Delhi and whenever I visit them, we like to go for short trips around the city. I’ve never been to Sangla Valley but it looks like a great weekend getaway from Delhi, very scenic also. I would also prefer to rent a taxi for all of us rather than driving ourselves, so that we can all relax and enjoy the drive. Road trips are my thing, even though I don’t mind travelling trains. Thanks for the recommendation, I will bookmark this post for reference the next time we plan a trip 🙂
I stay in Delhi and Sangla has been my my favourite getaway. We prefer going by road tough it’s a little tiring and long but the views And the thrill make up for it. Your pictures are amazing.
What a gorgeous place! I love the mountains, and this looks like such an amazing part of India. I’d echo some of the other comments though — I definitely would not make the drive myself, and your comments about bus travel there make me think I’d skip that as well. For me, it would be worth splurging on the flight there — and it looks like such a different region of India that it would be worth it.
OMG! 16 hours by car?? I would absolutely stay overnight along the way! It sure sounds like an adventure though! 🙂
Yes, it was a bit of adventure and fun combined with some tiredness.
Gorgeous shots of nature. Sangla valley looks amazing for all nature lovers and a great breakaway from the hustle and bustle of Delhi. I’ll love to visit soon.
Glad you liked the place 🙂 Thank you the kind words!
Wow, 16 hours in the car I’m not sure I could do that. I definitely think I would choose one of the other routes that seem a lot more efficient. It’s always hard when I travel because sometimes I want to go cheaper and sometimes I want to go faster. All depends on your budget and timeframe.
I agree, it was little tough for us too.
OMG i would love to go on this road trip. The roads are carved so beautifully. I haven’t seen this side of Indian before very beautiful and picturesque.
Thank you for the lovely words 🙂
Looks like such a beautiful village! I have yet to visit India but I’m dying to go!
Hope you like India whenever you visit 🙂
Super-useful information thank you! My favourite way to get around India was by bus and train. Loved those sleeper trains!
Really, I too like sleeper trains 🙂
You have listed some beautiful options to reach Sangla valley. I would prefer road trip as it must be along beautiful mountains, valleys and natural scenery. By air it must be fast to reach so confused which way of travel, I would prefer. You have taken nice shots along the road specially that big rock.
We also did loved the road trip 🙂 Thank you for the lovely words!
Wow these photos are breathtaking! Thank you for sharing!
Glad you liked the post 🙂
Wow!! This place looks like out of the world! So scenic. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you 🙂
This is a really great guide! Directions are so stressful for me, so if I ever plan on going to Sangla, I’ll come and read this again since you laid everything out so clearly.
This makes me want to visit!
I’ve never visited Sangla Valley but it looks so picturesque. I may be visiting India next year so I will try do the car journey in the 14 hours Google suggests! The road trip looks unique with the cliff overhanging the road!
Wow, those photos are incredible. What a unique landscape there.
Yes it indeed is 🙂
I spent some time in Himachal in 2015 but didn’t visit Sangla. It looks wonderful though, guess I will have to return 🙂
Hope you have a nice time the next time you come back 🙂
Wow stunning pictures! I want to go backpacking around the world within the next few years and I haven’t decided yet if I want to go through India. If I do, I’ll definitely consider hiring a driver like you did, thanks for the tip!
Hope you have a great time if you include India 🙂 Thanks for lovely words.
Love logistical posts like this, they’re so helpful when it comes to planning travel. Those mountains are so beautiful, too. India has such incredible diversity in its landscapes!
Thank you, glad you liked the post:)
The road in this looks so similar to Taroko Gorge in Taiwan. Great post. Thanks for putting it on my radar.
Really, glad to know about the similar road in Taiwan. Thank for lovely words
I had not heard of the small village of Sangla before, so I need to look it up. The views on the way there looks stunning and I would be wanting to stop all the time to take photos, especially at the rock formation. However those roads look scary but it sounds like the best option still especially with it being a developing place.
Nice to know you liked the place 🙂 I agree the roads were scary yet it made up for an awesome road trip!!
Those photos are absolutely stunning! My must visit list just keeps growing…and growing. Thanks!
Thank you, so glad you liked it:)
Wauw!! Those rocks are the best!! I can imagine though that you didn’t take the risk of driving yourself!! Great spot to visit! Thanks for this tip!
Yes, that was one of the prime reason not to drive ourselves 🙂 Thanks for taking time to read the post!
Wow, I would love to visit the Himalayas, but this particular spot seems quite intimidating to reach! I love all of the options you’ve provided, and judging by the looks of that road, I think hiring a driver was very smart!
I agree!! Thank you 🙂
Wow I love the scenery. That would be one amazing drive!
Yes it indeed is 🙂
This is such helpful information! I had no idea about this place and it looks beautiful. Glad there are so many ways to get there.
Yup, despite being remote, still there are few options available to choose from!
Wow. Stunning landscape. I’d be too frightened to drive that. Airplane for me!
woow the landscape is stunning!! India might have some really beautiful valley to visit and some amazing trails!
Yup, India does have a lot of natural beauty!! Thank you 🙂
Sangla valley has really caught the imagination of a lot of travelers in the last few years. Partly because of the roads and also the beauty of the region. Thanks for all the details on how to reach the valley and I can tell from the photos that this is one journey that is quite spectacular.
These are fantastic views so while the drive might be a long one it would totally be worth it for the epic journey!
Yes it was a long but an enjoyable one 🙂
Wow. Such lovely nature pictures. It is still on my to do list to visit Himalayas touching Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
Hope you too enjoy the place just like us 🙂
I love India, I have traveled many places and would like to visit more. I have been in Shimla where is similar to this town but this also look interesting. Maybe next time 🙂
Shimla is more of a tourist spot and Sangla is still a remote one and developing in terms of tourism. But with more gorgeous views 🙂
I have never visited Sangla but this road reminds me of one of mountain roads in Slovenia, same rocky concept!
Really! I want to visit Slovenia too, it’s in my to-see list 🙂
I visited Sangma valley some 25 years back and I can’t tell u how scared I was
I feel you, we were scared this time only when roads are much better now, can’t imagine how it would have been 25 years ago!!
Wow that drive looks absolutely spectacular! I love a road trip so this would suit me down to the ground. As you suggest, though, I’d definitely do an overnight stop en-route. Lovely photos.
Yes taking a break does help to enjoy the road trip more 🙂 Thank you for the lovely words!
I’ve yet to visit India, so I have to say no to Sangla! That rock formation in the photo is incredible, yet scary at the same time! Some great tips here on seeing this stunning place.
Yes, despite being so beautiful it was scary too 🙂
Your third photograph shows how a huge rock overhang was created when the road was cut through through the slope of a mountain. Coincidentally, there’s a similar-looking formation in my neighborhood in central Texas (USA), but here it was moving water that wore away the rock over aeons to create a natural overhang.
Glad to know that and would surely like to visit the one in US soon 🙂