TOP 10 SCENIC ROAD TRIPS FROM CHANDIGARH TO HIMACHAL PRADESH

Top 10 Scenic Road Trips from Chandigarh to Himachal Pradesh

Top 10 Scenic Road Trips from Chandigarh to Himachal Pradesh

Blog Article

Chandigarh: The Ideal Starting Point for Himachal Road Trips

Situated at the base of the Himalayas, Chandigarh acts as the entry point to the stunning scenery of Himachal Pradesh. The city boasts well-maintained highways, a prime location, and a range of robust vehicles designed for mountainous terrain. Since 2012, The Car Rent Company has been assisting travelers in uncovering the lesser-known treasures of Himachal. Whether your journey leads you to snow-capped mountains, tranquil valleys, or exhilarating trails, these road trips are sure to create lasting memories.

 

1. Chandigarh to Shimla (110 km | 3.5 hours)


 

 

Route: NH5 via Kalka-Shimla Highway
Highlights:

  • UNESCO-listed Kalka-Shimla Toy Train route.

  • Tara Devi Temple for panoramic views.

  • Colonial architecture on Shimla’s Mall Road.
    Best Time: October-March (snowy winters).
    Car Pick: Mahindra Scorpio N (family-friendly) or Hyundai Creta (budget).
    Pro Tip: Stop at Pine Hills Resort for a mid-journey breakfast.





2. Chandigarh to Manali (310 km | 8 hours)


Route: NH3 via Mandi and Kullu
Highlights:

  • Rohtang Pass (open May-Nov) for snow play.

  • Solang Valley paragliding and zorbing.
    Best Time: May-June (pre-monsoon), December-January (snow).
    Car Pick: Toyota Fortuner 4x4 (snow-ready) or Innova Crysta (groups).
    Pro Tip: Leave early to avoid Mandi traffic.





3. Chandigarh to Dharamshala (240 km | 6 hours)


Route: NH154 via Una and Kangra
Highlights:

  • McLeod Ganj (Little Lhasa) and Dalai Lama Temple.

  • Triund Trek base camp.
    Best Time: March-June (pleasant weather).
    Car Pick: Tata Safari (spacious) or Maruti Swift (fuel-efficient).
    Pro Tip: Visit Naddi Village for sunset views over the Dhauladhar range.





4. Chandigarh to Spiti Valley (420 km | 12 hours)


Route: NH5 to Shimla, then NH505 to Spiti
Highlights:

  • Key Monastery and Chandratal Lake.

  • Kunzum Pass (15,000 ft) thrills.
    Best Time: June-September (snow-free).
    Car Pick: Mahindra Thar 4x4 (off-road king) with rooftop copyright.
    Pro Tip: Carry extra fuel – petrol pumps are scarce!





5. Chandigarh to Dalhousie (320 km | 8.5 hours)


Route: NH154 via Pathankot
Highlights:

  • Khajjiar (“Mini Switzerland”).

  • Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary trails.
    Best Time: April-June, September-November.
    Car Pick: Hyundai Verna (smooth sedan) or XUV700 (luxury).
    Pro Tip: Stay overnight at Chamera Lake for stargazing.





6. Chandigarh to Kasauli (60 km | 2 hours)


Route: NH5 to Kalka, then narrow hill roads
Highlights:

  • Monkey Point sunrise views.

  • Gilbert Trail nature walk.
    Best Time: Year-round (quick weekend escape).
    Car Pick: Compact hatchbacks like i20 or Baleno.
    Pro Tip: Park at Lower Mall and explore on foot.





7. Chandigarh to Bir-Billing (270 km | 7 hours)


Route: NH154 via Joginder Nagar
Highlights:

  • Paragliding in Billing (World’s 2nd best site).

  • Deer Park Institute for Tibetan culture.
    Best Time: October-November (post-monsoon clarity).
    Car Pick: Kia Seltos (stylish SUV) with sunroof.
    Pro Tip: Book tandem paragliding in advance.





8. Chandigarh to Chail (100 km | 3.5 hours)


Route: NH5 to Shimla, then 45 km detour
Highlights:

  • World’s Highest Cricket Ground.

  • Chail Palace heritage stay.
    Best Time: April-June, September-October.
    Car Pick: Maruti Ertiga (7-seater) for family trips.
    Pro Tip: Drive cautiously – narrow roads with sharp bends.





9. Chandigarh to Tirthan Valley (280 km | 8 hours)


Route: NH3 to Aut Tunnel, then valley roads
Highlights:

  • Great Himalayan National Park treks.

  • Jalori Pass (10,800 ft) for panoramic views.
    Best Time: April-June, September-October.
    Car Pick: Toyota Hilux 4x4 (durable off-roader).
    Pro Tip: Pack light – roads get rocky near Jalori.





10. Chandigarh to Palampur (240 km | 6.5 hours)


Route: NH154 via Baijnath
Highlights:

  • Tea Gardens and Neugal Khad waterfalls.

  • Birni Mata Temple hikes.
    Best Time: March-June (blooming tea estates).
    Car Pick: Honda City (comfortable sedan) or Scorpio N.
    Pro Tip: Visit Andretta Pottery Village for souvenirs.


 

Rent a car to travel to Himachal:


There are a lot of car rental companies that you can choose from but the top ranked car rental in Chandigarh is The Car Rent Company.

Reasons to Choose The Car Rent Company for Your Rental Needs?

With more than ten years of experience catering to travelers in Chandigarh, The Car Rent Company is your reliable ally for adventures in Himachal. Here are the factors that set us apart:

Expertise:

Local Route Knowledge: Comprehensive maps, weather updates, and help with permits.

Customized Fleet: Our vehicles, ranging from sturdy Thars to premium SUVs, are well-maintained for Himalayan conditions.

Experience:

Over 15,000 satisfied customers, including NRIs, businesses, and families.

Collaborations with Himachal Tourism and leading hotels.

Trustworthiness:

5-Star Cleanliness: Thoroughly sanitized interiors and contactless delivery options.

Round-the-Clock Support: Flat tire? Engine issues? We're always available to assist.

Clear Pricing: No hidden fees, unlimited kilometers, and free cancellation policy.

 

If you want to write a blog of guest post- https://blog-gold.com/ or Contact

Report this page