CHANDIGARH
TO SHIMLA
India's summer capital. Three hours from Chandigarh. Mall Road, Kufri, and the toy train. A timeless hill station.
115 km
Distance
3 hrs
Drive time
Easy
Difficulty
Year-round
Best season
Baleno / Creta
Best car
THE DRIVE
NH5 TO THE
SUMMER CAPITAL
The Chandigarh–Shimla highway (NH5) is one of the better-maintained mountain roads in Himachal Pradesh. It's scenic without being technical - good for first-time mountain drivers and families with children.
The climb starts at Parwanoo, about 55km from Chandigarh. The next 60km is continuous mountain road - well-paved, with guardrails on most of the exposed sections. Pine forests and terraced apple orchards run alongside the road.
Shimla itself is a parking nightmare. The Mall Road is pedestrianised. Park at the designated car parks (Rivoli or Victory Tunnel), buy a parking ticket, and walk the 15 minutes uphill to the main town. It's worth the walk.
TIPS FOR THIS ROUTE
Avoid reaching Shimla on Friday evenings - extreme traffic on NH5 from Delhi and Chandigarh
Summer (May–June) means crowds. October–November is quieter and the light is exceptional
Kufri is 14km from Shimla. The road is steep and narrow - the Baleno handles it comfortably
Mall Road parking is restricted. Always use designated car parks and walk in
The Jakhu Temple road is a steep uphill - the view from the top is worth the calf burn
If it snows (December–February), NH5 can close temporarily. Check road conditions in advance
BOOK FOR THIS ROUTE
Chandigarh → Shimla
STOP BY STOP
0
km
Chandigarh
Leave by 8–9am for a relaxed day. NH5 starts smoothly from the city - no traffic after Panchkula.
30
km
Pinjore
The Pinjore Gardens (Yadavindra Gardens) are worth a stop in the morning light if you have time.
55
km
Parwanoo
Himachal Pradesh border. The hills start here. The road climbs for the next 60km.
75
km
Solan
Midway stop. Famous for mushrooms and craft beer (the Kasauli brewery is nearby). Stop for tea.
115
km
Shimla
Park at the lower car parks - Rivoli or Lakkar Bazaar. Walk the last stretch to Mall Road.
SHIMLA THIS WEEKEND?
115 km. 3 hours. Year-round. Vehicle delivered to your door in Chandigarh.