Himachal Road Circuit: Delhi – Theog – Chitkul – Kalpa – Sarahan – Fagu – Delhi
Himachal Pradesh has been the go-to weekend road trip destination for people, who primarily live in North India. From backpackers to tourists, to adventure lovers, everyone can find something to see, do, or experience in the tranquil hills, glossy meadows and placid valleys of Himachal.
Also read: Himachal Road Trip Circuit: Delhi – Mandi – Prashar Lake – Parvati Valley – Manali – Delhi
We bring to you a very compact, exciting and balanced road trip circuit in the state, which covers some of the most offbeat towns, hamlets, and well-known places as well. Beginning in Delhi, this circuit covers Theog, Chitkul, Kalpa, Kaza, Sarahan, Fagu and Delhi. Do not forget to get your car serviced and have all your documents in order, to have a pleasant and hiccup-free road trip.
Delhi-Theog
Start your journey to Theog, from Delhi early in the morning or late at night. The hamlet is about 350 km from Delhi, and it can be covered in roughly 8-10 hours. If you wish to take public transport then head to ISBT Kashmere Gate and board any Shimla-bound bus. Theog is about 20 Km from Shimla town, and it rests peacefully upon an intricate ridge which branches out into lush forests and grasslands.
The best time to visit Theog is in the spring when the snow begins to thaw, but it is equally beautiful in the winters, as it dons a plump mantle of snow. The land around Theog is one of the leading producers of vegetables and fruits in Asia which has attracted the attention of the international agricultural and horticultural communities.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Theog – Chitkul
Head out from Theog as early as possible towards Chitkul which falls in the neighboring district of Kinnaur. It is the last inhabited near the Indo-Chinese border, and it is the last place that one can travel to without special permits. Chitkul is the first village in the Bapsa Valley and is nestled on the banks of the gurgling Bapsa River. Its serene setting and calm meadows are a delight to the tired eyes of the metropolis. You can laze around the hamlet, visit the river side and then head to Kalpa.
Image Source: Rahul Bera (Flickr)
Chitkul -Kalpa
Kalpa is situated at a distance of around 65 kms from Chitkul in the same district. The town falls in the Sutlej river valley with a heavenly backdrop of snow-capped mountain peaks of the Kinnaur-Kailash ranges. Kalpa is enveloped by apple orchards, evergreen pine, fir, and deodar forests. It is a visual delight and you will be drowned in a sudden wave of euphoria. There is no particular best time to visit as it remains steadily stunning, almost the entire year.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kalpa – Sarahan
From Kalpa drive back up to Sarahan – a small picturesque town located in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. The journey from Kalpa to Sarahan takes 3-4 hours. Sarahan is known for its stunning landscapes, which include snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and picturesque apple orchards. The main attraction in Sarahan is the Bhimakali Temple, a beautiful temple built in traditional Himachali architecture. The famous Srikhand Mahadev trek starts near Sarahan.
Image Source – explorer_80 (Flickr)
Sarahan – Fagu – Delhi
Fagu is a charming little village situated amidst picturesque hills in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The journey from Sarahan to Fagu takes around 5-6 hours with a total distance of around 150 kms. The town is known for its serene landscapes, lush green forests, and scenic hiking trails. The main attraction in Fagu are its vast and numerous apple orchards. You can get a panaromic view of Himalayan peaks from Fagu
The distance from Fagu to Delhi is around 350-370 kms and takes around 10-11 hours. The journey back to Delhi from Fagu might not be as intoxicating and charming, but it is a pleasant drive nonetheless.
Image Credits: Urmimala Singh (Flickr)
We hope you are as excited and impatient as we were, to explore this circuit. Let us know about your experience in the comments.
