How to Travel From Delhi to Kinnaur : On Budget

Kinnaur is one of my favourite places in Himachal Pradesh. It’s one of those offbeat Himalayan escapes that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a dream, far from the crowds, close to nature, and drenched in serenity. Known for its surreal landscapes, old monasteries, and a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultures, this place has vibes you can’t quite put into words. It’s raw, real, and ridiculously beautiful.

Even if you travel to Spiti, you’d have to cross Kinnaur, giving you a chance to have the best of both worlds. 

In this blog, you will find a comprehensive Kinnaur itinerary that you can follow from Delhi. I have covered the cost, accommodation, and bus timings from Delhi to Kinnaur. You will also find bonus information towards the end.

Also Read My Delhi to Chitkul Guide

P.S. Nako is also a part of Kinnaur district. I have covered it in my Spiti guide as it comes midway.

Location & Altitude

Kinnaur is located in the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh and borders Tibet in the east. To reach Kinnaur, you would have to travel about 260 kms from Shimla. Being an offbeat place, Kinnaur is adorned with the mighty Sutlej meandering through its valleys and surreal landscapes. It is also known to be the home of the towering Kinner Kailash peak or the winter abode of Lord Shiva.

While you are in Kinnaur, these are the places you can visit, as well: 

Kalpa – 2,960 metres

Sangla – 2,696 metres

Chitkul – 3,450 metres

Best Time to Visit Kinnaur

Kinnaur looks out of a painting and is picturesque throughout the year. If I had my way, I would visit this hill station every month. Having said that, it depends on what you would like to see. 

If you want to see flowers and walk through the colourful apple orchards, April is the best time to go, but if experiencing snowfall is on your bucket list, February is the best time.

• April to May – Flowering season
• June to August – Apple season
• Feb to March – Winter season

Ideally, April to October is the best time to visit Kinnaur. 

However, during the peak season, do check if the roads are open because accessibility can become an issue at this time. 

If you are planning to go to Spiti, read our guide here – Spiti Travel Guide

Kinnaur Itinerary

Days 0 and 1: Delhi to Reckong Peo

How to Reach Reckong Peo?

Delhi – Chandigarh – Reckong Peo

I took an overnight HRTC bus from Delhi to Chandigarh first and then hopped onto a deluxe bus from Chandigarh to Reckong Peo. There are multiple HRTC buses from Chandigarh that leave in the morning and evening – around 4:40 AM, 5:50 PM, 6 PM, and 7 PM. The evening buses are more relaxed and better if you want to enjoy the scenic ride without the sun glaring at you.

Alternatively, you can also take an ordinary bus directly from Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate) at around 8 PM, which takes approximately 18–19 hours to reach Reckong Peo. The bus fare is around INR 1033/- as of now, and yes, the long journey does test your patience, but the views after Shimla are totally worth it!

Note: Ladies get a 50% discount on HRTC bus tickets!

Where to Stay in Reckong Peo?

I would suggest you find a hotel close to the bus stand as you would have to leave for Sangla/Chitkul the very next day. There are many budget hotels just outside the bus stand, with prices ranging between INR 500 – INR 1500.

Day 2: Reckong Peo to Sangla

How to Reach?

By Bus:

HRTC operates regular bus services between Reckong Peo and Sangla. The typical departure times are 8:30 AM​, 12:30 PM​ and 4:30 PM​. The journey takes approximately 2 hours, traversing scenic mountain routes. 

By Taxi:

For a more flexible and comfortable journey, you can hire a taxi near the Reckong Peo bus stand. The cost typically ranges from ₹2,500 to ₹3,000, but prices can vary based on the season and negotiation. 

By Shared Taxi:

Shared taxis or jeeps are a budget-friendly option, especially if you are travelling solo. They operate from Reckong Peo to Sangla, on the basis of per-seat costs, which are significantly lower than hiring a private taxi. 

What to do in Sangla?

Sangla is absolutely beautiful. You can enjoy the village walk over here, visit the Sangla monastery and visit the nearby Kamru Village. There is 1000 years 1000-year-old Kamru Fort, which is also one of the oldest in Himachal Pradesh.

Kamru Fort – Situated ~2-3 KMs from Sangla, this Fort and the view from here are marvellous. You would have to climb several steps to reach here. Entry inside this fort is quite unique. An inspector (guard) will give you a Kinnauri cap and then tie a cloth around your waist. The fort has a beautiful wooden balcony along with an idol of Kamakhya Devi, who is believed to be the presiding deity here. Photography inside the temple area is usually not allowed, so make sure to ask beforehand. The entire setting, with pine forests in the backdrop and a mix of history and mythology, makes this place totally worth the climb.

Note that women who are on their menstrual cycle are not allowed to enter the fort.

Day 3: Sangla to Chitkul

How to Reach Chitkul?

Chitkul is just around 20 km from Sangla and is the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border. You can either take a local/shared taxi or hitch a ride (yes, that’s still a thing in the mountains!). Shared cabs usually leave in the morning from Sangla and cost about ₹100–₹150 per person. 

Alternatively, board the bus that leaves from Reckong Peo for Chitkul, which will take 45 minutes to an hour. 

I left for Chitkul early in the morning and then took the last bus at 3 PM that leaves for Reckong Peo from Chitkul.

What to do in Chitkul?

Chitkul is the best place to slow travel. Unwind from the hustle of life and go for a village walk or café hopping. The best thing to do in Chitkul is actually to do nothing. 

But if you want to spend more time in Chitkul, read my Delhi to Chitkul Guide.

Day 4: Kalpa & Suicide Point (Roghi)

How to Reach?

Kalpa is just half an hour away from Reckong Peo. You can easily get a bus that operates every 15 minutes from the main bus stand.

What to do in Kalpa?

Kalpa is really, really gorgeous! It comprises monasteries, temples and the stunning view of the sacred Kinnaur Kailash range. The view is every bit worth it when the sun hits the peaks during sunrise and sunset. 

You can walk through the apple orchards and reach the famous Suicide Point near the Roghi Village.

Just ask the locals about the walking route to the Suicide Point; it hardly takes 15 minutes.

If you have some more time, trek to the Chaka meadows to reach the tranquil Chaka Lake. 

Where to Stay in Kalpa?

I stayed at Kalpa Deshang. The rooms were cosy with breathtaking views of Kalpa from the balcony. 

However, if you are travelling on a budget, then there are several homestays starting at INR 500.

Day 5: Reckong Peo to Delhi

You can either take a direct bus to Delhi that leaves early in the morning or take a deluxe bus at 1:30 PM to Chandigarh.

Alternatively, you can board the last bus at 6 PM for Shimla. 

Note: Check the bus timings as these may vary depending on the season. 

Planning a Solo Trip to Kinnaur? Read This – Solo Travel Tips

The Map I Followed

As you can see, Chitkul and Sangla are a little far from Reckong Peo. You can visit Kalpa and nearby places if you are short on time.

Connectivity

Reckong Peo/Kalpa – All major mobile networks, including Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, and BSNL/MTNL, operate here. Jio offers the best connectivity, followed by Airtel. 

Sangla – Jio and Airtel provide the best connectivity, while Vodafone’s service is unreliable.

Chitkul – Only BSNL/MTNL operates in Chitkul. But the internet connection is poor, even if you are using BSNL/MTNL.

ATMs and Petrol Pumps in Kinnaur

ATMs are available only in Reckong Peo and Sangla. Hence, do not forget to carry cash from Delhi or Chandigarh as ATMs are scarce here. 

Petrol pumps are located in Sangla, Reckong Peo and Powari. Ensure that your vehicles are refuelled at these stations.

Accommodation in Kinnaur

Reckong Peo

There are many hotels near the bus stand. You can ask the locals or shopkeepers for cheaper stays. This will go easy on your pocket, but if you would prefer something nicer, you can check out any of the apps. 

Chitkul/Batseri

You can either stay in Zostel or opt for a homestay. I chose to stay in a nearby village called Batseri, as it was quite secluded. I stayed in Hotel Batseri, which was amazing, comfortable and beautiful.

Kalpa

I stayed in Kalpa Deshang, where I was able to enjoy the entire view of Kalpa. This hotel has an attached restaurant as well.

Typical Cost

Homestays/Hotels: You will find rooms starting from INR 500, which are decent for an overnight stay. However, prices can go up to INR 2,899 per night, depending on the amenities and season.  

Bus Cost: A journey from Delhi to Reckong Peo will cost you between INR 950 and INR 1,400, depending on the bus type and booking time. Buses are indeed a budget-friendly option for travellers. ​ There are many options through which you can book the buses, such as HRTC, redBus, MakeMyTrip, etc, on their online platforms. 

Food: There are many restaurants in Reckong Peo and Kalpa offering a wide range of options. A meal will typically cost you around INR 150- INR 300. However, prices may vary based on the establishment and menu choices.

If you want to know how you should pack for Kinnaur, read my guide here.

You can see my camping essentials over here.

Bonus

I was able to explore a few “lesser” known places in Kinnaur. I don’t have a guide for this one as I explored these places with a local. All I can do is give you names, and this will be your little treasure hunt:

Telangi Village

The village is beautiful, and I visited a ghost temple here. Yes! An actual ghost temple. And it is said that the ghost is locked in the temple and is released in the month of January for 12 days.

Kande – YashkaTang – Kotang-tcho circuit

This stretch lies at a height of 4,200 meters and does not have a direct pathway to climb it. There was no one else over here. Also, there is a place at Kotang-tcho where the villagers come and pray for their beloved ones who are no longer alive.

Kinnaur is my favourite go-to place in Himachal, and I have no doubt that it will become your favourite as well. Let me know if this blog helped you in the comments below, and ask any queries. I love answering questions!