Scenic 5-Day Himachal Pradesh Road Trip: Gurugram to Shimla & Narkanda with Mountain Sunsets and Culinary Highlights

Day 1: Long Drive to Chandigarh

Gurugram to Chandigarh, India on July 3, 2025

5:00AM

Start Drive from Gurugram

Early morning departure to avoid city traffic and reach Chandigarh by afternoon, approximately 260 km drive via NH44.
Petrol approx INR 1600, Toll approx INR 350, 5h30m

11:00AM

Lunch at Hops N Grains, Chandigarh

Contemporary brewery and restaurant serving great North Indian and continental food, open 12PM-11PM.
INR 800 for two, 1h0m

12:30PM

Quick Chandigarh Sightseeing

Visit Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake for an afternoon stroll and photos.
Rock Garden INR 30/person, Sukhna Lake free, 2h0m

2:30PM

Check-in at JW Marriott Hotel Chandigarh

Luxury stay with excellent hospitality and comfort, approx INR 5500/night, 4.5 rating.
INR 5500, Rest of Day

7:30PM

Dinner at Black Lotus (JW Marriott)

Fine Chinese dining inside the hotel with cozy ambiance, open till 11PM.
INR 1500 for two, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 2: Chandigarh to Shimla Explore

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh on July 4, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast & Checkout

Enjoy an early hearty breakfast at hotel before checking out.
Included, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive Chandigarh to Shimla

Enjoy scenic mountain drive approximately 113 km via NH205, taking about 4h.
Petrol approx INR 900, Toll approx INR 100, 4h0m

12:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Willow Banks, Shimla

Comfortable stay near Mall Road, 4.3 rating, INR 4000/night with great views and hospitality.
INR 4000, 1h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Simla Times

Popular café offering Himachali and continental dishes with warm ambiance, serves till 6 PM.
INR 600 for two, 1h0m

2:30PM

Visit The Ridge & Christ Church

Explore iconic Shimla landmarks with amazing Himalayan views and colonial architecture.
Free, 2h0m

5:00PM

Jakhoo Hill Visit for Sunset

Short drive to Jakhoo Hill to witness stunning sunset views and visit Hanuman temple, open all day.
INR 50/person, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Café Sol

Elegant dining offering Himachali and international cuisines, perfect to end the day; open 11 AM-11 PM.
INR 1500 for two, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 3: Shimla to Narkanda Adventure

Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh on July 5, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with fresh breakfast before heading towards Narkanda.
Included or INR 500 for two, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive Shimla to Narkanda

Drive approx 65 km via NH205 northwards; scenic with apple orchards and pine forests.
Petrol approx INR 400, Toll INR 50, 2h0m

10:00AM

Check-in at The Narkanda Club

Cozy mountain hotel with excellent reviews (4.2), approx INR 3500/night, close to attractions.
INR 3500, 1h0m

11:00AM

Visit Hatu Peak

Highest peak near Narkanda offering breathtaking sunrise and panoramic views, entry fee INR 100.
INR 100, 2h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Pinewood Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Himachali cuisine with serene mountain surroundings.
INR 600 for two, 1h0m

3:00PM

Explore Apple Orchards & Villages

Leisure stroll through lush orchards and nearby small villages for local culture.
Free, 2h0m

5:30PM

Sunset at Narkanda Observation Point

Unwind at the perfect spot to watch a dazzling Himalayan sunset.
Free, 2h0m

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Relax with a peaceful dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients.
INR 1000 for two, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 4: Sunrise & Return to Gurugram

Narkanda to Gurugram, India on July 6, 2025

5:30AM

Sunrise at Hatu Peak

Catch the spectacular early morning views at Hatu Peak; dress warmly and carry your camera.
INR 100, 2h0m

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel & Checkout

Enjoy breakfast and prepare for your long drive back home.
Included or INR 500 for two, 1h0m

9:30AM

Drive Narkanda to Gurugram

Approximate 300 km scenic and mountainous route descending back through Shimla and Chandigarh, 9-10 hours drive including stops.
Petrol approx INR 1800, Toll approx INR 450, 9h30m

2:00PM

Lunch Stop at Sukhdev Dhaba, Zirakpur

A popular Punjabi dhaba offering authentic cuisine open 9AM to 10PM, good midway stop for refreshment.
INR 600 for two, 1h0m

9:00PM

Reach Gurugram

End the trip with memorable mountain experiences and comfortable stay.
0, 0h
View Hotels

Day 5: Rest Day

Gurugram, India on July 7, 2025

12:30AM

Trip Ends

Rest up and cherish memories from your Himachal getaway.
0, 0h
View Hotels