Delhi to Kangra

The land distance between Delhi and Kangra is 455 km. Kangra does not have an airport, and the railway station that serves this valley is a toy train station that offers great connectivity to nearby places like Pathankot and Palampur. The nearest railway station to Kangra is in Pathankot, located around 85 km away. The only direct way to reach Kangra from Delhi is by road. Given the efficient road connectivity between the two places and the multiple buses serving the route, taking a bus from Delhi is the most preferred and convenient way of reaching Kangra.

Bus Availability and Details

There are more than 20 buses, both ordinary and Volvo, that run on this route. These buses mostly depart in the evening and arrive Kangra early in the morning. A bus should take you approximately 10 hours to reach Kangra from Delhi. Buses serving this route run daily from several departure points, with most of the buses departing from Majnu ka Tila Bus stop in Delhi. Some of the major bus services operating on this route are HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation), Northern Travels, Bedi Travels, A.N Holidays, Laxmi Travels, Himachal Holiday Tours, and Snow Region Tours. 

Type of Buses Available

• Non AC Semi Sleeper (2+2) 
• Volvo AC Seater (2+2)
• Volvo AC Semi Sleeper (2+2)
• Volvo AC Seater/Semi Sleeper (2+2)

Starting Points in Delhi

• Majnu ka Tila
• Kashmere Gate ISBT
• Karnal Bypass
• Kundli Border

Drop Points in Kangra

• Kangra Bus Stand,
• Woodland Showroom near bus stand, Kangra

Route Taken

Delhi - Panipat - Ambala - Chandigarh - Ropar - Nangal - Una - Mubarakpur - Dehra - Kangra

Bus Timings

The first bus to depart from Delhi to Kangra leaves at 18:00, while the last bus leaves at 20:15. You should be mindful of the fact that the bus schedules are subject to change. Before creating a travel itinerary, check online or contact bus operators to get the latest plan. 

Duration of the Journey

Although the journey is roughly 8-10 hours, the period may increase depending on the traffic and climate conditions at the time of the visit. 

Fares

The ticket fare for a bus journey from Delhi to Kangra can cost you anywhere from INR 560 to INR 1300. The cost of a ticket depends on the bus operator, type of bus and the seat. 

Typical Stop Points

• Panipat
• Ambala
• Chandigarh
• Nangal
• Una

Road Conditions

Delhi is connected to Kangra via NH44 (the longest-running national highway in India) and NH503. Both these national highways are in top condition and ensure a smooth and pleasant bus ride. However, the journey leading from Ropar can get quite bumpy due to narrow roads and the last stretch leading to Kangra valley is full of sharp turns. 

Alternatively, you can self drive to Kangra or hail a private taxi from a trustworthy taxi operator. Though these options will cost you more money, you will be able to have a fully flexible schedule and enjoy the scenic beauty on the route. It is an 8-hour drive from Delhi to Kangra, and there are several eating options, rest stops and small towns on this route. If you decide to self-drive to Kangra, you could make halts at Karnal, Ambala, Chandigarh, and Una. The Delhi-Kangra route includes toll roads.

Cab Options
In case you prefer a private taxi option; you can check popular online cab operators like Gozocabs, Savaari, and Ahataxis. These companies offer tour packages that include drop, pick up, and sightseeing options. If you are travelling in a group, you can check MyTempoTraveller for booking 10-20 seater vehicles from Delhi to Kangra. 

Route Options

Delhi - Panipat - Karnal - Kurukshetra - Ambala - Chandigarh - Rupnagar - Una - Amb - Kangra (455 km)

Road Condition from Delhi to Kangra

Delhi is connected to Kangra via NH44 and NH503. The roads from Delhi to Ambala are well-laid and in good condition. From Amabala, you may come across a few rough patches on the road till Chandigarh. Further on, the route is flat and in good shape. However, the streets passing through small towns like Una and Amb are quite narrow and hard to drive on. The last stretch of the road leading to Kangra valley can be a steep climb. Be wary of the time of the year you visit Kangra as rain-triggered landslides in this area could worsen the road conditions. 

Duration of the Journey

On average, it takes 8 hours and 30 minutes to cover the distance between Delhi and Kangra by road. The estimated travel time may increase depending on factors like the number of halts made during the journey, traffic and weather conditions. 

Approximate Cost

Most taxi operators charge around 9 per km.
4-seater AC Hatchback - INR 8500
6-seater AC SUV - INR 11500
14-seater AC Tempo Traveller - INR 19500

Eating Options on the Way

• Haveli, Karnal
• Dhaba Bollywood, Sonipat
• Puran Singh ka Mashhoor Vishal Dhaba, Ambala
• Haldiram, Kumashpur
• Resto Junction, Kurali - Chandigarh Road
• D Star Tourist Dhaba, Khwaspura
• Sarai Bharatgarh, Kharota

Possible Stopovers On the Way

• Tau ka Himachal Dhaba, Murthal
• Purana Quilla, Panipat 
• Karna Lake, Karnal
• Sheikh Chilli Tomb, Kurukshetra
• Brahma Sarovar, Kurukshetra
• Gurudwara Sri Panjokhra Sahib
• Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh
• Rock Gardens, Chandigarh
• Ropar Wetland, Rupnagar

Alternatively, you can travel to Kangra from Delhi via Gaggal. Board a flight from Delhi airport (DEL) to Gaggal Airport (DHM) situated 15 km away from Kangra. From here on, you will have to hail a private taxi to Kangra. The aerial distance between Delhi and Gaggal is 407 km.

Direct Flights

A non-stop flight from popular airlines like Air India and SpiceJet should take you around 1 hour 25 minutes to reach Gaggal. The flights operate throughout the day; however, it is best to board a morning flight to have enough time left for the last leg of the journey to Kangra via a taxi.

Reaching Kangra City from the Airport

From Gaggal Airport it takes approximately 30 minutes by road to reach Kangra. The road distance between these places is 15 km, and the best way to cover this distance is via a taxi. You can book a cab online from Kangra Travels or get in touch with local taxi operators like Swaran Jayanti Tour & Travels.

Fares

The fare for a private hatchback or sedan class taxi starts from INR 780. A 6-seater SUV can cost you approximately INR 1000. The rate may increase or decrease depending on the taxi company and the type of cab you book. You can enjoy the spectacular view of the surrounding mountain ranges en route to Kangra from Gaggal airport and make a halt at popular stopovers like Ban Ganga and Achar Kund Dham.