Do you wan to skip the hustle and bustle of the city and celebrate Holi this year in the lap of mountains?
How about celebrating holi with amazing scenery of snow-capped peaks, the beautiful sound of the Baspa River flowing below you, the echoing of tribal folk music through the mountain air around you?
The local Kinnauri Holi experience is like nothing you’ve experienced before. With traditional clothing, ancient rituals dating back hundreds of years and natural coloured powders harvested from the local hills… it will be an experience of your lifetime.
If you want to celebrate Holi 2026 in Sangla, then this guide will walk you step-by-step through the entire process from planning to executing.
Quick Travel Summary: What You Need To Know
There are many routes to take when traveling from Delhi to Sangla for Holi. The greatest part of this journey will take between 14 and 18 hours depending on the weather conditions, the level of traffic and how many breaks you take along the way.
It’s advisable that you do not try to make this entire trip in one go.
Driving around Shimla and further north during early March can be difficult because of the unpredictability in weather. So leaving late in the evening (between 9 PM and 10 PM) and arriving in Shimla at 6 AM – 7 AM means you are only a little less than 7 hours away from Sangla.
The ideal time to leave is at night if you are planning to use a Volvo or a personal vehicle for an overnight stay in either Shimla or Narkanda.
Delhi to Sangla travel time: 14-18 hours total, but split across two days for sanity’s sake.
Route Options: Via Shimla/Narkanda — Where To Break The Journey
There are two widely travelled routes available to travel from Delhi to Sangla via Shimla. You will encounter significant change in the landscape from Chandigarh onward.
Route 1: Delhi → Chandigarh → Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Sangla
Most of the people choose this route but it has higher traffic as it is also the most scenic route. Total Estimated Distance is around 565 km. Roads are well maintained from Delhi to Shimla. But once you enter Kinnaur, the roads start to become narrower.
Route 2: Delhi → Chandigarh → Shimla → Sarahan → Sangla
This route offers the opportunity to add a spiritual element to your journey. Sarahan features the famous Bhimakali Temple and serves as an excellent overnight destination. Total Estimated Distance is near to 580 km.
Where are you considering stopping on the way?
Don’t push yourself to do this trip in one go. Here are some great options for stopping overnight:
Shimla (Most Preferred): If you are taking the Volvo bus, you are likely to reach Shimla in the early morning. You can freshen up, have breakfast and if time permits, have a small stroll on Mall Road; thereafter continue your journey by local cab or HRTC bus. It takes nearly 7-8 hours to reach Sangla from Shimla, which is 238 km away.
Narkanda: Situated about 64 km from Shimla, Narkanda is a place of beauty far removed from the tourist crowds. It is quieter, offers breathtaking views of the surroundings, and some decent budget accommodations. Sangla is about 6-7 hours from Narkanda.
Sarahan : If you have a spare day or feel like taking things slow, stop at Sarahan. You can visit the Bhimakali Temple, relax with open views of the valley, and start towards Sangla early next day. Sangla is about 80 km (5-6 hours) away from Sarahan.
The route to Sangla via Shimla is the safest bet. From Rampur onward, you will cross Karcham Dam, enter Kinnaur, with apple orchards, wooden houses, and prayer flags. Pure magic.
Volvo/Shared Bus vs Private Cab: Who Should Choose What?
If you are confused whether you should take delhi to Sangla Volvo package or a private cab, this section will help you understand things better.
Both have pros and cons, and your choice should depend on your travel style, budget, and tolerance for long drives.
Volvo/HRTC Bus: For Budget Travelers & Solo Adventurers
Pros:
- Low cost. The bus ticket prices from Delhi to Sangla range from Rs 1,100 to Rs 1,500, depending upon the operator (HRTC being the cheapest).
- While one can catch up with sleep, the bus drivers are comfortable catching the sleep after the end of a shift.
- Services are mostly overnight, thus saving you a stay that night.
- They would be great for solo travelers or a group of friends on a budget.
Cons:
- Limited flexibility: no stopping for photos, chai breaks, or random temple visits.
- HRTC buses can be cramped and are sometimes delayed.
- Not all Volvo services take you directly to Sangla: some stop at Reckong Peo or Karcham, and you’ll then have to arrange local transport.
- Sangla Volvo package tours exist, though availability can be tight during Holi week: book early!
Best for: Solo travelers, backpackers, or anyone who doesn’t mind sacrificing a bit of comfort for savings.
Private Cab: For Families, Couples & Comfort Seekers
Pros:
- You can have complete control over your itinerary. Do you want to stop at Narkanda for some skiing? Done. Craving hot momos in Rampur? No problem.
- Safer and more comfortable for families with kids or elderly travellers.
- If you’re coming by air to Chandigarh, you can rent a cab from Chandigarh to Sangla, thus reducing your travel time by a few hours.
- SUVs are better for mountain roads than sedans.
Cons:
- Expensive. Expect to shell out ₹12,000-₹18,000 one way from Delhi to Sangla. A double round trip does the math.
- Wages to the driver/toll/parking cut one from the additional costs.
- If you split the journey, you will have to manage the stays overnight.
Perfect for: Families, honeymooners, or those who find comfort and flexibility more fulfilling than price.
Pro-tip: During Holi week, booking your cab at least about 2-3 weeks in advance is safe. Demand shoots, along with an upward trend in prices.
Why Night Stops Matter: Realistic Travel Times + Fatigue Tips
When you think about it, a 14 to 18 hour driving trip may sound easy to do. What you don’t think about is the winding mountain roads, a lot of stops, bad weather delays, and being mentally exhausted from looking at the hairpin turns for hours while you’re driving.
Owing to all this, you will definitely want to stop at night.
- A realistic breakdown of the travel time from Delhi to Shimla is 8 to 9 hours of driving, including time for stopping for meals and resting along the way (1 to 2 stops).
- From Shimla to Sangla, expect another 7 to 8 hours’ worth of actual drive time on narrow mountain roads where the speeds are slower than you would drive on the expressway.
So, in total, you will spend 15 to 17 hours driving, but that will take place over 2 days.
If you do not stop overnight, you will arrive in Sangla tired, cranky, and unable to enjoy the Holi celebrations because you are too exhausted to do anything. It’s not worth it.
To avoid being too fatigued:
- If you are riding in a Volvo, take neck pillows and sleep masks with you.
- Drink enough water because mountain air is really dry.
- Have healthy snacks. Maggi points are always nice to have, but it is always nice to have your own chips.
- If you are driving or have a driver, take turns switching off every 3 to 4 hours.
- Do not eat big meals while you are on the road. Stick to lighter foods, such as soups, stews, and parathas, which are easier to digest than heavy meals.
- Before you leave, download the offline maps. After you leave Shimla, it will be difficult to use your phone for navigation because the phone networks are poor.
Cost Ranges:
March is a peak season for travel to Sangla, and many businesses raise their prices during this time. Two things require your careful consideration, and they will be your largest expenses: transportation and accommodation.
Your mode of transportation will determine how much or less you spend, and your halting location will influence how much you spend on a hotel or guest house.
If you are a budget traveler (i.e., taking a bus to Sangla and using budget accommodation), you could expect to spend approximately ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 over the course of a 3-day trip (including both food and activities).
Prices for travel and accommodation vary greatly depending on your personal preferences, so to ensure you receive the best possible prices, do as much research as possible before travelling, and compare all options before booking a trip.
Get A Quote
Start your biggest experience of Holi by planning & booking it with Manali Tour Planner.
Let us handle the travel logistics for your hassle-free Delhi to Sangla trip. booking options include private cab, customised & curated volvo package, or full Holi itinerary with all accommodation and sightseeing included.
Why Use Manali Tour Planner?
1. Clear pricing. There are no hidden costs and no last-minute surprises.
2. Drivers with experience in mountains.
3. Flexible itineraries. Stop where you want, when you want.
4. 24×7 Support Overall Travel.
Call/WhatsApp Us At +91 70185 37498 And Let Us Help You Create An Unforgettable Sangla Holi Experience!
FAQs:
How long does it take from Delhi to Sangla?
The total journey takes 14-18 hours by road, depending on your mode of transport and breaks.
Is there a direct Volvo/bus to Sangla?
Not exactly, but some private operators offer sangla volvo package tours.
Is private cab better for Holi week?
Holi week in Sangla sees a surge in travelers, and local buses can be packed. A private cab gives you flexibility to explore nearby villages like Chitkul and Kalpa without depending on erratic bus schedules.
Best stopover night: Shimla/Narkanda/Sarahan?
For a hassle-free Holi trip, we’d say Narkanda. It’s quiet and offers decent stays.
Is the route safe in early March?
Yes. But always check weather forecasts a week before departure. Hire experienced drivers familiar with mountain roads, and avoid night driving on unfamiliar stretches.
Plan smart. Travel safe. And celebrate Holi in the lap of the Himalayas like it’s meant to be—raw, real, and ridiculously beautiful.
Ready to book? Let’s make this happen.
📞 Call or WhatsApp: +91 70185 37498
Also read: Kasol in January: Snow, Weather, Road Status and Best Places to Visit (2026 Guide)