The Ambala Shimla Khab National Highway ( Number 22)

National Highway 22 links Ambala in Haryana with Shipkila and Khab, near the Indo China international border, in Himachal Pradesh. This 459 kilometers long road spans across the states of Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and touches some major district headquarters, towns and cities on its way. National Highway 22 originates from The Delhi Amritsar National Highway at Ambala and also meets National Highway 21 near Chandigarh. Kalka, Pinjore and Dera Bassi are the major settlements that lie along the highway in Punjab and Haryana stretches. About 2 km beyond Kalka, the highway enters Himachal Pradesh. Parwanoo is the first settlement one would come across in Himachal Pradesh. National Highway 22 then zig-zags its way north-east, past Solan, Shimla, Narkanda, Rampur, Kalpa and Puh, before ending at Shipkila, near the international border. The highway is 398 km-long in Himachal Pradesh.

Delhi to Shimla driving instructions

While travelling from Delhi to Shimla you will pass through Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra & then Ambala on national highway number 1. From Ambala the highway will branch out. One goes to Amritsar and the other one towards Chandigarh. You need to take the Chandigarh one that is better. After about 45 kms you will reach Panchkula. From Panchkula proceed on to Kalka. The hill terrain of around 90 kms starts from Kalka. Overall Shimla from Delhi is around 360 kms and takes about 7-8 hours by car.

Distances from Shimla

Shimla District lies between the longitude 77º-0″ and 78º-19″ east and latitude 30º-45″ and 31º-44″ north. It is bounded by Mandi and Kullu in the north, Kinnaur in the east, the state of Uttaranchal in the south, Sirmaur, district in the west. The elevation of the district ranges from 300 to 6000 meters. It was formerly the summer capital during the British Rule. The town of Shimla is built over several hills and connecting ridges. The important hills are  Jakhu(8050 ft), Prospect Hill (7140 ft), Observatory Hill ( 7050 ft), Elysium Hill (7400 ft), and Summer Hill (6900 ft).

The city is spread over an area of 25 square kilometers. Though it seems small, the hills and undulating terrain surrounding it give it the look of a majestic hill station.

Road infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh

The geography of Himachal presents considerable challenge to the development of transport infrastructure. Nevertheless, the state has made significant progress in road connectivity in the last few decades. Himachal at present has the highest road density among all the hill states of India. Although Himachal also has three airports and two narrow gauge rail tracks, roads remain the main mode of transport in Himachal.

In addition to the National Highways, the state also has a large mesh of highways and village roads, natural beauty. Most tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh such as Shimla, Manali, Dharamsala etc. are well connected by roads. Some of the roads in Himachal are seasonal and get closed during winters and monsoons due to heavy snowfall, landslides and washouts.

The Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh has the highest road density in India.

The government-owned Himachal Road Transport Corporation runs a network of buses across the state and Himachal Pradesh being a major tourist destination, there is no dearth of private buses and taxis.