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The Ambala 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. 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.

The Chandigarh Shimla Section

The Chandigarh Shimla distance is 118 Kms. Highway in this section is much broad and well maintained than beyond Shimla.

Journey from Chandigarh to Shimla by car is cozy drive as the national highway is well maintained as compared to other hill roads. 

The road to Shimla is a foodie’s delight. Don't miss the food at Giani Ka Dhaba at Dharampur ( 50 Kms from Chandigarh), between Kalka and Shimla. Dharampur along the highway now has nearly 36 well-established dhabas, restaurants and fast food joints.

If you want to go to Kasauli then take a left just after Dharampur. For Chail, go till Kandaghat, and take a right. For Shoghi, go straight till Shoghi. For Shimla, simply keep going.

There is never a boring moment on this road. The eating joints lined up on both sides of the road and the cool breeze from the hills make for a heady combination