Important Roads of Himachal
Pradesh
An Overview of Key Roads and Their Significance
Generated by Grok
August 19, 2025
1 Introduction
Himachal Pradesh, a mountainous state in the Western Himalayas, relies heavily on its
road network to connect its remote valleys, high-altitude passes, and vibrant tourist des-
tinations. Despite challenging terrain, the state boasts a robust network of 9 National
Highways (1,250 km), 20 State Highways (1,625 km), and 45 Major District Roads (1,753
km), as of recent data [4]. These roads facilitate tourism, trade, and access to pilgrim-
age sites, but some are among Indias most dangerous due to steep cliffs, narrow paths,
and seasonal closures. This document explores the most significant roads in Himachal
Pradesh, their roles, and the challenges they face.
2 Key Roads and Highways
The following are among the most important roads in Himachal Pradesh, selected for
their connectivity, tourism impact, and unique characteristics:
• NH-5 (formerly NH-22), Ambala-Shimla-Kaurik:
– Route: Connects Ambala (Haryana) through Chandigarh, Shimla, and Kin-
naur to Kaurik near the Indo-Tibet border.
– Significance: Known as the "Highway to Hell" due to its treacherous sections,
narrow paths, cliffs, and tunnels. It offers stunning views of rivers, temples,
and mountains, vital for accessing Kinnaur and Spiti [5].
– Status: Undergoing upgrades, including four-laning from Parwanoo to Dhalli
[?].
• NH-3 (formerly NH-21), Chandigarh-Manali:
– Route: Links Chandigarh to Manali via Mandi, passing through Bilaspur and
Kullu.
– Significance: A key tourism route connecting to Manali, a honeymoon and
adventure hub. Scenic stops include the Hanogi Mata Temple and forested
areas with seasonal flora [?].
– Features: Includes the 3 km Aut Tunnel, one of Indias longest road tunnels
[6].
• Manali-Leh Highway:
– Route: A 426 km stretch from Manali (Himachal Pradesh) to Leh (Ladakh),
crossing high passes like Rohtang (3,978 m) and Baralacha La.
– Significance: One of the worlds highest motorable roads, open only from
May to October due to heavy snowfall. Popular among adventure bikers for
its rugged terrain and breathtaking views, but challenging with narrow lanes,
landslides, and icy streams [?, 5].
• Shimla-Kaza Road:
– Route: Connects Shimla to Kaza in Spiti Valley via Kufri, Narkanda, and
Kinnaur, passing through treacherous sections like the Taranda Dhank.
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– Significance: Links to Spiti Valleys monasteries and villages. Known for its
dangerous stretches, including narrow roads and cliffs, it requires experienced
drivers [3].
• Sangla-Chitkul Road:
– Route: A 45 km route in Kinnaur, running along the Baspa River from Sangla
to Chitkul, Indias last village near the Indo-Tibet border.
– Significance: Offers magnificent views for the first 20 km, but the final stretch
is narrow and poorly maintained, making it one of the states most dangerous
roads [3].
• Rohtang Pass Road:
– Route: A 51 km stretch from Manali to the Rohtang Pass (3,978 m), con-
necting Kullu to Lahaul and Spiti.
– Significance: Named pile of corpses due to historical fatalities, its a risky yet
scenic route with snow-covered peaks. Popular for tourism but challenging
due to weather and road conditions [?, 3].
3 Ecological and Economic Importance
Himachals roads are vital for:
• Tourism: Roads like NH-3 and the Manali-Leh Highway connect major destina-
tions (Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala) and offbeat locations, supporting the states
tourism industry, a key economic driver [6].
• Pilgrimage: Access to over 2,000 temples, including those near Churdhar and
Manimahesh Kailash, is facilitated by roads like NH-5 and State Highways [1].
• Trade and Connectivity: The 12 districts are well-connected by 45 Major Dis-
trict Roads, enabling access to hospitals, schools, and markets, fostering industrial
growth [1, 2].
4 Challenges and Risks
Himachals roads face significant challenges due to its Himalayan terrain:
• Dangerous Conditions: Roads like NH-5, Sangla-Chitkul, and Kinnaur Road
feature narrow paths, steep cliffs, and wobbly bridges, with risks of landslides and
snowfall [3, 5].
• Seasonal Closures: High-altitude roads like Manali-Leh and Shimla-Kaza close
in winter and monsoons due to snow and landslides [6].
• Maintenance: Frequent natural disasters require constant road repairs, managed
by the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) [1].
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5 Infrastructure Development
The government is enhancing road infrastructure:
• Upgrades: Four-laning projects on NH-5 (Parwanoo-Shimla) and NH-20 (Pathankot-
Mandi) are in progress [?].
• PWD and NHAI: The PWD oversees 63 National Highway projects (4,031 km),
while the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) manages key developments
[?].
• HRTC: The Himachal Road Transport Corporation operates buses on high-altitude
routes like Shimla-Kaza and Manali-Reckong Peo, improving accessibility [6].
6 Conclusion
Himachal Pradeshs roads, from the scenic NH-3 to the treacherous Manali-Leh Highway,
are the lifelines of the state, connecting its districts, supporting tourism, and enabling
pilgrimage and trade. Despite challenges like dangerous conditions and seasonal closures,
ongoing infrastructure improvements ensure better connectivity. These roads not only
facilitate travel but also offer travelers a chance to experience the states breathtaking
Himalayan landscapes.
References
[1] Himachal Pradesh Road Map, www.mapsofindia.com, 2023.
[2] List of major district roads in Himachal Pradesh, en.wikipedia.org, 2010.
[3] Think Twice Before Taking These Most Dangerous Roads In Himachal Pradesh,
curlytales.com, 2022.
[4] List of state highways in Himachal Pradesh, en.wikipedia.org, 2009.
[5] Top 10 Most Dangerous Roads in India, www.fr8.in, 2023.
[6] How to Reach Himachal Pradesh by Roadways?, www.tourmyindia.com, n.d.
