Offering spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, stretching from the Shrikhand Range in the east to the Kinner Kailash Range in the northwest, Narkanda is a sheer delight for the discerning traveller. What makes Narkanda special is its non-touristy vibe and untrammelled charm. And so, explore the charming hill station with this ultimate Narkanda travel guide. By Karan Kaushik
Here, we’ve put together the best of what Narkanda has to offer. Cheers!
Things to do
Skiing
Narkanda’s skiing history goes back to 1980, and the picturesque hill station has attracted many a ski enthusiast ever since.
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There’s a dedicated skiing ground here, where HPTDC organises elementary alpine skiing courses during peak winters. Equipment and other skiing essentials are readily available. The instructors here are some of the best skiers in the country, which makes it the go-to destination for beginners.
Trek to Hatu Peak
Hatu is great for both adventure lovers and spiritual seekers. Famous for its ski slopes, Hatu Peak can be reached after an easy 7km trek. The trek takes you through a mixed forest featuring high altitude conifers like blue pine, deodar, fir and spruce. You’ll also see oak, rhododendron, walnut, and chestnut trees. On your way to the peak, make a stop at the little pond near Gujjar kotha.
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The prime attraction at Hatu is a small stove like figure, which is believed to have been used by the Pandavas to cook food during their exile. You could either return to Narkanda on the same day or choose to camp at the peak and spend a blissful night under the star-studded sky.
Hatu Mata Temple
Perched atop the Hatu Peak on a long ridge, the Hatu Mata Temple is one of the most revered and most flocked temples of Himachal Pradesh. Dedicated to King Ravana’s wife Mandodari, the temple holds immense religious significance for the locals. A visit here will reward you with panoramic views of lush alpines and peaceful vibes. Towards the north of the ridge, you will find a shelter, which offers 360-degree views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Mahamaya Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Kali, the Mahamaya Temple is in Kacheri, a little ahead of Narkanda. The temple was constructed by the king of Sundarnagar and will have you in awe with its attractive Himachali aesthetics and architecture. When done seeking blessings from the divine providence, find yourself a peaceful spot to meditate and introspect.
Best time to go
Winter is the preferred season to experience Narkanda at its picturesque best. The hilly hamlet receives good snowfall between December and January. Sometimes, it continues to snow in February too. Narkanda is often visited for skiing and snowboarding. If you also intend to experience the thrill, January to March is a good time.
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If you want to plan a trip around summers, you must include Thanedar in your itinerary. Home to gorgeous apple orchards, Thanedar is best visited between the months of June and September. It is during these months that Narkanda and its nearby places witness a bumper apple harvest.
To witness the lush valleys of Narkanda in spring, visit around April and early May. The months of May and June are also great to plan a summer vacation. Avoid travelling in monsoons as the area is landslide-prone and traffic snarls can be real dampeners. Those seeking a laidback vacation may visit in August and September when fewer tourists visit Narkanda.
Things to know
Narkanda enjoys good connectivity with New Delhi. There are regular buses by HRTC and private bus operators. Reaching Narkanda from Delhi will take you around 9 to 10 hours, depending on the traffic. Those who wish to travel by their own vehicles can do so by taking the route to Ambala via Panipat, Karnal and Pipli. You’ll have to take NH22 to reach Narkanda from Shimla. It’s an easy two-hour drive.
Narkanda can also be reached by taking a train to Kalka, the nearest railhead. Kalka is well-connected with major cities of India including Mumbai and Kolkata. Taxis to Narkanda are easily available. State and private busses also operate from Shimla to Narkanda in the ordinary and deluxe categories.
How to get around
It’s best to hire a taxi from Shimla or travel by your own vehicle to explore Narkanda and its neighbourhoods. Narkanda has great roads and offers an easy experience for drivers. Ordinary HRTC buses are also available to visit nearby areas.
If you are travelling in your own vehicle, take the Victory Tunnel near Shimla’s Mall Road. After crossing the Lakkar Bazaar, head towards Sanjauli. Take the NH-5 to Mungar and further to Kufri.
The best part about driving to Narkanda from Shimla is stopping at the picturesque hilly hamlets that lie on the route. These include Kufri, Fagu, and Theog.
Best Luxury Hotels
The Wilderness
Nestled amidst dense forests, The Wilderness is perched at a height of 8500 feet above sea level. You can fancy a little forest trek or off-road walking trails during your stay. The family-run luxury hotel is surrounded by apple and cherry orchards on one side and cedar forests on the other.
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The hotel is pet-friendly and offers well-furnished cozy rooms, outdoor barbeque, bonfires, and private parking space. There’s a beautiful lake in front of the property, where you can unwind after your explorations around Narkanda.
Contact: +91 78760 24780; +91 98056 50990
Website
Tethys Ski Resort
Rooms at Tethys Ski Resort are spacious and packed with all mod cons. There are 31 rooms in total, and they vary in size and facilities. The rooms have been interestingly named after Himalayan ranges and rivers. Their in-house multicuisine restaurant, The Apple, serves delicious Himachali, Mughlai, Indian, Chinese, and Continental meals. They have a garden café too, which is called Red Cherry.
Contact: +91 98160 42641
Website
Skyline Villa Rental
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Skyline Villa stands as a fine specimen of traditional Himachali architecture at a kissing distance from Hatu Peak. Blessed with stunning views of the Himalayas, the property features lovely gardens, a restaurant, a shared lounge, and a spa. Every room comes with a kitchen and other facilities needed for a luxurious stay. They also offer a continental or à la carte breakfast.
Contact: +91 80917 76649
Website
Best Budget Hotels
The Hatu
HPTDC’s Hotel Hatu is located among quiet surroundings just off the Hindustan Tibet Highway. If you are travelling to Narkanda especially for skiing, The Hatu is your best bet as it lies only 1.5km from the Narkanda ski slopes. The hotel features a restaurant, a bar, parking, and all the countryside comforts that you will ever need on a hilly vacation. The doctor-on-call facility is also available in case you end up feeling a tad under the weather.
Contact: 01782 242430, 242509
Website
Wild Himalayan Glamping Camp
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If glamping in the serene environs of Narkanda is what you would love to experience, you should make a booking at the Wild Himalaya Glamping Camp. On offer here is an incredible outdoor camping experience, that comes with all basic amenities. You will also get spectacular views of the Dhauladhars from the campsite. Free WiFi and private parking are also available. All units feature a balcony and a kitchen. Buffet breakfast at the campsite is amazing too.
Contact: +91 78079 53983
Pines and Peaks Hotel
A preferred choice for budget travellers, Pines and Peaks offers great mountain views. Every room has a balcony, while some units even have attached terraces. The rooms are comfortable and the staff friendly.
Contact: +91 70183 76405
Best Restaurants
The New Himalaya Negi Dhaba
An all-time favourite among Narkanda frequenters, this legendary dhaba is the town’s most popular eat-out place. Located at the main chowk of Narkanda, the restaurant offers simple vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Their paneer dishes and dal makhani are highly recommended and so are their delicious gulab jamuns. They also serve good coffee and ginger tea.
Ensemble Bar and Restaurant
Wish to grab a drink at night with your friends? Head out to Ensemble Bar and Restaurant. The staff is super friendly, and they serve all kinds of alcoholic beverages, with beer being their best offering. The place is pocket-friendly and promises a nice time.
Best Shopping
One doesn’t travel to Narkanda with a special focus on shopping. It’s a sleepy hilly hamlet and you should not keep your expectations very high. You can still buy Himachali caps and handicrafts. There’s nothing that you won’t have already picked up from Shimla. Just don’t forget to grab some apples for your way back home.
Neighbourhoods to Know
Thanedar and Kotgarh
Often referred to as the apple basket of India, Narkanda enjoys proximity with Thanedar and Kotgarh, both famous for their apple orchards. Any visit to Narkanda will be incomplete without savouring the taste of fresh apples in either of these places.
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One of the first successful apple harvests in India is credited to Samuel (Satyanand) Stokes, who bought a 200-acre tea estate in Thanedar village and converted it into an apple orchard in the early 1900s. He also built a pahadi house in 1912 and named it Harmony Hall after his home in Philadelphia. Today, it is a heritage hotel called Thanedar Estate. The house has four bedrooms decorated with old artefacts, caretakers who whip up delicious meals, and a verandah overlooking the mountains.
The Stokes Farm in Thanedar is a must-visit. It’s the oldest apple orchard in the Shimla district. You can also buy apple wines and jams here.
Weather
Weatherwise Narkanda is extremely cold from November onwards. The average temperature in peak winters is around 5 degrees Celsius. Days during the winter months record between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, while nights can be freezing, as the mercury tends to drop to 0 degrees Celsius. Summers are warm and pleasant though. The temperature in the summer months averages around 19 to 28 degrees Celsius.
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