Destination Features

At 9,000 feet among the dense woodlands of mixed tropical forests, surrounded by small villages and apple orchards lies Narkanda. A two hours drive from Shimla on the Hindustan Tibet Road (NH-22), a meandering drive with breathtaking views takes you to Narkanda, a perfect place for peace and tranquility. With a spectacular view of the snow peaks, this place is ideal for seeking seclusion in the serene mountains. The region is the abode to enormous groves of hilly cherries and apple trees. The area has forests of fir and spruce, with a smattering of maple, aspen and cedar trees. A wooded trek route takes you to Hatu Peak unfolding a magnificent vista of undulating meadows, snow peaks and valleys. Ahead lie the Greater Himalaya and a number of peaks - the Kinner Kailash, the Srikhand and the Kullu ranges. Hatu's flank hold stretches of apple orchards and acres of wild flowers. Narkanda is the gateway to Apple countryside of Himachal Pradesh. Narkanda is also a centre for winter sports with skiing being organized from January – Mid March.

Distances:

New Delhi – 434 km, Ambala Cant. – 225 km, Chandigarh – 184 km

Route from New Delhi:

New Delhi – Panipat – Ambala – Shimla – Theog – Matiana – Narkanda

Seven km from Narkanda is Hatu Peak at an altitude of 11,230 feet. This can be accessed through a road surrounded by pine and spruce trees. The peak offers some spectacular view of snow clad mountains, dense forests canopy, green fields and apple orchards. Hiking is recommended to reach the peak. A further 15 minute walk from the peak takes you to the stunning meadows of Jau-Baug. On top of the hill, ancient Hatu Temple is located searching its roots to Pandavas Vanya-Prastha. The beautiful apple country of Kotgarh and Thanedhar is 18 km on a road bifurcating from Narkanda. The apple bowl of India, famous for apple orchards is known for its apple varieties of Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Royal Delicious. Another attraction on way is the Tannu Jubbar lake with an ancient Nag deity temple

There is a lot one can do in Narkanda. The serenity of the place is a

perfect inspiration to bring out a poet or a painter in you. 7 km uphill trek

to Hatu Peak can be refreshing and enjoyable among the forest. Drive to

Thanedhar along apple orchards is pleasant with some great views of the Satluj

valley. During winters one can enjoy skiing at Narkanda. The skiing starts by

10^th of January. HPTDC Hotel Hatu conducts skiing courses of 7 days

duration at Narkanda. For the advance skiers the slopes of Hatu peak offers

some great thrill.

Hotel accommodation is limited in Narkanda. The recently opened and

magnificent Tethy’s at Narkanda Resort offers rooms on 2 Nights/ 3 Days

packages starting from 6,777/- on twin sharing with breakfast and dinner

included. The hotel also organizes a range of adventure activities like hiking,

camping, rappelling, mountaineering and jeep safari. HPTDC Hotel Hatu

offers accommodation in the range of 800-1400. Mahamaya in the main

bazaar offers rooms from 600-800. Besides, there are few guest houses

where prices are negotiable. A Govt run Circuit House is also

available at Narkanda which offers breathtaking views. Getting a room here

requires prior reservation from the District Magistrate’s Office in Shimla.

Thanedhar, 18 km from Narkanda offers Orchard Retreat, situated among

apple orchard and is worth a stay. Rooms are available from Rs. 3,600/

onwards and includes all meals.

Tethy’s at Narkanda Resort and the HPTDC Hotel Hatu offers Indian,

Continental and Chinese cuisine.