About Narkanda Tourism
Narkanda is a small town located in the beautiful Himalyan region of Himachal Pradesh. The town is situated at a height of around 2708 meters above sea level. Narkanda is blessed with eternal beauty, dense forest, apple orchards, green valleys and high mountain peaks. This is the best destination for nature and adventure lovers. This charming town is perched in between the pine and deodar, offering the perfect setting for the nature lovers to simply relax and admire the views.
One of the best places to visit in Narkanda is the Hatu Peak; this peak is the highest peak of the region, offering scenic views of the surrounding. The Hatu Peak also has a temple which is dedicated to Ravana’s wife, Mandodari, which is another reason why this peak is popular.
During the winter season the region is covered with snow, and becomes a snow land. During this season tourists can engage in activities like skiing. Both beginners and experienced skiers can enjoy skiing here. And when the snow melts, during the summer season, the region is perfect for camping, trekking and exploring the apple orchards.
Visiting Narkanda will help tourists to know about the local region, their lifestyle, daily activities, the local cuisines and the culture and tradition. Whether tourists want to explore the beautiful places in Narkanda filled with greenery or engage in adventure activities, Narkanda has everything to offer to its tourists for a serene and peaceful vacation.
Best time to visit Narkanda
To visit Narkanda the best time is from April to June that is the spring/summer season and from October to February that is the autumn/winter season. During the summer/spring season that is from April to June, the temperature is satisfying, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring apple orchards.
The autumn/winter season that is from October to February is the best time for snow lovers and who want to enjoy snow activities like skiing and snowboarding.
Avoid traveling during the monsoon season that is from July to September, as the region receives heavy rainfall and has landslides.
How to reach Narkanda?
By Air
If planning to come by flight, the closest airport to Narkanda is Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti Airport) which is around 85 km away. Tourists will have to take a flight from Delhi or Chandigarh to Shimla Airport. From here, tourists can take a bus or taxi.
By Train
If planning to come by train, the closest railway station to Narkanda is Shimla Railway Station which is famous for its toy train route. Tourists will have to take a train till Kalka; from here they have to opt for the Kalka Shimla toy train route. Once tourists reach Shimla, they can take a bus or taxi to Narkanda.
By Road
If planning to come by train, the closest railway station to Narkanda is Shimla Railway Station which is famous for its toy train route. Tourists will have to take a train till Kalka; from here they have to opt for the Kalka Shimla toy train route. Once tourists reach Shimla, they can take a bus or taxi to Narkanda.
Best Places to visit in Narkanda
Since Narkanda is blessed with lush green forests, high mountain peaks, apple orchards, verdant valleys and peaks and scenic views, there are many breathtakingly beautiful places to visit in Narkanda:
Hatu Valley is one of the must-visit tourist destinations in Narkand, as the region is blessed with scenic landscape and serene and peaceful environment. Tourists visiting this valley can engage in number of activities.
The Hatu Mata Temple is located in the Hatu Peak (which is the highest point of the region). Tourists visiting the Hatu Peak should definitely visit the Hatu Mata Temple.
Tani Jubbar Lake is an enchanting spot perched in between the cedar trees, making the surrounding look like a paradise. The water of the lake is crystal clear, when the sun rises and sets.
Mahamaya Temple is another important temple located in Kacheri near Narkanda. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. In order to visit the temple, tourists will have to opt for a short drive from Narkanda.
Kotgarh and Thanedar are two beautiful small towns located near Narkanda. These towns are popular for their apple orchards and enchanting scenery. In fact, Kotgarh and Thanedar are the two small towns popularly known as the birthplace of apple.
Stokes Farm is popular apple orchard; it takes you closer to the local apple farming industry in Himachal Pradesh. The farm is located in one of the mountains of the region, surrounded by the high mountain peaks.
Since Narkanda is located at a high altitude and has many mountain peaks, during the winter season when the region turns into a snow land, tourists visiting Narkanda can engage in skiing.
For shopping lovers the local market in Narkanda offers a unique shopping experience. The region offers variety of Himachali handmade items, woolen clothes, jewelleries, organic products, etc.
Things to do in Narkanda
Since Narkanda is surrounded by mountain ranges, hills, valleys, meadows, dense forests and has the Sutlej River flowing, it is one of the best places for adventure activities. Tourists can engage in different adventure activities based on their skill level and preference.
Trekking is one of the best adventurous activity tourists can engage in. One of the popular trekking route is the Hatu Peak, which is the highest point of the region.
Skiing and Snowboarding is another adventurous activity in Narkanda, which is possible when the region gets snowfall and is completely covered with snow.
For those who want to stay close to nature, camping is one of the best adventure activity tourists can engage in. One of the best spot for camping is Jau Baug which is located near Hatu Peak.
For those who want to add some thrill, rock climbing and rappelling is one of the interesting activities that tourists can engage in Narkanda. As the region has many high peaks and tree-tops.
Narkanda comprises of hilly terrain, trails, pathways, and vast green valleys, wherein tourists can engage in mountain biking. The trails available in this region are both for beginners and experienced mountain bikers.
Those who want to have an adrenaline-pumping activity can choose to go for river rafting in the nearby Satluj Ruver, which is famous for strong challenging rapids, and many sharp turns and twists.
Shopping in Narkanda is one of the most exciting activities to do, the local market here offers an authentic small hill-town shopping experiences. Tourists can engage in buying products.