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
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 like enjoying nature walks around the trails of the valley, enjoy picnics or simply relax appreciating the serene ambiance.
Hatu Peak
Hatu Peak is another important tourist’s spot of Narkanda because it is the highest point of the region. Tourists can enjoy a trek to peak, the trail comprises of dense forests, undulating hilly terrain, fascinating meadows, and the surrounding snow covered mountain ranges and the scenic landscape. The peak also has a temple dedicated to Ravana’s wife, Mandodari.
Hatu Mata Temple
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. The temple is dedicated to Mandodari who was Ravana’s wife. The temple comprises of beautiful Himachali architectural style with wooden carvings and intricate designs. The journey to the temple is simply amazing.
Tani Jubbar Lake
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; it reflects the surrounding foliage and the clear blue sky. There is also a small Nag Devta temple located near the lake which is devoted to the God of Snake.
Mahamaya Temple
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. The temple is located amidst the surrounding mountain ranges and dense forests. The temple is of religious importance to the locals and offers spiritual ambiance as well.
Jau Baug is actual a charming meadow that offers scenic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the green valleys. Jau Baug is located near Hatu Peak and is one of the must-visit tourist destinations. It is an ideal place for picnics, camping and nature walks. But during the winter season, the entire region is covered with snow, and tourists can engage in activities like skiing.
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 cultivation in this hill state, Himachal Pradesh. Apple cultivation was first introduced by Samuel Stokes in this region.
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, green valleys, and the lush-green forests. Visiting the Stokes Farm is one of the best experience as it lets you explore the apple orchard, the apple farming factory, engage in apple picking and tasting activity. The farm also lets you buy fresh apples, and other apple-based products.
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. The slopes of the peaks are ideal for skiing for any skill level, both beginners and experienced skiers can engage in skiing in Narkanda. In fact there is a skiing school run by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, it offers skiing lessons and also provided skiing equipments on rent.
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. Visiting the market and strolling around will help tourists known about the local culture and lifestyle of the people. Have a enjoyable time buying souvenirs to take back home and interacting with the locals.