Narkanda, a charming hill station nestled in the Himalayas, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and tranquil atmosphere. Located approximately 60 kilometers from Shimla, Narkanda offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush apple orchards, and dense cedar forests. It serves as a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. The region is particularly famous for skiing in winter, attracting thrill-seekers to its slopes. In the warmer months, visitors can indulge in hiking, trekking, and exploring the picturesque villages that dot the landscape. The highlight of Narkanda is Hatu Peak, which provides panoramic views and is a popular trekking destination. With its serene environment and natural beauty, Narkanda is an ideal spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the mountains
Hatu Peak, Hatu Mata Temple, Stokes Farm, Mahamaya Temple, Tanni Jubbar Lake, Jau-Baug, Kacheri.
The rich landscapes and exotic places to visit in Narkanda make it a hotspot for tourists who wish to see beyond Shimla and Rampur. Besides being a Nagar panchayat and small hill town of Himachal- Narkanda is sprawled over with apple orchards and undulating forests of oaks and cedar. The astounding lakes, peaks and awe-inspiring meadows of Narkanda leave their mark on the mind of a traveller.
The tourist places in Narkanda keep you hooked for long. Getaways like Hatu temple and Hatu peak stir adventure within, especially when you hike the extreme height of 11,150 feet above sea level. The evidential remains of Pandavas and Vanya Prastha era give you an ultimate time travel capsule. For years Narkanda proves to be a better alternative to Shimla because of its peaceful locale. Riders riding towards Spiti valley via Shimla also pass through or take an overnight halt at Narkanda. Places like Tanni Jubbar lake and Stokes farm are a top amongst all.
It is also popular as a winter playground for tourists due to the many sports and activities which are offered on snow-laden slopes of the region, especially skiing. From meeting your religious and spiritual mood to satiating adventure thirst in you- Narkanda is an all-rounder.
The best time to visit Narkanda is between April to June, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. However, if you're a snow lover, you might want to visit between December and February when Narkanda turns into a winter wonderland.
Going through Shimla is on e way to reach Narkanda. Drive on the Delhi-Chandigarh highway, all the way up to Ambala and then take a turn on the Himalayan Expressway towards Shimla. Enjoy the hilly roads and pristine environments from there on, while you reach Narkanda just within a few hours.
Narkanda has mythological significance, with the hills believed to be a site where the Pandavas resided during their exile. Little is known about the history of the place as it was merely a sparsely inhabited hilly area. However, its history can be vaguely linked to the history of Shimla. The area was ruled by the Kashmiri King Sankar Varma, followed by the invasion of Mahmud Ghazni, and then by the Rajput king Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The territory was also ruled by the Mughals, after which the Gorkhas, who had been ruling Nepal since 1768, began to expand their rule by building forts around Shimla and significantly damaging the territory under the leadership of Amar Singh Thapa. On January 25, 1971, the Himachal Pradesh Act was declared, making it a separate state by Parliament, with Shimla as a district of the state, and Narkanda as one of its towns. The fate of Narkanda changed when Mr. Satyanand Stokes introduced apple cultivation to Narkanda and nearby areas, greatly contributing to the local economy. Today, Rs 3,000 crore in direct and indirect income for Himachal is generated through apple production. Cherry cultivation is also becoming a major occupation in the area.
