Narkanda is a quaint town nestled amid the hills in the Kumarsain division of Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh. Sitting at an altitude of 2708 meters on the Hindustan-Tibet road, the town is located in the middle of a fir (abies pindrow) forest. The town is just 65 km away from Shimla. Connecting Shimla with Rampur, the town serves as a popular skiing resort in the winter.
Narkanda is home to jaw-dropping landscapes, the famous Hatu peak. Narkanda is a very popular tourist destination in the mighty Himalayan region. Tourist and apple farming are two major sources of income for the locals in the region. Apart from apples, local farmers also grow cherries.
The town of Narkanda is known for its pleasant weather. Whether it’s summer or winter, the maximum temperature hardly goes beyond 20 degrees celsius. The town is surrounded by oak, conifer, maple, and poplar trees that constitute a large temperature forest. With a population of just over 2,712, Narkanda is the place where you can find solitude and peace. It is one of the best places to experience the traditional Pahari life.
There are numerous picturesque spots to explore in Narkanda. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best places that you must explore during your visit to Narkanda.
Hatu Peak:
Hatu Peak is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. Sitting atop an elevation of around 11150 feet above sea level, the Hatu peak is one of the highest places to visit in Narkanda. The peak is dotted with apples and oak thickets. As per the legends, the peak is dedicated to the wife of Ravana- Mandodari. It is a very popular spot for adventure junkies and hikers. One needs to cover a distance of 7 km to reach the top. While climbing the peak might be challenging, the scenery you get to see from the top is worth the challenge.
Stokes Farm:
Stokes farm is located in a small hamlet called Thanedar that is just 14 km away from Narkanda. The farm was established by Samuel Satyanand Stokes and is known for its large-scale cultivation of Apples. Narkanda holds a significant share in Himachal’s total apple production. Apple production contributes to many jobs in the town that include working in wineries, jam production units, etc.
Tanni Jubbar Lake:
Tanni Jubbar Lake is a clear water body located amidst a dense green cover in the vicinity of Thanedar. It is an offbeat tourist destination near Naag Devta, a shrine dedicated to the God of Snakes. The lake is just 10 km away from the local bus stand. You can enjoy the magnificent views while visiting the lake. It is a perfect spot to click wonderful pictures as well. You can explore the entire region in 1 to 2 hours.
Jau Baug:
Jau Baug is certainly among the best places to visit in the region. Known for its hypnotizing lush green meadows, Jau Baug is 15 minutes away from the Hatu Peak. You can easily get there after a 15-minute walk. The place finds a mention in the historical tale of the Pandavas. There are several trekking routes connected to Jau Baug that make it a perfect spot for adventure junkies. Jau Baug is a very famous spot among photographers. It is also an ideal spot for nature walks. The entire place can be explored in-depth in 3 to 4 hours.
Also Read, Find Serenity in the Hidden Town… Kishtwar
Kacheri:
Kacheri is a scenic marvel that gets its popularity from the snow-capped mountains and adventurous treks. The popular tourist destination is also famous due to the age-old Mahamaya temple that is a holy destination for devotees across the region. Located 7 km ahead of Narkanda, Kacheri falls on NH 22. Mahamaya temple is held in very high regard by the devotees of Goddess Kali. The place is also famous for its apple orchards and green vegetation. If untouched natural beauty is what you want to enjoy, head straight to Kacheri. You can explore the entire Kacheri region in over an hour.
Hatu Mata Temple:
Hatu Mata Temple is one of the most important religious shrines in the region. It is a wooden temple built from wooden bands. The Chinese style carving on its exterior is what makes its architecture unique. It is the place where Pandavas used to cook their meals during the “Van vas.” You can still spot the “Bheem chulha” in the temple. It is a very popular destination among bikers due to its location that offers a perfect 360-degree view of the entire region. The best time to visit the temple is early in the morning.
