Exploring Narkanda: Himachal’s Hidden Gem Near Shimla.
Narkanda is a scenic hill town located in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 8,900 ft (2,708 m). It lies on the Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH5) and serves as a peaceful halt for travelers heading toward Spiti Valley or Kinnaur. Surrounded by apple orchards and thick cedar forests, Narkanda is less commercial than Shimla but equally captivating.
The town is known for its proximity to Hatu Peak, the highest point in the Shimla region, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges and a spiritual sense of calm.
Camping at Hatu Peak, Narkanda
To finally explore Spiti Valley, I planned my trip for August, when the roads are open and weather is mostly favorable. I kicked off my ride from Delhi, passed through Chandigarh, and reached Narkanda by late afternoon.
Just 5 km above Narkanda, at an altitude of 12,000 ft, lies Hatu Peak — accessible by a narrow, winding road through dense pine forests and apple orchards(August is an apple season). At the summit, a beautifully carved wooden temple dedicated to Mandodari, the wife of Ravana, stands quietly among the mist and trees.
There’s a government guest house available for stay(which was non-functional), I decided to camp on the lawn beside it. The view from the top was breathtaking, but the night wasn’t as peaceful as I had hoped. Locals had warned me about wild animal movement, and every rustle outside my tent kept me wide-eyed and on alert. It turned into a long, sleepless night.
But when morning broke, the sunrise over the Himalayas made it all worth it. The golden glow on the peaks and the silence of the high-altitude forest was enough to re-energize my senses and mark a beautiful start to my Spiti ride.
From Narkanda to the Edge of the Border
After packing up my camp and soaking in the last views from Hatu Peak, I descended back into Narkanda town for a quick breakfast and began the next leg of my journey — a 180 km ride to Chitkul, India’s last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibet border.
How to Reach Narkanda
- By Road:
Narkanda lies on NH5 (Hindustan–Tibet Road) and is well-connected by road. It is approximately:- 420 km from Delhi (via Chandigarh, Shimla)
- 65 km from Shimla
Regular buses and taxis are available from Shimla ISBT.
- By Train:
Nearest railhead: Shimla Railway Station (65 km), connected via the scenic Kalka–Shimla toy train. - By Air:
Nearest airport: Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti) – 90 km
Alternatively, fly into Chandigarh Airport (~180 km) and drive up.
Best Time to Visit Narkanda
- April to June: Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and trekking
- July to August: Monsoon brings lush greenery, but landslides are possible
- September to November: Clear skies, crisp views, post-monsoon freshness
- December to February: Heavy snowfall — great for snow lovers and skiing (but road closures are possible)
Things to Do in Narkanda
- Ride or Trek to Hatu Peak – The highest point in Shimla district with panoramic views.
- Visit Hatu Mata Temple – A wooden temple steeped in mythology.
- Watch the Sunrise from the Ridge – Camp or walk up early to catch magical golden light.
- Skiing in Winter – Narkanda is one of the few Himachal towns with skiing slopes (Jan–Feb).
- Explore Apple Orchards – Visit during harvest season (Sept–Oct) to see local farming.
- Photography – Dense forests, winding roads, and open valleys offer amazing frames.
- Slow Down – It’s a perfect place to pause before heading into deeper Himalayan terrain.
