Narkanda : Himachal Pradesh

Located in the district of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, Narkanda is a town and a nagar panchayat, situated at an average elevation of 2621 metres. Surrounded by the Shivalik Ranges, Narkanda serves as a skiing resort in winters. This town lies 65 km away from Shimla on NH 22, Old Hindustan-Tibet Road, between the valleys of rivers Sutlej and Beas.

History of Narkanda :

Along with other regions of Shimla, Narkanda was united with Nepal by Prithvi Narayan Shah, in 1806. During this union, other regions like Almora, Phatankot, Kumaon Garhwal, Simur, Dehradun and Kangra were also joined with Nepal. After the Gurkha War, which was fought between the British East India Company and Nepal, all these regions came under the administration of the East India Company as a part of the Sugauli Treaty. Narkanda began to rise after the construction of the Hindustan-Tibet Road in 1850. The road was constructed on the orders of the British Governor General to create trade ties with Tibet. As Narkanda was located on the highest point on this road between Shimla and the river valley of the Satluj, the town flourished. Secondly, it was due to the sudden rise in apple production in Kotgarh-Thanedar belt at a few kilometres from Narkanda that this hilly terrain grew strong economically.

Things to do in Narkanda :

The main attraction of the town is skiing, which is organised by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation from December through March. Hatu Peak, Stokes Farm and Thanedhar are the other major attractions. Shimla Airport at Jubbarhatti is the nearest airport to Narkanda. Situated on the Chandigarh-Shimla rail route, Kalka Railway Station is the nearest railhead.

The town is served by Narkanda Bus Stand, which serves buses from Rampur, Kinnaur, Kufri, Matiana, Theog, Fagu, New Delhi and Shimla. The best time to visit Narkanda is during the winter season, which lasts from October through March.

Hatu Peak is considered as the highest point in Narkanda and offers views of the many snow capped mountains in the surroundings. Hatu Peak is about 7km away from Narkanda and trekking the steep mountain slopes is the only way to reach the peak. The peak is known for attractions like the Hatu Temple and a small pond, apart from the scenic beauty of the place. There is also a PWD guest house for travellers to rest for a while. The slopes of Dhumari and Jau Bagh that are along a meadow, are some of the attractions that come on the way to the peak.