Narkanda sits about 65 km east of Shimla on the old Hindustan–Tibet road (now NH5), at around 2,700 metres. It is a small, practical town surrounded by apple orchards and fir forest, and it looks out over a vast sweep of the Great Himalaya.
Above the town rises Hatu Peak, at roughly 3,400 metres, crowned by a wooden temple to Hatu Mata. In snowy winters Narkanda’s slopes are used for beginner skiing, and Himachal Tourism has run ski courses here — though snowfall varies and the season is short.
Top things to do at Narkanda & Hatu Peak
Go up Hatu Peak
A narrow road (about 7–8 km) climbs through the forest to the Hatu Mata temple and the summit meadows. Drive, or walk up for a half-day hike. The views of the snow ranges are superb on a clear morning.
Ski or play in the snow
In January and February, when snow cover allows, the slopes near Narkanda offer beginner skiing and snow play. Equipment can be rented locally; check conditions before you travel.
Tour the apple country
The Kotgarh and Thanedar area below Narkanda is where apple growing in Himachal began, thanks to the American Samuel Evans Stokes in the early 20th century. The harvest runs roughly from August to October.
How to get to Narkanda & Hatu Peak
- By road: about 2.5–3 hours from Shimla via Kufri, Fagu and Theog.
- By bus: HRTC buses heading to Rampur and Kinnaur stop at Narkanda.
- Onward: Narkanda is the gateway to the road into Kinnaur and Spiti.
Insider tips
- The Hatu road is narrow and can be closed by snow in winter.
- Carry warm clothing in every season; Narkanda is much colder than Shimla.
- Stay a night to see the peaks at sunrise.
Best tours & tickets for Narkanda & Hatu Peak
These experiences are the easiest way to see Narkanda & Hatu Peak with a guide and transport sorted:
Multi-day adventure tour from US$660 From Delhi: 9-Day Kinnaur and Spiti Valley Tour with Meals
The great road journey that starts where most Shimla visits end: east along the Sutlej through Kinnaur’s apple villages and up into the moonscape of Spiti. Meals included; best from late spring to early autumn.
- The Hindustan–Tibet road beyond Shimla and Narkanda
- Sangla, Chitkul, Kalpa and the high desert of Spiti
- Ancient monasteries and remote Himalayan villages
Multi-day adventure tour from US$782 Shimla: 8-Day Spiti Valley Tour via Kalpa, Kaza & Manali
The full Spiti circuit: in through Kinnaur from Shimla, out over the passes to Manali, with the great monasteries of Tabo and Key in between. Summer season only, when the high passes are open.
- Sarahan, Sangla and Kalpa in Kinnaur
- Tabo, Kaza and Key Monastery in Spiti
- Out over the high passes to Manali
Private day tour from US$62 Shimla: Experience the Best of Shimla with a Local Guide
A flexible private day that goes deeper than the headline sights — the lanes below the Mall, stories of the Raj and of the hill people who were here long before it, and a taste of local food. Every review so far is five stars.
- A private full day with a Shimla-born guide and car
- The Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church and the old bazaars
- Local folklore, colonial stories and Himachali snacks along the way
