Narkanda is a town and a nagar panchayat in Kumarsain subdivision of Shimla district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is at an elevation of 2708 meters on the Hindustan-Tibet Road in Himachal Pradesh, India within a fir forest. It is about 60 km away from Shimla and surrounded by the Himalayan Range.
Hatu Peak is one of the highest places of visit in Norkanda located at an altitude of about 11,150 feet above the sea level. Littered with orchards of apples and oak thickets, the peak still stands with a temple called Hatu Temple of the ancient times. It is devoted to the wife of King Ravana, Mandodari, and visitor frequents tend to have a stay at Hotels near Hatu Peak so that they can have easy access to this scenic and sacred place.
The wooden temple embellished with wooden bands and Chinese style carvings gets a full rating mostly by every traveller. It is believed to be the place where the Pandavas cooked their meals during the exile period. “Bheem chulha” the two hearthstones are still found near the temple.
At around 5500 feet above sea level in Kacheri lies an ancient shrine of Goddess Kali which is famous as the Mahamaya Temple. The temple is nestled amid a beautiful scenic location which can be reached by driving 7 kilometers past Narkanda on NH-22. The temple has a meditative vibe and the breathtaking view from the temple campus is worth clicking.
Somewhat an ephemeral lake in the scenic vicinity of Thanedar near Narkanda- Tanni Jubbar lake is one of the offbeat tourist places in Narkanda. The placid lake lies desolated near Naag Devta which is a shrine dedicated to the God of Snakes. The dramatic foliage encircling the lake enables abundance of opportunity for nature photographers and peace-seekers.
The enigmatic lush meadows of Jau Baug is a sight to behold. A furthermore walk of around 15 minutes from Hatu peak wide opens this valley of meadows where you would simply want to roll down and click some crazy landscape snaps. Jau Baug is also shrouded in the historical saga of Pandavas during Vanya-Prastha.
Kacheri owes its popularity to the age-old Mahamaya temple which attracts hoards of devotees every year. Kacheri falls on NH-22 at around 7 kilometres ahead of Narkanda. Kacheri is quite an unspoiled hamlet which just 500 meters walk from Oddi and is also an ideal location for hiking and picnic.
Derthu Mata Temple is a beautiful ancient Hindu temple located near Narkanda. The Derthu Mata Temple is situated at an altitude of 8500 feet. It is said that Derthu Mata is the Mother Goddess of Kumharsain and Sangri people of the area. The spectacular view and the divine aura of the temple make this a worth-it experience. To begin your trek to Derthu Mata Temple, you need to reach the reporting point near Narkanda Bus Stand.
Narkanda is situated at an altitude of 2708 meters on the Hindustan Tibet road. It gives a beautiful view of snow ranges. Famous for Skiing & Winter sports, Narkanda is among India's oldest ski destinations with the undulating beauty of nature. Perched at an altitude of 8100 ft, the slopes of the hill town is perfect for the skills of beginners as well as experienced skiers. Hatu Peak near Narkanda towering at 2000 ft is one of the popular ski slopes in the area.
Sometime in history, a man called Satyanand Stokes brought the cultivation of apple to Narkanda and in the process the town's economy to life. Today the area is known for these enthralling apple orchards and a walk through these is one of the most fascinating and enjoyable experiences the town has to offer.
Narkanda also serves as a favourite stopover by travellers on their way to the picturesque Spiti Valley thereby becoming an optimal site of Hotels on spiti route. With tranquil mountain settings and cool Himalayan breezes, this refinery is where the traveller can rest to acclimatize his trip to higher heights. The necessity to relax in Narkanda is another way to break a long journey and get some comfort, warmth, and other facilities required during the comfortable traveling. Narkanda is a good place to stay on the Spiti route because of its strategic location, good road network and peaceful surroundings. Narkanda is also a good choice of traveller seeking comfortable and reliable hotels.