If you are looking for best things to do in Narkanda, you will find far more than a regular hill-station destination to visit. Being surrounded by dense Himalayan forests, apple orchards and mountain landscapes, Narkanda provides unique opportunities of adventure, nature, spirituality and village experiences. The town is located in the Shimla district and is situated at a height of 2,708 metres above the sea level. It is around 60 km away from Shimla.
From hiking to the famous Hatu Peak and visiting the traditional Hatu Mata Temple to doing snow activities in winter and exploring the apple-growing region of Thanedar, Narkanda provides unique experiences for different types of travellers. Also, the town is well-known for its skiing history with official tourism resources describing Narkanda as one of the oldest skiing destinations in India.
Why Is Narkanda Worth Visiting?
The town of Narkanda is a perfect choice for travellers who want to get closer to the Himalayas and do not want to be in the busy tourist hot spots. The surrounding landscape includes coniferous forests, mountain roads, meadows, temples and apple-growing villages.
The destination is suitable for various types of travel plans. The adventurous ones can hike and ski, families can visit lakes and orchards, couples can enjoy the calmness of the mountain landscape and photographers can capture forests, villages and the Himalayas for hours.
Narkanda Highlights Overview
| Highlight | What Makes Them Special |
| Hatu Peak | Mountain views and trekking |
| Hatu Mata Temple | Traditional wooden architecture and religious importance |
| Tanni Jubbar Lake | Peaceful natural surroundings |
| Stokes Farm | Apple-growing heritage |
| Thanedar | Orchards and mountain landscapes |
| Jau Baug | Meadow and nature walk |
| Skiing | Popular winter activity |
| Kacheri | Village and temple experience |
| Forest trails | Nature and photography |
20 Best Things to Do & Places to Visit in Narkanda
1. Trek to Hatu Peak for Panoramic Himalayan Views
The top of the famous Hatu Peak is one of the top things to do in Narkanda and should definitely be included into your sightseeing list. Located at a height of 3,400 metres, the peak is surrounded by beautiful Himalayan forests and provides great mountain views. According to the official Himachal Tourism website, the walk from Narkanda through the forest to the peak is one of the most memorable experiences of the place.
However, the road reaches the upper area of the peak and travellers do not need to hike through the whole way. Nonetheless, hiking through the forest provides the feeling of a more immersive experience.
| Hatu Peak Information | Details |
| Elevation | About 3,400 metres |
| From Narkanda | Around 8 km by the trekking route |
| Main activities | Trekking, sightseeing, photography |
| Landscape | Deodar, fir, oak and other mountain forests |
| Best experience | Early morning visit |
2. Visit the Beautiful Hatu Mata Temple
At the top of the famous Hatu Peak there is the famous traditional Hatu Mata Temple. The architecture of the temple is quite typical for the region and makes the temple very interesting for those who love Himalayan culture and architecture.
The temple is associated with some local religious traditions and legends. As Incredible India says, there are some local beliefs linking the temple with Mandodari. At the same time, there are legends connected with the peak and its connection with the Pandavas. Those are purely traditional legends and not the independently verified historical facts.
The temple looks even more impressive due to the mountain landscape. After reaching the top of the peak, travellers can visit the temple and enjoy the views around it.
3. Enjoy the Scenic Beauty Around Hatu Peak
The journey to the top of the peak is also one of the most interesting parts of the Narkanda experience. The road leads through dense forests, while the hiking path offers travellers the opportunity to walk under the tall coniferous trees.
As stated on the official tourism website, Himachal is known for the deodar, fir, spruce, cedar and blue pine vegetation.
On a clear day the view from the higher areas extends far beyond the surroundings. The best time for photographers to visit the place is early morning because the light is soft then.
4. Spend a Peaceful Morning at Tanni Jubbar Lake
The lake is the quiet natural attraction of the area which is surrounded by greenery and mountain landscape. The lake is suitable mostly for relaxation, walking and photography and not for active water sports.
According to Incredible India, Tanni Jubbar Lake is a serene lake where travellers can spend their time walking or just relaxing next to the water surface. Small temple near the lake also provides a cultural element of the trip.
| Tanni Jubbar Lake | Details |
| Experience | Nature and relaxation |
| Best activities | Walking, photography, sightseeing |
| Surroundings | Greenery and mountain landscape |
| Ideal duration | 1–2 hours |
| Suitable for | Families, couples and photographers |
5. Experience Skiing in Narkanda
One of the most exciting things to do in Narkanda in winter is skiing. The town has a rich history of skiing and, according to the official tourism resources, the activity of skiing in Narkanda started in the beginning of the eighties of the twentieth century. The usual season for skiing is around January-March although the exact date depends on the snow fall.
Those who have never been skiing before can learn the basics of the activity with the help of professional instructors in case the ski facilities are opened. Experienced skiers can ski in case of the appropriate conditions of snow fall.
| Skiing in Narkanda | Details |
| Main season | January to March |
| Depends on | Snowfall and weather |
| Suitable for | Beginners and experienced skiers |
| Experience | Snow adventure and mountain views |
6. Walk Through the Beautiful Jau Baug Meadow
Jau Baug is the beautiful meadow which is associated with the area of the famous Hatu Peak. While getting through the forest travellers reach the meadow.
This place is perfect for relaxing, photography and spending time in nature. According to the official Himachal Tourism, Jau Baug is an alpine meadow along the Hatu route. If you already visited the Hatu Peak, Jau Baug could be the next destination to visit in the same day.
7. Explore Stokes Farm and the Apple Orchards of Thanedar
The area of the famous apple orchards is one of the most distinct experiences to do around Narkanda. Thanedar is associated with the history of apple growing in the Himachal Pradesh and with the development of apple farming by the Satyanand Stokes.
The area is especially beautiful during the blossoming of the orchards. During the blooming time and the harvesting of the apples the area around the Narkanda takes a totally different view.
| Orchard Experience | Details |
| Main area | Thanedar |
| Famous site | Stokes Farm |
| Known for | Apple cultivation |
| Best for | Nature, photography and rural tourism |
| From Narkanda | Roughly a short drive |
8. See the Apple Blossoms in Spring
Spring is the best time to visit the apple orchards of Narkanda and Thanedar. This is the time when apple trees start blossoming and give the landscape a completely new view compared with the winter one.
Travellers do not need to hurry to the destinations, instead of that they can spend several hours driving through the apple orchards stopping at the permitted points and enjoying the peace of the rural life. This period can be especially attractive for photography lovers.
9. Visit Mahamaya Temple
Mahamaya Temple is another religious attraction of Narkanda which can be included into the sightseeing plan. It gives the opportunity to get to know the quieter part of the region’s culture.
According to the official tourism documents of Himachal, Mahamaya Temple is one of the notable attractions of the area around Narkanda. The temple can be visited in combination with exploring nearby villages and countryside.
10. Explore Kacheri and Its Local Surroundings
Kacheri is the opportunity for those travellers who want to explore the rural area of Narkanda. Instead of concentrating on the main tourist attractions, travellers can explore villages’ landscape, mountain roads and traditional surroundings.
It is the good opportunity for the lovers of local culture and photography. Nearby temples can also be added to the itinerary.
11. Enjoy Nature Walks Through Himalayan Forests
Being surrounded by the forests, Narkanda is the destination for nature walks which is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the destination. The forest environment of Hatu Peak includes the mixture of the coniferous and other Himalayan trees.
Simple nature walks are suitable for the travellers who do not want demanding hikes. However, unknown paths should not be explored alone, especially in case of the snow, fog or late evening.
12. Enjoy Snowfall and Winter Activities
Snowfall gives Narkanda an absolutely new look. The snow covering trees, rooftops and mountain roads gives excellent opportunity for photography and simple snow activities.
Apart from skiing, visitors can enjoy:
- Playing in the snow
- Snow photography
- Short winter walks
- Scenic drives
- Enjoying hot local food
- Relaxing at a mountain stay
13. Try Horse Riding Around Narkanda
Horse riding is another enjoyable activity to explore the surroundings of the destination. It is especially interesting for families and travellers who want to have a calm outdoor activity instead of hiking.
Before starting the ride, it is necessary to clarify such aspects of it as the length and the price of the ride, the route and the safety.
14. Taste Traditional Himachali Food
The Narkanda visit will be much more interesting if you find the time to taste the local cuisine. There will be the traditional dishes of Himachal among the North Indian dishes at the restaurants and homestays of the area.
Some dishes worth looking for include:
| Himachali Food | What to Expect |
| Siddu | Soft steamed traditional bread |
| Rajma | Mountain-style kidney beans |
| Madra | Traditional yoghurt-based curry |
| Dham-style food | Traditional festive meal |
| Local tea | Perfect for cold weather |
15. Capture Narkanda Through Photography
Narkanda is the perfect destination for photographers because of its unique landscape. There will be the opportunity to photograph snow-covered mountains, forests, apple orchards, temples, meadows, village houses and winding mountain roads.
Such places as Hatu Peak, Jau Baug, Tanni Jubbar Lake and the apple orchard region of Thanedar will be the most photo worthy. For the sunrise photography it is necessary to reach the destination a little earlier.
16. Explore the Local Market
The Narkanda market is quite small but still it is a good place for basic shopping. Travellers can look for such seasonal products as apples, dried fruits, jams, pickles and other Himachali souvenirs.
At the same time, the market will be a good place to buy snacks and other things which might be needed before the journey to Hatu Peak or the village.
17. Take a Scenic Drive Through the Surrounding Villages
A car trip through Narkanda is an interesting experience on its own. Travellers will have an opportunity to drive through the forests, orchards and mountain villages.
According to the official Shimla district tourism website, the distance to Narkanda from Shimla is around 60 km. At the same time, according to the Himachal Tourism website, the distance is about 64-65 km. Travelers should keep in mind that mountain roads can become difficult in rainy, snowy or foggy weather.
Best Time to Visit Narkanda
The best time to visit Narkanda will depend on the desired experience. For skiing and snow, winter is the obvious time to visit the place. At the same time, January to March is the season of skiing according to the official tourism resources. For trekking, sightseeing and orchard visiting, warm months are better.
| Season | Main Experience |
| January–March | Snow and skiing |
| April–June | Trekking and sightseeing |
| July–September | Green landscapes and orchards |
| October–November | Autumn scenery and clear views |
| December | Early winter and possible snowfall |
How to Reach Narkanda
The destination is reachable from Shimla by road. It makes Narkanda convenient to include into the road trip through Himachal Pradesh.
| Transport | Route |
| Bus | Shimla → Narkanda |
| Taxi | Shimla → Narkanda |
| Train | Kalka → Shimla → Narkanda |
| Flight | Shimla Airport → Narkanda by road |
- By Road: Road travel is the most straightforward option for most visitors. Buses and taxis connect Narkanda with Shimla and other destinations.
- By Train: Shimla is the nearest railway station listed by Incredible India, while Kalka is the major broad-access railhead commonly used for reaching the Shimla region.
- By Air: Shimla Airport at Jubbarhatti is the nearest airport listed by Incredible India. Chandigarh Airport is another practical option for travellers depending on flight availability.
How Many Days Are Enough for Narkanda?
The 2–3 day Narkanda trip will be enough for most of the travellers who visit Narkanda for the first time. Two days will be enough for visiting Hatu Peak, Hatu Mata Temple, Jau Baug, Tanni Jubbar Lake and exploring the area. Three days will allow to visit Thanedar’s apple orchards, Kacheri and the other villages.
| Trip Duration | Suggested Experiences |
| 1 Day | Hatu Peak + Hatu Mata Temple |
| 2 Days | Hatu Peak + Lake + Jau Baug + local sightseeing |
| 3 Days | Major attractions + Thanedar + villages + relaxed exploration |
Where to Stay in Narkanda
Narkanda offers a variety of accommodation from hotels to homestays. Staying near the town centre will be convenient for those who want to visit restaurants, shops and transport of the area easily.
It is also possible to find accommodation in the surrounding villages and orchards. The reservation should be done in advance in case of the snowfall or holidays.
Is Narkanda Good for Families?
Yes, Narkanda is a perfect family destination if the itinerary will be planned taking into account the weather and everyone’s fitness. The families will be able to visit Tanni Jubbar Lake, apple orchards, scenic drives, temples and other sights. Also, the families do not need to hike all the way up to the Hatu Peak because it is possible to reach the destination by road. Additional care is necessary in case of snowfall.
Is Narkanda Good for Couples?
Narkanda is the good destination for the couples who like forests, mountain views and quiet experiences. Couples’ itinerary can include an early visit of Hatu Peak, a scenic drive through Thanedar, an orchard visit, a quiet stay at a mountain resort and photography at Tanni Jubbar Lake.
Best 2-Day Narkanda Itinerary
- Day 1: Explore Narkanda and Tanni Jubbar LakeStart your trip by checking into your hotel and exploring the town. Later, visit Tanni Jubbar Lake and spend some time enjoying the surrounding scenery. Return to Narkanda in the evening and try a local Himachali meal.
- Day 2: Hatu Peak, Temple and Jau BaugStart early for Hatu Peak. Visit Hatu Mata Temple, explore the summit and spend some time around Jau Baug. If time permits, drive towards Thanedar and explore the apple-growing landscape before returning to Narkanda.
Important Travel Tips for Narkanda
- Carry warm clothing, especially during winter.
- Check snowfall and road conditions before travelling.
- Wear comfortable shoes for Hatu Peak.
- Carry water and basic snacks during trekking.
- Avoid unfamiliar forest trails after dark.
- Respect temple rules and local customs.
- Take permission before entering private orchards.
- Keep cash for smaller local shops and establishments.
- Drive carefully on narrow mountain roads.
- Keep your itinerary flexible during winter.
- Avoid littering around forests, lakes and meadows.
- Book accommodation early during peak snow periods.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Narkanda
There are much more things to do in Narkanda besides visiting the famous sights. The real magic of the place lies in the combination of these famous sights with the slower experiences – hiking through the Himalayan forests, viewing the mountain valleys from the Hatu Peak, exploring the apple orchards around Thanedar and relaxing near Tanni Jubbar Lake.
With the variety of trekking, skiing, temples, orchards, forests, meadows and scenic drives, Narkanda can be naturally included into both short weekends’ trips and long Himachal road trips. The official tourism profile of the destination includes adventure, natural beauty and religious sites and makes the destination suitable for different travel preferences.
FAQs
Q: What is Narkanda famous for?
A: Narkanda is famous for Hatu Peak, Hatu Mata Temple, skiing, apple orchards, Thanedar, Tanni Jubbar Lake and its surrounding Himalayan forests.
Q: What are the best things to do in Narkanda?
A: Some of the main experiences are trekking to Hatu Peak, visiting Hatu Mata Temple, exploring Tanni Jubbar Lake, skiing in winter, visiting apple orchards, walking through Jau Baug and exploring nearby villages.
Q: How many days are enough for Narkanda?
A: Two to three days are generally enough to explore the major attractions at a relaxed pace.
Q: Which is the best time to visit Narkanda?
A: Winter is suitable for snow and skiing, while spring, summer and autumn are better suited to trekking, sightseeing, orchards and scenic drives. Skiing conditions are generally associated with January to March but depend on snowfall.
Q: Is Hatu Peak accessible by road?
A: Yes. A motorable road reaches Hatu Peak, although the exact accessibility can depend on weather and road conditions. Himachal Tourism also describes the forest trek from Narkanda as an alternative way to reach the peak.
Q: Is Narkanda good for a 2-day trip?
A: Yes. A two-day itinerary can comfortably cover Hatu Peak, Hatu Mata Temple, Jau Baug, Tanni Jubbar Lake and selected local attractions.
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