Narkanda is a small town in Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh, located 65 km from Shimla on NH5 (Hindustan-Tibet Road) at 2,708 m altitude. Famous for skiing on Hatu Peak, dense apple orchards, and its position as a gateway to Kinnaur, it remains far less crowded than Shimla or Manali.
Narkanda
Himachal's Quiet Ski Town at 2,708 m — Where Apples and Snowflakes Meet
A Glimpse into History
Origins – Hindustan-Tibet Road Stop
Narkanda developed as a resting stop on the ancient Hindustan-Tibet trade route (now NH5), used by merchants trading salt, wool, and grain between the plains and Tibet. The British later upgraded this route and Narkanda became a minor administrative stopover.
Evolution – Apple Capital
British planters introduced apple cultivation to the Narkanda region in the early 1900s. Today, the Shimla Hills apple belt centred on Narkanda and nearby Thanedar is among India's most productive, supplying Kinnauri and Shimla apples across the country.
Modern Era – Ski Destination
HP Tourism developed organised skiing on Hatu Peak's slopes in the 1980s, making Narkanda Himachal's third major ski destination after Kufri and Solang Valley. The ski run extends 1.5 km at elevations between 2,708 m and 3,143 m.
Significance
Hatu Peak (3,143 m) above Narkanda holds the Hatu Mata Temple, one of few Himalayan shrines accessible by road nearly to the summit. The panoramic view from Hatu encompasses peaks from the Kinnaur-Spiti ranges. Narkanda sits on the trade corridor that historically connected British India with Tibet via Shipki La Pass.
Festivals & Events
Hatu Mata Fair (May & September)
Twice-yearly fair at the Hatu Mata Temple on Hatu Peak. Devotees trek or drive the steep road to the temple; local folk music, ritual offerings, and mountain food stalls mark both events.
Apple Harvest Festival (August–October)
Narkanda's orchards turn red from August to October. Local growers set up roadside stalls along NH5 selling fresh Kinnauri and Royal Delicious apples — the town's most vibrant and fragrant season.
Did You Know?
Narkanda's Hatu Peak has a motorable road that reaches within 2 km of the summit — making it one of the highest points in Himachal Pradesh accessible by vehicle. At 3,143 m, the peak sees snowfall from October to April, and on clear days the peaks of the Kinner Kailash range are visible to the east.
Travel Guide
How to Reach
By Air: Shimla Airport / Jubbarhatti (SLV) is ~65 km from Narkanda; Chandigarh Airport (IXC) is ~180 km — both require road transfer onward.
By Train: Shimla Railway Station (SML) on the Kalka–Shimla toy train is 65 km away; Kalka (KLK) broad-gauge station is ~155 km from Narkanda.
By Road: Narkanda is 65 km from Shimla on NH5 (Hindustan-Tibet Road); regular HRTC buses from Shimla ISBT take ~2.5 hrs through apple orchard-lined mountain roads.
Best Time to Visit
Jan–Mar (Skiing): Snow on Hatu Peak — best for ski activities. Apr–Jun (Spring): Apple blossoms and clear mountain views. Aug–Oct (Harvest): Red apple orchards, pleasant temperatures 10–20°C, ideal for driving NH5. Nov–Dec: Early snowfall, quiet roads, atmospheric winter landscapes.
Local Attractions
Hatu Peak (~8 km): Drive or trek to 3,143 m — Hatu Mata Temple, panoramic Kinnaur views.
Thanedhar (~12 km): Historic apple orchard village where the first Himachal apples were planted in 1916.
Kufri (~50 km): Another ski resort near Shimla, easy day return drive on NH5.
Rampur (~65 km): Major market town on the Sutlej river — gateway to Kinnaur District.
Tips for Visitors
Book ski passes through HP Tourism Narkanda — the season runs January to mid-March only; call ahead to confirm snow depth before visiting.
Buy apples directly from orchards along NH5 — prices are 40–60% lower than Shimla markets and quality is freshly picked.
Fill up fuel at Shimla before leaving — Narkanda has a petrol pump but supplies can be limited, especially in winter.
NH5 beyond Narkanda towards Rampur is narrow with hairpin bends — drive during daylight hours only, especially in monsoon season.
Location Map
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