**Narkanda 10th to 13th September16**

http://hptdc.nic.in/

NARKANDA
Situated at an attitude of 2708 meters on the Hindustan Tibet road (NH - 22), Narkanda offers a spectacular
view of snow ranges. This is an ideal retreat for the tourists who seek seclusion in mountains. It commands a
unique view of the eternal snow line, the inviting apple orchards and dense forests. Narkanda is famous for
Skiing & Winter sports. During these days the slopes come alive with skiers. The skiing at Narkanda was started
in 1980 and since then HPTDC is conducting skiing courses every year. Narkanda is a gateway to apple country
of Himachal Pradesh. .
ACCESS: 65 km. from Shimla, it is connected by Bus/Taxi services. Nearest Railway Station (65 km) and
Airport (88 km) are at Shimla.
CLIMATE: In winter, the temperature can hover around freezing point when heavy woolens are required. During
summer, the climate is pleasant and cottons / light woolens are suggested. Narkanda receives heavy snowfall
in winters.

PLACES OF INTEREST
HATU PEAK (3300m): 8 km from Narkanda, the road is surrounded by pine and spruce trees. On top of the
hill, ancient Hatu Mata temple is located. The peak offers spectacular view of the entire Himalayan ranges, snow
clad mountains and in depths are the dense forests, green fields and apple orchards. Hiking is recommended
to reach the peak
KACHERI (1810m): This place is located 0.5 km from Oddi, and 7 km from Narkanda on NH - 22 and famous
for ancient Mahamaya Temple.
KOTGARH AND THANEDHAR (1830m): 17 km link road bifurcating from Narkanda takes you to the
Himachal's Horticultural heartland, Kotgarh and Thanedhar, renown for apple orchards. The famous Stokes
Farm is located at Thanedhar. Stokes came to India on a trip and while on a summer visit to Shimla, fell in love
with its environments, which included the charming hill folk and settled down in Kotgarh. He started the apple
farm which soon became renown with its Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Royal Delicious, apples.
JALLORI PASS (3,550 m): 90 km from Narkanda, passing through the Sutlej Valley and crossing over to Luhri,
Ani, Khanag through one of the best scenery in the Kullu Valley takes you to Jallori Pass. A 30 minute level
walk from the Pass takes you to Sarolsar Lake among deep forests. See nature at its best.
http://www.shimlaindia.net/ /excursions/narkanda.html

Narkanda
Location: 60 kilometers from Shimla
Best Time to Visit: December to March
The beautiful Narkanda hill station is situated at an altitude of around 2700 meters and offers a stunning view
of the lofty ranges of Himalayas. Narkanda hill station is at a distance of 60 kilometers from Shimla. It is an ideal
getaway for people who seek to relax in an undisturbed and tranquil location, far away from the bustling city life.
The place is famous for its apple and peach plantations. The dense forests are always successful in attracting
tourists who enjoy each and every moment walking in the dense thickets of the slopes. The Narkanda hill resort
near Simla should be visited in case you are visiting Shimla.
The best time to visit Narkanda is during the winters. You are recommended to carry a good stock of woolen
clothes as it can get really cold high up in the hills. Narkanda has its own ski resort and is a hit among tourists
who come to visit this place. The ski resort was started in the year 1980 and has grown by leaps and bounds.
Today, it is one of the most well-known ski resorts in India.

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There are many places near Narkanda that are worth the visit. Situated at a height of 2000 feet above Shimla
is the Hattu peak. It can be reached in an hour by trekking. You can also visit the Hattu Mata temple that is
located over here. The Hattu peak is famous for its skiing activities and hiking and is teaming with adventure
seekers during winters when it snows, making the place look like a white wonderland.
https://www.goibibo.com/travel-guide/india/destination-narkanda/places-to-visit/

Places to visit and things to do in Narkanda

Hatu Peak
One of the highest peaks in Shimla, the Hattu Peak is located at an approximate height of 3400 m from sea
level. It has become a popular hiking destination among adventure freaks like bikers and trekkers. The one day
trail to Hatu peak is of 8 km. It starts from Narkanda and ends at Hatu Peak. The trek to Hatu Peak is considered
to be a moderate one and one can therefore easily come back to Narkanda on the same day.
Hatu Peak offers spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges, Snow covered mountains, deep forests, apple
orchards and green fields are absolutely surreal to the eyes of visitors. It is a must visit place for travellers,
especially those looking for moments of peace amid breathtaking natural beauty. Those willing to camp at night
can carry necessary equipments and enjoy a thrilling experience here.
On the way to Hatu Peak from Narkanda, there comes an attraction called Gujjar kotha (temporary mud house
of Gujjara who camp with their herds of buffaloes in summer season), located near a small pond.

Few important information for tourists visiting Hatu Peak are:

Nearest guesthouse is available at Narkanda, and
An ancient temple, dedicated to Hatu Mata is located on the top of the peak.

Thanedhar
Thanedhar is considered to be the Horticultural heartland of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at a height of
1830m and located around 17 km away from Narkanda. The famous apple orchards in Thanedhar are known
as Stokes Farm as it is named after Stokes. Stokes visited India during his summer trip to Shimla and he was
fascinated with lovely atmosphere of Shimla and decided to settle down in Kotgarh, a place near Thanedhar.
Later on, he established the apple farm in Thanedhar and now it is turned into famous apple orchards and has
international recognition too. At present Thanedhar is well known for its Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and
Royal Delicious apples.

Mahamaya Temple
Nestled amid picturesque landscapes, verdant surroundings and an amazingly tranquil aura, the Mahamaya
Temple imbibes a magical essence of spiritual and aesthetic pleasure into its admirers. Dedicated to Goddess
Kali, the temple provides the perfect ambience for meditation and contemplation.

The Mahalaya Temple is located at Kacheri, ~7km from Narkanda Town.

The hill atop which it is positioned is at an approximate height of 1810m above mean sea level.
As one moves nearly 500m away from Oddi on National Highway 22, one gets a glimpse of the wonderful
Mahamaya Temple.

Jallori Pass
It is famous scenic point situated around 90 km away from the town of Narkanda. This amazing place is located
at an elevation of 3550 m from the sea level. Visitors who want to go to Jallori Pass from Narkanda can go
through the Sutlej Valley crossing through Luhri, Ani, Khanag

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http://www.holidify.com/places/narkanda/sightseeing-and-things-to-do.html

Things to do in Narkanda
Tannu Jubbar Lake Overview
This lake encircled with trees all around is an ideal picnic spot and to spend some relaxed time with the mountain
watching over.

Stokes Farm Overview

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.
You might also find grandsons of Satyanand Stokes here experimenting with new varieties.

Mahamaya Temple, Kacheri Overview

Located at distance of 7km form Narkanda is the Mahamaya Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali. Set amidst
breathtakingly beautiful surroundings with a sense of calm and serenity, this temple provides the perfect
ambience for meditation and introspection.

City Shopping Overview

One can buy some Himachali shawls, Pattoo blankets and caps as well as Pullans, which are shoes made out
of wool. One finds some fine traditional items at the Himachal Hat outlets.

https://indiahikes.com/documented-trek/hatu-pass-trek/

Hatu Peak Trek

A one-day trek that mimics a full-fledged Himalayan trek

There are a few treks that all trekkers know about and a few treks that no one knows about. Its
mostly the unknown treks that catch you off guard and throw surprises at you.

The Hatu Peak is such a trek. It is a day hike, but packs in everything that you get in a full-fledged
Himalayan trek dark pine forests, superb mountain views, enchanting meadows and the thrill of
walking on snow, provided you time it right.

DIFFICULTY:

Easy
TRAIL TYPE:

Meadows and snow-covered trails

BASE CAMP:

Narkhanda
BEST SEASON:

March

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**Narkanda 10th to 13th September16**

Hatu Peak Trek Guide
Hatu Peak Trek is a one-day trek that mimics a full-fledged Himalayan trek. The trek starts at
Narkhanda, 63 km from Shimla. So, it is perfect for those looking for a weekend trek from
Delhi. Time it during the first few weeks of March and you can treat yourself to fresh,
untouched snow.
The Hatu peak trek is a trail to the summit of the Hatu hill that overlooks Narkhanda. The
sacred shrine of Hatu Mata atop the hill, a temple revered by the locals, makes a fitting finale
to the trek.

How to do the Trek

Altitude: 3,400 m (11,155 feet)

Time taken: 7-8 hours, 14 km

From Narkhanda, take the road that goes towards Thanedar. Walk for about a kilometre, until
you reach a junction where three roads intersect. This junction is in a large clearing
surrounded by tall pine trees. Take the narrow road in the middle that climbs up into the pine
forest. A sign board will also show you the way.

Start point of the trek

The beauty of the pine forest will strike you the very moment you get on the trail. The pines
stand impressively tall and majestic. You know the forests must be many centuries old by
their sheer girth. At times, light rarely touches the surface of the road.
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Forest trail to Hatu Peak

The path veers eastwards around a bend and continues its gradual upward climb through the
now sunlight-facing pines. Walk for another hour on this deserted road as it snakes around
the mountain side. Three kilometres into the trek, the road pops out to a small clearing on your
left, to reveal your first view of the snow-covered mountain ranges of the greater Himalayas.

First view of the peaks

The road switches back quickly to climb into a bigger clearing that is marked by a few flatroofed shepherds huts. This is Gujjar Kotha. A small pond that overlooks a superb view of
the mountain ranges makes it an ideal spot to take a break.

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A small frozen lake

Continue on the road for another kilometre, until it suddenly makes a wide turn to the south
and leaves the ridge that follows the road on the left. This is where you leave the comfort of
the road and turn into an explorer. From here, you have to find your own trail to the Hatu
peak.
Get on the ridge and get on the well-marked trail that gets into the forest. If youre hiking
in March, the forest floor is likely to be snow covered. Continue up on the ridge. Avoid going
left or right until you meet the road again as it climbs its way over the ridge. Cross the road
and continue to climb on the ridge under the cover of pine and oak trees.

Snow covered trail to Hatu Peak

The trail climbs quickly and gains considerable height. Throughout this stretch, it maintains a
steady straight line toward Hatu peak. At a few points, the trail flattens, taking in the curve of
the mountain, but generally maintains an eastwardly direction. Just as you mark 11,000 feet
and seem out of breath, the trail opens out to the top of Hatu peak.
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Temple Complex of Hatu

The top of the hill opens up to a panoramic view of the greater Himalayan range. Spend time
taking in the beauty of the place and a well-deserved lunch. Grab a quick look of the Hatu
Mata temple and relax for a while before heading back.
Descent: Head back the way you came. For those who want to avoid the steep descent, take
the motor road back to Narkhanda.
Side Excursions
One can also trek further south east from Hatu Peak to Jor Bagh (10,991 feet). It is an hours
trek through oak forests. Jor Bagh is a meadow, where one can camp for the night and head
back the next day.
Camping overnight can give more options to explore the area. From Jor Bagh one can do
multiple excursions.
1. Karena Peak (10,826 feet) A lovely green hill top near Hatu Peak is perfect for sunrise
views of the mountains. Karena Peak is approximately three kilometer from Jor Bagh towards
Hatu Peak and Narkanda trail.
2. Baghi Village (6,844 feet) A refreshing five kilometer descent via forested trail to Baghi
Village is a good option to exit the trek on a high. Baghi Village is an apple belt from Shimla
district. It is connected with road-head twenty four kilometer from Narkanda.

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3. Tanni Jubber Lake (8,628 feet) A rare and seldom trekked route from Jor Bagh goes to
a popular lake near Thanedar. A seven kilometer trek goes via most dense forest trail you
will find in the region. Be aware of lurking Himalayan Bears here. It is advisable to have a
local guide who knows the way past the forest ridge. Tani Jubber lake is connected with roadhead and can be a good exit point for the trek.

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