A hiss road with superb views links Narkanda with Shimla. Narkanda, located amidst fragrant pine forests is a ski resort in winter. It has a choice of slopes ranging from a beginners run and slalom slope, to sharper descents for the experienced skier.

What gives Narkanda its awe-inspiring view of the snowy peaks is the fact that it is located on the ridge of the last watershed before the Himalayan range. Below Narkanda, to the north is the Sutlej Valley and beyond it is the snowy massif. The ridge on which Narkanda stands is the watershed between the Sutlej on the north and the Giri river. The sleepy town of Narkanda sits astride the watershed between the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Hattu Peak :

Adventure in Narkanda Snow Skiing

A better view of Narkanda is obtained from the nearby Hattu peak, which is nearly 2,000-feet higher than Narkanda, and just over an hour's trekking distance from it.

Hattu Mata Temple:
The ancient temple of Hattu Mata is alive with skiers.

Thanedar & Kotagarh:
The pretty orchard country of Thanedar and Kotgarh- beautiful in spring- are not far away from Narkanda. Khadrala and Baghi with their dense forests and Kumarsain with an interesting wooden palace are also within easy reach of Narkanda.

Kotkhai, Hatkoti, Rohru And Jubbal:
Hatkoti in the picturesque valley of the river pabbar, about 104-km from Shimla, is noted for its historic temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. Enroute to Hatkoti is the village of Kotkhai, splendidly located among apple orchards- a village with fine traditional architecture. Jubbal, once the capital of a princely state with its impressive palace is also on the way.

Hatkoti in the picturesque valley of the river pabbar, about 104-km from Shimla, is noted for its historic temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. Enroute to Hatkoti is the village of Kotkhai, splendidly located among apple orchards- a village with fine traditional architecture. Jubbal, once the capital of a princely state with its impressive palace is also on the way.

Rampur:
Rampur was once the capital of the princely state of bushair and a major centre on the old trade route into tibet. The annual Lavi fair, held in the second week of November, is still an important event for the inhabitants of the region. They gahter to buy, sell and barter their produce- homespun blankets, shawls, wool and dry fruits- and to celebrate the event with music and dance. Rampur, on the banks of the Sutlej river is on the N.H. 22 - the old Hindustan- Tibet road that goes from Shimla into Kinnaur. The scenic village of Sarahan with its fascinating Bhimkali temple is on this road beyond Rampur. (140-km)

Narkanda is basically a transit point between Shimla and Rampur, the place is famous for hiking and skiing. The only peak available for skiing is Hattu Peak, which is 6-kms away from Narkanda. There are good opportunities for cross-country skiing around Narkanda, if one has required equipment and experience.

Road:
The fact that Narkanda is on the National Highway connecting Shimla to Kinnaur means that there is never a shortage of buses connecting one with Shimla. Shimla is at a distance of around 60-km and it takes only two hours to drive down to Narkanda from there.

DISTANCE FROM MAJOR CITIES
Shimla: 60-km

Accommodation options in Narkanda are rather limited. The Himachal Tourism Corporation hotel, a bit away from the settlement, and the P.W.D.Rest House located just below a pine forest on a mountain slope, offer luxury and the warmth of Himachali hospitality.