Narkanda, at 8,100 feet, 440 km from Delhi and is a two hours drive from Shimla. It is slightly higher than Shimla (7,400 feet) and the road linking the two runs almost near the crest of the mountain with a gradual ascent. One is constantly treated to a bird's-eye view of the different valleys as the road twists and turns from one spur to another. Especially breathtaking is the view of Narkanda from Fagu, a small village en route.
Tourists Attractions
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.
The best season to go to these mountains is autumn. The setting sun offers a spectacular sight with red, crimson and orange lines on the clouds and the snow. A better view 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.
The area around Narkanda is also the orchard region of Himachal, where cherry, apple etc are grown. One can see empty and packed crates of these fruits on the roadside, at various points on the way.
Narkanda is also an upcoming hot spot for adventure sports like skiing.
How To Reach
The fact that Narkanda is on the National Highway connecting Shimla to Kinnaur (the old Hindustan-Tibet road to Shipki La) 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.
Best Time to Visit
Narkanda is a beautiful and serene hill town of the Himachal Pradesh state that has also been blessed with salubrious weather, all throughout the year. In the summer months, from April June, the temperature ranges between 30°C and 10°C. During the mornings and evenings, one can enjoy sightseeing in the pleasing weather. Monsoon rains hit Narkanda from July to September, making the place even more green and beautiful. If you do not mind rains, this is the place to be here. Narkanda and its visitors enjoy winters from the month of October till February. During this time, the maximum temperature is around 15°C, which can drop down till -10°C. If you are a snow-lover and have interest in winter sports like skiing, plan your visit at this time.
