Situated at an altitude of 2708 meters (9,000 feet) on 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 an unique view of the eternal snow line and green forests.

ACCESS: 64 km from Shimla on NH - 22 towards Rampur and Kinnaur after crossing Kufri, Fagu Theog and Matiana. It is connected by Bus/Taxi services. Buses are available for Narkanda during day time after every 15 minutes from Rivoli Bus Stand, Shimla. In case traveling from Delhi, buses traveling from Delhi to Rampur pass Narkanda. Buses from Delhi leave in the evening only. Tickets for the journey can be reserved at State Transport Office, ISBT, New Delhi.

Tel no. 011 - 23868694, 23863473.

The scheduled rate of Taxi Union for dropping by taxi from Shimla to Narkanda is Rs. 1,200/- one way. Nearest Railway station and Airport are at Shimla.

DISTANCE:

New Delhi – 434 km,  Ambala Cant. – 225 km, Chandigarh – 184 km, Manali Via Shimla – 330 km, Manali via Jallori Pass – 196 km, Shimla – 64 km

REACHING MANALI:

There is a shorter route to reach Manali from Narkanda. The distance is 196 km, a journey of 6 hours. One does'nt have to travel back to Shimla but can reach Manali by crossing the Jallori Pass and entering Kullu Valley through Banjar. The route from Narkanda is:

Narkanda - Sainj - Luhri - Ani - Jallori Pass - Shoja - Banjar - Aut - Kullu - Manali.

This route offers panaromic view of Kullu Valley and the road condition is good making it easier to travel by smaller cars. There is no direct bus service from Narkanda to Manali. Taxis are availale at Narkanda for the journey. A state transport bus is available from Sainj to Manali at 11.30 am. Sainj is approx 30 km from Narkanda further on NH-22 towards Rampur. This route remains close from November end till March due to heavy snowfall on Jallori Pass.

CLIMATE:

In winter, the temperature hovers around freezing point and heavy woolens are required. During summer, the climate is pleasant and cottons / light woolens are suggested.

OTHER AMENITIES AVAILABLE AT NARKANDA

Narkanda is well connected with Cell phone services. All major cell phone companies have good coverage at Narkanda. Indian Oil has a fuel station at Narkanda. Internet facility is available at The Hatu. There is a Govt. Health Center at Narkanda with Doctor available during daytime. Narkanda has well stocked chemist shops (pharmacy).

PLACES OF INTEREST

HATU PEAK (3300m):

8 km from Narkanda, the jeep able road is surrounded by pine and spruce trees. 6 km of the road is mettaled and the rest is a kachha road (Dirt Road) On top of the hill, ancient Hatu Temple is located searching its roots to Pandavas Vanya Prastha. The peak offers some spectacular view of the entire Himalayan range snow clad mountains, dense forests canopy spread miles, green fields and apple orchards. Hiking is recommended to reach the peak. A 15 minute walk from the peak takes you to the stunning meadows of Jau-Baug.

KACHAERI (1810m):

Located half km from Oddi and 7 km from Narkanda on NH-22 is famous for the ancient Mahamaya Temple

KOTGARH & THANEDHAR (1830m):

This beautiful apple country is 18 km from Narkanda on a link road bifurcating from Narkanda. The apple bowl of India famous for apple orchards is known for its apple varieties of Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Royal Delicious. The place also has some of the best-kept Havelis. Another attraction on way is the Tannu Jubbar lake with an ancient Nag Devta temple.

JALLORI PASS (3550m):

90 km drive from Narkanda, passing through the Satluj 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 it's best.

DHUMRI:

1/2 km walk from bus stand lies Dhumri. The area having been declared a ski slope attracts large number of tourists in winters on its gentle slopes. The best months to ski are January - Mid March. The Hotel offers ski courses with equipments and instructors.