An Unplanned Trip To Narkanda

This is the first time I am writing a blog. These days we all read the same line on every blog but trust me this is my first time.

I am working for a company in Gurgaon and I love travelling and adventure. I have traveled to a lot of places in Himachal. Now I want to share my latest trip experience.

A trip to Narkanda & Hatu Peak (Himchal)

Before travelling to Narkanda, I always used to consider Mcleodganj as my second home. But when I visited this place, now I can say I got another home. This place is actually very beautiful. I visited this place in month of June'16 and temperature was somewhere around 13-14 degree Celsius. Narkanda is a gateway to apple country of Himachal and It is a very good option for skiers. Slopes are very good and it snows till March in the region.

Day 0: I left my office early but I had no plan and I had not even decided any place to travel. The first place that came into my mind was Mcleodganj then Manali. Then suddenly a new name came in my mind Narkanda. I read about Narkanda in Google and took my decision. I reached ISBT and took a bus for Shimla.

Day 1: Bus reached Shimla at around 6 AM. From Shimla one needs to take a bus or taxi to Narkanda. I asked the way to reach "Narkanda" from local people. The local people were very helpful, they told me the bus timing, way to reach, famous places in Narkanda. I took the very next bus to Narkanda. Bus will take 2-3 hrs to reach Narkanda. The road is in very good condition. If you want, you can rent a bike for Narkanda which is very easily available from Shimla. The route to reach Narkanda is Shimla - Kufri - Fagu - Narkanda. The distance is somewhere around 65 KM from Shimla.

I reached Narkanda at around 10 AM. It is a very small town of Himachal so if you are looking for a peaceful place or a place where you just want to relax/rejuvenate yourself then this is the place. Not over crowed like Shimla, Manali. Every type of hotel options is available in Narkanda like "Resort, luxury, budget and home stay". As I am a budget traveler so I took home stay near to the main market. The best thing about the home was that you can see the magical view of Tibet Himalaya from the balcony.

"Narkanda"

Food options are very less in Narkanda. I tried food at every restaurant and very nominal in comparison to other hill stations.

Trekking Time: I love trekking and I found an option in Narkanda as well. After interacting with the local people, I came to know about the trekking option in Narkanda named "Hatu Peak". It’s total 11 KM trek from the main market. You can also take your bike, 4 wheelers till "Hatu Peak" top. Hatu peak is at the height of "11152 ft. (3400 mtr.)" from the sea level. It’s easy to moderate trek. It will take around 3-4 Hrs. to reach on the top. In a clear day you can see the White Mountains with naked eyes. On the top there is a "Kali Mata Temple". If you like camping, then this is the place where you can do camping as well. But it’s recommended to carry enough food because you will hardly find anything on the top. Tip for trekking "always carry water and something to eat".

"Trekking Road"

"Hatu Peak"

"View From Hatu Peak"

"Kali Mandir"

Day 2: I took a bus from Narkanda to Shimla. I got good time to explore Shimla as well. If you have not booked your return ticket, then there is Himachal Tourism office on mall road from where you can book your return ticket. If you are not very tired, you can take a walk to "Jakhu Temple". It will take around 30-45 mins (a steep Climb) to reach the temple. Beware of the monkeys at Jakhu temple because they can steal your goggles, mobiles, bags even your shoes. Jakhu is an ancient temple of “Hanuman Ji”. You can read the history of the temple in the premises itself. If you are hungry then you can have “Langer” in Jakhu temple.

Way Back to daily boring life: It’s a 10 mins walk from Mall road to old Shimla bus stop. I took a local bus towards new bus stand. Boarded the bus at 8:30 PM and reach Delhi next morning at 6:30 A.M

Bus Fare 

“Delhi to Shimla”

Ordinary bus- 600 approx.

Semi-Deluxe- 800 approx.

Volvo- 1200 approx.

“Shimla to Narkanda”

Ordinary bus: 120 approx.

Taxi: 1500-2000 approx.

“Old Bus Stand to New Bus Stand”

Ordinary Bus: Rs. 10

Taxi: 400 – 500 approx.

Do share your feedback and will come back with other excited trips.