Narkanda, a hidden spot for adventures in the ranges of Himalayas, is one of my favourite places. It is a popular destination for everyone who loves winter sports, especially skiing. It is located at an altitude of 2708 meters on the Hindustan-Tibet road, which is surrounded by Fir forests. A famous ski resort in winters, it is situated at a distance of 65 kilometers from Shimla, the state capital of Himachal Pradesh.
I visited Shimla during my Winter vacation last year with my friends as a trekking group. We availedtop-rated car rentals in Chandigarh with a driver. But as we were a part of the trekking group of Chandigarh, we were provided with pre-booked cabs that had highly experienced drivers for the mountainous areas. We also had to undertake a health check-up for precautionary purposes.
When we arrived, I was excited to learn about the adventurous spots nearby. Our group was staying in a resort located in the city itself. The next morning, wchande hired a local guide to explore the area so that we don’t face any difficulties. The guide was the one who informed me about Narkanda. Upon learning about the place, I started my journey with a few Skiing and Winter Sports enthusiasts from the group. We booked two taxies from Shimla for a group of 8 to 10 people. Besides comfortable taxi services, bus services are also available. We started on the NH-22 and enjoyed a scenic and joyful ride as we crossed Kufri, Fagu, Theog, and Matiana on the way. The beautiful winter landscapes made the trip more memorable. If you are travelling from delhi, book a delhi to Chandigarh taxi and take the same cab to Narkanda.
Narkanda is brimming with visitors and Ski enthusiasts during this time of the year. It is a peaceful spot and is often considered as a gift from mother nature. People prefer to come here to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. I also chose Narkanda for the same reason, along with its adventurous plus points. We also visited some nearby spots on foot.
At an altitude of 8100 feet, it provides an exhilarating experience, as this snow-covered peak becomes alive with the activities of numerous ski divers. It is one of the oldest spots in India for Skiing and consists of several ranges and peaks. The Himalayan Mountains were covered with layers of snow, making the place perfect for Winter Sports.
We marveled at the beauty of the wide variety of Flora and Fauna of the surrounding areas. I was fascinated when I spotted indigenous tree species like Conifer, Oak, Maple, Populus, Aesculus, Corylus, and Holly. The chirping of birds, the vibration of water streams, and greenery covered by a layer of snow were sights to behold. The most magnificent view was the spectacular Sunset sky, which highlighted a combination of red, orange, crimson skylines.
The Hatu Peak, which stands 2000 ft above Narkanda, was among the best spots to soak in the stellar view, and it took us an hour and a half to get there. We went to the peak for a safe as well as the most thrilling Skiing experience of our lives. With only a few people around, Hatu is a peaceful and serene destination. Along with skiing, I enjoyed the bird’s eye view of the snow ranges, which added to the charm of Narakanda. I visited The Hatu Matta Temple, which is situated at the top of the Hatu Peak and is well-renowned for religious purposes. Stokes Farm is the hub for the economy of the city. I was enthralled by the spectacular view of the apple orchards of the garden.
We also visited Tannu Jubbar Lake for a picnic. The lake was surrounded by the forest and provided a beautiful reflection of nature in the water. I paid a visit to the famous Mahamaya Temple, which is just 17 kilometers from Narakanda. Devotees worship Goddess Kali here.
I enjoyed shopping around this area, and I bought lovely Himachali shawls, Pattoo blankets and caps as well as Pullans. Being a fantastic place for shopping for souvenirs, I purchased gifts for my family and friends.
The Skiing experience and beautiful surroundings made me realize the spellbinding charm of Narkanda. It was a once in a lifetime experience for me as I made numerous memories worth remembering. As a trekking enthusiast, I will highly recommend this place for an adventurous experience and to seek peace.