MOUNTAIN ESCAPES
| NARKANDA |
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| Narkanda guide >>> Narkanda travel guide and tourist information
on Narkanda, how to get to Narkanda, also details on sightseeing in Narkanda, best time to
visit Narkanda and accommodation in Narkanda |
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64 km from Shimla is one of India's oldest ski
resorts, Narkanda. Narkanda lies at an altitude of about 2,470 mt, and is an important
horticultural centre. Fruit orchards on the surrounding hills produce some of Himachal's
most luscious apples and cherries, making Narkanda one of Himachal's pleasantest
settlements, no matter what time of the year. The stunning views around Narkanda, combined
with opportunities for long and leisurely walks through the orchards around, are reason
enough in themselves to visit this hilltown. That's not all there is to Narkanda, though;
the town also has a clutch of sights, both within town and nearby, which are worth a
visit. |
| The Mahamaya Temple at
Kacheri (7 km from Narkanda), the ancient Hattu Mata Temple atop Hattu
Peak (6 km) and the Raja's Palace in Kumarsain, 16 km from Narkanda, are
among the hottest sights in the vicinity. Most visitors, however, come here for the
skiing- and what's good about Narkanda is that it's still comparatively unspoilt and
uncrowded, so you won't find yourself suffocated by hordes of fellow skiers. The slopes at
Narkanda run the gamut from beginner's to advanced, from slalom to cross-country. Hattu
Peak, which towers 609 mt above Narkanda, also has popular ski slopes. Himachal Tourism
manages all the skiing facilities at Narkanda. Gretting
to Narkanda
Fortunately for visitors, Narkanda is conveniently situated on the main highway from
Shimla to Kinnaur. There are regular buses to and from Shimla (which, in turn, is
connected to the rest of northern India by road and rail). The journey to Narkanda from
Shimla is just about two hours, and both taxis as well as private vehicles can be hired in
Shimla to do the trip.
Best time to visit Narkanda
When you visit Narkanda depends upon what you're here for. Peak skiing season is usually
between January and February, when the slopes are well-covered with snow. If skiing's not
quiet your thing, Narkanda's equally beautiful the rest of the year too. Autumn- between
September and November- is an especially lovely time of the year, when the woods around
Narkanda are a riot of gold, orange and red.
Accommodation in Narkanda
Narkanda's list of tourist accommodation facilities is rather modest. The town has a
pretty- but otherwise fairly unpretentious- resthouse, a small hotel operated by the
Himachal State Tourism Development Corporation, and a handful of other properties. Most
are clean and comfortable, but nowhere near luxurious. |
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