Narkanda

THE PLACE

One is constantly treated to a bird's-eye view of he 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.

PLACES OF INTEREST

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.

WHERE TO STAY

Accommodation options in Narkanda are rather limited. The Himachal Tourism Corporation hotel, a bit away from the settlement, and the P.W.D.Rest House located just below a pine forest on a mountain slope, offer luxury and the warmth of Himachali hospitality.