Hotels in Narkanda
Himachal Pradesh
Snow-clad winters, apple blossom springs, panoramic Himalayan peaks. Narkanda is Himachal's best-kept secret. Hilltop Resort by Fidato Lepere brings mountain hospitality to this extraordinary hilltop destination at 8,900 feet.
Discover Narkanda
Narkanda is a quaint hill town perched at approximately 8,900 feet in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, set along the historic Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH-22). Unlike the crowded hill stations of the region, Narkanda retains an unhurried, authentic Himalayan character, surrounded by ancient deodar and pine forests, rolling apple orchards, and commanding views of the Himalayan snow peaks. In winter, Narkanda transforms into one of Himachal's premier skiing destinations; in spring, the valley blooms with apple blossoms; and in autumn, the harvests bring the scent of fresh Himachal apples to every mountain road.
Fidato Hotels
Coming to Narkanda
Hilltop Resort by Fidato Lepere is now open in Narkanda — a Himalayan retreat at 8,900 feet among pine forests and apple orchards, just 65 km from Shimla.
Top Attractions
in & around Narkanda
Himalayan peaks, ancient temples, ski slopes, apple orchards, serene lakes, and the buzz of Shimla, all within reach of Narkanda's magical hillside.
Hatu Peak
The highest point near Narkanda at 11,150 feet, Hatu Peak commands a breathtaking 360° panorama of the Western Himalayan ranges, snow-capped peaks stretching to Tibet, and the deep Sutlej River valley far below. The access road winds through dense cedar forests. The Hatu Mata Temple crowns the summit.
📍 8 km from Narkanda townHatu Mata Temple
Perched at the summit of Hatu Peak, the Hatu Mata Temple is an ancient wooden Himachali temple dedicated to the goddess Hatu Mata. Built in the region's distinctive multi-tiered wooden architecture style, the temple is surrounded by dense cedar forests and commands extraordinary Himalayan views from its summit location.
📍 Hatu Peak Summit · 11,150 ftNarkanda Ski Slopes
One of Himachal Pradesh's oldest ski resorts, Narkanda's slopes on the Hatu hillside receive heavy snowfall from mid-December to late February. HPTDC runs ski equipment rental and beginner courses. The gentle slopes and deep powder make it a favourite for families and first-time skiers as well as seasoned winter sports enthusiasts.
📍 Narkanda Hilltop · Dec–FebApple Orchards & Stokes Farm
The Narkanda-Kotgarh belt is the birthplace of commercial apple cultivation in India, introduced by American missionary Samuel Stokes in the early 20th century. From September to November, the hillsides are heavy with Red Delicious, Royal Gala, and Fuji apples. Orchard walks and direct farm purchases are available during harvest season.
📍 Kotgarh Valley · 10 kmTannu Jubbar Lake
A serene high-altitude lake set in a forested depression about 3 km from Narkanda, Tannu Jubbar Lake reflects the surrounding pine and deodar trees in its still, dark waters. The lake is sacred to the local community, with a small temple on its banks. It is a beautiful spot for quiet walks, bird-watching, and photography in all seasons.
📍 3 km from NarkandaShimla: Queen of Hills
Just 65 km from Narkanda, Shimla is Himachal Pradesh's colonial capital, the "Queen of Hills," with its iconic Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhu Temple, the Kalka-Shimla Heritage Railway, and Viceregal Lodge. The scenic drive along NH-22 through apple orchards and pine forests is as rewarding as the destination itself.
📍 65 km on NH-22How to Reach Narkanda
Narkanda is best reached by road from Shimla, itself well-connected by the iconic Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge railway and road from Chandigarh.
By Air
Shimla Airport (SLV) at Jubbarhatti is approximately 65 km from Narkanda (~1.5 hrs), with limited daily flights from Delhi. Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) is ~170 km away with far more flight options from major Indian cities.
- Shimla Airport (SLV): ~65 km
- Chandigarh Airport (IXC): ~170 km
- Delhi to Chandigarh: ~1 hr flight
- Cab from Chandigarh to Narkanda: ~3.5 hrs
By Train
The Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge railway (UNESCO World Heritage Site) runs from Kalka to Shimla in ~5 hours, one of India's most scenic train journeys. From Shimla, hire a cab or take a bus for the 65 km drive to Narkanda on NH-22. Chandigarh is the nearest major broad-gauge station (~55 km from Kalka).
- Kalka–Shimla Heritage Railway (~5 hrs)
- Chandigarh → Kalka: ~55 km, ~1 hr
- Shimla → Narkanda cab: ~1.5 hrs
- HRTC buses: Shimla to Narkanda daily
By Road
The most scenic approach: drive via NH-22 (Hindustan-Tibet Road) from Shimla (65 km, ~1.5 hrs) through apple orchards and pine forests with Himalayan views at every turn. From Delhi, it is ~360 km (6–7 hrs) via NH-44 to Chandigarh, then NH-22 through Shimla.
- Shimla → Narkanda: 65 km, ~1.5 hrs
- Chandigarh → Narkanda: ~180 km, ~4 hrs
- Delhi → Narkanda: ~360 km, ~7 hrs
- HRTC buses from Shimla bus stand
Everything You Need to Know
About Narkanda
Yes. Hilltop Resort by Fidato Lepere is now open in Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh — a mountain retreat at 8,900 feet among pine forests and apple orchards. Book direct at fidatohotels.com or email info@fidatohotels.com for reservations. Call +91 8010 527783 for more information.
Narkanda is a quaint Himalayan hill town at 8,900 feet in Himachal Pradesh, famous for its apple orchards (part of India's premier Himachal apple belt), Hatu Peak (11,150 ft panoramic viewpoint), the ancient Hatu Mata Temple, and as one of the oldest ski destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Its pine forests, uncrowded trails, and proximity to the Hindustan-Tibet Road make it a serene and authentic alternative to Shimla.
Each season has its charm. December–February is skiing season: heavy snowfall transforms Narkanda into a winter wonderland. March–May brings spectacular apple blossoms across the hillsides. June–September offers pleasant trekking weather (though some monsoon rain). October–November is apple harvest season and features crisp air and clear Himalayan views, arguably Narkanda's most beautiful time.
Narkanda is approximately 65 km from Shimla, a scenic 1.5–2 hour drive along the Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH-22) that winds through dense pine forests, apple orchards, and mountain valleys. From Shimla bus stand, HRTC buses and shared taxis operate regularly to Narkanda throughout the day.
By road from Shimla (65 km, ~1.5 hrs on NH-22) is the most common route. Shimla is connected by the famous Kalka-Shimla Heritage Railway from Kalka (~5 hrs) and by road from Chandigarh (~115 km). The nearest airports are Shimla Airport (SLV, ~65 km) and Chandigarh International Airport (IXC, ~170 km), with far more flights available at Chandigarh.
Narkanda offers skiing on Hatu slopes (December–February), trekking to Hatu Peak (11,150 ft) and through the cedar forests, apple orchard walks and farm visits during harvest (September–November), bird-watching in the Himalayan forests, angling in Sutlej River tributaries, and day excursions to Shimla (65 km) and the Tatapani hot springs (90 km).
Book Your Stay
in Narkanda
Hilltop Resort by Fidato Lepere — 8,900 ft Himalayan retreat near Shimla. Book direct for best rates guaranteed, no booking fees.