Narkanda

Narkanda tourism revolves around a small ridge-top village in Himachal Pradesh at 2,708 meters, located about 65 kilometers east of Shimla on the old Hindustan-Tibet Road. The village sits on the first apple-growing shelf of the inner Himalayas, where apple orchards cover the slopes below. Autumn brings a strong fruit-packing season that has continued since 1916, when American missionary Samuel Stokes planted the first modern apple saplings nearby, making it a key highlight in Narkanda sightseeing experiences. In winter, Narkanda tour packages often highlight it as the only ski destination within four hours of Delhi-Chandigarh, offering a short 500-meter beginner-friendly slope at Khud Peak accessed by a T-bar. This makes it one of the most popular things to do in Narkanda during snowfall weeks from mid-January to mid-February. In summer, it functions as a quiet pass-through point on the way to Kinnaur, and its calm atmosphere keeps it less crowded than Kufri or Shimla, which appeals to those planning a relaxed Narkanda trip. Among the top attractions in Narkanda is Hatu Peak shrine, the highest point of the surrounding ridge at 3,400 meters. It offers sweeping views across the Sutlej River towards the Kinnaur Kailash range, making it one of the most memorable stops in any Narkanda sightseeing plan.