NARKANDA Tourist Guide
Situated at an attitude of 2708 meters on the Hindustan Tibet road (NH - 22), Narkanda offers a spectacular view of snow ranges. This is an ideal retreat for the tourists who seek seclusion in mountains. It commands an unique view of the eternal snow line, the inviting apple orchards and dense forests. Narkanda is famous for Skiing & Winter sports. During these days the slopes come alive with skiers. The skiing at Narkanda was started in 1980 and since then HPTDC is conducting skiing courses every year. Narkanda is a gateway to apple country of Himachal Pradesh.
How to Reach Narkanda
ACCESS : 65 km. from Shimla, it is connected by Bus/Taxi services. Nearest Railway Station (65 km) and Airport (88 km) are at Shimla.
Narkanda Climate
CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature can hover around freezing point when heavy woolens are required. During summer, the climate is pleasant and cottons / light woolens are suggested. Narkanda receives heavy snowfall in winters.
Narkanda Site Seeing Places
HATU PEAK (3300m) :
8 km from Narkanda, the road is surrounded by pine and spruce trees. On top of the hill, ancient Hatu Mata temple is located. The peak offers spectacular view of the entire Himalayan ranges, snow clad mountains and in depths are the dense forests, green fields and apple orchards. Hiking is recommended to reach the peak
KACHERI (1810m) :
This place is located 0.5 km from Oddi, and 7 km from Narkanda on NH - 22 and famous for ancient Mahamaya Temple.
KOTGARH AND THANEDHAR (1830m) :
17 km link road bifurcating from Narkanda takes you to the Himachal's Horticultural heartland, Kotgarh and Thanedhar, renown for apple orchards. The famous Stokes Farm is located at Thanedhar. Stokes came to India on a trip and while on a summer visit to Shimla, fell in love with its environments, which included the charming hill folk and settled down in Kotgarh. He started the apple farm which soon became renown with its Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Royal Delicious,apples.
JALLORI PASS (3,550 m) :
90 km from Narkanda, passing through the Sutlej Valley and crossing over to Luhri, Ani, Khanag through one of the best scenery in the Kullu Valley takes you to Jallori Pass. A 30 minute level walk from the Pass takes you to Sarolsar Lake among deep forests. See nature at it's best.
Narkanda - Recommended Hotels
THE HATU
Sheltered in the shadow of a high mountain, The Hatu derives its name from the highest peak of the area - Hatu. Just off the Hindustan Tibet highway, The Hatu is located among quiet surroundings. It is an ideal location for leisure and sightseeing and also serves as an excellent stopover, while moving along the Hindustan Tibet highway. The Narkanda ski slopes are 1.5 km from the hotel. With serene views of the peaks, valleys and orchards on permanent display, The Hatu caters to all countryside comforts and adventures.
ADDRESS : The Hatu, Narkanda, Dist. Shimla (H.P.)
CLASS : Deluxe Hotel
FACILITIES :
•Rooms are airy, well furnished having attached baths with running hot & cold water
•Parking within premises
•Restaurant & Bar, Sprawling lawns, Skiing in Winter
•Excellent walks around Narkanda with trekking option to Hatu Peak (8km)
•MasterCard / Visa credit cards accepted at the hotel
RAMPUR
Once the capital of the princely State of Bushahar, Rampur is presently one of the biggest commercial town of Himachal Pradesh. It is located on the left bank of river Sutlej. The town was once a major center on the old trade route to Kinnaur, Tibet, Ladakh and China. Even today the tradition is as vibrant as ever. Famous International Lavi Fair is held in November and Faag Mela in March every year.
ACCESS : 134 kms from Shimla on NH - 22. Rampur is connected by regular Bus/Taxi services. The nearest Railhead (134 km) & Airport (157 km) is at Shimla. Rampur can be approached from Rohru via Sungri ( 80 km ) and from Kullu, Manali via Jalori pass ( 190 Km).
CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. In summer the temperature rises upto 40 degrees.
PLACES OF INTEREST
RAMPUR TOWN (924m) : There are many places for sight-seeing. Its old Hindu and Buddhist shrines include the Ragunath Temple, the Ayodhya Temple, the Narsingh Temple and the Dumgir Budh Temple which has a large prayer wheel and holds important scriptures. In an interesting colonial and traditional styles, the Padam Palace is one of Rampur's major attractions.
DUTT NAGAR (970m) : 12 km ancient village on the left bank of Sutlej which derived its name from the ancient temple of god Dattreya.
NIRATH (950m) : 18 km, famous for ancient and unique Sun Temple built in nagara style is one of the two temples in India dedicated to Lord Suryanarayan.
THE BUSHEHAR REGENCY
Named after the princely state of Bushehar. The Hotel is located on NH - 22 within the periphery of Cafe Sutlej. The building has been designed in a Pagoda style The architectural style reflects the Kinnaur style of building. The rooms overlook the river Sutlej. The Bushehar Regency is ideal for leisue, business and as a stopover for longer trips.
ADDRESS : The Bushehar Regency, Rampur, Distt. Shimla (H.P.) - 172001. Tel: (01782) - 234103
CLASS : Deluxe Hotel
Check availability and book The Bushehar Regency
FACILITIES :
•All rooms are airy, spacious and well furnished with attached baths and running hot & cold water.
•Parking within premises, Satellite Television, Restaurant and Room Service
•Tariff on Continental Plan
CAFE SUTLEJ : HPTDC runs Cafe and Bar at Rampur
SARAHAN
The Gods were generous when they have gave Sarahan (2165m) its settings. Located halfway up a high mountain side, the road to Sarahan winds past flowering Pine trees that give way to stately Oaks. Dozens of small streams rush past. The fields and orchards that surround the small villages with their slate roofed houses, compose pictures of pastoral perfection. Above Sarahan, a many deodar trees rides the slopes and higher still, encircling the Bashal peak, are trees of smooth birch and variety of wild flowers and rare medicinal herbs. This sparsely populated tract is steeped in ancient legends and here is the famous Bhimakali temple regarded as one of the Fifty One sacred Shaktipeethhs. The temple's unusual architecture and wealth of carvings have made it a resplendent example of what is loosely called the Indo-Tibetan style. Deep down the alley flows the river Sutlej and across lies the snow-clad Shrikhand peak.
Saharan is the base for numerous treks and is the gateway to Kinnaur. It is a place of pilgrimage, a heaven for nature lovers and the temple complex attracts a variety of admirers. Here is a place that offers extraordinary travel experience.
ACCESS : The nearest railway station (176 km) and airport (198 km) is at Shimla, where taxis and buses are available. By Car, Sarahan is 6 hours drive from Shimla. The route is on NH - 22 upto Jeori, from where the road bifurcates to Sarahan.
CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. The summer temperature is warm but pleasant and light woolens/cottons are recommended.
PLACES OF INTEREST
BHIMAKALI TEMPLE COMPLEX : This historical temple is a multistoried structured building, a fusion of Hindu and Buddhist architecture. The tall tower like structure and unusual roof of the temple dominate the complex. The centuries old temple is now locked and in the newly built temple, the goddess Bhimakali is portrayed as a maiden and as a woman. This temple complex includes other temples such as Narsingh shrine of Bhairon and Lord Raghunath.
BIRD PARK : Near the temple complex is a pheasant breeding centre. It also houses the State bird Monal which is of a great attraction.
BHABA VALLEY : 50 km from Sarahan, a beautiful valley along Bhaba river. Link road to valley originates at Wangtu. It has a beautiful landscape, reservoir lake, alpine meadows and is best famous for trek route to Pin Valley in Spiti.
THE SHRIKHAND
Himachal Tourism's Hotel Srikhand is named after the majestic mountain that faces the hotel and the Srikhand peak. The building has drawn inspiration from the fascinating forms of the Bhimakali Temple and its location enables every guest to experience Sarahan at its best. The rooms of the hotel over looks the majestic view of Srikhand peak and apple orchards.
ADDRESS : The Shrikhand, Sarahan (H.P.) - 172102. Tel: (01782) - 274234. E-mail: rampur@hptdc.in
CLASS : Deluxe Hotel
Check availability and book The Shrikhand
THE SHRIKHAND COTTAGE
The Cottage offers two Deluxe rooms with sitting room and one Regular Room. The Cottage is situated adjacent to the Hotel. Rooms can be also be hired separately.
Check availability and book The Shrikhand
FACILITIES :
•Rooms are airy, spacious, well furnished with wall to wall carpeting and attached baths with running hot and cold water
•Satellite Television
•Parking within premises. Car Rental. Doctor on Call
•Restaurant serving Indian, Chinese, Continental and Himachali cuisine
References: Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation web site.