Top Things To Do In Narkanda On Your Next Vacation In The Hills

If you are seeking an escape from the bustling areas, then this is the place to be.

Just a 60 km drive away from Shimla lies an exciting, less explored town, Narkanda. With calmer scenery, higher reaches, and many things to do in Narkanda, this place is ideal for those of you looking to take a step away from the usual crowded spots. Narkanda has one of the most vibrant white winters and plenty of summer sunshine, making it the ideal location for a weekend getaway or a full vacation. Narkanda has an abundance of apple orchards, and exploring its lush landscapes leaves you with an amazing experience.

10 Things To Do In Narkanda

With a stunning landscape and the most scenic views, there are many things to do in Narkanda that make it just the right choice for your vacation plans.

1. Skiing at Hatu Peak

Enjoying skiing and hiking to Hatu Peak are the best things to do in Narkanda, Shimla.

Photo: Chirag85 / Wikimedia Commons

During winter, there’s a thick layer of snow covering the grounds, trees, and buildings. You can play with this snow to enjoy various fun winter activities like skiing. The Himalayas are every skier’s paradise, and Narkanda is no different. With the Hatu Peak being as high as 3,400 metres, the skiing experience becomes more thrilling. This vacation spot is the ideal choice for both beginner skiers and seasoned skiers. It’s not only the beautiful grounds and lush forest, but you can also enjoy the view of the mountains covered in snow.

Cost/Person: ₹200 – ₹500

Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Jispa On Your Next Himachal Trip

2. Biking Along The Mountains

For mountain bike enthusiasts, this region offers diverse terrain and numerous tracks.

Photo: Jamie Dantas / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Mountain bike enthusiasts usually flock there because of the region’s diverse terrain and easy-to-difficult tracks. In Narkanda, mountain biking is a popular adventure sport for thrill-seekers like you who want to enjoy the slopes and navigate tough terrains. In addition to offering an excellent workout, biking in Narkanda lets you discover lesser-known areas of the region at your own pace. With the best trails, including trails that go past apple orchards, pine forests, or up to isolated settlements, you can explore different fun biking activities while also absorbing the beauty of nature.

3. Hiking To Hatu Temple

Hiking to the famous Hatu Temple is one of the best things to do in Narkanda, Shimla.

Photo: Himalayanlens / Wikimedia Commons

Are you looking for a serene place to explore hiking? If so, then you should consider the famous Hatu Temple. While hiking up the trail, you may enjoy the calming and picturesque landscapes. The path to Hatu Temple is lined by lush green trees and a beautiful view. Hatu Temple is a place of worship that is rich in history. This temple was dedicated to Mandodari, Ravana’s wife from the Ramayana. The hiking trail is properly marked and provides you a close connection with nature, as well as a scenic view of the surrounding mountain areas.

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4. Snowshoeing Expeditions

Snowshoeing is one the best and unique activities to enjoy amidst the Himalayan region.

Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

One of the top activities that is quickly growing in popularity in Narkanda is snowshoeing. You can move through thick layers of snow without sinking into it. Snowshoeing in Narkanda is a form of hiking that allows you to explore the full range of Narkanda, the serene environment, the snow beds, and the vast landscapes. Many areas in Narkanda can be harder to access whenever it’s snowing. However, if you are wondering what to do in Narkanda with snowshoeing activity, you can explore more and more captivating locations and views.

5. Camping Under The Stars

Camping under the stars is one of the best things to do in Narkanda for nature lovers.

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If one of your big vacation plans is camping, then Narkanda is the place. The camping experience in Narkanda is generally a mystical one due to the lush meadows and the perfect view of the Himalayan sky. While camping out at night, you can enjoy the peace and cherish the view of the captivating stars. Here, campsites are situated in picturesque areas with breathtaking views of the nearby mountains and valleys. It’s a chance to get away from the bustle of everyday life and re-establish a connection with the natural world.

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Chitkul For Unforgettable Memories

6. Paragliding

Do try paragliding activity here to grab a chance to cherish panoramic views of the hills.

Photo: Gianluca Miscione / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Among the best activities to enjoy in Narkanda is paragliding. With paragliding, you can cherish aerial views of the entire region, including the snow-capped Himalayan areas. Paragliding offers a chance to fly over mountains and valleys and enjoy picturesque landscapes. For thrill-seekers on vacation, this experience is unmatched.

Cost/Person: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000

7. Exploring Apple Orchards

Exploring apple orchards is one of the best things to do in Narkanda for food lovers.

Photo: Shameela Yousuf Ali / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

For many people living in Narkanda, apple farming is their main source of livelihood. So, there are many apple orchards to explore. Here, you get to learn about the farms and the procedures involved in apple production. Walking through the orchards, learning about the production methods, and, if the season permits, picking apples are all some of the best activities to do here. You can also enjoy fresh apples as well as other hand-made apple products, including juices and jams.

Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours

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8. Trout Fishing

This region in Shimla offers you an amazing opportunity to enjoy trout fishing activity.

Photo: Masaaki Komori / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

If you are thinking about whether you can go fishing for trout in Narkanda, the answer is a ‘yes’. This place has clean and transparent water with an abundance of trout. If you’re lucky, you can find other fish as well. This location has rivers and streams, which lets you explore the waters and also other activities that you can enjoy there. Tannu Jubbar Lake and Shilaroo Lake are the ideal places to engage in fishing in Narkanda.

Ideal Duration: 3 – 7 hours
Cost/Person: ₹100 – ₹300

9. Birdwatching

Bird watching activity is one of the best things to do in Narkanda for bird lovers.

Photo: Bouchard / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Birdwatching is a major activity in Narkanda, and it is quickly growing in popularity. Many nature lovers and birding enthusiasts like you are drawn to this location due to the many species of birds and the very diverse ecosystem in the area. You may spot Blue Robins, Black Francolin, Himalayan Griffon, large Billed Crow, large Hawk Cuckoo, and many more species. If you’re lucky, you may also spot some migratory birds, along with the diverse local species in the area.

Ideal Duration: 2 – 7 hours

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10. Trekking

For adventure seekers, trekking is one of the best activities to partake in here.

Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Trekking is one of the top activities to do in Narkanda. There are hills and picturesque landscapes to complement the views that you can enjoy while trekking. You can trek alone or join a group if you want. One of the many places to trek to in Narkanda is the Hatu Peak. This is a very popular destination due to its spiritual significance. Trekking to Hatu Peak offers you a chance to meditate and reflect. Another path you explore while in Narkanda is the Jalori Pass trip, which starts outside of Narkanda and extends to the Northwest area.

Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours

Narkanda is not any location; it is a unique place where adventure meets nature. While exploring Narkanda, there are many options when it comes to things to do in Narkanda. You can enjoy the thrill of discovering new things and exploring the area, and most especially, the peace of being surrounded by nature. If you’re planning that getaway, then pack your bags and plan your trip with TripXL now.

Cover Photo: Punnet Kumar / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

A tiny town in Shimla, Narkanda is famed for its scenic beauty, treks, and apple orchards.
There are many options for getting to Narkanda. The fastest way is by air through the Shimla Airport, which is only 80 km away. Other options include using trains, buses, or taxis.
Narkanda is lovely in the winter and summer. The winter period is from December to February, while the summer is from April to October. Both times offer many different activities to enjoy.
Yes, there are many options when it comes to accommodation. You can choose different cosy homestay options or fancy resorts within the range of ₹1,500 to ₹9,000.
Yes, there are many options when it comes to restaurants in Narkanda, such as The New Himalaya Negi, Hotel Mahamaya, Ensemble Bar and Restaurant, and many others.

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