Narkanda

Narkanda is a small village and a Nagar panchayat in the Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Located about 60 km from Shimla, this small town offers beautiful views of snow-covered peaks, apple orchards, and pine forests. It is a perfect place for nature lovers who wish to enjoy calm surroundings away from the busy city life. The charm of Narkanda Himachal Pradesh lies in its untouched natural beauty and fresh mountain air that instantly refreshes your mind.

History of narkanda

Narkanda is not only known for its natural beauty but also has strong mythological and historical importance. According to legends, the Pandavas from the Mahabharata spent some time in the hills of Narkanda during their exile. Because of this belief, the place is considered sacred and special among the locals.

In ancient times, the area around Narkanda was ruled by King Sankar Varma of Kashmir. Later, it faced assaults by Mahmud Ghazni and came under the control of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a famous Rajput ruler. After that, the Mughals ruled this region for some time.

Around the year 1768, the Gorkhas from Nepal expanded their rule under the leadership of Amar Singh Thapa. They built several forts near Shimla and caused a lot of damage in the surrounding regions. However, after the Anglo-Gorkha War in the late 18th century, the Gorkhas were defeated, and the area came under British rule.

On January 25, 1971, Himachal Pradesh officially became a separate state of India, and Narkanda became part of the Shimla district. 

The real turning point for Narkanda came when Mr. Satyanand Stokes introduced apple farming in this region. This completely changed the local economy and brought prosperity to the people. Today, apple farming contributes around ₹3,000 crore to Himachal Pradesh’s income every year.

Along with apples, cherry farming has also become an important occupation here, helping farmers earn a good living. In modern times, Narkanda is also known as a popular spot for skiing and winter tourism, attracting visitors from all over India.

Things to Do in Narkanda

Narkanda offers many beautiful places to visit and exciting activities to enjoy. The most popular attraction here is Hatu Peak, the highest point in Narkanda. You can take a short drive or a small trek to reach the top and enjoy stunning views of the snow-covered Himalayas.

For those who love adventure, a hike to Jau Bagh is a great experience. The trail goes through thick forests and open meadows, making it perfect for nature lovers. During winter, tourists can also enjoy skiing in Narkanda, which is one of the best adventure activities here.

You can also visit Tani Jubbar Lake, a calm and peaceful spot surrounded by pine trees. Nearby, the Mahamaya Temple is a sacred place dedicated to Goddess Kali and offers a quiet spiritual atmosphere.

Don’t miss a visit to Kotgarh and Thanedar, known as the “apple bowl of India.” These villages are full of apple orchards and give you a glimpse of local Himachali life. The famous Stokes Farm is also located here, where apple cultivation first started in this region.

For those interested in temples, the Bhima Kali Temple is an ancient site with beautiful wooden architecture. If you want to enjoy nature, plan a trip to Serolsar Lake, a beautiful high-altitude lake surrounded by thick forests—ideal for a peaceful day trip or picnic.

Culture of Narkanda

The culture of Narkanda is simple, colorful, and full of life. Even though it is now a popular place for adventure lovers, the town has still kept its natural charm and traditional lifestyle. Away from heavy crowds and city noise, Narkanda continues to protect its old customs and culture.

Narkanda is well-known for its folk dances and local music. Some famous traditional dances performed here are Bakayang Dance, Kayang Dance, Jataru Kayang Dance, Bnayangchu Dance, and Rasa Dance. These dances are performed during local festivals and celebrations, reflecting the happiness and unity of the people.

Music is an important part of life here. The locals use traditional instruments like the Ektara, Chimta, Flute, Ghungroo, Manjara, and Ghariyal to create soulful music. The songs are usually about nature, festivals, and daily village life, sung with great love and emotion.

People in Narkanda celebrate all festivals with equal joy. Whether it’s Diwali, Holi, Christmas, or Lohri, the celebrations bring everyone together, showing the true spirit of unity and harmony.

The town is also famous for its local handicrafts. You can find beautifully made bamboo items, metal art pieces, and traditional jewellery crafted by local artisans. These make perfect souvenirs to take home.

The local cuisine of Narkanda has a strong Himachali flavour. The food here is simple but delicious, often made with fresh local ingredients. Their spicy meat dishes are especially famous, keeping people warm in the cold mountain weather.

Nearby Attractions of Narkanda

1. Hatu Peak 
2. Tanni Jubbar Lake 
3. Kotgarh and Thanedar 
4. Mahamaya Temple, Kacheri 
5. Kotkhai 
6. Jalori Pass