Hatu Peak, Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh by Jay Sen

Place: Hatu Peak
City: Narkanda
Distt: Shimla
State: Himachal Pradesh

Hatu Peak is situated at the height of 11,152 feets in Narkanda and is the second highest peak of Shimla Range. Because of the height you can view great Himalayan Mountains. From Narkanda you need to travel approx 7-8 kms either by your vehicle of on foot. During Dec-Feb its covered with snow so its very hard to drive on snow at 45 degree angle.

The roads (8 kms) leading to this places is too steep, I went there on bike at night and it was very difficult to go uphill as some places it goes up at 45 degree angel with very narrow road just for one car to pass at a time. If you reach on the top (Preferably before Sunrise) you will see a scenic beauty which you have never seen before in your life. From this place apart from Glaciers at far you can also see Apple farming in near distance. During winters Ski activities also happens in this area.

About Camping: We did camping there at the open parking (everyone does there only) surrounded with tall trees and is a perfect place to do camping as you will find enough woods from there itself for Bonfire. You can get rooms at Narkanda.

Camping Charges: You need to bring your own camping equipment (you can also rent them from Narkanda) rest it’s free of cost and no one bothers you during night. In morning after 9 am person from Hatu Mata Mandir comes and asks to remove tents as it’s a place for parking.

Wild Animals: People says that this place has leopard, bear but have never heard any wild animal sighting here. Normally you will find 2 - 3 groups all the time camping here during night. Luckily there are no monkeys or langoors.

Weather: At any season its very cold because of the height and during winters this place is covered in snow. and temperature normally remains in minus from Nov-Mar during night.

Basis Amenities: At Hatu Peak there is a well maintained Hatu Mata Temple and temple has some building structures for pujari and his family here. There are rooms for people coming for pilgrimage but charges and how to book is not known to me (maybe you can get pujari's number on Google Maps). There is drinking water available in the temple compound which is available all the time. Washroom facility is also available there but it is not open all the time. Dustbins are places at regular intervals. Foods, Medicines are not available here.

How to Reach: To reach to Hatu Peak you need to reach at Narkanda first which is well connected by road. If not coming by your own vehicle you can take Bus from Shimla to Rampur Bushahr and can reach to Narkanda in 2-3 hours.

Tags: #jaysenjx #narkanda #hatupeak #highestpeakinshimla #travel #snowfallinhimachal #placetovisitnearshimla