If you’ve been to Shimla recently, you already know this: the charm is still there, but the crowds are louder.
Over the years, as someone who has spent much of his life exploring the Himalayas (read more about me on my personal travel blog Footloosedev.com) — first as a backpacker, then as a full-time travel creator — I’ve slowly shifted my preference away from crowded hill stations toward quieter, slower mountain destinations.
That’s how Narkanda found me.
Located in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, roughly 40 km from Shimla, Narkanda is a small Himalayan town perched at an altitude of about 2,700 meters. Surrounded by apple orchards, cedar forests, and snow-covered peaks in winter, it offers what Shimla once did — calm.
And perhaps that’s why I chose this region — specifically near Matiana, between Theog and Narkanda — to build my upcoming premium all-inclusive wellness retreat near Narkanda, focused on luxury glamping, farm-to-table living, yoga, and guided Himalayan experiences.
But before I tell you about that vision, let’s talk about Narkanda itself.
Narkanda lies on the Hindustan–Tibet Road (NH-5), connecting Shimla to Kinnaur and Spiti Valley. It is:
~40 km from Shimla
~65 km from Kufri
~15–18 km from Theog
~150 km from Chandigarh
Because of its elevation, Narkanda experiences significantly more snowfall than Shimla during winters.
Yet unlike Shimla, it remains relatively uncrowded.
For travelers from Delhi, Chandigarh, and even Mumbai flying into Chandigarh, Narkanda makes for an ideal long weekend or slow mountain escape.
Why Visit Narkanda?
Narkanda is not about ticking off tourist attractions. It is about space. Unlike popular destinations like Shimla and Manali, where your holiday might feel rushing, Narkanda offers a rather peaceful experience.
It’s a place to slow down and reconnect.
As mountain tourism evolves, many urban professionals are no longer looking for Mall Road walks or traffic jams when they visit Himachal. They are looking for:
- Luxury nature stays
- Digital detox experiences
- Wellness retreats in Himachal
- Hotels with Farm-to-table concept
- All-inclusive mountain retreats in India
And places like Narkanda are quietly becoming the answer.
Best Time to Visit Narkanda
Spring (March–April)
Snow begins to melt. Apple blossoms appear. Roads are clearer. Perfect for scenic drives and mild hikes.
Summer (May–June)
Pleasant weather (10–20°C). Ideal for families and couples wanting to escape North Indian heat.
Monsoon (July–September)
Lush greenery. Fewer tourists. Ideal for slow travel and reflective stays.
Winter (December–February)
Snowfall season. Temperatures drop below zero. A beautiful time — but road conditions must be checked in advance.
Unlike Shimla, Narkanda’s winter still feels authentic. Less commercial. More serene.
Top Things to Do in Narkanda
1. Visit Hatu Peak
At 3,400 meters, Hatu Peak is the highest point in the region. The panoramic Himalayan views stretch endlessly on clear days.
2. Walk Through Apple Orchards
The entire belt between Theog, Matiana, and Narkanda is known for apple cultivation. Autumn harvest season is particularly special.
This farm culture is also what inspired my own decision to focus on farm-to-table living in our upcoming retreat.
3. Scenic Himalayan Drives
The stretch beyond Narkanda toward Rampur and Kinnaur is one of the most beautiful highway drives in India.
4. Slow Hiking & Forest Walks
The cedar and pine forests offer incredible trails perfect for guided hikes — something we plan to include in our all-inclusive wellness retreat near Narkanda.
Narkanda vs Shimla: Which Should You Choose?
If you are looking for a peaceful experience and open Himalayan views, choose Narkanda. If you are looking for busier, shopping-centric Himachali experience, choose Shimla.
Shimla is:
- Busier
- Commercial
- Mall Road-centric
- High tourist volume
Narkanda:
- Quieter
- Higher altitude
- Nature-focused tourism
- Ideal for luxury glamping & wellness retreats
If you are seeking a curated, immersive mountain experience rather than a checklist trip, Narkanda is the better choice.
Narkanda is perfect for urban professionals seeking a digital detox, couples wanting a curated luxury nature stay in the mountains, corporate teams planning wellness off-sites, and international slow travellers looking for Yoga retreats in Himachal Pradesh.
Narkanda’s strength lies in experiential travel — not budget tourism.
Luxury Stays & Wellness Retreats in Narkanda
Historically, accommodation in Narkanda has been limited to small hotels and homestays.
But the travel landscape is changing.
Urban travellers today are searching for peaceful luxury experiences and premium wellness retreats. Farm-to-table concept is also getting popular.
And this is exactly why I chose this region for my next chapter.
After running a property in Manali for several years, I realized something: the future of Himalayan tourism is not scale — it is depth. But Manali was getting too crowded and the evolving party-centric environment was making it hard for us to focus on our mission. Hence, we shut down our Manali hotel.
That realization led me to invest in land near Matiana, between Theog and Narkanda, to build a premium all-inclusive mountain retreat focused on:
- Luxury glamping
- Daily yoga sessions
- Slow living experiences
- Guided Himalayan hikes
- Organic farm-to-table meals
We are currently building the site. I will share more details here and update this article as soon as the site is ready!
How to Reach Narkanda
Getting to Narkanda is easy.
By Road
If you’re travelling from Delhi, Chandigarh, or nearby North Indian cities, road travel is the most convenient option. Delhi to Narkanda by road is 400 km, with 8-10 hour driving distance.
The drive until Chandigarh is smooth highway. After that, the real mountain roads begin — winding curves, pine forests, and valley views.
If driving, start early (before 5–6 AM) to avoid Delhi traffic.
Narkanda is also well connected by Volvo or HRTC Bus. Overnight Volvo buses from Delhi are comfortable and budget-friendly. Many travellers prefer this option because it avoids driving fatigue.
Buses usually drop you near ISBT Shimla or close to town centre.
By Train
The nearest major railhead is Chandigarh Railway Station from where you can take a bus or taxi to Narkanda. Also, try the Kalka-Shimla toy train, which is a scenic UNESCO-listed route from Kalka.
By Air
The nearest prominant airport is Chandigarh International Airport, about 125 km away — then take a taxi or bus to Narkanda.
Is Narkanda Worth Visiting?
Whether Narkanda is worth visiting depends entirely on what you expect from the mountains.
If your idea of a hill station revolves around crowded Mall Roads, aggressive hotel deals during snowfall, and the buzz of commercial tourism, you may find Narkanda too quiet. It does not compete for attention. It does not overwhelm you with activity.
But if you are seeking something deeper — a luxury nature stay near Narkanda, a wellness retreat in Himachal Pradesh, or an all-inclusive mountain retreat in India that prioritises experience over excess — then Narkanda begins to make sense.
Unlike Shimla, which thrives on movement and energy, Narkanda invites stillness. The air feels thinner, the roads emptier, and the forests more immersive. Here, mornings arrive slowly over apple orchards, and evenings fade behind snow-dusted peaks without the distraction of neon lights or traffic noise.
Over the years, as I transitioned from running a property in Manali to building a premium wellness retreat near Narkanda, I realised something important: not every destination needs to entertain you. Some destinations simply need to hold space for you.
Narkanda does exactly that.
It is not loud. It is not flashy. It does not attempt to impress.
It simply exists — beautifully — and for the right traveller, that is more than enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Narkanda better than Shimla?
Narkanda is quieter and less commercial than Shimla. It is ideal for travelers seeking nature, snowfall, and premium wellness experiences rather than crowded markets.
How far is Narkanda from Shimla?
Narkanda is approximately 40 km from Shimla and takes about 1.5 hours by road. You can easily find regular buses from Shimla to Narkanda. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi. If driving, the road conditions are good between Shimla and Narkanda because they’re connected with National Highway.
Does Narkanda receive snowfall?
Yes. Narkanda typically receives heavier snowfall than Shimla due to its higher altitude. You can also do winter adventure sports like Skiing and Snowboarding in Narkanda.
Are there luxury stays in Narkanda?
Luxury accommodation options are emerging, including premium glamping and all-inclusive wellness retreats focused on curated Himalayan experiences.
Is Narkanda good for a weekend getaway?
Yes. It is ideal for 2–3 day escapes from Delhi, Chandigarh, and nearby cities. If you are looking for a peaceful getaway near Shimla, Narkanda is a better choice.
Narkanda is emerging as an offbeat and more premium destination near Shimla
When I left Manali to begin planning a wellness retreat near Narkanda, many people asked me why. And the answer was simple. The mountains here still feel like mountains. And for travelers seeking depth — not distraction — that matters.