About this Himachal Tour
Higher, quieter snow than Kufri alone
Most Shimla trips stop at Kufri. This one goes further, to Narkanda — about 60 km out and some 500 metres higher, among apple orchards and cedar forest, with Hatu Peak above it.
Narkanda holds snow when Shimla has none, and it is a fraction as busy. There is a small ski slope in season, a temple at the top of Hatu, and long views towards the higher Himalaya on a clear day.
You still get Shimla properly — the Mall, the Ridge, Jakhoo and Kufri — but the trip is built around the day that most itineraries leave out.
Trip Highlights
The classics, plus the day most trips skip
Shimla's Mall Road and the Ridge
Kufri meadows and snow play
A full day at Narkanda
Hatu Peak and its temple
Apple orchards and cedar forest
Jakhoo Temple and the Viceregal Lodge
Trip Gallery
A taste of the trip
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Four days around Shimla, with Narkanda as the main event
- Arrive from Chandigarh or Delhi and check in.
- Evening walk along the Mall Road, the Ridge, Christ Church and Scandal Point.
- An easy first day to get used to the altitude and the slopes.
- Kufri first thing — meadows, viewpoints and snow play in winter.
- Jakhoo Temple, with its views over the whole ridge.
- The Viceregal Lodge and the Gaiety Theatre in the afternoon.
- Drive out to Narkanda through apple country, climbing all the way.
- Up to Hatu Peak for the temple and the long Himalayan views, weather permitting.
- Time in the snow, and the small ski slope when there is enough of it.
- Back to Shimla by evening.
- A slow breakfast and a last walk through Summer Hill or along the Ridge.
- Drive down to Chandigarh or on to Delhi for your onward journey.
What's Included
Transparent pricing — no hidden surprises
- All arrival and departure transfers
- 3 nights hotel stay in Shimla
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Full-day Narkanda and Hatu Peak excursion
- All sightseeing and transfers by private vehicle
- Driver allowance, fuel, tolls and parking
- 24x7 on-trip support
- Train/air fare to and from the start city
- Lunches & personal expenses
- Entry tickets, ropeway, pony & adventure charges
- Snow-gear hire at Solang or Kufri
- GST as applicable
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Things to Carry
Mountain holiday essentials
Important Notes
Please read before booking
Best Time: March–June is green and pleasant; December–February is the snow season at Kufri, Narkanda and Solang; July–September is monsoon, with rain and occasional landslides.
How to Reach: Chandigarh is the nearest airport and railhead for Shimla; Bhuntar (Kullu) is nearest to Manali. Overnight Volvo coaches run from Delhi to both towns and we can arrange them.
Hill Roads: Himachal's roads are winding and slower than the map suggests. We plan realistic drive times and use experienced local drivers rather than squeezing in an extra stop.
Snow is Weather: Nobody can guarantee snowfall on a given date. We will tell you honestly what the odds look like for your week and keep the plan flexible.
Money & Network: Carry some cash for smaller towns and for pony, sledge and gear hire. ATMs are in the main towns; network is good in Shimla and Manali, patchy on the higher roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you book
Narkanda is about 60 km beyond Shimla on the Hindustan-Tibet road, roughly 500 metres higher at around 2,700 m. It holds snow when Shimla does not, it is surrounded by apple orchards and cedar forest, and it is far quieter than Kufri.
Usually yes, because it is higher, and it stays longer into the season. It is also much less crowded. Snowfall is still weather, so we will tell you honestly what the odds look like for your dates.
In good weather, yes - there is a motorable road to near the top, with a temple and wide Himalayan views. After heavy snow the top road can close, in which case Narkanda village itself still has plenty of snow.
There is a small beginner slope that runs when the snow is deep enough, usually in January and February. It is modest compared with Solang, but it is quiet and good for a first try.
December to March for snow, with January and February the most reliable. The trip is lovely the rest of the year too - Narkanda in apple-blossom season and at harvest is beautiful, just without the snow.
All three nights are in Shimla and Narkanda is a full-day excursion, which keeps the hotel comfortable and the packing simple. If you would rather spend a night at Narkanda, tell us and we will build it that way.
Yes. The driving days are short, the walking is gentle, and nothing is strenuous. The only hard part is the cold in deep winter, so pack properly.
Thermals, a fleece, a windproof jacket, waterproof shoes with grip, wool socks, gloves, a cap and sunglasses. Hire the snow suit and boots locally rather than buying them.
