The Hatu Peak in Narkanda is a calm place to visit. This stands tall at 3,400 metres above sea level, is surrounded by third-generation forests, and offers one of the most memorable treks in the world. It may be worth coming for a superb trek if you are interested. The top of the peak provides amazing views, with many green trees. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for an adventure or a break from city life.
About Hatu Peak
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Hatu Peak has a certain religious sanctity, and every resident has a story to tell. In folklore, the travellers of Mahabharata, the Pandavas, were thought to have meditated here during their Vanva, called Pandava Kila. This place also has the Hatu Mata Temple, for the goddess Hatu Mata, who is said to be Ravana’s wife. This temple built in Himachal is based on pure wooden architecture and is considered sacred by the people of Himachal.
Hatu Peak is located in the Western Himalayas and can be reached by a winding road from Narkanda. Although you can drive most of the way, many people prefer to hike the last few kilometres to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The trail to Hatu Peak offers stunning views of green meadows, forests of deodar and fir trees, and various flowers. The weather in summer is pleasant and attracts many visitors, while the area is covered in snow in winter.
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Places To Visit In Hatu Peak
Explore the following notable attractions that make Hatu Peak a captivating destination:
1. Scenic Trek To Hatu Peak
The DARSA-alt trek, originating at Narkanda, is a 7 km trek that passes through dense forests and sometimes meadows. Nature and birds are seldom out of sight, and different opportunities for nature photography and bird watching come one’s way. Even to this date, this trek still stands out for nature lovers and people who love to adventure.
Distance: Narkanda, 63 km from Shimla
Timings: Variable
Entry Fee: NA
2. Hatu Mata Temple
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Other important highlights of Hatu Peak include the beautiful wooden temple of Hatu Mata, dedicated to Mandodari, Ravana’s wife from the Indian epic Ramayana. This temple is not just a place of worship; it’s also a cultural point of interest, portraying traditional architecture and regional artistry.
Distance: 8 km from Narkanda
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: NA
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3. Jau Bagh
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Jau Bagh, a beautiful green field near the Peak, is highly recommended for people who love to camp. Located in the lap of deodar trees and accompanied by colourful wildflowers, this place provides the best opportunity to escape the noisy world. Sunup and sunset scenes are a remarkable sight, with the Himalayas’ snow-clad peaks in the background for the campers. For those who select individual tours or want to organise a company trip, Jau Bagh is an excellent opportunity to have unusual camping with views of extraordinary nature.
Distance: 6 km from Narkanda city centre
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: Free (Camping equipment and supplies may have additional cost)
4. Kotkhai Palace
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A few kilometres away from Hatu Peak is the state’s other magnificent architecture, the Kotkhai Palace. It had been constructed in the seventeenth century to govern the Kotkhai kingdom’s leaders. It has wooden and stone work with carvings and beautiful wooden balconies to depict the historical and cultural background of the region in question. The palace sits strategically on a hill, allowing one to view the surrounding valleys and even hills. The palace itself is not as massive as some other palaces for royalty, but the history and calmness of this place make it more interesting.
Distance: Approximately 20 km
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
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5. Tani Jubbar Lake: A Tranquil Escape Near Hatu Peak
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Tani Jubbar Lake is located close to Hatu Peak, a comparatively less travelled destination that offers nature’s scenic beauty. This beautiful lake is located in a coniferous area and is ideal for taking a break. It provides superb aesthetic value when the water reflects the surroundings, making the ambience charming and relaxing.
Distance: 12 km from Narkanda city centre
Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach Hatu Peak
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Narkanda is about 60 km away from Shimla, and you can take a bus or a taxi to travel there. The roads are well maintained and give nice glimpses of the nearby hillocks and dales. You can trek the 7 km to Hatu Peak; however, if you do not want to trek, you can take a taxi from Narkanda to drop you closer to the peak.
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Hatu Peak, located in the Narkanda region of Himachal Pradesh, is known for adventure, spirituality, and the beauty of nature. You can walk through the forests to reach the main top and explore the Hatu Mata Temple, famous among tourists. The new Jau Bagh is suitable for camping, and the Tanni Jubbar Lake is a small, quiet lake. Hatu Peak is located about 52 km from Shimla. From a broader perspective, it is often regarded as the highest point in the vicinity of the Tatra ranges and the Shimla district. Don’t miss the chance to explore this captivating spot on your next trip to Himachal Pradesh.
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Cover Image Credit: Vaibhav Garg for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Hatu Peak
What is the best time to visit Hatu Peak?
The optimum time to visit Hatu Peak is from April to October because the climatic conditions and approach are pleasant here. The place promises clear skies and beautiful scenes.
Is Hatu Peak suitable for beginners in trekking?
The trek to Hatu Peak is easy for starters and those with moderate physical strength. It has well-defined paths with some difficult sections; nonetheless, it can be recommended for beginners.
Are there any local guides available for the trek?
Yes, local guides in Narkanda are available to trek the Hatu peak. They will be informative regarding what the region is blessed with regarding plants and animals, not to mention culture.
Can we find food and water along the trek to Hatu Peak?
On the trek, there are very few places where food and water are available; thus, one must carry some. Pack some water, energy snack food, and energy bars for the ideal trek.
Is there any public transportation available to Narkanda from Shimla?
It is easily accessible by frequent bus services, and shared taxis are also available from Shimla to Narkanda. Years of practice show that it will take approximately 2-3 hours to pass, and public transportation in length is easily accessible and relatively cheap.
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