When I arrived at Narkanda there was snow everywhere. I was so tired at the end of the journey that I was happy I didn’t had to walk through snow to reach the hotel. The taxi dropped me right at the doorstep of the Hatu which is a Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Development Corporation (HPTDC) hotel. At the check-in was a young boy who could see I was tired and cold. He completed the formalities quickly and assured me that chai and pakoras would arrive soon right in my room. But to my retreating back he did ask, “so are you alone?” To which I simply said yes.
Here is a short clip of the Hatu, Narkanda. The room I stayed in was clean though not fancy. At all times, I felt safe. The staff was courteous. After the initial curiosity even my traveling alone was no longer much of an issue.
Narkanda is a small town. There were a few small shops in the main market where I would sit down and have tea after my strolls. I had all my meals at the hotel. One day I asked for a local dish and I was given Gobhi Palda which was a kind of cauliflower kadhi. It was good. I had parathas for breakfast everyday! I think I paid more for tea than I paid for breakfast!
You can book a ski package with the hotel depending on the snow conditions. I was asked if I would like to ski but I was determined not to do anything on this vacation! I managed to keep my resolve till the end. I had many conversations with the guy I met at the reception, Pankaj Sharma and the ski instructor. I told them about my trekking adventures and they told me about the possible treks in the region.
When I was leaving on the last day, they told me, ma’am fir aiyega (ma’am come back again). I am already planning to take Chhavi and Vasu (my niece) for skiing next year at Narkanda. And if I can get a room I will surely stay at the Hatu again.
Thanks for the post. It reminded me of a trip quite sometime back to this beautiful laid back town. The hike to Hatu Peak in 3-6 ft deep snow is a must to-do activity in Narkanda. 🙂
Anupriya I could not make it to Hatu Peak but I really enjoyed Narkanda.
ah how i wish i cud be in a snowy place right 🙂 loveee winters and cold places though im already seeing way too much heat here than i’d like hehe 🙂
anyways interesting post. in love with the view from your room 😀
I too loved the view from my room Gypsy Thoughts.
wow! although I have visited Shimla, I couldn’t go around and explore Himachal Pradesh. Wanna visit the place sooo much again. nice post:)
Thank you so much. You have to go to Spiti too.
How ignorant we Indians are! We have are in a heaven and we search it somewhere else! I wish to visit Narkanda once! Thanks a lot for introducing Narkanda 🙂 Will remember Hatu too 🙂
Wow so beautiful it is and the snow covered hills look awsm