Shimla, Kufri & Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh – 3N | 4D Itinerary

Shimla – Kufri – Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh

Published on 2021-10-31

Landscape view from Hatu Peak, Narkanda

Landscape view from Hatu Peak, Narkanda

Destination

nature

Best time to visit

November to January

  • Shimla is a popular hill station in North India. It has a lot of things to offer for tourists. Some of them are strolling around Mall Road, visiting temples on the hilltop, enjoying scenic views, skiing, visiting museums, enjoying authentic Himachal food and waking up early to catch beautiful sunrises.
  • Shimla and Narkanda are polar opposites in terms of experiences. Shimla is a popular tourist destination due to which you'll find yourself in the middle of the hustle bustle of the city. It has numerous branded showrooms, modern restaurants and bars which have their own charm .
  • On the other hand Narkanda is a paradise for nature lovers. It is calm, serene and peaceful. You'll be able to experience both in the same tour.

How to reach Shimla?

  • Railhead –  Nearest railway station is Kalka, from where a toy train will take you through a mountainous passage to Shimla (check IRCTC).The journey is about 5 hours long and offers spectacular views.
  • By Road – Shimla is well-connected to all North-Indian cities by road. Shared taxis (Rs 400-500 per person) & private taxis (Rs. 2500) are readily available at Kalka. The distance to Shimla is 90kms and the journey takes about 4 hours to complete.
    One of the best ways to reach from Delhi to Shimla (350km) is through a Volvo bus. A non ac Volvo costs around Rs. 500 per person whereas an ac Volvo bus can cost you between Rs. 650- 800.The journey is about 8.5 hours long (check Redbus or Yatra).
  • Airport – Shimla Airport or Jubbarhatti Airport, about 20 km from the city, is the closest domestic airport serving this beautiful hill station. There are regular flights for Shimla from cities such as New Delhi and Chandigarh.

Highlights

  • Experiencing snow and various snow activities in Narkanda.
  • Shopping at the famous Mall Road in Shimla.
  • Waking up to stunning sunrises and enjoying dinner at beautiful sunset points.
  • Enjoying kullad wali chai amidst mountains and lush greenery.
  • Rejoicing in the old world charm of Shimla and the simple living in Narkanda.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Local Market visit

Upon reaching Shimla, check in and relax at the hotel for a while. It’s a good idea to look for a hotel near Mall Road. 

  • Hotel White - Tarrif Rs. 2400 for double occupency. This place is called Lakkar Bazaar.
  • Hotel Victory is also a good option near the Mall Road.(Rs. 2000)

Explore more Hotels in Shimla

In the evening you can roam around the Mall Road and indulge in some shopping. A beautiful collection of handcrafted goodies will surely make your heart happy. There are many cafes and restaurants for dinner here. One of the famous ones is Cafe Shimla Times. It generally has live music playing in the evenings by local bands.

  • If you’re an avid reader, do check out the various book shops here. 
Shimla Mall Road
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Shimla Mall Road

Overnight stay in Shimla.

Day 2 - Local sightseeing in & around Shimla

Breakfast at Mall Road;

  • Sita Ram & Sons  – a 70-year-old shop – famous for its Chole Bhature (called as Channa & Lucchi here ). Luchhi in simple terms is a softer and lighter version of our beloved bhatura!

Jakhu temple – Shri Hanuman temple –Lord Hanuman stopped on Jakhu Hill while going to collect the Sanjivani Buti. It is accessible by car.

  • The ropeway is also available –  Rs. 500 per person  (Timings : 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM). The aarti timings are 7.00 AM every morning. It has a majestic 108-foot-tall idol of the deity. Since it is situated high up on a hill it also offers amazing views of the Shivalik ranges.
Jakhu Temple
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Jakhu Temple

Viceregal Lodge & Indian Institute Of Advanced Study- This is a historical place. It used to be the hub of all political activities before Independence. The architecture of this building is splendid (Timings – 10 am–5:30 pm).

Viceregal Lodge, Shimla
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Viceregal Lodge, Shimla

Lunch options in and around Mall Road;

Towards the evening, you can visit any of the following locations on the Mall Road

  • The Ridge – Beautiful, open space with a two-side view of Shimla. During the evening the view of Shimla city is mesmerising from the viewpoint. One of the scenes of "3 idots" movie was shot here.
  • Christ Church - 2nd Oldest Church in North India, Built it in 1857. In the evening the illumination of the church makes it so beautiful. Located on the ridge.
  • Scandal Point – Believed to be the spot from where the erstwhile Maharaja of Patiala eloped with the daughter of a British Viceroy. It is located at the meeting point of Mall road & Ridge Road. There are numerous cafes & restaurants available.
Christchurch at Ridge Road, Shimla
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Christchurch at Ridge Road, Shimla

Local Market – This 3-part marketplace - divided into Upper Market, Middle & Lower Market – sells winter clothes, trinkets, souvenirs, and street food.

  • Evening Snacks or Dinner Options;
  • Trishool Bakers: Famous bakery on Mall road.
  • Indian Coffee House: In the evening you can try some snacks along with coffee.
  • Wake and Bake cafe- cozy place to hangout with great options for Italian food. It has rooftop sitting which offers a very beautiful view.
  • Honey Hut cafe-Famous for its cheesecake.
  • Kalyan Dhaba: Famous food joint among locals, serves homely food. 

Overnight Stay at Shimla.

Day 3 - Shimla - Kufri - Narkanda - 80 Km

Breakfast option at Mall Road;

Prem Chat Shop (An old shop before Independence) –Popular for Chole Bhature.

Green Valley –On the way to Kufri you will get to experience this valley filled with deodar trees. It is really beautiful and has now become a pit stop. You get a 180-degree view of the valley from this point. You will also find telescopes alongside the highway with which you can get a closer look. You can click pictures and enjoy maggi with a cup of chai here.

Kufri –Scenic views are awesome. Activities in Kufri – Extreme Adventure – Flying Fox/ Horse Ride/Yak Ride.

  • Kufri Fun World– it has numerous fun activities like a shooting range, ropeway and snow activities in winter. Since you have to travel to Narkanda, you need to restrict your time at Kufri.
  • You will love to halt at Fagu for half an hour to see the hills – 6 km from Kufri , this place is serene , untouched and peaceful.
Beautiful Scenic View at Kufri
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Beautiful Scenic View at Kufri

Travel to Narkanda (Kufri to Narkanda 50km)- 1hour 45 min travelling time.

  • Reach Narkanda. Relax at the Hotel.
  • Wild Himalaya Glamping Camp is a good option if you wish to get the experience of camping in the hills.(Approx.1200 for 2 people)

Narkanda also has a mall road, with limited options for food,  You can have dinner at a hotel. 

Overnight Stay at Narkanda – hotel/guest house/homestay options available. One can at Hatu homestay (Rs 2000).

Day 4 - Local sightseeing in Narkanda

Wake up early in the morning, enjoy the sunrise at Hatu peak – a height of 11,000 ft – 8 km from Narkanda. Enjoy a breathtaking view.

•    Visit Hatu Temple –Maa Kali’s temple, made of wood, is located atop the Hatu peak.

Hatu Temple, Narkanda
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Hatu Temple, Narkanda

Visit Tanni Jubbar lake (9km from Narkanda). It is a man-made lake surrounded by greenery. Ideal for picnics and nature lovers. You can spend about 1 to 2 hours here. It is located beside a temple dedicated to Naag Devta.

Lunch Options;

  • Tethys Ski Resort: Great location and nice food (both veg and nonveg). I enjoyed traditional non veg food here. (Chicken Siddu and Mutton Krida are really good)
  • Hotel Hatu – Chaa Meat / Chicken Himachali Dahi Wala

Return to Shimla and spend your quality evening around the Mall Road.

Overnight stay at Shimla and then head back to your home location next day or you can end your trip here.

Things to buy

  • The Mall Road is a shopping haven for everyone. From paintings to artifacts it has it all.
  • It has absolutely marvelous Kullu and Kinnauri shawls at reasonable prices (Rs.300 for light embroidery - Rs.1500 for heavy embroidery).
  • If you have grandparents at home, the intricately carved wooden walking sticks are a speciality here.
  • It is also the best place to buy knick knacks/souvenirs to adorn your shelves with.
  • Lakkar bazaar is just a short walk from Mall Road and as the name suggests , it is a market filled with wooden items. The items are made by locals and hence fairly priced. You'll find trays, cups, bowl sets, jewellery boxes, wall hangings etc here.
  • Tucked into a corner of the Mall Road is Maria Brothers, it is a dusty small shop which has a lot of rare books, prints and maps for collectors. It has a vintage collection of vintage Himalayan travelogues.

Suggestions and Recommendations

  • If you travel between December or January – during peak snow time – you can enjoy Skiing and Toboggan at Narkanda.
  • If you are traveling by your own vehicle , check with your hotel for a parking facility.
  • Hatu peak is accessible through car & bike .The road is steep and narrow; only one car can go at one point of time.
  • If you wish to visit the Hatu peak during snow season, you’ll have to park your car near the peak. From here the temple is about 3km and you’ll have to trek for about 1.5 hours to reach there. Snow shoes are available at the place where the trek starts and costs Rs.150-200 .
  • If you wish to stay in Fagu , The Apple Blossom is a good option.There is nothing much to do in Fagu .You can enjoy the natural beauty and it is away from the hustle-bustle of Mall Road (Mall Road to Fagu 18km , 45 minutes).
  • The lower bazaar in the Mall Road is also known as the local market as the locals shop regularly from here. The prices are comparatively cheaper here.
Apple Farming in Narkanda
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Apple Farming in Narkanda