Hatu Peak rises to about 3,400 m above Narkanda, in Kumarsain tehsil of Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh. It is the high point most travellers climb to from the apple town of Narkanda, reached by a short, steep road or a forest trek, and crowned by the small wooden Hatu Mata temple. From the top you look across deodar and oak forest, apple orchards and a long line of Himalayan ridges.
Hatu Peak is a roughly 3,400 m summit about 8 km above Narkanda in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, topped by the wooden Hatu Mata temple. You reach it by a steep motorable road or a short trek. The best months are March to June and September to November; winter brings snow.
Key takeaways
- Hatu Peak stands at about 3,400 m (11,200 ft) in Kumarsain tehsil, Shimla district, roughly 8 km from Narkanda town.
- Narkanda sits at 2,708 m on the old Hindustan–Tibet road (now part of National Highway 5), about 60 km from Shimla, per the Shimla district administration.
- The summit is crowned by the small wooden Hatu Mata temple; according to local belief it is a goddess temple, variously linked to Kali and, in some accounts, to Mandodari.
- Best seasons are March to June and September to November; the approach road can close after heavy snow in deep winter (verify locally before you travel, as of October 2026).
- There is no ticket to climb Hatu Peak or enter the temple; entry is free (indicative — reconfirm locally).
- Hatu Peak is often called the gateway to the apple country of Himachal Pradesh, and the Incredible India portal uses that phrase.
About Hatu Peak and quick facts
Hatu Peak is a forested summit of about 3,400 m (11,200 ft) above the town of Narkanda, in Kumarsain tehsil, Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh. The English Wikipedia entry gives its elevation as 3,400 m and places it beside National Highway 5, nearly 71 km from Shimla by road. It is higher than Narkanda itself, which the Incredible India portal and the Shimla district administration both put at 2,708 m, so the climb from town to peak gains roughly 700 m.
Altitude figures vary a little between sources, from about 3,400 m to 3,415 m, so treat 3,400 m as the common round figure rather than a surveyed exact height. The peak sits in a belt of deodar (Cedrus deodara, Himalayan cedar), oak and maple, with apple orchards worked into the lower slopes.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Above Narkanda, Kumarsain tehsil, Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh |
| Altitude | About 3,400 m (11,200 ft); sources vary 3,400–3,415 m |
| Nearest town | Narkanda (2,708 m), about 8 km away |
| From Shimla | About 60 km to Narkanda; around 68–71 km to the peak |
| Top sight | Wooden Hatu Mata temple at the summit |
| Forest | Deodar, oak and maple, with apple orchards |
| Entry | Free (indicative — reconfirm locally) |
| Best season | March–June and September–November; winter snow |
For the wider region, see our Himachal Pradesh travel guide, and for the city most people pass through on the way up, our Shimla travel guide.
The Hatu Mata temple and the legend
The Hatu Mata temple is a small wooden shrine at the very top of Hatu Peak, dedicated to a goddess. The Incredible India portal notes that the temple sits on the peak, ringed by spruce and pine. Its carved wooden style is typical of the old Himachali hill temples, and the setting — a single small building on a bare, windy summit — is a large part of why people make the climb.
According to local belief, the shrine is a goddess temple, though accounts differ on which goddess. The English Wikipedia entry records that, by local belief, the temple is dedicated to Maa Kali; other popular accounts link it to Mandodari, the wife of Ravana. We report both as belief, not history, and neither is an official or documented attribution. A gathering is held at the temple on the first Sunday of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (roughly late May to June).
Near the temple, locals point out a stove-like rock formation that, by the same local tradition, the Pandavas are said to have used to cook during their Agyaat Vaas (the year of concealment from the Mahabharata). Again, this is a belief attached to the place rather than a recorded fact. Dress and behave modestly at the shrine, as it is in active worship.
Narkanda, apple country and the views
Narkanda is the apple town at the foot of Hatu Peak, and Hatu is widely called the gateway to Himachal’s apple country. The Incredible India portal uses exactly that phrase — “gateway to the apple country of Himachal Pradesh” — for the peak. The slopes around town are thick with apple orchards, and the English Wikipedia entry notes that parts of the forest near the summit have been cleared for orchards in recent years.
The town sits at 2,708 m on the historic Hindustan–Tibet road, the trade route built in the 19th century towards the Tibet frontier, now carried by National Highway 5. The Shimla district administration describes Narkanda as a stop on this Indo-Tibet road and one of India’s oldest ski destinations, with skiers visiting since 1980.
From the top of Hatu Peak the view opens over ridge after ridge of the Himalaya, best on a clear morning before cloud builds. The orchards, the deodar forest and the snow line in winter give the climb its character through the year.
Best time to visit Hatu Peak
The best months for Hatu Peak are March to June and September to November, when the road is usually open and the views are clear. Summer days are mild and good for the drive and short walks; the post-monsoon weeks of September to November bring crisp air and long views. Winter turns the peak into snow, which many visitors come for, but snow can close the approach road for days at a time.
Reports from Shimla district confirm the winter risk: in 2020 the Hindustan–Tibet road and the apple belt around Kufri and Narkanda were shut for days by heavy snow, and in February 2025 National Highway 5 near Narkanda was closed after snowfall. Treat winter travel as weather-dependent and check road status locally the day before. The figures below are seasonal guidance, not a forecast.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–April | Melting snow, cool, orchards in blossom; road usually open |
| Summer | May–June | Mild, clear; peak visiting season and the Jyeshtha temple fair |
| Monsoon | July–August | Rain, mist, slippery roads and landslide risk; views often hidden |
| Autumn | September–November | Crisp, clear, long Himalayan views; apple harvest earlier in this window |
| Winter | December–February | Snow and skiing at Narkanda; road to the peak may close for days |
How to reach Hatu Peak
You reach Hatu Peak by first getting to Narkanda, about 60 km from Shimla on National Highway 5, then covering the last roughly 8 km up to the summit. Narkanda is well connected by road from Shimla; the peak road branches off above the town. There is no rail or air service to Narkanda itself, so the final leg is always by road.
By air, the nearest airport is Shimla (Jubbarhatti), about 22 km from Shimla city, with onward road travel to Narkanda; larger airports at Chandigarh give more flight choice but a longer drive. By rail, the nearest broad-gauge railhead is Kalka, linked to Shimla by the narrow-gauge toy train, after which you continue by bus or taxi towards Rampur via Narkanda. By road, Himachal Pradesh state buses and taxis run from Shimla’s ISBT towards Rampur and stop at Narkanda.
| From | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shimla to Narkanda | About 60 km | On NH5 (old Hindustan–Tibet road); 2–3 hours by car |
| Narkanda to Hatu Peak | About 8 km | Steep narrow road; last stretch is the hard part |
| Shimla airport (Jubbarhatti) to Narkanda | About 80 km | By road via Shimla |
| Kalka railhead to Narkanda | About 120 km | Via Shimla by road/toy train plus bus or taxi |
| Narkanda to Tani Jubbar lake | About 8–10 km | On the Narkanda–Thanedar road |
The drive or trek to the top
Hatu Peak can be done as a short drive or a short trek, and the last stretch to the summit is steep and narrow either way. The Shimla district administration advises that only four-wheel-drive vehicles or small cars manage the peak road, which tells you how tight and steep the final climb is. In a normal small car, drive slowly, use low gears, and give way carefully on the single-lane bends.
Walkers can trek up through the deodar and oak forest from Narkanda, a climb of a few hours depending on your route and pace, gaining roughly 700 m to the summit. The forest walk is the quieter way up and lets you take the orchards and birdsong at your own speed. In snow, the road is often shut and the summit is reachable only on foot — and in deep winter there may be no food, no stalls and a closed temple at the top, so go prepared and self-sufficient.
Tani Jubbar lake and nearby places
The closest add-on to Hatu Peak is Tani Jubbar lake, a small artificial lake set among pine and spruce about 8 to 10 km from Narkanda on the Narkanda–Thanedar road. A small temple to Nag Devta (the snake deity) stands on its banks, and the Himachal eco-tourism department lists a forest rest house near the water. It is a calm, low-key stop rather than a big attraction — good for an hour of quiet.
Narkanda works well as a base for the wider apple belt and the drive towards Kinnaur. The spots below pair naturally with a Hatu Peak day.
| Place | Distance from Narkanda | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Tani Jubbar lake | About 8–10 km | Small forest lake with a Nag Devta temple on the bank |
| Narkanda ski ground | In/around town | One of India’s oldest ski slopes; HPTDC runs winter lessons |
| Thanedar / Stokes orchards | About 15–17 km | Historic apple-growing belt of Himachal |
| Shimla | About 60 km | The state capital and main gateway; see our Shimla guide |
Where to stay
Most visitors stay in Narkanda, which has the cluster of hotels, guesthouses and homestays nearest to Hatu Peak; there is no lodging on the summit itself. Narkanda offers budget rooms, mid-range hotels and a few higher-end resorts, and Himachal Pradesh Tourism (HPTDC) operates lodging in the area — check the official HPTDC website for current properties and tariffs before booking. The Himachal eco-tourism department also lists a forest rest house near Tani Jubbar lake for a quieter stay.
The price bands below are indicative planning estimates and should be reconfirmed when you book; rates rise in the winter ski season and on weekends. Book ahead for winter weekends, when Narkanda fills with snow visitors.
| Type | Indicative rate per night | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse / homestay | ₹1,000–₹2,000 | Simple rooms in or near town |
| Mid-range hotel | ₹2,500–₹5,000 | More comfort; includes HPTDC-style properties |
| Upper-range resort | ₹6,000 and up | Resorts with valley views; higher in peak winter |
Budget for a Hatu Peak trip
A two-day Narkanda and Hatu Peak trip costs roughly ₹4,000 to ₹9,000 per person for a mid-range plan, excluding how you get to Shimla. The main costs are the stay in Narkanda, the road transfer from Shimla, local taxi or fuel for the peak run, and meals; there is no entry fee for Hatu Peak or the temple. The table below is a planning estimate for two people sharing, not a quote.
| Item | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| Stay (1 night, mid-range, shared) | ₹1,500–₹2,500 |
| Shimla–Narkanda transfer (shared taxi/bus, return) | ₹800–₹2,000 |
| Narkanda–Hatu Peak local taxi or fuel (shared) | ₹500–₹1,500 |
| Meals (2 days) | ₹800–₹1,500 |
| Hatu Peak and temple entry | Free |
| Indicative total per person | ₹3,600–₹7,500 |
Costs rise in the winter ski season and for private rather than shared transport. Carry enough cash, as discussed below, because mountain towns do not always have reliable card or network coverage.
Permits, safety and practical tips
No special permit is needed to visit Hatu Peak or Narkanda — this is open hill country in Shimla district, not a restricted border area, so Indian and foreign visitors travel freely without an Inner Line Permit. The only real constraint is weather: the summit road is narrow and steep, and snow can shut it in winter.
- Road and driving: the last 8 km to the peak is single-lane and steep; the Shimla district administration says only 4x4s or small cars should attempt it. Drive in daylight, in low gear, and avoid it in rain or fresh snow.
- Winter closures: check road status locally before travelling between December and February. If the road is shut, the summit is reachable only on foot, with no food or stalls at the top.
- Altitude and cold: at about 3,400 m the summit is cold and windy even in summer; carry a warm layer, a windproof and a cap in every season.
- Cash and network: carry cash, as ATMs and mobile network are limited around Narkanda and absent on the peak; do not rely on UPI or cards up top.
- Health: the nearest hospitals and reliable medical help are in Narkanda and Shimla; carry any personal medicines and a basic first-aid kit.
- Respect the site: dress modestly at the Hatu Mata temple, do not litter on the summit, and carry your waste back down.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Hatu Peak?
Hatu Peak is about 3,400 m (11,200 ft) above sea level, in Kumarsain tehsil of Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh. The English Wikipedia entry gives 3,400 m; other sources list up to 3,415 m, so treat 3,400 m as the round figure. It stands roughly 700 m higher than Narkanda town, which sits at 2,708 m.
How do you get to Hatu Peak from Narkanda?
From Narkanda, Hatu Peak is about 8 km by a steep, narrow road that branches above the town, or a few hours on foot through the forest. The Shimla district administration advises that only four-wheel-drive vehicles or small cars should drive the peak road. In snow the road may close, leaving the summit reachable only on foot.
Is there an entry fee for Hatu Peak or the Hatu Mata temple?
There is no entry fee to climb Hatu Peak or to visit the Hatu Mata temple; both are free to enter. You may pay only for transport, parking or local guides. This is indicative and worth reconfirming locally, as of October 2026, since small local charges can appear without notice in hill areas.
What is the best time to visit Hatu Peak?
The best time to visit Hatu Peak is March to June and September to November, when the road is usually open and skies are clear. Winter, from December to February, brings snow and skiing at Narkanda but can close the approach road for days. Avoid the July–August monsoon for landslide and visibility reasons.
Who is the Hatu Mata temple dedicated to?
According to local belief, the Hatu Mata temple is a goddess shrine, though accounts differ: Wikipedia records a local belief that it is dedicated to Maa Kali, while other popular accounts link it to Mandodari, Ravana’s wife. These are beliefs attached to the place, not documented history. A fair is held there on the first Sunday of the month of Jyeshtha.
Can you reach Hatu Peak in winter?
Reaching Hatu Peak in winter depends entirely on the weather, as heavy snow regularly closes the approach road in Shimla district. When the road shuts, the summit can be reached only on foot, and there is usually no food, no stalls and a closed temple at the top. Check local road status the day before you travel.
Last updated and sources
Hatu Peak suits travellers who want a short, scenic climb to a Himalayan summit and temple without a long trek, best paired with a night in Narkanda’s apple country. Go in spring or autumn for clear views, or in winter for snow if you accept that the road may be shut.
Last updated: 23 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: District Shimla administration, Narkanda tourist-place page (hpshimla.nic.in); Incredible India portal, Narkanda (incredibleindia.gov.in); Himachal Pradesh eco-tourism, Tannu Jubbar (himachalecotourism.hp.gov.in); Hatu Peak, English Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org), used to find primary detail and recorded as local belief where noted; press reports on snow road closures in Shimla district (Deccan Herald, The Tribune). Accessed October 2026.
