Hatu Peak: A Guide to the Hidden Gem of Himachal Pradesh

Hatu Peak

📍 Hatu peak, Himachal PradeshView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:April to October

⏰ Open Hours:24 hours

🧗‍♀️ Things To Do:Trekking, Photography, Picnicking

💰 Budget:Free entry, Expenses may include transportation, food, etc.

🧳 Traveller Types:Adventure Seekers, Nature Lovers, Photographers

📍 Known For:Highest peak in Shimla, panoramic views, Hatu Temple, dense forest cover

🚉 Distances:From Shimla Railway Station - 71 km, From Chandigarh Airport - 172 km, From Narkanda town - 8 km

🏞 Landscape:Mountains, Forests, Meadows

📸 Photographic Interest:High

⛩ Nearby Attractions:Hatu Temple, Narkanda, Tannu Jubbar Lake

🥾 Trek Difficulty:Moderate

Are you looking for a destination that offers stunning views, thrilling adventure, and serene spirituality? If yes, then you should definitely visit Hatu Peak, a hidden gem of Himachal Pradesh that will leave you spellbound. Hatu Peak is the highest peak in the Shimla district, located about 70 km from the capital city.

It is a popular spot for trekking, camping, and sightseeing, as it offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas, lush green valleys, and colorful orchards. Hatu Peak is also home to a sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, where you can experience the divine presence and peace.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Hatu Peak, including its history, culture, attractions, activities, and more. Read on to find out why Hatu Peak should be your next travel destination.

Hatu Peak Trek: A Scenic Adventure for Nature Lovers

One of the main attractions of Hatu Peak is the trek that leads to its summit. The Hatu Peak Trek is a moderate level trek that takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete. The trek starts from Narkanda, a small town that is famous for its apple orchards and skiing slopes. From Narkanda, you can either take a taxi or drive your own vehicle to reach the base camp of the trek, which is about 7 km away.

The trek route passes through dense forests of pine, cedar, oak, and rhododendron trees. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, but it can be steep and slippery at some places. The trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and meadows. You can also spot various birds and animals along the way, such as eagles, magpies, monkeys, and bears.

The highlight of the trek is reaching the summit of Hatu Peak, which is at an altitude of 3400 meters above sea level. From here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the majestic Himalayan ranges, including some of the famous peaks like Nanda Devi, Shrikhand Mahadev, and Rupin Pass. You can also see the Tani Jubbar Lake and the Sutlej River from here. The summit is also where you will find the Hatu Mata Temple, which is a sacred and serene place of worship.

Some tips for the Hatu Peak Trek are:

The best time to visit Hatu Peak Trek is from April to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and clear, and you can see the snow-capped peaks and the blooming flowers.

void visiting during the monsoon season (July to August), as the trail can be muddy and slippery. Also avoid visiting during the winter season (December to March), as the trail can be covered with snow and ice.

Carry enough water and snacks with you, as there are no shops or cafes on the way. You can also carry a packed lunch and enjoy a picnic at the summit.

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that are suitable for trekking. Also carry a jacket or a sweater, as it can get cold at the summit.

Carry a camera or a binoculars with you, as you will get many opportunities to capture some amazing shots of the scenery and the wildlife.

Respect the nature and do not litter or harm any plants or animals on the way.

Also check out: A Rendezvous with the Land of Pandavas | Narkanda - Hatu Peak

Hatu Mata Temple: A Sacred and Serene Place of Worship

Another attraction of Hatu Peak is the Hatu Mata Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple is believed to be very old and has a lot of significance for the locals. According to legend, Goddess Kali killed a demon named Mahishasura at this place and saved the world from his tyranny. The temple is also said to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas (powerful places) where parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell after her self-immolation.

The temple is built in a pagoda style with wooden carvings and stone sculptures. The temple has a main shrine where an idol of Goddess Kali is installed. The idol is adorned with colorful clothes and jewelry. The temple also has a small bell that rings when someone enters or exits the temple. The temple is surrounded by colorful flags that flutter in the wind.

The temple is open from sunrise to sunset and anyone can visit it irrespective of their religion or caste. The temple attracts many pilgrims and devotees who come here to seek blessings and peace from the goddess. The temple also hosts some festivals and fairs throughout the year, such as Navratri (nine nights of worship), Dussehra (victory over evil), and Diwali (festival of lights).

Some facts and trivia about the Hatu Mata Temple are:

The temple is also known as Hatkoti Temple, as it is located at the confluence of two rivers, Hatu and Pabbar.

The temple is also associated with the Pandavas, the heroes of the epic Mahabharata. It is said that they stayed here for some time during their exile and built the temple in honor of Goddess Kali.

The temple is also a popular spot for meditation and yoga, as it offers a calm and serene atmosphere.

You may also like to check out: PARASHAR LAKE, HATU PEAK & MORE

Camping at Hatu Peak: A Memorable Experience Under the Stars

If you want to extend your stay at Hatu Peak and enjoy the night sky, you can opt for camping at Jor Bagh, which is a campsite near Hatu Peak. Camping at Hatu Peak is a memorable experience that will let you connect with nature and yourself. You can book a tent at Jor Bagh, which offers all the basic facilities and amenities, such as beds, blankets, pillows, toilets, showers, electricity, and food. You can also enjoy a bonfire, music, games, and stories at the campsite.

Camping at Hatu Peak offers some amazing views and attractions that you can explore around the campsite. You can witness the spectacular sunrise and sunset from your tent. You can also gaze at the stars and the moon at night. You can also spot some wildlife around the campsite, such as deer, foxes, rabbits, and birds.

Some tips for camping at Hatu Peak are:

The best time to visit camping at Hatu Peak is from April to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and clear, and you can see the stars and the moon. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (July to August), as the campsite can be wet and muddy. Also avoid visiting during the winter season (December to March), as the campsite can be cold and snowy.

Carry enough warm clothes and accessories with you, as it can get chilly at night. Also carry a flashlight or a torch, as it can get dark at night.

Carry some snacks and drinks with you, as there are no shops or cafes near the campsite. You can also carry some books or games to keep yourself entertained.

Respect the nature and do not litter or harm any plants or animals around the campsite.

How to Reach Hatu Peak

To reach Hatu Peak from Delhi, you have several options depending on your preferred mode of transportation. Here are some of the possible ways to reach Hatu Peak from Delhi:

By air:

You can take a flight from Delhi to Jubbarhatti Airport, which is the nearest airport to Shimla. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Narkanda, which is about 70 km away from Shimla. From Narkanda, you can either trek, drive, or bike to Hatu Peak, which is about 8 km away from Narkanda.

The flight from Delhi to Jubbarhatti Airport takes about an hour and a half and costs around Rs. 3000-4000. The taxi from Jubbarhatti Airport to Narkanda costs around Rs. 1500-2000. The bus from Shimla to Narkanda costs around Rs. 40-50.

By rail:

You can take a train from Delhi to Kalka, which is the nearest major railway station to Shimla. From Kalka, you can either take a taxi or a bus to Shimla, which is about 90 km away from Kalka. From Shimla, you can follow the same route as mentioned above to reach Narkanda and then Hatu Peak.

Alternatively, you can also take the famous toy train from Kalka to Shimla, which is a scenic and heritage ride that takes about 4 hours. The train from Delhi to Kalka takes about 4-5 hours and costs around Rs. 500-1000. The taxi from Kalka to Shimla costs around Rs. 1000-1500. The bus from Kalka to Shimla costs around Rs. 100-150. The toy train from Kalka to Shimla costs around Rs. 20-300.

By road:

You can drive your own vehicle or take a bus from Delhi to Narkanda via the Shimla-Rampur Highway. The road is in good condition and offers some beautiful views along the way. The distance from Delhi to Narkanda is about 408 km and takes about 9-10 hours to cover. The bus from Delhi to Narkanda costs around Rs. 800-1000.

Places to Visit Near Hatu Peak: A List of Must-See Destinations

If you want to explore more places near Hatu Peak that offer different attractions and experiences for travelers, you can check out these six destinations that are worth visiting:

Tani Jubbar Lake: A tranquil lake surrounded by pine trees and apple orchards. A perfect place for boating, picnicking, and relaxing. The lake is about 10 km from Hatu Peak.

Kacheri Village: A quaint village that showcases the traditional lifestyle and culture of Himachal Pradesh. A great place to interact with locals, learn about their customs, and buy handicrafts. The village is about 15 km from Hatu Peak.

Mahamaya Temple: A ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. A sacred place for pilgrims and devotees who seek blessings and peace. The temple is about 20 km from Hatu Peak.

Stokes Farm: A sprawling farm that produces apples, apricots, plums, pears, cherries, and more. A fascinating place to learn about horticulture and taste fresh fruits. The farm is about 25 km from Hatu Peak.

Jalori Pass: A high-altitude pass that connects Shimla and Kullu districts. A scenic place for biking, hiking, and sightseeing. The pass is about 30 km from Hatu Peak.

Tirthan Valley: A pristine valley that lies along the Tirthan River. A paradise for nature lovers who enjoy fishing, birdwatching, trekking, and camping. The valley is about 40 km from Hatu Peak.

Hatu Peak is a hidden gem of Himachal Pradesh that offers stunning views, thrilling adventure, and serene spirituality. It is a destination that will satisfy your wanderlust and make you fall in love with nature. Whether you are looking for a trekking challenge, a camping adventure, or a spiritual retreat, Hatu Peak has something for everyone.

So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Hatu Peak with Tripoto today and get ready for an unforgettable experience. You can also share your feedback or questions with us in the comments section below or contact us for any queries or suggestions.

We would love to hear from you. And don’t forget to explore more content on our website for more travel inspiration.

Hatu Peak Reviews

Travel Beings

5410 Followers

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Karcham is the place from where the road to Sangla and Chitkul Branches off from the road to Reckong Peo. There is a huge reservoir at Karcham with glimpses of snow-capped mountain in the back drop. The road to Kalpa gets a little bumpy beyond Karcham, the road to Sangla however is perfect. Once you reach Kalpa/Reckong peo you get marvellous view of Kinner Kailash Range, it almost feels like you can touch them. The snow was still there from couple of weeks back. The iconic tunnel on Kinnaur route This blog-mpost was about the road trip to Kinnaur, my next blog will have details of Kalpa/Reckongpeo and Sangla/Chitkul.Another long weekend is here and I decided to visit Chandratal Lake. It has been raining quite a lot in the past week in Himachal Pradesh, so I was a little reluctant in planning this trip. But when I checked the forecast for 15 th August weekend it was all clear, so I decided to go for this trip. However the temperature was expected to go as low as 0 degree during the night so I made sure to pack enough warm clothes. So I got in a bus to Manali, from Delhi ISBT on 12 th night and reached Manali by 13 th noon. This time instead of staying on the Mall road side, I decided to go to the Naggar, and stayed in a cool and funky hostel in Jagatsukh, The Lost Tribe. The place was quiet cheap, food was decent, but you get to meet a lot of fellow travellers and listen to their experiences. I spent the whole day amidst the apple orchards enjoying the lovely weather. I had arranged for my further journey with a travel group, who would pick up from Manali and take me all the way to Chandratal and then return back. If you are travelling alone, you can hire a Taxi from Manali or you can take the shared jeeps or bus. In order to reach Chandratal by bus you will have to hop in the HRTC bus going to KAZA from Kullu, the bus leaves Manali at around 5:00 am in morning. The bus doesn't take you all the way to Chandratal, you will either have to get down at Batal and trek 14kms from their or you can get down at Kunzum Pass and trek 8 kms from there. Since it is a high altitude area so trekking can be tough, so be prepared for it. You can return the same way (You must ask the locals about timing of the bus to be sure to catch it). Similarly if going by a shared jeep you will have to get down at Batal or Kunzum pass and trek. From Manali you will cross the famous Rohtang Pass in this journey. After crossing Rohtang pass the road condition is very bad but it is drivable, although during month of July and August you have to consider Nala crossing, i.e. streams of water on the road, that can be very challenging and high ground clearance vehicles should be taken on this road. The view you get on this journey are breath taking, there were two rest stops on this journey, one at Chhatru and one at Batal, you can get delicious meals in the middle of the mighty Himalayas with Chenab river flowing right behind you. The last stretch of the road from Batal to Chandratal is a tricky one and might give you scares, but you will have to trust your driver and you will reach the place safely. Once you will start seeing camps you have reached the Chandratal campsite, I reached the campsite by evening. I was staying with Jamaica's camps, Mr. Jamaica is a wonderful host; he told stories about the lake, showed us pictures, a jolly person. I would recommend a stay at Jamaica's while in Chandratal. The next morning I trekked till Chandratal Lake, it's a 3 kms trek, but that seem difficult as well considering the fact that I was trekking at 14000+feets. You can take your vehicles instead of trekking, vehicles are allowed till 500 meters from the Lake, a motorable thin road is available for you to take your vehicles there. Once you get the first view of that rich blue source of water right between the brown sand and white mountains you get goosebumps. The beauty of the place mesmerises you and all you want is to just sit at that place, watch the blue sky, white mountains and the beautiful lake. I begin the return journey the same way. Once you visit Chandratal Lake you will fall in love with this place. Day 0: Board the bus to Manali from ISBT Kashmiri Gate at 8:00 pm(Cost rs.685). Day 1: Reach Manali by 12:00 pm. Find a hotel and spend the rest of the day in Manali Day 2: Head for Chandratal Lake, early morning. By bus, shared jeep or a private taxi. Reach the lake by 3:00 pm, visit the lake once and camp overnight. Day 3: Visit the lake in morning once again, spend some time and start you return journey. Reach Manali by night stay overnight in Manali. Day 4: Start your return journey towards Delhi, reach by night.

Suraj Bajaj

290 Followers

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I was already regretting our decision halfway through the trek to Hatu peak as it can very well be reached by a vehicle. There is a mortar road all the way up to the Hatu Mata temple from Narkanda. But to reach a peak with one's own efforts has its own share of challenges and thrill. We took the jungle trail a couple of times in between to reduce the overall trek distance and saw a fresh kill (dear) in one of those instances. We ran for our lives as we were pretty certain that a predator lurked behind the trees waiting for the chance to pounce upon us. Well, we would never know which animal it was as we didn't stray an inch away from the road thereafter for the rest of the trek. We covered a total distance of 5 km till the Hatu Mata temple exhausted and thirsty as there was no water source on the way. It took us good 2 hrs to reach the top with intermittent breaks in between. The view from the top was breathtaking and we could see the city of Shimla at a distance. The Hatu Mata temple is architecturally unique carrying a striking resemblance to a Japanese temple. It took us not more than an hour to get back to the home stay. A long six hours journey, maybe the longest road journey of our trip awaited us as we left for Chitkul at noon. We bypassed Rampur, Sarahan, Sangla and Rakcham on the way to Chitkul. A brief halt to witness the confluence of Sutlej and Bapsa river is must at the Karcham Wangtoo dam. It's a rare sight to see the turquoise water of Bapsa meeting the dark muddy water of Sutlej making it a photographer's delight. Chitkul is the last Indian village on the Indo- China border located on the banks of Baspa river. Sangla is an aptly popular stop on the way to break the long journey and take a night halt if one has an extra day at disposal. One can also explore the apple orchards during the harvesting month of Sep & Oct. It was already dark when we reached Sangla and there was considerable distance left to cover until Chitkul. The rain was not helping much as driving in dark on those slippery steep roads only enough for a single vehicle to pass was not only difficulty but unfathomably dangerous. It was pitch black and we could only hear the sound of the river flowing along with us. There was neither cellphone signal nor a single soul to be seen on the road as we reached Chitkul which made it really difficult to locate the Bapsa river camps. After inquiring with the nearby houses we reached the camp only to know that the manager has already accommodated some tourists arriving before us even though we had an advance booking. He asked us to move to an alternate camp a few metres ahead for which we argued for a good while, but practically we had no choice but to except the arrangement as we were tired like hell and it was virtually impossible to look for another place so late in the day. So instead of the Bapsa river camps we checked into The ALAR camps owned by a very fine gentleman Mr Vishal Agarwal. The guy had his own story to tell who hailed from Jaipur working with an MNC untill a year back. He came to Chitkul as a tourist and stayed behind to start his own venture in association with the locals. Our misfortune turned out to be a blessing in disguise as we a great time with those guys. Along with Vishal, the cook and the other helpers were really warm and friendly in accommodating our requests. The camps were brand new adhering to very high standards of cleanliness. The night was young and rain refused to cease as we shared our stories (some to remember and some to forget), danced around the bonfire and had the simplest yet the tastiest of meals thanking the heavens for such an enthralling experience.

Radhika Arora

105 Followers

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One can either trek, or go by car for 8 kms through the lushgreen and one of the most difficult tracks to drive. They had arrangement of taxis and open jeeps for tourists. We decided to drive on our own but the road was very difficult and narrow that only one car can climb at a time. The peak is surrounded by dense forest. But the view from there is breath-taking and worth a visit. I am sure people taking open jeeps would be freezing in the cold but they would be enjoying the best scenic view on their way. While we were on the way, we saw a spot where a large number of people were gathered and playing in the snow. The view was great and had enough snow to attract allvthe passersby. A localite had also put in a stall for boots and hot tea and our favourite maggi in their own style which was being enjoyed by one and all. At the top of the peak there is a small wooden temple called Hatu temple also. According to some locals, the famous Hatu Mata temple is the temple of Queen Mandodari wife of Ravana. We stayed there for about an hour, clicked a million photos, played to the full enjoyment and then decided to go down as the number of people were increasing. The route to go down is also the same narrow road, if one car is coming on one side, it is very difficult for a car to cross from the other side. A steep, dangerous but adventurous road is what I describe as the route to Hatu Peak from Narkanda. A must visit if you are towards Shimla for a complete view of the mountains and of course snow is added as icing on the cake.

kamelia majumdar

89 Followers

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Next stop was the lush green valley of Jorhaat, which was around 1KM away from the temple.Note that, a lot of people don't know about this place. But since our guide was a localite, he suggested us to visit this place. The hike from the temple to Jorhaat, through the dense pine forest was an exhilarating experience. The sky vanished almost completely, only fragments of the blue remained – scattered just like an impossible jigsaw puzzle. The air became rich with fragrance of leaves and the sun rays peeped from within the tall and outstretched branches of the pine trees. The hike, though relatively easy lasted for almost 30mins since our guide, one of the staff members from the resort stopped us time and again, directed some weird poses for us between the woods and clicked photographs. He told us some of the most entertaining stories from the neighbouring villages and of course most importantly led us through the correct way (since the trails through the forest could be really confusing).

Shubham Jijvania

46 Followers

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There were lots of places to visit but due to lack of time we chose only one,,,,,,which is 'Hatu Temple'. Hatu Temple is a spritual place . the history of this place related to Ravan's wife. Hatu Temple is 5-6 km away from Narkanda but the root is very difficult and steep. there were many facilities to reach Temple by book a car or by on foot. but we had a bike so we had no issue for that root was very sloped and locked with small and big stones , it was very difficult to drive bike on that root . but after climbing the uphill ,finally we reached the temple. but i swear I'd never experienced thoughest root like this. After reaching there we felt like we were on the heaven............... guys please....I recommend you should visit this place once in your life. and you can check my Narkanda video by going to my timeline.. thanks...keep reading my blogs.