Hatu Peak: a wooden temple in the fir forest, with the Himalaya all around
The highest point near Shimla that you can drive to — a forest road climbs from Narkanda to a carved temple at about 3,400 m. In winter it is the most reliable snow within a day of Shimla.
- ~3,400 m Hatu Peak
- ~7 km from Narkanda
- ~65 km from Shimla
- Dec–Mar snow and skiing
Photo: Himalayanlens, CC BY-SA 4.0
Updated November 2026 · HP Tourism registered travel agent · Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022 · certificates
Hatu Peak is the highest point around Narkanda, at about 3,400 m, about 7 km above the town by a narrow forest road and roughly 65 km (2–2.5 hours) from Shimla. At the top stands the Hatu Mata temple, a tall wooden temple in the Himachali style, with views across the Shimla hills to the snow peaks of Kinnaur on clear days. Narkanda (about 2,700 m) usually has snow from late December to February, and its slopes are used for skiing in a good winter. After heavy snow the Hatu road closes to cars and you walk up, or go only as far as the snow allows. Tani Jubber lake (about 10 km) and the apple orchards of Kotgarh and Thanedar are close by.
- HeightHatu Peak about 3,400 m; Narkanda about 2,700 m.
- DistancesShimla → Narkanda ~60 km; Narkanda → Hatu ~7 km; Narkanda → Tani Jubber ~10 km.
- SnowLate December – February, sometimes into March.
- Road to HatuNarrow; closed to cars after heavy snow — walk or turn back.
- Time neededHalf a day from Narkanda, or a long day trip from Shimla.
Narkanda and Kufri weather today
Hatu Peak is about 700 m higher than Narkanda and several degrees colder. Current temperature and the next days’ high, low, rain and snow.
Forecast data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), refreshed about once a day — last update —.
Hatu Peak and the Hatu Mata temple
The Hatu Mata temple is a tall, many-tiered wooden temple with carved balconies, dedicated to the goddess Hatu Mata; local tradition links it with Mandodari, the wife of Ravana. Nearby, a group of large stones is known locally as Bhim ka Chulha, said to be the hearth the Pandavas cooked on during their exile.
From the top, the views open in every direction — the Shimla hills to the south and the snow peaks of Kinnaur to the north-east on clear mornings. The road from Narkanda climbs through fir and spruce forest; it is single-lane, so drive slowly and expect to pull over for oncoming cars.
Snow and skiing at Narkanda
Narkanda is higher than Shimla and Kufri, so it gets more and longer-lasting snow. In a normal winter the town and the slopes around it are white from late December to February. The slopes near the town are used for skiing and snow play; equipment and short courses are usually available in season — see snow and skiing in Narkanda.
| Month | Narkanda | Hatu Peak | Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | Cold, clear | Snow possible late in the month | Open |
| December | Snow likely late in the month | Snow | Hatu road may close after snowfall |
| January – February | Most snow | Deep snow | Hatu road often closed to cars; NH5 cleared quickly |
| March | Melting snow | Snow on the top | Usually reopens |
| April – June | Pleasant | Wildflowers, clear views | Open |
Weather pages: Narkanda ka mausam · Shimla snowfall · Kufri snowfall.
How to reach Hatu Peak
Narkanda is on NH5 (the Hindustan–Tibet road), about 60 km and 2 hours from Shimla via Kufri and Theog. From Narkanda, the Hatu road branches off near the town and climbs about 7 km to the temple. From Delhi, Narkanda is about 410 km — see our Delhi to Shimla taxi and Himachal distance chart.
In snow season, travel in daylight with a driver used to snow roads; carry chains or let your driver decide where to stop. Narkanda is also the first night on the road to Sarahan, Kinnaur and Spiti.
Hatu Peak and Narkanda in pictures
The Hatu Mata temple, the fir forest, Narkanda under snow and Tani Jubber lake — real photographs, each credited to its photographer.
Around Narkanda
Combine Hatu Peak with these.
Tani Jubber lake
A small lake in the forest, with a temple on its bank.
Kotgarh & Thanedar
Apple country, where American apple varieties were first planted in Himachal.
Our Shimla and Narkanda trips
Hotels, meals and a private car with a snow-road driver — one written quote.
Want snow at Narkanda and Hatu Peak?
Tell us your dates and group. We watch the snow forecast, check the Hatu road, and send one written quote with hotel, meals and a private car with a driver experienced on snow. Suzu Travels is a travel agent registered with HP Tourism, based in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.
Hatu Peak: frequently asked questions
How high is Hatu Peak?
About 3,400 m above sea level, about 700 m above Narkanda.
How far is Hatu Peak from Shimla?
About 65 km: roughly 60 km to Narkanda and 7 km more to the top, 2–2.5 hours in all.
Is the road to Hatu Peak open in winter?
It often closes to cars after heavy snow from about late December to February; you can walk up part of the way if it is safe.
When does it snow in Narkanda?
Usually from late December to February, sometimes into March.
Can I ski at Narkanda?
Yes, in a good snow year the slopes near the town are used for skiing, with equipment and short courses usually available in season.
Is Narkanda better than Kufri for snow?
Narkanda is higher and usually has more snow for longer; Kufri is closer to Shimla.
Sources
Photo credits
Hatu Mata temple — Photo: Himalayanlens, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Hatu Peak, 3,400 m — Photo: Kondephy, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Fir forest at Hatu — Photo: Wittystef, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Snowy hills from Hatu — Photo: Gv3101992, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Narkanda in snow — Photo: Gv3101992, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Peaks from the Hatu road — Photo: Vaibhav Garg, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Fresh snow at Narkanda — Photo: Aggkanika, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Tani Jubber lake — Photo: Gaurav Kapatia, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Evening from Hatu Peak — Photo: Ashish Gupta from Noida, India, CC BY 2.0
