Hatu Peak Trekking

An Overview

Trek to Hatu Peak (3,400 m ) is an easy trek in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. Hatu Peak trek best time is in the month of Mid-April to Mid-November. Narkanda is the nearest town from the base camp. Hatu Peak trek length is 7 km (one way). Hatu Peak trekking offers a sparkling view. For the rulers of the erstwhile hill states, Hatu Peak (11,154 ft) was of great strategic importance because of its commanding position. It was accepted as a boundary between the states. The Gorkhas captured it early in the 19th century and established a fort on top of the Hatu peak. Later, the British ousted them from the Hatu heights. Narkanda (8,884 ft), situated at the base of Hatu offers a spectacular view of the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas.

Hatu is famous for its ski slopes. A sub-center of the Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institute in Manali runs various adventure activities here and skiing equipment is available here in winters. Thanedar and Kotgarh near Narkanda form the apple heartland of Himachal Pradesh. The trek to Hatu is of 7km and starts at Narkanda. It passes through a rich Conifer forest comprises of Blue pines, Deodars, Firs and Spruce trees inter spread with the broad-leaved moru. Then comes the Kharsu Oaks, Rhododendrons, Walnuts, and Horse Chestnuts. Every year a fair is held here in the month of May. On the way one will pass through Gujjar Kotha (temporary shelters of Gujjars who come here to camp with their herds in summers) with a little pond reflecting the tall trees, the peaks beyond and the blue sky above. Hatu Mata Temple is located at the top of a long ridge. From here one can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayas. It stretches from the easternmost Pir Panjal ranges in the west, Shrikhand range in the east, Kinner Kailash range of Kinnaur in the north-east, and all the way across to the peaks of the Tons and Yamuna catchment in Uttarakhand. A half hour’s walk east to the temple through an Oak forest will take you to the grassy meadows of ‘Jor Bagh’, the place is blessed with the spectacular view of Himalayas and is ideal for camping and bonfire.

Day 1

The trip begins with your early morning arrival in Shimla from Chandigarh/ Delhi where you meet the wonderfully warm faces of Trekatribe who are going to be with you throughout this adventure all the way up to Hatu Top. You have the rest of the day to explore the Queen of Seven Hills and prepare yourself for the trek the following day.

Day 2

We rise early morning and gorge on some hearty breakfast before heading out to Narkanda in cars or tempo travellers. Narkanda serves as the base camp for the Hatu Peak trek and from here we take on the trail leading us to the top of the peak. We cover this distance of 8 kilometres walking through alpine forests, talking about the species of the trees and the various peaks and ranges visible through the trail. Upon reaching the top, we spend the night over the ridge in tents and feast on a good dinner surrounded by a bonfire to warm ourselves up.

Day 3

Today we wake up to see the sun rising gloriously over the entire Shimla district below us. Catch this mesmerizing phenomenon as the sun slowly lights the entire city up, and then start the descent back to Narkanda after having a solid breakfast. Upon reaching Narkanda, we drive further till Shimla and finally depart for back to Chandigarh/ Delhi with happy memories and lots of warmth filling our hearts.