Winter thrills of Narkanda

By Mohan Maitray

HIMACHAL PRADESH, acclaimed as the abode of gods and goddesses, is flanked by the majestic mountains of Jammu and Kashmir in the west, and the snow-clad peaks of Garhwal in the east. Himachal has earned a name for its natural picturesque glamour, lush green forests, bubbling streams, enchanting lakes and eternal snow. The Sangla valley (Kinnaur) and the Spiti valley are tourist attractions, whereas Kufri and Narkanda are a trekkers’ paradise.

Nestled in the charming ranges of Pirpanjal, Narkanda is situated at an altitude of 9000 ft, and is 64 km north-east of Shimla on the Hindustan-Tibet road. There are different versions as to how this place acquired the name Narkanda. The popular belief is that the rock near the bus stand was at one time the abode of Nag Devta, (Serpent God). People have even raised a temple at the spot. Kanda means a sloping mountain. Perhaps Nag Kanda later on changed to Narkanda.

The population of Narkanda mainly consists of the people whose forefathers migrated from UP and Bihar. They considered it a safe place at the time of the invasion of Mohammad Gauri. In 1805, these people repulsed the Gorkha invasion. The Britishers, fascinated by the natural charm of this place, maintained it as a tourist resort. A rest house comprising 8-10 rooms was constructed here. During the tourist season the Britishers even arranged tented accommodation. Even after Independence, the Britishers maintained the old links with this place up to 1956.

At a height of 2,500 ft and a distance of about 8 km from the local bus stand, there stands an old temple of goddess Kali. The local people worship it as ‘Hatu Piru’. As the temple was located at such an altitude, the habitation is almost scanty. Pilgrims from Bihar, UP, Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, J&K, Gujarat and Rajasthan do visit the place out of reverence. Along with electric supply, solar energy has also been made available. There is a direct road from Narkanda to the Tibet border. The road, flanked by deodar trees, lends a great charm to the surroundings.

In winter, the adventure-lovers of the country invade Narkanda in hundreds to enjoy the pleasure of trekking, rock climbing, aero sports and snow-skiing. The coating of thick soft snow turns the gentle slopes of Narkanda into excellent playgrounds. The skiing spot is exquisitely distinct.

It was in the year 1980 that for the first time skiing camps were organised here in a planned manner in collaboration with Himachal Tourism and Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering. A local winter sports lover, Jagmohan, has made his mark as a pioneer in this field with the establishment of the Highlands School of Adventure, a training division of Highland Travel and Adventure. Students from various universities of India attend the basic skiing camps arranged with financial assistance from the University Grants Commission. The basic camp is limited to 25 trainees. Some of the participants in training camps at Narkanda are successfully contesting national and international skiing championships. Sixteen-year-old Rigzeen Negi participated in Junior Asiad held in Iran. The Himachal skiing team which participated in winter games held at Gulmarg (Kashmir) consisted of eight skiing enthusiasts from Narkanda training centres.

In case adequate financial aid and skiing equipment is made available, the skiing slopes at Narkanda may be transformed for national and international meets.

It is surprising as well disgusting that sanitary conditions and civic amenities at Narkanda are in deplorable condition. The bus stand presents a shocking spectacle. The state government should rise to the occasion so that the coming winter ushers in a new era in winter sports at Narkanda.