Join us as we explore the Apple Orchards of Narkanda and take an unusual trip to Himachal Pradesh.

For a Mumbaikar who constantly struggles with the humidity and heat of summers, a snowy wonderland is a distant dream. We constantly crave the ‘Pahado wali Maggie’ and adore the feeling of having a snowball fight with our loved ones and making a snowman with a carrot for a nose. While some of us want to explore farm life and the joys of simple minimalistic vacations in small towns of the Chilly Himalayan Ranges. Hence, we are packing our bags to our new hidden gem that we recently discovered- Narkanda.

Where exactly is Narkanda?

Narkanda is located in the Kumarsain subdivision of Himachal Pradesh. Just at a 60km distance from Shimla, you can often pass by Narkanda without realizing it is probably not just a place to stop by. It is a skiing resort during winters and many people indulge in winter sports, skiing, and snowboarding here. Moreover, Narkanda can be accessed from the Hindustan Tibetan Road (NH 5). In fact, located at an elevation of 2708 meters the town is completely covered by dense Fir Forest. Thus Narkanda is also known as the Fir Forest that is the ‘Gateway to Apple Country’ as Apple orchards are in abundance here.

The famous Hatu Peak is at an 8km distance from Narkanda and Kotgarh, the apple orchard haven is located at a distance of 15kms from Narkanda.

The Apple Orchard story that got Narkanda the title of Gateway to Apple Country

Kotgarh and Thanedar are the places where Apple Cultivation is in abundance. Himachal Pradesh alone is the biggest Apple Exporters and also supplies apples pan India and Internationally. Also, it is said that the best Apples in India are found only in Himachal Pradesh. But was Apple always cultivated in India? What is the origin story of the largest Apple-producing orchards of Himachal Pradesh? Let’s find out!

The Man Behind it all – Samuel Satyanand Stokes. He was an American who came to India to help and serve patients suffering from leprosy in India. What struck a chord in his heart was the people of Himachal were in dire need of a livelihood and source of income. And thus with the idea to get the locals on work and give them a source of income, Stokes started The Stokes Farm in 1916 and planted the first American Apple Tree in Thanedar Narkanda. In fact, this was an initiative to generate a source of income for the women of Himachali Households and the farm actively produces Apples even today and is a fruitful Orchard of Hard Love and Labour. The Grandson of Mr. Stokes is developing and experimenting with a new variety of Apple generation.

Today, this initiative by Mr. Stokes has flourished into a 3,000 crore direct and indirect income for the Himachali Households. The Orchard Farmers are now also considering growing Cherries as the climate of the region is favorable to grow this great return on investment exotic fruit.

You can Experience the Life and The Fruitful Orchards of the Thanedar Estate by staying there now

SaffronStays, India’s Finest Private Home Experience curators have joined hands with the Family of Mr. Samuel Stokes and created an immersive experience for travelers who wish to stay at the Orchard Pioneers House. You can pluck Apples during Harvest Season and get lessons for it. Also, you can also indulge in the fresh produce of jams and wines. Interact with the owners of stokes farm and the third-fourth generation of the family in person. As Authentic as it gets.

Other popular places nearby Narkanda That you must visit

• Hatu Peak: dense forests of Conifer, Oaks, and Maples can be found here. If you trek the mountain you can find the foot road completely covered with red maple leaves and the view of the Himalayan Ranges is to die for.
• Kotgarh-Thanedar: the mesmerizing apple orchards are all located in this region just 14kms away from Narkanda.

Best Time to Visit Narkanda: May to June and July to August is the best time to visit Narkanda.

How to Reach: you can access Narkanda via Shimla by driving for 2 hours and 60 km.

To put it all together, hence, Narkanda is a must-visit destination if you want to enjoy the Apple Orchards of Himachal Pradesh.

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