Thanedar

Thanedar is a quaint little hamlet in Himachal Pradesh, located amidst the scenic apple orchards in Shimla district. Situated at a height of 7,250 ft from the above sea level, it is famed as the fruit bowl of Himachal Pradesh.

Thanedar is a good base to explore the apple country side. It is here, Samuel Stokes (later known as Satyanand Stokes), a social worker from Philadelphia, planted the first apple seed in 1916 and the legacy of apples in India started growing. Samuel stokes is an embodiment in Thanedar. One can still see the 'Starking Delicious' apple orchard that he planted there. Thanedar’s apples are used in preparing most delicious wines, jam and pickles. The hill station has an impressive rest house built in the traditional pahari style overlooking the Sutlej valley. This is a place to undertake many adventure activities from camping to trekking, nature walks and rock climbing.

Prime attractions in this picturesque place include an ancient Tani-Jubbar Lake, St. Mary’s Church and Arya Samaj Mandir.

Tani-Jubbar Lake : It is a small but pretty lake. This lake is in fame for Nag Devta temple, an ancient wooden temple built along the lake but not open to outsiders. Every month of June, a fair is held near the lake, where local artisans and craftsmen display their wares. Its just 6 kms from the Thanedar Retreat.

Barobag : It is the highest point in Thanedar. Flanked by the Shilajan Peak, it offers stunning views of the snow-capped mountains to the North. Many miles below the Barobag Hill at Thanedar, one can see the meandering Sutlej make its way into the Punjab plains. Atop Barobag hill is the Harmony Hall -a three-storeyed structure made of stone house of Satyanand Stokes , built in 1912.

Hattu Peak : This peak is at a height of 11000 ft. Surrounded by pine and spruce trees, it offers a wonderful trek, it takes minimum two hour trek to reach this peak from Narkanda. On the way one can see many flora and fauna. Also can enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges of Himalayas from the peak. During winter and spring, the peak is covered with a with a thick blanket of snow. At the top there is small temple dedicated to Hatu Mata (incarnation of Kali). Every year a fair is organized here in the month of May. An ancient Hattu Mata temple is located on the top of the hill. Trekking through the steep mountain slopes is the only way to reach the peak. 

St. Mary's Church : This is one of the oldest churches in India built in 1843. Located 6 km from the town, it is a beautiful wooden church with its old graveyard stands as a reminder to a bygone era. Built of wood in a neo classical style, it's stained glass windows are its main attraction. Adjoining the church is the Gorton Mission school established in 1843.

Arya Samaj Mandir : This is a Pahari style temple built by Stokes. Situated amidst of picturesque apple orchards of Thanedar, the temple is surrounded by inscriptions from the Upanishads and Bhagvad Gita.