Places to Visit Near Shimla 2026: Complete Day Trip Guide

Shimla and its surrounding hill area in Himachal Pradesh contain some of the most varied and accessible mountain destinations in North India. Within 65 km of Shimla, travellers can experience snow sports, wildlife sanctuaries, ancient temples, golf courses at Himalayan altitude, apple orchards, and some of India most scenic mountain drives. This guide covers the best places to visit near Shimla, organised by distance and best for what kind of traveller.

For most visitors, Kufri serves as the ideal base - 13 km from Shimla, at the highest altitude in the immediate Shimla belt (2,622 m), with the best resort infrastructure and the widest range of activities. Day trips from Kufri can cover all the destinations listed in this guide.

Kufri - Best Overall (13 km from Shimla)

Kufri is the closest and most popular destination near Shimla. Sitting at 2,622 metres on the Shimla-Narkanda highway, Kufri is famous for skiing and sledging in winter (December-February), horse riding year-round, Kufri Fun World, and the Mahasu Peak viewpoint (3,030 m). The town gets reliable snowfall every winter, making it one of the few places accessible from Delhi where guaranteed snow is possible without a long mountain journey.

Kufri Heritage Resort and Spa is the 5-star property in Kufri - the highest-rated resort in the Shimla belt with mountain-facing rooms, a full-service restaurant, and evening bonfires. Most visitors exploring places near Shimla choose Kufri as their overnight base and take day trips to other locations.

Naldehra - Golf and Meadows (22 km from Shimla)

Naldehra is famous for having one of the oldest golf courses in India, established by Lord Curzon in 1905. At 2,044 metres, it sits on a forested plateau with open meadows and good views. The Naldehra Golf Course (9-hole, par 70) is open to visitors with equipment rental available. The surrounding forest is quiet and peaceful - ideal for a half-day picnic or nature walk. Best season: April to November.

Fagu - Apple Orchards and Views (22 km from Shimla, en route to Kufri)

Fagu is a small village on the Shimla-Narkanda highway at 2,510 metres. It sits between Shimla and Kufri and is known for its apple orchards (the trees line the road in spring blossom from March to April) and wide valley views to the north. Fagu is not a destination in itself but makes an excellent photography stop on the drive from Shimla to Kufri. The views at sunset from the Fagu ridge are spectacular.

Mashobra - Quiet Forest Retreat (12 km from Shimla)

Mashobra is a forested village close to the Craignano orchards. Lower altitude than Kufri (2,150 m) with a quieter character. It is famous for the Reserve Forest and the Craignano apple orchard, which was part of the old British estate and now has some heritage accommodation. Good for families with young children who want mountain greenery without altitude. Best season: March to November.

Chail - Palace and Wildlife (45 km from Shimla)

Chail was built by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala after he was exiled from Shimla by the British. The Chail Palace (now a heritage hotel) sits at 2,250 metres in a dense forest with a cricket ground that holds the record for the world highest cricket pitch. The Chail Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds the area with barking deer, langurs, and over 150 bird species. The drive from Shimla to Chail via Kandaghat is scenic. Best season: March to November.

Narkanda - Skiing and Apple Country (65 km from Shimla)

Narkanda at 2,708 metres is higher than Kufri and Shimla, sitting on the main Hindustan-Tibet Road. It is famous for the Hatu Peak (3,400 m) viewpoint which offers some of the finest Himalayan panoramas accessible by car in Himachal Pradesh. Narkanda also has a ski slope managed by HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism) that operates in winter. The town is the gateway to the Kinnaur valley and famous for Himachali apple cultivation. Best season: October-November for clear views, January-February for skiing.

Tattapani - Hot Springs (50 km from Shimla)

Tattapani on the Sutlej River is famous for its natural hot springs. The drive from Shimla via Theog is scenic. The hot sulphur springs have been a pilgrimage and wellness destination for centuries. The reservoir formed by the Kol Dam downstream has created a large lake that adds to the landscape. Good for a half-day trip from Kufri or Shimla. Note: the original hot springs at river level were submerged by the dam - new spring access points are on the hillside above the river.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to visit near Shimla?

The top places to visit near Shimla are Kufri (13 km, snow and skiing), Naldehra (22 km, golf and meadows), Mashobra (12 km, orchards), Chail (45 km, palace and wildlife), Narkanda (65 km, skiing and Hatu Peak views), Fagu (22 km, apple orchards), and Tattapani (50 km, hot springs). Most can be covered as day trips from a base in Kufri or Shimla.

Which place near Shimla is best for snow?

Kufri (13 km) is the best place near Shimla for snow. At 2,622 metres, it gets reliable snowfall every December to February. Narkanda (65 km, 2,708 m) gets even heavier snowfall but is farther. For the most accessible snow experience near Shimla, Kufri is the top choice.

Can I do a day trip to Kufri from Shimla?

Yes easily. Kufri is just 13 km from Shimla and takes 25-30 minutes by cab. However, most travellers prefer to stay in Kufri (at Kufri Heritage Resort) and make day trips to Shimla rather than the other way around - Kufri offers better mountain views and more nature experiences.

What is special about Chail near Shimla?

Chail is famous for the world highest cricket pitch (2,444 m), the historic Chail Palace, and the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary with 150+ bird species and barking deer. The dense pine forest and remote feel make it very different from the more touristy Shimla and Kufri areas. It is 45 km from Shimla via Kandaghat.

How many days do you need to see places near Shimla?

3 to 4 days is ideal. Day 1: arrive and settle in Kufri. Day 2: Kufri activities (horse riding, Fun World, Mahasu Peak). Day 3: Naldehra and Mashobra or Chail. Day 4: Narkanda or Shimla Mall Road, then departure. A base at Kufri Heritage Resort allows easy access to all these destinations.