Shimla, the “Queen of Hills,” is one of the most loved hill stations in India, offering a perfect mix of colonial charm, scenic views, and year-round appeal. While the town itself is full of amazing Shimla sightseeing places like The Ridge, Mall Road, and Jakhoo Temple, the real magic often lies just beyond the city.
Within a short drive of 50 km, you’ll find charming valleys, snow-clad viewpoints, and serene villages that make for fantastic day trips and weekend trips from Shimla. Whether you’re planning a relaxed Shimla itinerary for 3 days, a longer 5-day Shimla itinerary, a romantic honeymoon, or even Shimla solo travel, exploring nearby gems will add depth to your journey.
In this guide, we’ll rank and cover the Top 10 places to visit near Shimla within 50 km—with details on things to do, the best time to visit Shimla, and practical tips for every kind of traveler.
How to Reach Shimla (and Use It as a Hub)
Before exploring the best nearby attractions, let’s quickly look at how to reach Shimla, since it’s the hub for all these short trips.
By Road (Most Popular Option)
- From Delhi: Shimla is about 340 km from Delhi, making it a classic road trip to Shimla. It usually takes 7–8 hours via NH 44 and NH 5.
- En route, you’ll pass through popular halts like Murthal (famous for parathas), Chandigarh, and Solan. Many travelers prefer breaking the journey for food and photography stops.
By Train
- The nearest major railway station is Kalka, about 90 km away. From there, you can hop onto the iconic Kalka–Shimla Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage experience, offering stunning views of hills, tunnels, and bridges.
By Air
- The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti Airport, about 23 km from Shimla. However, flights are limited. Alternatively, Chandigarh Airport (113 km) is a more reliable option.
💡 Travel Tip: If you’re short on time, combine train + road (Delhi → Kalka train → Shimla by toy train or cab). For a more flexible trip, a self-drive or cab road trip works best.
Ranking Criteria / Methodology
We didn’t just pick the nearest places randomly—we used a simple scoring system to rank the top 10 places near Shimla within 50 km. This way, you can choose based on your interests, whether you’re after offbeat places near Shimla, family-friendly spots, or the best views in Shimla’s surroundings.
Here’s the breakdown:
| Factor | Weightage | Why It Matters |
| Distance from Shimla | 25% | Easy day trip potential |
| Scenic Beauty & Views | 25% | Mountains, valleys, and snow views count! |
| Activities & Things to Do | 20% | Adventure, sightseeing, local culture |
| Offbeat / Unique Factor | 15% | Lesser-known = more peaceful |
| Accessibility & Comfort | 15% | Roads, food options, budget stays |
✨ Based on these, each place gets a score (1–10). We’ll show a final table later in the blog so you can compare at a glance.
Summary Table: Top 10 Places Near Shimla Within 50 KM
Here’s a quick comparison of all 10 destinations based on distance, highlights, and best season.
| Place | Distance from Shimla | Highlights | Best Time to Visit | Score (out of 10) |
| Naldehra | 22 km | Golf course, meadows, Shaily Peak | Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov | 9.2 |
| Mashobra | 12 km | Craignano Park, orchards, camping | Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov | 9.0 |
| Kufri | 16 km | Skiing, snow, Mahasu Peak, zoo | Dec–Feb, Mar–Jun | 9.5 |
| Shoghi | 15 km | Temples, budget stays, trekking | Year-round | 8.7 |
| Theog | 28 km | Valleys, apple farms, cultural walks | Sep–Nov, Winter | 8.5 |
| Fagu | 22 km | Viewpoints, orchards, homestays | Mar–Jun, Dec–Feb | 8.9 |
| Chail | 45 km | Palace, cricket ground, sanctuary | Mar–Oct | 9.3 |
| Barog | 47 km | Colonial vibe, tunnel, pine forests | Year-round | 8.6 |
| Chadwick Falls | 7 km | Waterfall, Glen trek | Jul–Sep | 8.4 |
| Annandale & Glen | 4–5 km | Picnic spot, golf course, forest walk | Year-round | 8.8 |
Best Time to Visit + Season-Wise Tips
Shimla is beautiful all year, but the best time depends on what kind of trip you’re planning. Here’s a quick season-wise breakdown:
| Season | Months | Why Visit | Highlights Nearby (within 50 km) |
| Summer | Mar–Jun | Pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing and treks | Kufri (outdoor sports), Mashobra (orchards), Naldehra (golf course) |
| Monsoon | Jul–Sep | Lush greenery, waterfalls at their peak | Chadwick Falls, Barog, Theog |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | Clear skies, apple harvest, great for photography | Fagu, Mashobra, Theog |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | Snow season, honeymoon vibes, skiing | Kufri, Fagu, Chail |
✨ Shimla in winter is particularly magical. Snow lovers should plan for Kufri, Fagu, and Chail, where white blankets cover valleys. Couples on a Shimla honeymoon often prefer this season for cozy stays and snowy backdrops.
💡 Tip for families: Summer is the most comfortable time to travel with kids and elderly members, as roads are safe and activities are open.
Incorporating into Itineraries
Many travelers ask: Should I plan a 3-day Shimla trip or stretch it to 5 days? Here’s how you can fit these nearby gems into your plan.
Shimla Itinerary for 3 Days
- Day 1: Explore Shimla town (The Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, Annandale)
- Day 2: Half-day Kufri (adventure park, Mahasu Peak) + evening in Mashobra
- Day 3: Visit Naldehra or Chadwick Falls before returning
Shimla Itinerary for 5 Days
- Day 1: Local Shimla + Annandale
- Day 2: Kufri + Fagu (snow or orchards depending on season)
- Day 3: Mashobra (Craignano Park) + Naldehra golf course trek
- Day 4: Full-day trip to Chail (Palace, cricket ground, sanctuary)
- Day 5: Shoghi (temples, budget stays) or Barog (heritage feel) before departure
💡 A road trip to Shimla from Delhi gives you the flexibility to add Barog or Solan as stops on the way.
Travel Styles & Themes
Not every traveler visits Shimla the same way. Here’s how these 10 places fit different travel styles:
Honeymooners
- Best Picks: Chail Palace (romantic stay), Kufri (snow), Naldehra (sunsets)
- Why: Cozy stays, quiet walks, and postcard-perfect backdrops make for ideal Shimla honeymoon ideas.
Family Travelers
- Best Picks: Kufri (kids love the adventure park), Mashobra (easy nature trails), Annandale (picnics)
- Why: Safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all age groups = great for Shimla with family.
Solo Travelers
- Best Picks: Mashobra, Fagu, Chadwick Falls
- Why: Peaceful, safe, and perfect for Shimla solo travel guides with scope for hiking, journaling, or photography.
Budget Travelers
- Best Picks: Shoghi (budget homestays), Barog (guesthouses), Mashobra (hostels)
- Why: Affordable budget stays near Shimla without compromising on views.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re mixing themes (e.g., a couple’s trip on a budget), choose homestays in Mashobra or Fagu—they offer privacy, views, and lower costs.
Best Views & Viewpoints
Shimla is famous for its breathtaking panoramas, and the spots around it offer some of the best views in Himachal. Here are a few highlights:
- Mahasu Peak (Kufri): On a clear day, you can see the Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges. Ideal for sunrise photography.
- Shaily Peak (Naldehra): A trekker’s paradise with sweeping views of dense forests and valleys.
- Hatu Peak (slightly beyond 50 km but worth it): Offers 360° Himalayan views.
- Fagu Sunset Point: Misty landscapes turning golden at dusk.
- Jakhoo Temple (Shimla town): A classic viewpoint in Shimla with a bird’s-eye view of the city.
💡 For honeymooners or couples, Naldehra and Fagu are especially romantic at dusk. Solo travelers will find Glen Trails a calming spot for journaling and reflection. Families often prefer Annandale, where kids can run around safely while enjoying the scenery.
Practical Tips & Travel Advice
To make your trip smooth and enjoyable, here are some quick, practical suggestions:
- Transport: Hire a cab for day trips or self-drive if you’re comfortable with hilly roads. Public buses are available but less flexible.
- Weather Gear: Carry layers, especially if traveling in winter—Shimla in December and January can see sub-zero nights.
- Food & Snacks: While most places have eateries, pack some snacks and water for treks to Chadwick Falls, Glen, or Fagu.
- Budget Stays: Look for homestays in Shoghi, Mashobra, or Fagu for affordable yet authentic experiences.
- Permits: Most destinations don’t require permits, but check in advance if you plan to trek in Chail Sanctuary.
- Safety: Start early to avoid afternoon traffic. In winter, roads can get slippery—keep extra travel time.
💡 Pro Tip for Weekend Trips from Shimla: If you’re short on time, pick Kufri + Mashobra (for adventure + peace) or Chail + Naldehra (for history + scenery).
Conclusion
Shimla is more than just The Ridge and Mall Road—it’s a gateway to a treasure trove of valleys, villages, and viewpoints waiting within 50 km. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip from Shimla, a cozy honeymoon, a family holiday, or a solo retreat, the nearby gems like Kufri, Mashobra, Chail, and Naldehra make your journey truly memorable.
By blending popular attractions with offbeat places near Shimla, you get the best of both worlds—snowy adventures, peaceful sunsets, cultural trails, and budget-friendly stays.
So, the next time you’re crafting your Shimla itinerary (3 days or 5 days), make sure to add a few of these nearby spots for a richer experience.
👉 Ready to plan your trip? Check out more guides of Himalayan Traveling for insider tips, itineraries, and hidden gems across Himachal Pradesh.
