Do you know Shimla is best revealed by walking? And if you enjoy a good walk outside where you can smell and breathe the fragrance of natural air, it’s possibly icing on the cake!
With pine trees all around Shimla is settled in the Shivalik range of Himalayas with a mix of low lying hills to tremendous mountains. It is a heaven for the individuals who respect the abundance of nature. While you absorb the beauty of this paradise, do you know it has much more to bring to the table, if you guessed the escapade there you go! Shimla is a haunt for those who seek fun and adventure. Well, let us come to the point. The trek and trails shift from delicate strolls over simple territory, to tiresome endeavors. So, apparently you should simply set up your brain for easy treks around Shimla.
What people want to see in Shimla? The iconic mall road or the ridge may be. Correct us if we’re wrong. But thinking out of the box makes you somewhat not quite the same as others. Preferably you ought not to skirt the mall road, without a doubt it’s lovely, what we’re attempting to say is simply invest more energy investigating the nearby places. They are truly great.
It is an absolute bliss to undertake the amazing treks of Shimla with the views of snow clad mountains, deodar and pine trees. These tracks are particularly popular as they mostly are easy and are scenic throughout the year. Trust us, these can be your better unwinds! Here we have curated a rundown of the best treks we think adventure enthusiasts should definitely go on.
10 Easy Treks Near Shimla
1. Shali Tibba
2. Karol Tibba
3. Hatu Peak Trek
4. Tara Devi Trek
5. Churdhar Trek
6. Kamna Devi Temple Trek
7. Trek to Jakhoo Temple
8. Trek to Dhanu Devta Temple
9. Trek to Naldehra
10. Trek to Chadwick Falls
1. Shali Tibba
Shali tibba is situated in Khatnol village which is 35 km from Shimla and is the highest peak in the vicinity of Shimla yet hard to miss. Up there stands a temple devoted to Goddess Bhimakali which is highly valued by the locals. Devotees gather at the top, particularly during Navratri. For this trek you have to travel first to Mashobra then to Sipi. It is an ideal trek for escapade buffs, you’ll journey across the lovely timberland and witness some interesting towns en route. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this trek provides a 360 degree view of Shimla. It very well may be completed in one day so consider this an easy hike. We would definitely call it the best weekend trek in Shimla. What do you say?
2. Karol Tibba
‘The road not taken’ many of you may have caught wind of this popular sonnet by Robert Frost. Almost identical occurs with this journey, this isn’t regularly taken by individuals due to its less ubiquity. However, undertaking this trek will be the best choice ever made by you. Karol Tibba is the highest peak of Solan district and falls within the Shivalik range of Himalayas. It is a simple trek with an absolute distance of 6 km. At the peak, there’s a temple dedicated to goddess kali that offers mesmerizing views of Shimla city and the famous Churdhar peak. The starting point of the trek is from a small town called Chambaghat which can be reached by road from Shimla. The journey is roughly an hour long. Curiously, the path leads through prairies, woods, and even the Pandava cave. Consider this an ideal day trek in Shimla.
3. Hatu Peak Trek
The 7 km trek starts from a small town Narkanda which is 70 km from Shimla. The route is covered with thick woods of deodar, cedar and blue pine, strolling through them is nothing less than a paradise. While the climb is not so difficult or a long one, the top is amongst the highest peaks within the Shimla district. At the top you’ll see the beautifully carved temple of Mandodari, spouse of king Ravana. It is believed that the peak was once home to Pandavas during their Agyaat Vaas. Nevertheless, if you’re a snow darling, then your best time to undertake the Hatu peak is during the first weeks of March. You’ll get to witness the fresh snow.
4. Trek to Tara Devi
In case you’ve been feeling exasperated and need to go out in nature, however you don’t have a lot of time to go on a long multi day journey, then, you can partake in this 4 km astonishing trek. Initially, take a bus or train (take a train, it will add to the experience) to Tara Devi from Shimla. The trail is a narrow and steep one, which particularly the adventurists may find invigorating. Along your journey you’ll see the perfect green glades opulent with local flora. Interestingly, the temple at the top was constructed 250 years ago and initially had a wooden statue of the deity, which later was replaced by a more attractive idol constructed with some eight precious elements. From the top it offers panoramic views of Kasauli, Chail, and Shimla.
5. Churdhar Trek
It is one of the notable treks near Shimla. Starting point of this highest peak is from village Noradhar, which is a 5 hour drive from Shimla. Among all, this is a bit challenging one. Both the drive and trip might take excessively long yet by the day’s end there are just lavish green backwoods, rough paths and heavenly perspectives on Himalayas. The peak vaunts a towering statue of Lord Shiva, and is highly worshipped by the locals. The peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding ranges and in case you’re fortunate enough to have an unmistakable sky, you can get a brief look at the popular Himalayan ranges like Kinner Kailash. If by any chance you’re a fledgling, it is suggested to not to go alone. Additionally, carry the basic necessities like water-bottles, snacks and energy drinks since you’ll track down a very few shops coming.
6. Kamna Devi Temple Trek
A trek to Kamna Devi temple is sure to fill you with calmness. It is situated at the top of Prospect hill, one of the seven hills of Shimla. This trek has various starting points so it’s up to you where to start from. Either you start from the mall road and go through the Viceregal Lodge that is a part of Indian institute of Advanced studies, else begin from Boileauganj that is 20 minutes away. This is an interesting and an easy little trek that anyone can enjoy. So, start packing your essentials already!
7. Trek to Jakhoo Temple
Shimla is consistently under the vigilant eyes of Lord Hanuman! Jakhoo is the most elevated slope in Shimla. The original temple that existed before the town of Shimla was brainstormed by the British. You can start walking from the ridge, after walking a few steps you’ll notice a board which claims that it is a 30 minute trek. But wait, don’t start rushing to cover the trek in time, go slow and enjoy the walk through the green dense forest while the monkeys chatter. At the same time be careful of the monkeys as they have a habit of snatching any free stuff and holding them till the carrot of parsad is paid. Since the journey is among the simple ones, it earns sightseers a gigantic sum. Take blessings from Lord Hanuman and have a blissful day!
8. Trek to Dhanu Devta Temples
Unfortunately this day’s trek in Shimla is a disregarded piece of legacy on the southern slopes of Shimla, underneath the town. You can start this trek from the mall road, head down to Central Potato Research Institute to reach the cemetery at the Shimla by-pass road. From there head further downhill to the village of Kalyana where you’ll track down the upper temple of Dhanu Devta. As you head further downhill you’ll arrive at the middle temple and then the lower temple of Dhanu Devta. These three temples were built 200 years ago and still look the prettiest. You can come here for a picnic. Though this trek is not known by many but is a great getaway to spend a holiday afternoon. Do visit this forgotten paradise to see the ancient wooden temple that stands deserted overdue the milieu of an embryonic capital.
09. Trek to Naldehra
A popular spot for its golf course which is at a height of 2045 m. Naldehra is a small hill station which is 24 km from Shimla. This golf course was set up by British Viceroy Lord Curzon as he had been highly impressed by the natural beauty of the place. The starting point has an eatery cum café at one side along with a restroom and refreshment facility. Prior to beginning the trek you can warm yourselves up with some tea. The path through pine and deodar trees resembles a long stroll for 3 hours or a pony ride. It’s a simple one so don’t stress over conveying younger children and older folks along.
10. Trek to Chadwick Falls
Smashed by boredom and don’t have a clue what to go for, take a stab at trekking to Chadwick falls. Now where to begin from? As you arrive at the main gate of IIAS you head on the road that leads on to the right towards the HP University Campus. This road will take you to summer hill however you’ll have to take the divergence at Sangti. Following the road you’ll see the sign board for Chadwick falls. Keep walking, soon you’ll hear the sound of gushing waterfall which means you’re almost there. This is a good place to have a picnic. Track down a decent spot to sit and enjoy in the midst of the woodland.
With regards to getting close to nature, there could be no better approach to do as such than by packing your backpack and heading on a trek in Shimla. We hope that the above mentioned treks may act helpful in case you’re searching for an ideal end of the week escape. If you live in one of those big cities and have never visited those tiny points on google maps, now is your chance. Walk as much as you can and discover some beautiful places along your way!
