Explore the Most Important Places to Visit near Shimla

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, was a part of a kingdom in Nepal and rediscovered by the British in 1819. The town is named after Goddess Shyamala and is located at an elevation of around 2500 feet. While there are many places to visit in Shimla, the places around the town are not to be missed. In fact, knowing more about the places to visit near Shimla can help you plan a trip by yourself or with your friends and family.

Top Places to Visit Near Shimla

Among the most-visited hill stations in India, Shimla is also the starting point for a lot of resplendent places around. This list of places include: -

• Fagu
• Kiarighat
• Theog
• Parwanoo
• Sarahan
• Sangla
• Karsog
• Naldehra
• Cheog
• Kotkhai

Check out These Popular Locations near Shimla

Shimla is one of the most common destinations when anyone plans for a short vacation. However, it is important to note that there are a number of places near Shimla that are also worth a visit. The places mentioned below are some of the locations that are at a short distance from Shimla but should be explored:

1. Fagu

Among the numerous places to visit near Shimla within 100 km, Fagu is one of the locations that should be explored. Located 2500 meters above sea level, the small village of Fagu provides you with an impressive view of the snow-clad Himalayan range. Some of the places that you can explore in Fagu are:

• Old Gurkha Fort and temple
• Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary
• Water Catchment Sanctuary

Apart from the above, Fagu provides travellers with ethereal views of the fruit gardens, countryside villages and captivating landscapes. Apple orchards interspersed with cedar and spruce trees and flower fields blooming within the months of May to October add to the beauty of Fagu. Another reason why Fagu should be included in the list of offbeat places near Shimla is the beauty that is observed during winter. With a view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges, it is a great location for a short weekend holiday for couples. Nature and adventure lovers can also visit Fagu for hiking and photography.

2. Kiarighat

Located at a distance of 27 km from Shimla, Kiarighat is among the many beautiful places around Shimla. The hill station of Kiarighat is also a famous tourist spot due to its proximity to the Kalka Shimla National Highway. The main reason you should consider Kiarighat as one of the places to visit near Shimla within 100 km is the natural beauty that is accentuated by the lines of Oak, Pine and Deodar trees.

Starting off as a dak bungalow, the location gradually turned into a welcome tourist destination with several luxurious accommodations and resorts for tourists. Individuals or families travelling to hill stations like Kiarighat near Shimla can also enjoy a wide range of Himachali, Continental, Indian and Chinese delicacies according to their preferences.

3. Theog

Among the many places to visit near Shimla, Theog is a small municipality with amazing hill stations near Shimla. Located at the T-point between two charming destinations of Kinnaur and Rohru Valley, it is one of the places to visit near Shimla within 100 kms. Theog also includes five ridges known as Bagaghat, Prem Ghat, Rahi Ghat, Jano Ghat, and Deori Ghat. Individuals or groups travelling to Theog can hike to Shail Tibba to get a 360-degree view of Shimla Hills. The temple at the end of the hike can provide you with an understanding of Himalayan architecture. Alternatively, you can hike up to Kanag while enjoying the line of Cedar trees for a picnic session in the company of local people. For anyone looking for places to visit in or around Shimla for a relaxing weekend vacation can travel to Theog.

4. Parwanoo

As one of the most picturesque hill stations, Parwanoo is one of the places to visit near Shimla within 100 kms. This hill station has many orchards, hills and attractions travellers can explore. In addition, the small town of Parwanoo has many memorable experiences like exploring the orchards, taking a ropeway at the Timber Trail resort or watching the sunset. All of these experiences are a great reason to include Parwanoo as one of the hidden tourist places near Shimla. A short train ride from Kalka station to Parwanoo makes it an easy location to reach for a short holiday.

5. Sarahan

Sarahan is one of the most remote of all hill stations near Shimla that has become popular as one of the places near Shimla to visit. Located at a distance of around 160 kms from Shimla, the town of Sarahan was the summer capital of the Bushahr Kingdom. People travelling to Sarahan can trek to the Shrikhand Peak, drive to Sangla or take a break in the serene atmosphere of the Bhima Kaali Temple. In case you are looking to spend some time away from daily life, you can reach Sarahan via the Jubbarhatti Airport at a distance of around 180 kms or take a train that is located at a distance of around 175 kms.

6. Sangla

Among numerous valleys in Kinnaur, Sangla is one of the locations that should be on your list of places around Shimla to visit. Surrounded by the Himalayas and flanked by the Baspa River, Sangla Valley is one of the hidden tourist places near Shimla at the top of any traveller’s bucket list. The apple orchards provide a spot of colour to the otherwise green and ochre mountainscape. Due to the introduction of hydel power projects, the valley now provides tourists with a lot more modernized facilities. The most popular attraction in Sangla is the Bering Nag Temple which hosts the Phulech festival each year.

7. Karsog

Another one of the memorable places to visit near Shimla is the hill station of Karsog which is surrounded by dense forests and apple orchards. Located at a height of 1404 metres above sea level in the Himalayan Pir Panjal ranges, the town of Karsog has several temples with religious importance relating to the Mahabharata period. Comprised of several smaller villages, Karsog is one of the places to visit near Shimla that has panoramic sceneries, winding streets, manicured valleys, and ethereal snow-covered mountains with the background music of different migratory birds. Most importantly, the small town of Karsog with its villages is a place near Shimla that has a calm and serene atmosphere away from the crowded tourist spots.

8. Naldehra

Naldehra is one of the places to visit near Shimla within 100 kms due to its natural beauty. Discovered by Lord Curzon, it is well known for its golf course featuring nine holes at an elevation of 2200 metres above sea level. The hill station of Naldehra is known for its lush greenery, valleys and plant species found only in the Himalayan range. The small town of Naldehra celebrates the festival of Joton ka Mela in the month of October and the Sipi Fair in the month of May.

Although the golf course is the most well-known part of Naldehra, there are several places that are at a short distance and can be explored. Attractions like Chabba, Shaily Peak, and Tattapani are great choices for adventure-minded individuals. On the other hand, tourists looking for some peace and calm can explore the temples of Mahunag, Mahakali, and Kogi Mata.

9. Cheog

Another one of the places to visit near Shimla within 100 kms is the beautiful village of Cheog. The awe-inspiring views, apple orchards and pleasant weather are one of the many reasons you should travel to this location. Tourists travelling to this location can spend some relaxing nights in proximity to nature. Individuals looking to explore the small village of Cheog can hike up to the temples of Dharech and Tungesh on the peak. The location provides a beautiful view of the sky turning red in the evening. Alternatively, you can also interact with the local population to know Cheog better and get a chance to ride a horse.

10. Kotkhai

If you have explored all the places to visit in Shimla and want to delve deeper into the culture of Himachal Pradesh, Kotkhai is where you should travel next. Due to the strong roots in culture, it provides you with a window into the true daily life of the local population of Himachal Pradesh. There are several peaks and trails that you can hike up and explore. You get to witness some extremely beautiful views of the valley below. Hiking up the path of Giri Ganga leads you to Kupar Peak to watch a beautiful sunset. Another reason that makes Kotkhai one of the most beautiful hidden tourist places near Shimla is the multiple wood and stone temples within the valley. Located at a height of 1881 meters above sea level, Kotkhai also hosts traditional bow and arrow sports known as “Thotha”.

These places sound remarkable, don’t they?! Plan your Shimla holiday package and head out; there’s a lot that you can add to your itinerary here!