Explore 10 Best Places To Visit Near Shimla Within 50 Kms

Shimla, situated among the majestic Himalayas, is a popular destination known for its old-world colonial charm and scenic beauty. However, many of the most attractive experiences are just miles away from the city. The places to visit near Shimla within 50 kms are ideal for quick weekend trips and offer tranquil valleys, adventure sports, spiritual retreats, and untouched alpine forests. If you are eager to ski down snow-covered slopes, bathe in hot springs, trek through green hills, or stroll beside riversides, these destinations will offer a variety and charm. Each of these places embodies a unique experience – its culture, landscapes, and tranquility.

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10 Beautiful Destinations To Visit Around Shimla Within 50 Kms

Here are the best places to visit near Shimla within 50 kms to explore with your family and friends.

1. Kufri

Hilltop scene at Kufri, visitors and tourists, many green pine trees, and a conifer forest

Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun / Wikimedia Commons

Kufri is a paradise for seekers and nature lovers. It is famous for its skiing tracks and clear views of the Himalayas, and it transforms into a snowy paradise when it snows. It is one of the top places to visit near Shimla within 50 kms, offering both winter adventure and summer fun. In the summer, you can ride horses to Mahasu Peak or walk around apple orchards. Family visits to the Himalayan Nature Park, which contains some rare species of mountain animals, will keep everyone entertained. Ziplining and tobogganing further develop the thrill.

Distance From Shimla: 15.7 km

2. Chail

Broad green valley, distant hills and terraced farms, still relaxed business of the town of Chail

Photo: Tvacute1 / Wikimedia Commons

Chail’s only a short drive from Shimla (45 kilometres – 28 miles), and if you’re seeking peace away from the tourists, Chail is a great alternative. The main attraction is the world’s highest cricket ground at 2,444 meters, and it would make an interesting trip for any sports lover. The Palace calls to mind Himachal’s royal history with the fabulous architecture and interior design. If you’re into wildlife, the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary has a great chance to view deer and pheasants, perhaps along with other mountain fauna.

Distance From Shimla: 50 km

3. Mashobra

Mashobra's picturesque landscape is spotted with lush green hills and buildings situated in the valley below

Photo: Supreet / Wikimedia Commons

Mashobra is a quiet retreat for nature suckers. With thick cedar timber and apple tree vineyards, it’s quite a place for walking and photography. Counted among the serene places to visit near Shimla within 50 kms, it’s perfect for those seeking calm and scenic beauty. For the audacious, you can journey to Shali Tibba for stirring views of the Himalayas, or if you’re looking for a rush, swash rafting is available in the nearby aqueducts. Birdwatchers would be pleased with the Reserve Forest Sanctuary, as pheasants and Himalayan eagles are the most common sights there.

Distance From Shimla: 11.6 km

4. Naldehra

Naldehra Golf Course is surrounded by tall, dark green pine trees and distant mountains

Photo: Vworlikar / Wikimedia Commons

Naldehra boasts lush green meadows and is one of India’s oldest golf courses. Pony rides through the deodar forests and treks to Shaily Peak make Naldehra popular with nature lovers. During spring, the surrounding hillsides reveal splashes of colourful wildflower blooms, and in winter, the hillsides are heavily snow-covered, presenting a dramatic and stunning view. Families flock to Naldehra for picnic days, whilst couples enjoy a feeling of tranquillity for a romantic escape located in Nature’s lap. Whether you are venturing into Naldehra for some leisure, adventure or photography, the natural beauty and tranquillity make it one of the most beautiful places near Shimla.

Distance From Shimla: 24.5 km

5. Tattapani

Misty river bank with birds and the rocks; foggy morning environment in Tattapani, Himachal

Photo: Gopal Venkatesan / Wikimedia Commons

Tattapani, is known for its natural hot springs, which are reputed to have medicinal properties. This whole experience is surrounded by mountains along the Sutlej River, making Tattapani a place for regeneration. For the outdoor enthusiast, river rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking provide a thrill. The local trek at Shikari Devi, as well as the nearby caves, provides an opportunity to add some culture and exploration to your experience. Being one of the unique places to visit near Shimla within 50 kms, Tattapani has the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, an ideal stop for those travelling the circuit around Shimla.

Distance From Shimla: 50 km

6. Fagu

Green hills and netting-covered plantations of the farmlands of the village of Fagu

Photo: Gunit Anand / Wikimedia Commons

Fagu is a beautiful little village, which promises a peaceful stay with stunning views of the Himalayas. With viewable apple orchards and terraced fields sustaining bananas, it is ideal for travellers who prefer to escape from the crowds. Nearby cedar forests have trails that traverse wide open spaces and lead to remarkable views of snow-covered peaks. While Fagu is peaceful in the spring, the winter months bring a snowy landscape for those who enjoy winter adventures. The surrounding area also uses Fagu as a launch point for skiing in Kufri and mountain trail adventures.

Distance From Shimla: 19.3 km

7. Shoghi

View of Shoghi town with clustered buildings enclosed by hilly terrain and dense greens

Photo: Bikingdiaries / Wikimedia Commons

Shoghi is famous for temples, trekking trails, and a peaceful location. Shoghi is home to the Tara Devi Temple, which is situated on a hilltop that is not only spiritually nourishing but also has panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas. As one of the underrated places to visit near Shimla within 50 kms, it offers a mix of spirituality and scenic charm. Shoghi is a camping and trekking paradise and has camping and treks leading you to dense oak and pine forests. During the monsoons, the area is enlivened with verdant colours, while winters present a tranquil way of life.

Distance From Shimla: 13.6 km

8. Theog

Snow-covered trees, hills and thick clouds complete the winter landscape of Theog

Photo: Sunil22 Sharma / Wikimedia Commons

Theog is a nice hill station with large meadows and is known for its scenic drives. Its large, open and sprawling landscape is conducive to photography, picnicking, and relaxing. Theog also serves as a base to explore the surrounding villages and trekking routes. In the winter months, it gets a lot of snow, making it a white paradise, while in the summer months, it is cool and breezy. For adventurists, a night under the stars can be a great time. It rightly earns its place among the most peaceful places to visit near Shimla within 50 kms.

Distance From Shimla: 29.1 km

9. Summer Hill

HP University buildings and students' view from Summer Hill with hills framed in the background

Photo: Namasl / Wikimedia Commons

Summer Hill is a lovely suburb that features a combination of history and nature. Most notably, it is home to Himachal Pradesh University’s beautiful campus that is surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests. This location is suitable for peaceful strolling and appreciating great views of the surrounding valleys. Colonial houses provide a transportive quality that invokes old-time charm and are excellent backdrops for photography. In winter, the snow adds a layer of charm, whereas when summer approaches, the season brings cooler and fresher weather. Summer Hill also stands out as one of the most accessible and charming places to visit near Shimla within 50 kms.

Distance From Shimla: 4 km

10. Carignano Nature Park

Close-up of a young purple cornflower flowering amongst the green grass and leaves

Photo: Aditi Panatu / Unsplash

Carignano Nature Park is located near Mashobra and is a great place for families and nature lovers. The park has grassy open meadows to picnic in and easy trails through dense pine forests. It is also an excellent area for bird-watching; Himalayan monals are often sighted in the park. In the spring and summer, the park is filled with wildflowers, and in winter, the park has a lovely, soft blanket of snow. Photography lovers will love the rewarding vistas of the mountains surrounding Carignano. The peacefulness and ease of the park, less than eight km from Shimla, blend leisure with nature and are a wonderful escape from the busy and crowded streets of Shimla.

Distance From Shimla: 14.9 km

Just a brisk drive from Shimla, you’ll find some truly unforgettable getaways-misty forests, tranquil villages, ancient temples, and adventure trails. Whether you need some quiet time or are looking to have a weekend of fun, these places to visit near Shimla within 50 kms offer the perfect blend of nature and exploration. With each trip you take, you are getting closer to Himachal’s untouched beauty and unique stories. Think of your next trip as not travelling far, just over the hills you’re familiar with! Explore more and wander often. Find your weekend getaway happiness with TripXL today.

Cover Photo: Ibrahim Bennett / Pexels

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an eco-friendly home/hotel within 50 km of Shimla?

Yes! There are several eco-resorts and homestays in the Mashobra, Theog and Shoghi areas that focus on eco-sensitivity. Most of these properties have alternate sources of energy, such as solar power, and provide nature-based experiences, such as facilitated forest walks, guided birdwatching, and organic farming.

What are some offbeat places that are experiencing less tourist traffic near Shimla?

Try Kiala Forest, Carignano Nature Park and Theog. These alternate locations are quiet, more natural landscapes and would provide a more authentic mountain context without the common distractions of tourists.

Can adventure activities be found near Shimla within a 50 km distance?

Certainly, adventure enthusiasts can enjoy river rafting at Tattapani, skiing in Kufri during winter, and a host of other activities in the woods of Mashobra. Ziplining, mountain biking, and camping are also very common in these areas.

Are there any historical or cultural sites nearby or within Shimla?

Yes, Colonies, Chail Palace, Gurkha fort in Subathu, Hatkoti temples are boarding up the area of Himachal's history. These places reflect colonial history, local legends, and stunning architectural design, making them an ideal cultural and historical experience for those who like to explore beyond Shimla.

What type of food experience can I experience near Shimla?

Enjoy authentic Himachali food in villages such as Shoghi and Fagu, where you can try the famous Siddu, Madra, and Chha Gosht. Some homestays and restaurants offer cooking demonstrations, and you can learn to eat local food straight from local mountain kitchens.

Top 10 Places To Visit Near Shimla Within 50 Kms: Scenic Escapes & Day Trips