Explore some of the best treks in Shimla for a thrilling adventure

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and a popular place to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its colonial architecture, bustling bazaars, and scenic views of the Himalayas. For adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, Shimla provides access to some of the most breathtaking treks in the region. This complete guide explores the most popular treks from Shimla, providing detailed information on each route, the landscapes, flora and fauna, local culture, and essential tips for trekkers. Further, if you feel interested in planning a trip to Shimla, get a curated package from Himachal Pradesh tour packages for a memorable experience.

Introduction to Trekking in Shimla

Shimla is often called the “Queen of Hills.” There are many trekking options in Shimla, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day expeditions. The treks in Shimla take you through dense forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron, across streams and rivers, and up to high-altitude meadows and peaks with panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges.

Best Time to Trek In Shimla

The best time to trek in Shimla is from April to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is nice and the skies are clear, so you can see the mountains well. It’s not a good idea to go trekking during the monsoon season from July to August because there’s a lot of rain, which makes the trails slippery and dangerous. Winter treks from December to March are also popular for people who want to see snow-covered landscapes, but you need to have the right gear and be prepared for the cold.

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Best Treks in Shimla Himachal Pradesh

Some of the popular treks in Shimla are:

1. Shali Tibba Trek

If you have been to Shimla, you have probably seen the Shali Tibba peak towering over the Mashobra Bridge. The peak isn’t the tallest but offers 360-degree views of Shimla, Mashobra, Kufri, Fagu, and Narkanda. A trail to the summit, built in 1936 by the King of Faridkot, leads to the locally revered Goddess Bhima Kali temple. 

The trail goes through a valley of blue pine and cedar forest, making it a perfect one-day hike from Shimla and one of the best trekking spots near Shimla. While doable in a day, it’s recommended to camp near the village of Khatnol. To reach Khatnol, travel to Mashobra from Shimla, then descend steeply to Sipi village, cross the Noble Gad river, and continue to Khatnol.

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 2 day trek in Shimla

Altitude: 2,874 meters (9,429 feet)

2. Hatu Peak Trek

Just 70 kilometers from Shimla, Narkanda sets the stage for an exhilarating hike to the highest peak in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. Picture yourself surrounded by breathtaking views of the Himalayas as you trek through a diverse forest of Deodar, Fir, Spruce, Cedar, and Blue Pine. At the summit awaits the fascinating Hatu Mata temple, a shrine dedicated to Mandodari, the wife of King Ravana, and the legendary abode of the Pandavas during their Agyaat Vaas. To kickstart the journey, hop on the local bus along the Shimla-Rampur route for an immersive 2-3 hour ride costing only 60-70 bucks. If you prefer to travel by cab or private vehicle, worry not, as well-maintained parking lots await you at the trailhead. The ultimate thrill comes in the first few weeks of March, offering you the chance to conquer fresh snow as you ascend to Hatu Peak.  This is considered to be one of the best treks in Shimla.

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 1-day trek in Shimla

Altitude: 3,400 meters (11,154 feet)

3. Churdhar Trek

Churdhar Peak is the highest peak in the Sirmour district and the lower Himalayas. It is a holy place dedicated to Shri Shirgul Maharaj (Chureshwar Maharaj), a widely worshipped deity in Sirmour and Chaupal. The peak is easily accessible from Nohradhar and has a moderate elevation of 12,000 ft. It is visible from Shimla, Solan, Kufri, and Kasauli, making it a popular choice for trekking in Shimla. The Churdhar peak trek can be completed in two days, but some experienced hikers can complete it in one day. The trek offers beautiful panoramic views from the summit and passes through dense deodar and alpine forests. The area is covered with a 56.16 square kilometre forest sanctuary, creating a lush green atmosphere. The peak is known for moderate to heavy snowfall, with an average of 33 ft, and is also called Churi-Chandni Dhar (bangles of snow ridge). From the summit, you can see Badrinath, Kedarnath, Sutlej river, The Gangetic basin, Shimla, Kufri, Chail, Chakrata & Kasauli. This is one of the famous winter treks in Shimla. 

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Duration: 2 day trek in Shimla

Altitude: 3,647 meters (11,965 feet)

4. Karol Tibba Trek

The trek to Karol Tibba is not often talked about among day hikes from Shimla, but it’s a great adventure for trekking enthusiasts. The temple of Karol Tibba is surrounded by lush forests and offers breathtaking views. It’s the tallest peak in the Solan district and falls within the Shivalik range of the Himalayas. Karol Tibba is a popular route for trekking near Shimla, especially for travelers with limited time. The hike starts from Chambaghat, a small town in the Solan District of Himachal Pradesh. It’s about an hour’s journey from Shimla by road. The 6-kilometre trek includes a visit to Pandava Cave. At the summit, there’s a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali with stunning views of Shimla City and the famous Churdhar Peak. 

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Duration: 1 day trek in Shimla

Altitude: 2,260 metres (7,415 feet)

5. Tara Devi Trek

The Tara Devi trek is a short and easy trek in Shimla suitable for beginners and families. It starts from the Tara Devi Temple, which is about 11 kilometres from Shimla. The trail goes through pine forests and provides beautiful views of Shimla town and the surrounding hills. The temple at the top is dedicated to the goddess Tara Devi and is a popular pilgrimage site. The trek can be finished in a few hours, making it a great choice for a quick nature getaway.

Difficulty: Easy

Duration: Half-day

Altitude: 1,851 metres (6,073 feet)

6. Summer Hill Trek

If you want a peaceful spot in Shimla, try the summer hill trek. It’s surrounded by beautiful nature and can be easily reached from the Kalka-Shimla railway line. This spot is also known as potter’s hill because it’s famous for clay. People from all around come here to get clay for pottery. The summer hill has dense forests and different types of trees, which make it very peaceful. It’s best to avoid going in the winter and monsoon because it’s extremely cold, with temperatures often reaching zero degrees. So this is one of the popular summer treks in Shimla.

Difficulty Level: Hard

Duration : 2-3 hours

Altitude: 640 metres

7. Kuppar Bugyal Trek

The trek to Kuppar Bugyal is a treasure in the stunning Pabbar Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Starting from the charming town of Kharapathar, the journey kicks off with a scenic 70-kilometre drive from Shimla that will leave you in awe. As you arrive in Kharapathar, prepare to be mesmerised by the ancient Giri-Ganga temple, where the Giri-Ganga river begins its journey. Embrace the natural beauty as you start your hike from Kharapathar, surrounded by the majestic deodar trees. The trail, although long, promises a delightful walk, far more enjoyable than a stressful drive. Your ultimate destination is the mystical Giri-Ganga temple, steeped in fascinating folklore about its origin from a spilled tumbler of Ganga-water. From there, brace yourself for an exhilarating 3-4 hours of relentless hiking to reach Kuppar Bugyal. Don’t worry about losing your way in the wilderness, as the well-trodden path is frequented by local shepherds. As you embark on this lesser-known trek, be sure to pack supplies such as tents, food, snacks, and plenty of water to ensure a safe and memorable journey.

Altitude: 2,700 metres

Distance: NA

Difficulty Level: Hard

8. Dhanu Devta Temple Trek

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Bihargaon in the foothills of Shimla district! You’ll discover the awe-inspiring Dhanu Devta temple, a sacred haven for countless devotees. As you make your way, you’ll encounter the captivating Bemloe and the renowned Central Potato Research Institute. The ancient wooden temples of Dhanu Devta — upper, middle, and lower — are a sight to behold. The upper temple awaits in village Kalyana, while the middle and lower temples beckon further downhill. These temples are an invaluable treasure of our ancient heritage and are entirely crafted from wood, emanating a delightful aroma of serenity. Just 4 km from Shimla, this journey can be completed in 2-3 hours. Accessible via well-maintained roads, this trek is suitable for exploration year-round, making it one of the easiest and most convenient short treks near Shimla. While this trek may not be widely known, it promises an afternoon filled with wonder and discovery amidst the stunning alpine forests. This is one of the easy treks in Shimla.

Difficulty: Easy

Duration: Half-day

Altitude: 2,044 metres (6,709 feet)

9. Jakhoo Temple Trek

This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is perched atop Jakhoo hill and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Shimla for devotees and travelers alike. And guess what? There’s a new ropeway system that can whisk you from Shimla to the temple in just 5 minutes! It’s a thrilling aerial lift experience you won’t want to miss. Not a fan of heights? No worries! You can still reach the temple through a relatively easy trek with stunning views of Shimla and the surrounding landscapes. Oh, and there’s a health meter at Jakhoo Hill to amp up the adventure even more. But fair warning – this trek might be a bit challenging for older or less mobile visitors, so vehicles are available for a more leisurely journey. And let’s talk about the star attraction – the 108 ft high statue of Lord Hanuman! It’s a sight to behold and can be spotted all the way from Shimla and the Ridge. But the temple isn’t the only highlight here. Explore the charming wooden market at Lakkar Bazaar, where you can snag unique wooden treasures and handicrafts. For some adrenaline-pumping fun, head to the Sky Jumper Trampoline Park for an array of thrilling activities like gaming, dash cars, volleyball, and more. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best treks in Shimla.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Duration: 1-2 hours

Altitude: 2,455 metres

10. Chadwick Fall Trek

This trek in Shimla features the Chadwick Falls. Visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Shimla which is 86m tall and creates a mesmerising sound as the cold breeze passes through it and touches the water. The area is surrounded by nature, glens, deodar and pine forests, and stunning hills. It’s best to do this trek as part of a group since the path is quite secluded.

Difficulty: Easy

Duration: 1-2 hours

11. Kamna Devi Temple Trek

The Kamna Devi temple is easily accessible from Boileauganj on the Shimla-Bilaspur road. It only takes 20 minutes to walk from Boileauganj, passing by the ViceRegal Lodge of the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. This temple sits on top of Prospect Hill and was built by Rana of Junga. It is believed that Goddess Kali grants the wishes of those who make the journey up the hill. The area is also great for activities like rock climbing and sightseeing.

Difficulty: Easy

Duration: 1 hour

Altitude: 2150 metres

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Flora and Fauna

The treks around Shimla take you through different types of environments, each with a wide variety of plants and animals. The forests are filled with trees like pine, oak, deodar, and rhododendron. When spring comes, the rhododendrons bloom, bringing bright colours to the area. People who love wildlife might see animals such as leopards, barking deer, Himalayan black bears, and many kinds of birds like pheasants, eagles, and woodpeckers.

Cultural Experience

When trekking in the Shimla region, you’ll experience the local culture. You’ll walk through small villages and meet the friendly people there. You’ll see their traditional houses, taste their food, and learn about their way of life. Along the way, you may also visit old temples and shrines, adding a spiritual aspect to your adventure.

Essential Trekking Tips

• Prepare your body for the trek by staying active with regular exercise such as running or cycling. 
• Make sure you have sturdy hiking boots, a comfortable backpack, and weather-appropriate clothing. 
• Bring enough water and high-energy snacks. 
• Let someone know your trekking plans and when you expect to return. Take a first aid kit, a map, and a compass or GPS. 
• Remember to respect nature by avoiding littering and sticking to designated trails.

Embark on an exhilarating journey through the heart of the Himalayas with treks from Shimla! Explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region while trekking through serene forests, vibrant meadows, and challenging peaks. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a beginner, there’s a trail for everyone.