Introduction: Shimla Beyond the Ridge
For generations, Shimla has been the quintessential hill station. Once the summer capital of British India, today it remains one of the most visited hill destinations in North India. Travelers flock here to walk along the Mall Road, shop at Lakkar Bazaar, and take selfies in front of Christ Church.
But here’s the catch: Shimla has grown too popular. During summer and peak holiday seasons, the population of the town doubles with tourists. Hotels overcharge, streets overflow with crowds, and traffic jams eat into precious travel time. What was once an escape from chaos can feel like another crowded city.
And yet, just beyond Shimla’s buzzing town center lie hidden treasures—places that retain the old-world charm that first made Shimla famous. Just a short drive away are destinations that are quieter, more authentic, and brimming with natural beauty. These hidden gems are Mashobra, Naldehra, and Fagu.
This blog is your 5,000+ word ultimate guide to exploring Shimla’s offbeat side. Whether you’re a solo traveler craving solitude, a family seeking nature, or a couple on a romantic getaway, you’ll find something here that speaks to your heart.
Why Offbeat Shimla Matters in 2025
Before we zoom into these hidden gems, let’s understand why more travelers are seeking out offbeat destinations around Shimla.
1. Escaping the Tourist Trail
Shimla receives an average of 3.5–4 million visitors annually, according to Himachal Pradesh Tourism data. That’s nearly 10,000 visitors every single day in peak season! Naturally, the Ridge, Mall Road, and Kufri zoo often feel like shopping malls. Offbeat destinations like Mashobra, Naldehra, and Fagu offer peace and authenticity.
2. Rise of Slow Travel
Today’s travelers don’t just want to “cover places”; they want experiences. Offbeat Shimla offers things you can’t find in tourist-heavy zones: cooking Himachali food with locals, walking through orchards, sitting by a bonfire under starry skies, and waking up to birdsong instead of honking horns.
3. Eco-Friendly & Responsible Tourism
Crowded destinations generate litter, strain resources, and disturb local communities. By staying in homestays and visiting smaller hamlets, you support local livelihoods while reducing your footprint.
4. The Charm of Authentic Himachal
In Mashobra, Naldehra, and Fagu, you’ll find the Himachal that travelers fell in love with decades ago—wooden houses, apple orchards, misty valleys, and locals who greet you with warmth.
Mashobra – The Quieter Cousin of Shimla
A Glimpse Into Mashobra
Located just 12 km from Shimla, Mashobra often surprises travelers with how different it feels from the main city. Where Shimla is bustling, Mashobra is tranquil. Where Shimla is commercial, Mashobra is green and understated.
Mashobra is part of the Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary, a massive protected forest that provides drinking water to the entire city. During the British era, Mashobra was chosen as the summer retreat of the Viceroy of India, a fact that still lends it a regal air.
Imagine waking up here: cool mountain breeze, sun filtering through pine branches, and the faint sound of birds echoing in the valley. That’s Mashobra in a nutshell.
Top Things to Do in Mashobra
🌲 Walks & Forest Treks
The Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary is a treasure chest for walkers and trekkers. Trails cut through oak, cedar, pine, and rhododendron trees, leading to viewpoints where the Himalayas stretch endlessly.
- The Presidential Retreat Trek is a gentle hike offering panoramic views.
- Birdwatchers often spot Himalayan eagles, pheasants, and even the state bird—the Himalayan Monal.
🏕 Adventure Activities
Mashobra is slowly emerging as an adventure hub. Options include:
- Camping under the stars.
- Rappelling down cliffs.
- Paragliding over valleys.
- Mountain biking trails through deodar forests.
🏞 Craignano Nature Park
A lesser-known gem, Craignano was once an Italian villa. Surrounded by apple orchards, the estate today has sprawling gardens, picnic spots, and hiking trails. It’s perfect for families and couples.
🌸 Apple Blossom Season
Visit Mashobra in April–May, and you’ll witness apple orchards blooming in white and pink flowers—a sight that feels straight out of a painting.
Where to Stay in Mashobra
- Luxury: Wildflower Hall (Oberoi) – Once Lord Kitchener’s residence, today a 5-star resort with spa, infinity pool, and sweeping views.
- Mid-range: Club Mahindra Mashobra or Marigold Sarovar Portico.
- Homestays: Local homes offering orchard views, organic meals, and Himachali hospitality.
Best Time to Visit Mashobra
- Summer (Mar–Jun): Pleasant 22–25°C, perfect for outdoor activities.
- Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Lush greenery, though landslides may occur.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Snow blankets Mashobra, turning it into a winter wonderland.
Naldehra – Meadows, Golf & Himalayan Charm
A Slice of History
About 22 km from Shimla, Naldehra owes its fame to Lord Curzon, who fell in love with its rolling meadows. He even named his daughter “Alexandra Naldehra”. At an altitude of 2,200 meters, Naldehra feels like an alpine postcard—green meadows, deodar trees, and a refreshing breeze.
Top Attractions in Naldehra
⛳ Naldehra Golf Course
One of the oldest golf courses in India, established in the early 1900s. Surrounded by towering deodars, the 18-hole course is not just for golfers—it’s a delight for anyone who loves walking in nature.
🐎 Horse Riding
Local guides offer pony rides across the meadows. While touristy, it’s a fun way to explore for families with kids.
🛕 Mahakali Temple
A small yet revered temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, perched on a ridge. The temple also serves as a viewpoint overlooking the valley.
🥾 Hiking Trails
- Shaily Peak Trek: A scenic hike leading to a summit with unmatched Himalayan views.
- Scenic Walks: Naldehra’s pine-covered paths are great for leisurely strolls.
Experiencing Local Life in Naldehra
The region around Naldehra is apple country. Orchards here trace their roots back to Samuel Stokes, the American who introduced apple farming to Himachal. Today, Himachal produces over 900,000 tonnes of apples annually (Horticulture Dept. data). Visiting orchards here means meeting farmers, learning about cultivation, and even tasting fresh cider.
Food is another highlight. Local Himachali dishes include:
- Siddu: A steamed bread stuffed with poppy seeds or walnut paste.
- Chha Gosht: Mutton cooked in a yogurt-based gravy.
- Madra: A chickpea curry rich in ghee and spices.
Where to Stay in Naldehra
- Luxury: The Chalets Naldehra – Wooden chalets in the forest.
- Boutique: Small resorts and cottages.
- Homestays: Family-run properties where you eat home-cooked Siddu and enjoy valley views.
Best Time to Visit Naldehra
- Summer: Pleasant, ideal for golf and hikes.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Apple harvest season.
- Winter: Snow transforms the golf course into a snowy meadow.
Fagu – Mist, Solitude & Orchards
Overview
Located 18 km from Shimla, Fagu is a tiny hamlet that often hides under a blanket of mist. Unlike touristy Kufri next door, Fagu has retained its charm as a quiet, romantic hideaway.
Things to Do in Fagu
🍎 Apple Orchards
Fagu is known for apple orchards and terraced fields. Visiting during spring (Apr–May) when blossoms bloom, or autumn (Sep–Oct) during harvest, is magical.
🎿 Skiing in Winter
In December–February, Fagu becomes a ski slope. Unlike Kufri’s crowded slopes, skiing here is intimate and peaceful.
🥾 Trekking
Popular trails connect Fagu to Chharabra and Kufri. Treks pass through cedar forests and tiny villages.
📸 Photography
Mist-laden mornings, shepherds guiding sheep, and snow-draped fields—Fagu is a photographer’s dream.
Where to Stay in Fagu
- Budget: HPTDC Apple Blossom Hotel – Simple, government-run, with valley views.
- Homestays: Orchard-facing stays with balconies that open to misty mountains.
Best Time to Visit Fagu
- Spring: Apple blossoms.
- Summer: Pleasant weather.
- Winter: Heavy snowfall, perfect for honeymooners.
Travel Tips for Offbeat Shimla
- How to Reach:
- Nearest airport: Jubbarhatti (23 km from Shimla).
- Nearest rail: Kalka–Shimla toy train.
- Roads: Accessible by car, cab, or bus from Shimla.
- Suggested Itineraries:
- 2 Days: Shimla → Mashobra → Naldehra.
- 4 Days: Shimla → Mashobra → Naldehra → Fagu.
- 7 Days: Add Tattapani, Chharabra, and Kufri’s hidden trails.
- Packing Tips:
- Carry woolens year-round.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Rain gear if traveling in monsoon.
- Responsible Tourism:
- Avoid plastic bottles and packets.
- Stay in homestays to support locals.
- Buy local produce like honey, jams, and woolens.
Food & Culture Experiences
Cuisine
Himachali cuisine is rich, hearty, and flavored with ghee and spices. Must-try dishes:
- Siddu
- Madra
- Babru (stuffed wheat bread)
- Chha Gosht
- Mittha (sweet rice with dry fruits)
Festivals
- Mahasu Jatra (Naldehra): Celebrates local deity Mahasu Devta.
- Sipi Fair (Mashobra): Music, dance, and local traditions.
Folk Culture
Folk songs (Nati), dances, and wooden Himachali homes add cultural depth to your trip.
Offbeat Day Trips Around Shimla
- Tattapani: Hot water springs, rafting on Sutlej River.
- Chharabra: Home to the Presidential Retreat.
- Kufri Hidden Trails: Skip the touristy zoo; trek through forested trails instead.
Comparing Mashobra, Naldehra & Fagu
- Adventure Lovers: Mashobra (treks, biking, rappelling).
- Honeymooners: Fagu (romantic, misty hideaways).
- Families: Naldehra (golf, horse rides, orchards).
- Peace Seekers: Fagu (solitude, orchards, snowy winters).
Conclusion
Shimla’s charm is undeniable, but to truly experience its soul, you must go beyond the Ridge and Mall Road. Mashobra, Naldehra, and Fagu aren’t just offbeat—they are authentic, peaceful, and deeply rewarding.
Whether you’re sipping cider in an apple orchard, trekking to Shaily Peak, or watching mist roll over Fagu’s fields, you’ll discover that the real Shimla lies in its hidden gems.
So next time, skip the crowds. Choose offbeat Shimla. And let Mashobra, Naldehra, and Fagu remind you why the mountains always call us back.
