Unexplored and offbeat places near Shimla have been untouched by the dearth of tourists. This means more peace and tranquillity for nature admirers! While Shimla is a favourite destination for many who crave the cold, these offbeat destinations show there is more to Himachal Pradesh than just Shimla and Manali. These places have been well-maintained and expose nature’s side, which is more ravishing than anything made by man. Explore these places and discover what each heavenly place has to offer. We bet you will yearn for offbeat places after that!
10 Offbeat Places Near Shimla
From Koti to Prashar Lake, myriad offbeat places near Shimla are worth visiting on your next vacation. Here are some of the gems that you should not slide away from your itinerary.
1. Koti
Koti is among the top offbeat places near Shimla as it offers something for people of all ages. Visitors can stroll lazily or hike to the Manuni Peak. Or just explore the surroundings and spot Himalayan birds such as the Western Tragopan and the Steppe Eagle. Furthermore, Jungle walking brings a unique thrill to the trip as you can walk through Chail’s seven meadows. You will encounter magnificent flora, fauna, wild animals, streams, and more. For adventure lovers and wildlife lovers, this place is no less than a paradise.
Distance from Shimla: 30 km
Key attractions: Kali Tibba Temple, Chail Cricket Ground, Chail Palace
Activities: Birdwatching, hiking, jungle walking
Best time to visit: May to October
Must Read: Best places in Himachal Pradesh
2. Fagu
Situated at a height of 2,500 meters, Fagu is a delight for snow lovers. It looks like a mystical heaven with fog and mist always surrounding you. Fagu Peaks is the region’s main attraction where you can immerse yourself in the heavenly surroundings of snow-topped peaks. Also, explore a variety of trees such as cedar, pine, and apple orchards. If you enjoy unique flora and fauna, this place is a blessing in disguise. That is why it is among the best offbeat places near Shimla.
Distance from Shimla: 20 km
Key attractions: Fagu peaks
Activities: Sightseeing
Best time to visit: October to April
3. Naldehra
Naldehra is among the best offbeat places near Shimla for friends who love to play golf! The place was founded by Lord Curzon who couldn’t get enough of the picturesque location, lush green trees, and fresh air. There is a golf course with 18 holes at this hill resort where you can spend quality time with your closest friends. If you want a weekend getaway with friends with zero disturbance and full enjoyment then this is the place to be.
Distance from Shimla: 25 km
Key attractions: Shaily Peak, Chadwick Falls, Craignano Nature Park, Naldehra Golf Course, Mahunag Temple
Activities: Walking, horse riding, sightseeing
Best time to visit: May to September
Suggested Read: Places to visit in Sangla
4. Narkanda
Narkanda is ideal if you are looking for awesome offbeat places near Shimla. This snowy destination is an unexplored gem in Himachal Pradesh. During winters, sufficient snow falls in this town, serving as a paradise for skiing lovers. Sightseeing is also glorious here as you can see the Pir Panjal and other mountain ranges from Hatu Peak. You will also explore Kacheri which is located in proximity to Narkanda. This gem is packed with many attractions, such as Mahamaya Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali, and the snow-covered temple. All the gems are such a beautiful sight to behold.
Distance from Shimla: 60 km
Key attractions: Hatu Peak, Hatu Temple, Jau Baug, Stokes Farm, Kacheri, Tani Jubbar Lake
Activities: Skiing, trekking, sightseeing
Best time to visit: April to June, October to February
5. Cheog
Cheog is among the best offbeat places near Shimla, and it is known as the perfect place to unwind and relax. The soul-impressing Cheog is nestled in a green mountainous area and dotted with apple orchards abound. Its proximity allows you to explore this gem whenever your heart desires. The summers are pleasant while the winters bring snowfall. So for a quick vacation, it makes the perfect fit. Activities include hiking to get a closer look at the hills, picnicking with your family, and horse riding.
Distance from Shimla: 23 km
Key attractions: Snowfall, Jai Tungesh Temple, Dharech Devi Temple
Activities: Hiking, picnicking, horse riding
Best time to visit: Throughout the year, during winter for snowfall
Suggested Read: Resorts in Shimla
6. Kasauli
Looking for offbeat places near Shimla that are filled to the brim with religious sites? It’s Kasauli! It has churches, gurudwaras, temples galore, and some of the best views. Reach the sunrise and sunset points to experience breathtaking valley and mountain vistas. Kasauli is the top choice for its serene surroundings and ample religious places when you want to take a break from polluted and populated areas. You can also enjoy trekking, walking, and birdwatching here.
Distance from Shimla: 73 km
Key attractions: Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, Sanjeevni Hanuman Temple, Christ Church, Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak ji, Baptist Church, Baba Balak Nath Temple, Gurkha Fort
Activities: Nature walking, trekking, birdwatching
Best time to visit: October to June
7. Kiarighat
Kiarighat is one offbeat place near Shimla that is best for unwinding and getting the city-life stress away. It is a tiny hill station perfect for a weekend away from all the chaos in your life. Plenty of deodar, oak, and pine trees here offer amusing vistas and a pleasant environment. Use the toy train to reach Kiarighat for a unique experience and let your mind relax by just sightseeing and absorbing all the good vibes. The Kali Bari temple is split into two premises. One temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali and the other to Lord Shiva.
Distance from Shimla: 28 km
Key attractions: Kali Bari temple
Activities: Sightseeing, paragliding
Best time to visit: December to July
Suggested Read: Reasons To Visit Mcleodganj This Summer
8. Shoja
Among the offbeat places near Shimla, Shoja is a little far from the rest, but it is quite worth it. It is located way up at 8,000 feet in the Seraj Valley. You can get a good sight of the Himalayan peaks from here, and the quiet around you will fill you with calm. Shoja is a perfect place for nature walks and to take a peek at the culture, architecture, and traditions of the Himachali people. Shoja is a mesmerizing offbeat destination for those who want inner peace.
Distance from Shimla: 146 km
Key attractions: Raghupur Fort, Serolsar Lake, Jalori Pass, waterfalls
Activities: Birdwatching, sightseeing, nature walks
Best time to visit: April to June
9. Kotgarh
When deciding on offbeat places near Shimla for friends, look no further than Kotgarh. It gives you the silence from city life while you explore the fantastic locations that are so well-connected. All of you can trek to the Hatu Peak where you will encounter pine, fir, and oak trees. Another trekking option is Mural Danda to see waterfalls, rhododendron plants, deodar, and oak trees. If you want a slice of the region, then you must visit the Kotgarh village and stay to enjoy the local fairs.
Distance from Shimla: 75 km
Key attractions: Kotgarh village, local fairs, Nati
Activities: Basleo Pass trekking, Mural Danda trekking, Hatu Peak trekking, sightseeing
Best time to visit: April to October
Suggested Read: Adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh
10. Prashar Lake
This freshwater lake is situated at a whopping 2,730 meters and offers whimsical views. It is believed that when Rishi Prashar struck his rod in the ground, the water gushed out, and it soon turned into a lake. Right next to it, you will see a Pagoda-style architectural marvel in the form of a temple. Furthermore, you can walk around the lake area, enjoy the view of the Himalayan ranges, and spend some time camping too. Moreover, if you want the best of this out of all the offbeat places near Shimla, come in June for the Saranauhali fair.
Distance from Shimla: 177 km
Key attractions: Rishi Temple, Saranauhali fair
Activities: Camping, trekking, sightseeing, nature walks
Best time to visit: Mid-April to May, June (for Saranauhali fair), December to Mid-March (for snowfall)
Further Read: Homestays in Shimla
Shimla is the land of beauty and these offbeat destinations nearby add charm to it. These places are well-connected to Shimla and offer a revitalizing experience in a world full of chaos and noise. Which of these offbeat places near Shimla are you excited to visit first? Don’t forget to add these to your itinerary when planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh by yourself or with friends and family.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Offbeat Places Near Shimla
Which places in Shimla are unique?
Theog, Naldehra, Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Chail, Cheog, Scandal Point, and Shoja are some of the best offbeat places in and near Shimla.
Is Shimla better than Chail?
Shimla is a popular tourist destination while Chail is an offbeat place so the latter is cleaner, less populated, and less polluted. If you want to enjoy peacefulness and serenity, then choose Chail. If you love crowded places, go to Shimla.
Which place is called Queen of Hills in Himachal Pradesh?
Shimla is called the Queen of Hills because of the wonderful hills and mountains you can see there. Shimla’s area covers seven hills and it is full of rhododendrons, pine trees, and oak trees.
Which hidden places are within 50 km of Shimla?
Fagu, Sarahan, Cheog, Tirthan Valley, Theog, Matiana, Karsog, and Kiarighat are some of the offbeat places near Shimla that are within a 50 km radius.
Which are the posh areas in Shimla?
New Shimla, Chotta Shimla, and Sanjauli among others are some places where the elite live in Shimla.
Which place is Mini Shimla?
Mainpat, which is often known as the Mini Tibet due to how many Tibetians live there, is referred to as Mini Shimla. Mainpat is located in Chhattisgarh.
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