From Shimla, several excellent day trips are possible by taxi. Kufri (16 km, 45 min) — snow point, horse riding, mini zoo. Chail (45 km, 1.5 hrs) — world's highest cricket ground, beautiful forest. Fagu (22 km) — quiet apple orchard village with great Himalayan views. Mashobra (12 km) — peaceful village near the President's summer retreat. Naldehra (23 km) — India's highest golf course. Tattapani (50 km) — hot sulphur springs on Sutlej River. Narkanda (64 km) — excellent skiing in winter, great apple country. Hire a local taxi from Shimla or pre-arrange with EZPZ Taxi — call +91-9871121217.
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Shimla is surrounded by stunning destinations — all reachable as day trips. Here's the complete guide to the best excursions, with distances and fares from Shimla:
Top Day Trips from Shimla
1. Kufri — 16 km (30 min, ₹800–1,200 return)
A compact hill resort at 2,622m — higher than Shimla. In winter: ski slope, snow tubing, horse riding in snow. In summer: hiking trails, a small Himalayan Nature Park (entry ₹30). Views of Hatu Peak.
2. Chail — 45 km (1.5 hrs, ₹1,800–2,500 return)
Maharaja of Patiala's former private retreat — built after the British banned him from Shimla. Highlights: the world's highest cricket ground (2,250m), Chail Palace (heritage hotel), dense pine and cedar forests. Much quieter than Shimla. 👉 Chail guide
3. Naldehra — 22 km (45 min, ₹1,000–1,400 return)
Scotland-like landscape — rolling meadows, a colonial-era 9-hole golf course (one of India's oldest), deodar forests. Horse riding available. Very peaceful, picnic-perfect.
4. Tattapani — 51 km (1.5 hrs, ₹2,200–3,000 return)
Natural sulphur hot springs on the banks of the Sutlej River. Bathing in the warm mineral pools with a Himalayan gorge backdrop — remarkable. Best combined with Rampur for a longer day trip.
5. Fagu & Theog — 22 km and 30 km
Apple orchard country — in August–October the orchards are loaded with apples. You can buy freshly picked apples directly from farmers. Fagu has excellent valley views.
6. Hatu Peak — 54 km from Shimla (via Narkanda)
At 3,400m — the highest driveable point near Shimla. Hatu Mata Temple at the top. Snow until May. On clear days: views of Kinnaur and distant Spiti.
Full-Day Multi-Stop Circuit
Shimla → Kufri (30 min) → Chail (1 hr) → Naldehra (1.5 hrs back) → Shimla
EZPZ local sightseeing cab from Shimla: 8-hour package from ₹2,200–3,000 depending on vehicle.
👉 Full Shimla destination guide 👉 Book Shimla local taxi | +91-9871121217
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