Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and is one of the most magnificent hill stations too. In recent years Shimla has become quite populated with a huge crowd of tourists, especially during the summer months. Now nature lovers are trying to explore some of the hidden hill stations near Shimla to avoid that crowd and still enjoy the striking beauty of nature. Given below is the list of a few such hill stations near Shimla that will offer you a splendid and memorable trip to Shimla.

1. Mashobra

Mashobra is a place where one can spend time amidst the fascinating lush green landscape having just a few people around. It is a perfect holiday destination for a nature lover. One can explore this place on their short weekend trip as well as on long trips as it offers a perfect blend of serenity and tranquility. This place is also referred to as the Quieter Shimla and is really a calming hill station where you can sense peace all around. Is one of the best hill stations that are to be explored near Shimla.

Distance from Shimla: 13km

Exploring duration: 1 night and 2 days

Top attractions: Mahasu Peak & Fair and Reserve Forest Sanctuary.

Top activities: Quad biking, Bird watching, and camping.

Places to stay: Mashobra Greens, The Retreat Mashobra, Zostel Homes Mashobra, Mashobra Green Cottages and camps, etc. 

Best time to visit: April to June

How to reach: The nearest railway station is Shimla railway station and the nearest airport is Chandigarh airport. 

2. Solan

Solan is famous for its mushroom farming and is also referred to as the mushroom capital of India. It is one of the best places that can be visited around Shimla. One can explore this brilliant destination throughout the year as this place has really amazing climate. Solan is a Perfect Combination of mountains, Hills and forests which attracts nature lovers from all over India. One can also enjoy hiking expeditions at Solan.

Distance from Shimla: 46 km

Exploring duration: 1 night and 2 days

Top attractions: Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park, Karol Tibba, Shoolini Devi temple and The Menri Monastery.

Top activities: Seek blessings at Jatoli temple, Hiking, and scenic views.

Places to stay: Winsum Hill Solan, The Garden Courts, Kailash Homestay, Amravati Resort, etc. 

Best time to visit: all year round.

How to reach: The nearest railway station is Kalka railway station and the nearest airport is Chandigarh airport. 

3. Chail

Chail is such a destination that resembles Shimla and is one of the hill stations that is located in proximity to Shimla and offers the postcard view where one can witness The Mighty Himalayas in the backdrop. This destination is also referred to as the summer capital of Patiala. Chail is also the part of Himachal Pradesh Golden Triangle along with Kufri and Shimla. It is such a hill station in Himachal which is famous for its charm and beauty all around India.

Distance from Shimla: 56 km

Exploring duration: 1 night and 2 days

Top attractions: Chail Place, Kali Tibba, Sidh Baba temple, Junga Fort and Kumbh Shiv Temple.

Top activities: Horse riding, Nature walking, Rock climbing, and camping.

Places to stay: Hotel Grand Sunset, Jungle stay Camp Retreat, Golden Valley Cottages, Village live in Resort Chail, etc. 

Best time to visit: All year-round.

How to reach: The nearest railway station is Kandaghat railway station and the nearest airport is Jabarhatti airport. 

4. Kasauli

Kasauli is one of the best tourist attractions located near Shimla this is a small hill town that gives a refreshing Vibe. One can experience the soothing environment at Kasauli that never fails to attract tourists. It is also known as the best colonial hill station as most of the buildings were built during the British time in British architecture. One can perform some interesting activities and visit some interesting attractions of Kasauli such as the sunset point, temples, churches, monkey point, nature trail and many more. Kasauli is a must-visit hill station located in the proximity of Shimla.

Distance from Shimla: 70 km

Exploring duration: 1 night and 2 days

Top attractions: visit temples & Churches and Pine Hill Eco Camp.

Top activities: Trekking, Toy train ride, and Bar Hangout.

Places to stay: Hotel Kasauli Regency, Kasauli Exotica, Kasauli Nature cottage, Orchid Kasauli, etc. 

Best time to visit: All year round

How to reach: The nearest railway station is Kalka railway station and the nearest airport is Chandigarh airport. 

5. Parwanoo

Parwanoo is a hill station that offers a fascinating view of Hills and orchards. There are several attractions located near Parwanoo that attracts a huge crowd of tourist. At this destination, one can enjoy the ropeway ride at Timber Trail Resort. You can also explore temples, markets and Gardens at Parwanoo. Other than this one can also seek the blessing at Kali Mata temple.

Distance from Shimla: 83km

Exploring duration: 1 night and 2 days

Top attractions: Timber Trail Resort and Kali Mata temple.

Top activities: Cable car ride, Sunset watching, and Exploring fruit orchards.

Places to stay: Hotel Windsmoor National Parwanoo, Timber Trail Resort, Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort, Birds view hotel, etc. 

Best time to visit: October to November and March to May

How to reach: The nearest railway station is Kalka railway station and the nearest airport is Chandigarh airport. 

6. Kufri

The literal translation of Kufri means lake and is one of the most fascinating hill stations near Shimla. Kufri offers the perfect ambiance to stay during the summer season and remains filled with the thick sheet of Snow during the winter months. It is one of the best alternatives for the one who is looking to stay near Shimla but away from the crowd. One can encounter wildlife while being in Kufri and can enjoy the York ride too.

Distance from Shimla: 18 km

Exploring duration: 1 night and 2 days

Top attractions: Kufri Fun World, Himalayan Nature Park and Mahasu Peak.

Top activities: wildlife watching, Skiing, and Horse riding.

Places to stay: Treebo trend snow view resort, Radisson Kufri, The Alpine woods etc. 

Best time to visit: November to March.

How to reach: The nearest railway station is Broad Gauge railway station and the nearest airport is Jubbarhatti airport. 

7. Fagu

Fagu is such a destination which is like a big surprise in a small package. This is a small hill station but offers ample opportunities to attract its tourists. Fargo is a scenic hill station near Shimla. This little town offers the site of green refreshing feel with the Mighty Himalayan ranges in the backdrop. It is a perfect place if you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing vacation along with your family. One can also explore the similar reserve forest century while being at Fagu.

Distance from Shimla: 21 km

Exploring duration: 1 night and 2 days

Top attractions: Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary and Old Gurkha Fort.

Top activities: Explore wildlife reserves, Palaces, and temples.

Places to stay: Snowlineview Homestay, The Tikker, Talaighar Homestay, etc. 

Best time to visit: October to December and February to April.

How to reach: The nearest railway station is Shimla railway station and the nearest airport is Jubbarhatti airport. 

8. Kiarighat

Kiarighat is a place that is filled with the beauty of Deodar, oak and Pine trees. It is one of the best hill stations located near Shimla where one can spend some quality time and can rejuvenate along with their friends and families. This destination attracts thousands of visitors from all around India throughout the year. It is one of the best places located near Delhi having the beauty and charm that a nature lover needs.

Distance from Shimla: 25 km

Exploring duration: 1 night and 2 days

Top attractions: Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharaja's Palace, Dagshai, and Summer Hill.

Top activities: Explore ancient British Architecture and Apple Cart Inn.

Places to stay: Apple Cart Inn, Turquoise Resort, Ramshehar Fort Resort, etc. 

Best time to visit: March to June.

How to reach: The nearest railway station is Kandaghat railway station and the nearest airport is Jubbarhatti airport. 

9. Naldehra

Naldera is a small hill station near Shimla in a nutshell. It is a perfect gateway for the one who is looking for some quality time away from the hustle-bustle of city life. This place is famous for its 9-hole Golf Course. This is one of the perfect places where you can so soak up their mind, soul and body with the pure beauty of nature. One can also enjoy the adventure activity like river rafting in Chabba and can trek to the Shaily peak

Distance from Shimla: 26 km

Exploring duration: 1 night and 2 days

Top attractions: Tattapani, Kogi Mata Temple and Shaily Peak.

Top activities: Trekking and River rafting at Chabba.

Places to stay: The Kutir, Marigold Sarovar Portico,The Manor Hotel etc. 

Best time to visit: May to September.

How to reach: The nearest railway station is Shimla railway station and the nearest airport is Jubbarhatti airport. 

10. Theog

Theog is the best hill station near Shimla which is a small municipality. This hill station is located at an elevation of 1965 m above sea level. This place is also referred to as the town of five Ghats which includes the ridges like Rahi Ghat, Bagaghat, Premghat, Deori ghat and Janoghat. This is a beautiful town which is located away from the busy city life and is beautifully embraced by the Himalayan ranges. It is the perfect weekend getaway for the locals as well as other people who wish to visit Shimla but want to stay away from the crowd. One can also enjoy camping and hiking at this place.

Distance from Shimla: 28 km

Exploring duration: 1 night and 2 days

Top attractions: Khara Pathar, Pabbar Valley and Fagu Ski Resort.

Top activities: Hiking, and camping.

Places to stay: De Exotica Crest Resort & spa, Gadegal Homestay, Treebo Trend Snow View Resort, Snow King Retreat, etc. 

Best time to visit: October to November and March to May

How to reach: The nearest railway station is Shimla railway station and the nearest airport is Chandigarh airport.