Shimla is an incredibly gorgeous city that no one can deny or question. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in our country, with thousands of visitors each year. Shimla and its surroundings offer numerous tourist attractions.
One such location near Shimla is the delightful tiny village of Mashobra, a tranquil and scenic Himachal town that also becomes politically significant at least once annually.
Mashobra is a little town about 11 kilometers from Shimla that may be easily reached in 30-40 minutes.
The town is situated at an average elevation of 2,146 meters, approximately 7,041 feet. A dense forest of pine, oak, Himalayan Deodar, and rhododendrons surround it. Every winter, it receives plenty of snow.
Despite its proximity to Shimla, Mashobra is less crowded, making it an ideal destination for anyone wishing to get away from the hustle and bustle.
This article will discuss the 15 best Places to visit in Mashobra in 2025.
Places to visit in Mashobra
Reserve Forest Sanctuary
It is one of the biggest watersheds in Asia and a very good tourist place for wildlife reconnaissance in Mashobra. The coarse jungle, covered by pine, oak, and deodar vegetation, is easily traversed.
Wildlife lovers will easily locate the Himalayan eagles, Barking deer, partridge, and leopards. You can opt for a picnic with family and friends or indulge in the quest of trekking and camping.
This Indus-encircled wildlife habitat possesses an overabundance of flora and fauna. The forest also presents a vantage point to view the marvelous beauty of the Pir Panjal Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir in clear weather conditions.
Its popularity is in soaring heights as it seems to present the perfect site for picnics paired with rich thick foliage coupled with the fauna to view.
Entry fee: Rs 25 per person
Distance from bus stand: 6.5 km
Craignano
Craignano is one of the most visited places in Mashobra. It is the quintessential Italian villa built by Chevalier Federico Pelite named after his hometown.
The oak and pine trees border the villa constructed out of wood. The uniqueness of the lawns, the vintage stone benches, and the arcane night lamps transport you to the colonial era and old-world Italy.
You will find an abundance of flowers from daffodils and hyacinths to asphodels and Celandine.
It also posits itself as a preferred picnic spot where you can enjoy activities such as rappelling, rock climbing, and fishing.
During winter, the place looks ravishing especially when covered in thick inches of snow.
Entry fee: Free of cost
Distance from bus stand: 4.5 km
Wild Flower Hall
The deodar forests engulfing it and the rich ornamentations of the mansion welcome you to enjoy the glory of its existence.
Majestic in its appearance it has made it one of the most sought after locations to visit in Mashobra.
Initially, the place was said to be resided by Kitchener of Khartoum; however, it was burnt down during the year 1993 and was later constructed into a rich and plush hotel.
The hotel is a grand amalgamation of rich architecture and modern amenities which include swimming, spa, yoga, fitness center, concierge, and banquet.
The rooms in the Hotel are spacious and royal with an in-the-house dining facility.
Entry fee: None
Distance from bus stand: 4 km
Tattapani
The Tattapani River is famous because of its hot water springs coming out of the Sutlej River. Here you can enjoy the hot water baths in the open river bed and fenced water body.
The dip in these hot waters is said to possess superior medicinal values so that it will cure all your skin ailments. It is quite famous for its whitewater river rafting activity.
This place is perfect for the enthusiasts of water sports. The river is just 10 km from Soni Valley, which is very ideal for a serene walk to absorb the beauty of nature.
The Shiva cave is also located at a distance of just 3 km from here. It is a dark mysterious cave dedicated to the mighty Lord Shiva.
Entry fee: Free of cost
Distance from bus stand: 42 km
Lakka Bazaar
This colorful market arena sells everything. When I say everything, it’s literally “everything” from the wooden possessions to the souvenirs. And if there are shopaholics around, their bags will be full of the goodies from this haven.
You’d get the best and the finest woodwork here as a wooden handicraft piece. Here you can view a great miniature world encompassing miniatures of automobiles like a car, trucks, and cycles.
With that, it has special decor pieces and furniture designs, too, which are meant to be owned outright.
The wooden beauties are specially designed by skillful and talented Sikhs who are in good numbers here. Other than the items of decoration, you can also buy dry fruits and natural herbs from the market.
Near to the marketplace is the rink for skating which presents as a good spot for family and kids.
Entry fee: None
Distance from bus stand: 5 km
Chadwick Falls
Wonders galore in the glen forest, and Chadwick Falls is one among them. The sparkling glimmering crystal clear sparkling water offers the most fascinating scenes you have ever faced.
To have a refreshing experience away from the limelight and hustle of the city, you have to visit this place.
Famous among all the youth, it’s an amazing honeymoon destination. You can spend quality time with your love while taking a refreshing dip in its pure waters.
The monsoon supposedly is the best time to visit here to witness the profusion of water surges. To reach the falls you need to trek from the forest.
The British visitors gave it the name “Chadwick Falls” while the authorities as a form of rechristening from its old name called this place “Chidku Jhaar”
Entry fee: None
Distance from bus stand: 7 km
Mahasu Devta Temple
Mahasu Devta is a Lord Shiva temple situated in the rural areas of Mashobra. It is a very beautiful shrine which is open to local as well as tourists.
You will get the pleasure of serenity and peacefulness in the consecrated sanctum.
The most common festival celebrated here is Mahasu Jatra, the 2 days, occurring every year in the third week of May. It is considered a celebration of the idol change of Lord Shiva.
The festival showcases magnificent beauty, multicolored sites, folk dances, tribal dances, archery competitions, and other traditional activities that make this place even more beautiful.
The luminosity of the milieu and richness of traditions can only be noticed if one is part of this vibrant two-day celebration.
Entry fee: None
Jakhu Temple
The Jakhu temple is located at the highest peak of Shimla. It is the abode of Lord Hanuman and is located at about 8500 feet.
The temple is situated amidst deep and luscious forests of the Jakhu hills, believed to be as old as the Ramayana. The gigantic statuette of Lord Hanuman is visible from different places in Shimla.
Every year thousands of devotees visit here to seek blessings from the Monkey God. To see the temple, one needs to journey 2 km uphill.
Shivalik Mountains and the Sanjauli town are placed at vantage points from the temple which makes it an obligatory addition to the best places to visit in Mashobra.
Entry fee: None
Distance from bus stand: 9.5 km
Mahasu Peak
If you want to be astounded by the breathtaking views of Kedarnath and Badrinath then the Mahasu Peak is surely among the best places to visit in Mashobra.
Adventurers and courageous tourists can hike through dense deodar trees. Because of its snow-capped beauty, the winter season is an excellent time to explore Kufri’s highest peak.
Paddling on your horse allows you to enjoy spectacular views from the crest. The skiing season also attracts adventurers looking to overcome the rough terrains.
You can also take a short haul on the way up to Nag Devta temple. The mountain trek can be exhausting yet the professional trekkers will love their trail I’m sure.
For a close view of the hills, telescope viewing is also available at a meager cost.
Entry fee: None
Distance from bus stand: 8 km
The Presidential Retreat
The official retreat residence of the President of India, located on the Chharabra peak. It is one of the sites to visit in Mashobra as it is a place rich in architecture and a radiantly vibrant atmosphere.
The retreat is visited by the president once a year for two weeks in the summer to host an official meeting with delegates.
The edifice’s defining characteristic is its timber structure with dajji wall construction covering an area of 10,000 square feet. The 16-room building sits a thousand feet higher than Shimla’s ridge top and is surrounded by natural forests.
To view the magnificence, specific permission from government authorities is required.
Entry fee: Depends on the time of visit
Distance from bus stand: 15 km from Shimla bus stand
Kufri
Kufri is a small little hill town, 20km from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
It was known to be the summer retreat for the British in 1819. Kufri still has its past around with colonial buildings and architecture.
Located at an altitude of 2720 meters above sea level, Kufri is the starting point for some of the famous treks in Himachal.
Two of the most sought after places in Kufri are Mahasu Peak trek and Fagu valley-except that you could hike or ride a pony from the parking lot to reach the top.
Pony rides can be easily found there to get atop Mahasu Peak, where most of the adventure activities are located. The ride of a pony should be able to cost you approximately INR 500 per head for a round trip from the parking spot.
Distance from bus stand: 19.5 km from Shimla bus stand
Shali Tibba
It is located in the Khatnol village, From Shimla it is about 35 km from Shimla. Shali Tibba is also known by the locals as 360 where you can get a panoramic view of Kufri, Fagu, Shimla and Narkanda Hills.
The elevation of Shali Tibba is 2873 meters, and the trail is majorly covered by forests. There is a temple of Goddess Bhimakali on the mountain top which the locals worship.
At the top, a temple to Goddess Bhimakali forms a revered landmark at the summit, giving scenic beauty a spiritual dimension.
For anyone looking for an outing to explore and refresh his spirit, Shali Tibba Hill is a perfect destination. The 4-5 km steep trek is quite a haul, but it is well worth the trouble as the views from the summit are nothing short of spectacular.
The surrounding natural beauty provides one with a sense of peace and connection with the earth.
Distance from bus stand: 42 km from Shimla bus stand
Fagu
Fagu is a silent snow-clad village at an elevation of 2500 meters. It is approximately 45 minutes drive from Shimla.
It is believed that Fagu got its name from the word ‘fog’. It is famous for apple plantations, sowing fields, and the snow-capped Himalayas in the background.
Because it is not so frequently visited by tourists, Fagu is a honeymooner’s paradise. It is also in great demand by trekkers and nature lovers.
It remains covered with mist throughout for almost 9 months of the year. The area is full of pine and cedar trees which give the area an aesthetic look, in a beautiful dreamy landscape.
Along with these, apple trees are there that boast rich red apples. There are Potato Fields as well which can often be viewed.
Even some animals can be sighted, namely the snow leopard, yaks, and ponies who are also residents of Fagu.
Distance from bus stand: 23 km from Shimla bus stand
Theog
A silent retreat and one of the lesser crowded attractions of the state, Theog in Himachal Pradesh, warmly wrapped in the arms of the mighty Himalayas, has everything a popular hill station can give you minus the tourist rush.
Located comfortably in the lap of nature, 32 km away from the main town of Shimla, Theog makes up for a beautiful weekend getaway in the hills.
It is also one of the most favorite options as a camping site for campers.
Much away from the chaos of cities and excitedly cheering joy and chatter of renowned tourist places, Theog is a relatively lesser-known destination providing tranquility and nature.
Distance from bus stand: 33 km from Shimla bus stand
Naldehra
Naldehra is the smallest bewitching hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Here, nature enthusiasts will find themselves delighted owing to the stunning surroundings.
Naldehra is known for its greenery, golf course, and plain view of the mountains with pine, cedar, and deodar trees. With the backdrop of mountains and the Sutlej River flowing through, Naldehra is simply breathtaking.
Naldehra did not gain notice till the early years of the 21st century when the British Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, explored the place and was captivated by the natural grandeur of this region.
Here, the tourist can spend a marvelous afternoon in this green valley or take a horse ride to the Naldehra golf course. Naldehra is a must-visit during your Mashobra or Shimla tour.
Distance from bus stand: 28 km from Shimla bus stand
Conclusion
After years, Mashobra is still a quiet little town hidden in the trees somewhere up in the hills. This is why you should visit it.
No matter how beautiful and scenic Shimla may be, the fact is that it does get a lot crowded during peak tourist season. It would even feel like you just went from one city to another rather than a hill station.
In a case like this, Mashobra sounds like a perfect place to spend some time in. It is far away from everything happening in Shimla but gives everything that Shimla gives.