Kufri

Acclaimed as a year round destination Kufri Hills are known for its panoramic views of snow clad Western Himalayan range and beautiful forest walks nurturing unique flora and fauna. The place was developed by British for winter sports, since then it has become one of a favorite tourist destination.

The drive passes through the heart of town and once we leave Dhali, the municipal limits of the town, one can opt to explore the Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary, a 138 year old protected coniferous forest aspire those who love nature walks, flower hunting, bird watching and Mountain Biking.

Also at the junction of the Sanctuary gate, for those who loves walks and bird watching, a road above bifurcates onto a ridgeline walk through the traces of Old Hindustan Road. This 45 minutes of lovely walk connects further with National Highway at Charabra.

For those who love driving they can continue from Dhali to Charabra and further to Kufri. Apart from its commanding mountain and views of valleys, Kufri houses a Nature park, with Himalayan wildlife and Pheasants of Western Himalaya.

While driving back to Shimla one can stop at Charabra for lunch and conclude a day around Kufri Hills.

Driving duration: 1.5 hours Hiking duration: 01 – 03 hours Services: Accompanying Naturalist

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Kufari view in shimla

Mashobra Valley Hike

Mashobra Valley Hike is an inclusive experience of a mountain countryside walk, with a peek into Natural, Social and Cultural aspects of Himalaya. Age old meandering trails sneaking under the shade of coniferous cover is a home to unique Himalayan flora and fauna. Four hours (can be customized) of moderately graded walk is an excellent way to appreciate Himalayan life and its natives.

Forty minutes of drive from Shimla brings us to Mashobra, a tiny hamlet perched on a mountain top. The hike descends through an old coniferous forest and reaching the transition zone of forest suddenly opensinto a wide valley studded with tiny hamlets surrounded by terraces in mountain slope.

After meeting and greeting natives, continue on the flat section connecting few more villages to reach a mountain ridge.

The concluding section of the hike ascends to reach the top of mountain offering panoramic views of snow-capped Himalaya. Stop for a cup of tea and drive back to Shimla.

Duration of Drive: 01 hour

Duration of Hike: 01 – 05 hours

Services: Accompanying Naturalist

Note: The entire experience can be customized into just a drive to village, an hour, two, three or four hours of hike.

Mashobra Valley Hike

Shali Peak ascent

An isolated pinnacle crested with Goddess Kali temple on its top is the highest peak in the vicinity of Shimla. Visible from the famous walking pedestrian The Ridge, in Shimla, hike to the summit is an excellen way to explore Shimla countryside.

Two and a half hours of a picturesque drive passes through the village of Mashobra. The drive further continues through Mashobra valley, dotted with quant villages and on steep slopes. Fertile terraces produce wide range of cereals, pulses and vegetables. The gushing streams, waterfall and rivers add music to these silent valleys.

Leaving car, at the base, summit becomes clearly visible and the hike winds up on an ancient bridle path. The soft grade of the path inspires to appreciate the unique Himalayan flora.

Walking for two hours to the mountain pass which connects Sutlej valley with Shimla, base of a small temple, here inscribes marble slab with the year of construction of road to Shali Peak.

Ascending further, the forest covers changes as the sweet aroma of Juniper trees invigorate the surroundings. This final climb now rewards the patient visitor with stunning views snow capped Himalayan ranges and numerous folded valleys which preserves rich Himalayan culture here.

At the summit it takes some time to imbibe the natural bounty and the spiritual power of the place. With a visit to the ancient temple and being blessed by Goddess Bhima Kali, it’s now time to enjoy a well deserved packed lunch. Bidding farewell to the place, it takes about two hours to descend to the car.

Driving hours from Shimla     4.5 hours

Duration of hike          04 – 05 hours

shali Trek

Narkanda

Narkanda is a town and a Nagar Panchayat in Shimla district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is at an altitude of 2708 meters on the Hindustan-Tibet Road in Himachal Pradesh, India.

Further 65 km north of Shimla, it is a beautiful hill station for a day’s drive around Shimla. The scenic drive passes through the hamlets Kufri, Fagu and Matyana. Drive from Shimla to Narkanda, en route stop at Kufri and Fagu to enjoy the panoramic views of Grater Western Himalaya.

The drive further passes the beautiful countryside of Matayna known for its apple orchards and farming terrace. Reach Narkanda, the drive ahead up to Hatu Peak passes through an old brown oak forest.

Those up for a walk can enjoy a lovely hike up to the Hatu peak, a 60 minutes lovely walk brings to the top offering panoramic views of the western Himalayas and Sutlej Valley. An accompanying Naturalist reveals the Himalayan secrets as we hike up to the top.

Visit the ancient temple on the top is dedicated to a Local Goddess adored with magnificent wooden work. Drive back to Narkanda and enjoy lunch at one of the hotels and proceed to Shimla.

In winter Narkanda is also known for its Skii slopes, the thick blanket of powdered snow, and for the evening drive back to Shimla.

Driving Duration: 04 hours

Hiking Duration: 01 – 03 hours

Services: Accompanying Naturalist