5-Day Shimla and Surroundings Itinerary: Explore the Queen of Hills and Nearby Gems

Day 1: Shimla Arrival and Local Sightseeing

Shimla, India on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wake & Bake Café

Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and delicious sandwiches in this cozy café, open from 7:30am to 5:00pm.
INR250, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit The Ridge

Explore The Ridge, Shimla’s popular open space offering beautiful views, colonial architecture, and a hub for cultural activities. Open all day.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Christ Church

Visit the Christ Church, the second oldest church in North India, known for its stained glass windows and gothic architecture. Visiting hours 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR20, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Himachali Rasoi

Enjoy authentic Himachali cuisine such as Chana Madra and Babru in this well-loved local restaurant. Open 11:00am to 8:00pm.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk on Mall Road

Stroll along Mall Road for shopping and people-watching. Experience local shops selling handicrafts, woollens, and souvenirs. Shops generally open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Indian Institute of Advanced Study

Tour the grand Viceregal Lodge, a historic building with beautiful gardens and colonial history. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR100, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Café Sol

Enjoy multi-cuisine dishes with a warm ambiance at Café Sol, open from 7:30am to 10:30pm, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 2: Nature & Heritage Tour

Shimla, India on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Start your day at this historic coffee house serving classic South Indian and North Indian breakfast options. Open from 7:00am to 3:00pm.
INR150, 1h0m

9:30am

Jakhoo Temple Trek

Hike up to Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Offers panoramic views of Shimla hills. Access open all day; climb takes around 1.5 hours.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Sol

Recharge with a fresh meal offering variety of dishes and exceptional views. Open 7:30am to 10:30pm.
INR500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Gaiety Theatre Visit

Explore the historic Gaiety Theatre, known for its colonial architecture and live performances. Open for tours 10:00am to 5:00pm.
INR50, 1h0m

4:00pm

Kali Bari Temple

Visit the temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, located on Observatory Hill, open daylight hours.
Free, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Restaurant at Clarkes Hotel

Dine in a colonial ambiance with a mix of Indian and continental cuisine. Open from 7:00am to 9:30pm.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 3: Relax and Explore Shimla

Shimla, India on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Simla Times

Enjoy a mix of Indian and continental breakfast options in a vibrant café setting, open from 7:30am to 10:30pm.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Lakkar Bazaar Shopping

Browse hand-carved wooden items, souvenirs, and woollens in this famous bazaar, open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Summer Hill Walk

Take a relaxing walk through Summer Hill, a quiet suburb with beautiful views and calm environment.
Free, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Ashiana & Goofa

Taste Himachali and North Indian dishes in a heritage building. Open 12:00pm to 10:00pm.
INR450, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Tara Devi Temple

Visit the serene Tara Devi Temple, located on a hilltop with panoramic views, open during daylight hours.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with contemporary food and drinks, open 12:00pm to 11:00pm.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 4: Day Trip to Kufri

Kufri & Shimla, India on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before heading out to Kufri.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Kufri

Drive approximately 16 km from Shimla to Kufri, an adventure and nature hotspot.
INR500 (taxi fare approx.), 30m

9:30am

Kufri Fun World

Enjoy rides, go-karting, and adventure sports including tobogganing, open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
INR600, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Burger Shop

Casual dining with tasty burgers and fast food, open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
INR350, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Mahasu Peak

Trek or drive to Mahasu Peak for breathtaking views of the Himalayas, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Shimla

Drive back to Shimla to relax after the day trip.
INR500 (taxi fare approx.), 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Shimla Times

Relax with a hearty meal offering both Indian and international cuisine.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 5: Mashobra & Naldehra Excursion

Mashobra, Naldehra & Shimla, India on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast at your hotel.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Mashobra

Travel approximately 12 km to Mashobra, a peaceful hill town renowned for nature walks and apple orchards.
INR500 (taxi fare approx.), 30m

9:00am

Nature Walk in Mashobra

Take calming walks in the pine forests and enjoy apple orchards. Ideal in the morning for birdwatching.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Drive to Naldehra

A short 10-minute drive to the famous Naldehra golf course and scenic spots.
Free, 15m

11:45am

Visit Naldehra Golf Course

Explore India’s oldest golf course set amid cedar trees and incredible mountain views. Open for visits all day.
INR100, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch at Naldehra Restaurant

Dine on local and Indian dishes at this quaint spot near the golf course, open 11:00am to 4:00pm.
INR450, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Shimla

Head back to Shimla for your last evening in the hills.
INR500 (taxi fare approx.), 30m

3:00pm

Relax at Hotel / Souvenir Shopping

Spend your afternoon leisurely packing, or explore any last-minute shopping on Mall Road.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at The Oberoi Cecil

Enjoy an elegant dining experience with classic and gourmet options to end your trip in style. Open till 10:30pm.
INR1200, 1h30m