Day 1: Kufri, Fagu, Mashobra and Naldehra
- Kufri (about 16 km): pony rides up to Mahasu peak, the Himalayan Nature Park and snow in winter.
- Fagu (about 22 km): quiet apple orchards and wide views over the valley.
- Rashtrapati Niwas, Chharabra: the President's summer retreat near Mashobra, open to visitors on ticket. Book online ahead and check opening days.
- Mashobra (about 12 km): pine forests and the Craignano nature park.
- Naldehra (about 22 km): one of the oldest golf courses in India, set in deodar forest.
Day 2: Shimla town and heritage
- Indian Institute of Advanced Study: the former Viceregal Lodge on Observatory Hill, about 4 km from the Ridge, with guided tours of the building and gardens.
- Jakhu Temple: the hilltop Hanuman temple with its giant statue.
- The Ridge, Christ Church and Mall Road: on foot. We drop you at the lift and pick you up when you're done.
- Tara Devi temple: on a hill just outside the city, with views back over Shimla.
Further from Shimla
Chail (about 45 km) has a palace hotel and one of the highest cricket grounds in the world. Tattapani (about 50 km) on the Sutlej has hot-water baths; the original springs now lie under the Kol Dam lake. Either makes a good third day.
Snow and road closures
After heavy snowfall, the road beyond Dhalli towards Kufri and Narkanda can close for a day or two. We check conditions each morning and tell you what is open before we set off.
