Nature walks in Shimla: Hiking

Why do we go hiking?

Hiking is a recreational activity where we walk because we want to, not because we have to. The journey is more important than the destination.  Shimla is a hikers paradise and is best seen by walking and all major points the ridge the mall etc are covered on foot only. As the temperatures are pleasant and the natural scenes outstanding complete with cool air the environment drives you to walk in Shimla to enjoy its beauty.You need to carry woolen cloths.

Hiking is a great way to explore nature. Hiking win Shimla will bring you back to nature.

From Scandal Point to the Former Vice regal Lodge

A round trip will cover approximately six kilometers along level stretches and slopes. From Scandal Point on the mall, this walk goes to the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, the former Viceregal Lodge.

With twists and turns, the route is across the non-shopping areas of the mall; and this walk is designed to include as many of the interesting site that lie along or just off the track.

The following places will come en-route

Start: Scandal Point, General Post Office (GPO), St. Andrew’s Church, Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), Bantony, Kali Bari Temple, Railway Board Building, Gorton Castle, The Vidhan Sabha , Chaura Maidan, The Cecil hotel,  State Museum, AIR Shimla,  Viceregal Lodge (now, the Indian Institute of Advanced Study), and while comming back State Bank Of India heritage building  ,St. Michael’s Cathedral, telegraph Office.

The Glen and Annandale Walks

The Glen Walk

From Scandal Point to the Glen which is a narrow valley through which a stream flows. This is more of a nature trail that goes to one of Shimla’s most popular picnic sport. This walk covers about seven to eight kilometers from Scandal Point. Plan for three hours or longer. On the way see the trees, the little stream, the birds, and perhaps some deer and butterflies while we are at it.

The Annandale Walk

This passes through thick deodar woods to reach a large open glade. The walk towards Annandale is largely downhill and all uphill on the return. From Scandal Point on the mall, this cover a distance of six seven kilometers. Plan for three hours or more. The routs may also be dovetailed with the Glen Walk, which will then take a total of around five hours or more and will cover eight to twelve kilometers.

Trip to Jakho temple

Jakho (Jakhoo, Jakhu) is the hill that dominates Shimla and is topped by the temple dedicated to lord Hanuman. The walk starts from the Ridge to the Hanuman temple and back. The total walk route covers a little over five kilometers. Plan for two hours or more. The views from the top are excellent. This is also the highest peak in Shimla.

A short walk through Shimla’s Lower Bazaar.

The Lower Bazaar runs roughly parallel to the Mall. This walk starts at the deputy commissioners office and winds up at the Sher-e-Punjab restaurant end.  Depending on the time you take to dissect the shops, sample the wares, jostle and be jostled, the walking time is just about half an hour. The distance is barely a kilometers and a half.

Look for the architecture, the shops, the Ganj and the the tunnel

From Boileauganj to the temple of Kamna Devi

This petite and beautiful temple is dedicated to Kamna Devi. It is on top of the Prospect Hill. A 15 minute climb from  Prospect Hill is another favorite walk in Shimla and vantage point with breath-taking views. Boileauganj is on the western part of Shimla beyond Indian Institute of advance studies.

From Scandal Point to Chadwick Falls and back through Summer Hill after a glimpse of Potters’ Hill.

Chadwick Falls – which everyone includes, is his or her itinerary but never gets around to visiting – lie in the western edges of Shimla, as dose potters Hill. This is a long walk and if you intend using your legs all the way from Scandal Point and back, plan for five to six hours. You will cover between twelve to fifteen kilometers along slopes and level stretches. The last leg of two Kilometers or so is along a narrow path in a forest.

Highlights Built heritage up to the former Viceregal Lodge, Summer Hill, The woods and views, Chadwick Falls, Potters’ Hill, Summer Hill Railway Station, Boileauganj (if included), Prospect Hill And the temple of Kamna Devi (if included)

Kufri near Shimla

Just 18 Kilometers from Shimla Kufri at an altitude of 2510 m is the most popular tourist spot around Shimla. The Kufri Shimla distance can be covered in half an hour by car. This place is famous for hiking, skiing, beautiful scenes and a cool environment. The Skiing season spreads between November to February and the tourist inflow is at its peak during winters because everyone lands up here to ski and throw snowballs at each other and one can also enjoy the activities.

Kufri Weather

Kufri’s altitude is 500 meters higher than Shimla, so this place is colder than Shimla. On an average the temperature in Kufri is 3 to 5 degrees less than Shimla. Kufri receives more snowfall than Shimla.

Kufri weather is pleasant in April May and June months with nature at its best. December January and February months are famous for winter sports and playing in the snow. Due to heavy snowfall in winter months the roads get blocked and there is disruption in traffic also.

Kufri sightseeing places | Things to see and do

Kufri has a number of tourist spots for sightseeing offering panoramic views of the distant Himalayas apart from its beautiful natural surroundings. The main attraction of the scenic Kufri however lies in the adventure options that are offered here.

The Himalayan Nature Park

The Himalayan Nature Park is located amidst 90 hectares of temperate vegetation that forms natural habitat for many a wild animals of the Western Himalayas. The Himalayan Nature Park here has a good collection of animals and birds found in the region. In this park rare varieties of Hangal, Barking Deer, Musk Deer, Brown Bear, rare species of Monal and other pheasants are kept in social groupings. A vast collection of migratory birds can also be sighted inside the Nature park.

Walkways in the Nature Park help the visitors to appreciate Nature in its most serene self. While inside the Nature Park, one can also enjoy, on a clear day, a breathtaking view of the entire range of Himalayas snow clad peaks.

Yak and horse riding

Another adventure option in Kufri is Yak and Horse riding. This is one of the best way to enjoy the landscape. Passing through the exuberantly green woodlands, sky soaring mountains and gurgling rivers, the journey through this mode of will give you excellent delectation and gratification.

Mahasu Peak

Mahasu Peak is the highest peak in Kufri, offering breathtaking views of its surroundings. The path leading to the peak is surrounded by wooded forests of spruce and deodar. The Mahasu Ridge offers a great opportunity for skiing. The slopes at Mahasu Peak are best for beginners.

Fagu

Picturesquely located amid forests and apple orchards on a pass between two valleys, Fagu is a vantage point with panoramic views of the higher ranges and valleys. Just 6 km from Kufri and 22 km from Shimla Fagu is located at the height of 2509 meters. Fagu has a rest house and tourist bungalow overlooking the Giri valley.

Skiing in Kufri

Shiing season in Kufri is from December to February. During the winter months bands of ski enthusiasts from all over the country drift from the snowy fields of Kufri to Narkanda in search of the finest ski slopes on which to flaunt their expertise. There is a wide range of Skiing slopes in Kufri, where there are slopes to suit ever king of skier. There’s a beginner’s run, an advanced slope and slalom run. Government too has taken care by offering ski courses, and gives out equipment on hire at Kufri. To indulge in some difficult skiing trek, then try this sport at Mahasu, situated above Kufri.

Hotels in Kufri

There are a few hotels and an amusement park in Kufri. Kufri Holiday Resort and Kufri Holiday Inn are two famous Kufri Hotels. Staying in these hotels is a pleasure in the summer months but staying there in winter months can make you uncomfortable due to low temperatures. Roads get blocked in winter season and there are chances that you are not able to Check-in at your hotel  or get stuck in your hotel. Keep these travel tips in mind before booking  hotel in Kufri in the winter season.

Tattapani in Shimla Hills

This place is is known for its hot water springs on the banks of the river Satluj, white water rafting and adventure sports. Tattapani is located at a distance of 51 kilometers from Shimla. The place is at an elevation of 655 meters above sea level. Being at a lower altitude than Shimla this place is comparatively warmer than Shimla. Mashobra and Naldehra tourist spots are on the way while going to Tattapani so you can enjoy over there.

Tattapani: Getting there

Distance: 51 Kms from Shimla on the Shimla Naldehra Mandi road

Travel time: two hours

Travel mode:  By road only, preferable in a car

Sunrise Travels offer full day Tattapani Trip by Indicia Car for  Rs 2100 only by tata indica  and Rs 2400 by Tavara.

Things to see and do at Tattapani near Shimla

The Tattapani village is spread in about a kilometer of area and there are a number of activities that can be done here

Hot sulphur Springs

Tattapani is an ideal locale for enjoyment and recreation. The springs are found on the banks of river Sutlej covering an area of one square kilometer. People from all over the country visit the place to take a dip into the sulphur water of the spring. A dip into the water of the spring provides relief to the people suffering from joint pains, fatigue or any type of skin disease and hence has got a great medicinal quality. This natural sulphur spring is pure and has curative powers of various kinds. The temperature of the water keeps fluctuating depending on the water level of the river.

White river rafting in the Sutlej River

Tattapani is only place in Shimla where you can do white water reafting. The powerhouse at Chabba which is 18 kms from Naldehra provides a starting point for the 11 km river rafting stretch to Tattapani. Peak season is during April to June

Grade II rapids are between Chabba and Tattapani, a 14 km course. It takes about one to one-and-a-half hour to cover the distance.

Grade IV rapids are between Pandowa to Tattapani, which is a 36 km course.  It takes about three and half hours to cover the distance. A minimum of four persons are required for a rafting trip.

The following are required for river rafting. The same are available on rent at various shops around rafting sites or from the Himachal Tourism (HPTDC) offices

Dinghy (expansive rubber life raft)

Life jackets

Helmets

Apart from this you need to carry some personal belongings like sunscreen lotion, first aid kit, and shoes.

River rafting training

You can take up course on river rafting offered by HPTDC and private operators. It is very easy to learn this sport.

For Rafting and related activities get in Touch with Sunrise Travels Shimla

Mountain Biking / cycling

Cycling is a unique and great refreshing experience along the banks of river Sutlej. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of the river the flora and fauna and village life. The cycling trek is 12 kilometers long having lots of upside and downside curves in a very peaceful environment in the lap of nature. If you are more enthusiastic you can go up to the higher stretch called Chindi village which is 30 kilometers from Tattapani.  All the cycling needs are provided by the hotel Hot Spring Therme and Spa located on the banks of the river at Tattapani.

Collecting stones from the Sutlej River

There are huge numbers of round and oval stones in the river bank which have become very smooth in touch as they have come rolling from far distant mountains. The stones are in various colors and shapes which are collectible items.

Hotels in Tattapani

There are a few hotels in Tattapani but the best one is Hotel Hot Springs Therme and Spa.They arrange river rafting, cycling and camping expeditions also.  Other are budget category hotels. All these hotels are  located nearby the banks of the river Sutlej. Finding a suitable accommodation is not a problem in Tattapani as few tourists stay back, other prefer to return to Shimla.