One day covers Shimla's best-known sights if you start at 08:30: Jakhu Temple, then Kufri for the pony ride to Mahasu Peak and lunch, then Fagu. It is about 43 km by cab, back at the Lift by about 14:30. Spend the rest of the day on foot on the Ridge, the Mall and Lakkar Bazaar.
Jakhu Temple first, before its midday break, then east to Kufri for the pony ride to Mahasu Peak and lunch, and on to Fagu for the view. About 43 km by cab, back at the Lift by about 14:30, with the late afternoon free to walk the Ridge, the Mall and Lakkar Bazaar.
A Hanuman temple on Jakhu Hill, the highest point in Shimla. A tall orange Hanuman statue stands beside it and can be seen from much of the town. From the top, the view runs over Shimla's rooftops and the hills around.
Tip: The monkeys here grab glasses, phones and food, so put them away before you get out. A ropeway also runs up from near the Ridge, if you would rather not drive.
A small hill town east of Shimla, known for snow in winter and pony rides up to Mahasu Peak through deodar forest. On a clear day the peak looks out to the high snow ranges. Kufri Fun World, a small amusement park, is near the top.
Tip: Cars stop in Kufri and the last part is by pony or on foot, on a muddy track. Agree the pony price and the stops before you set off; a round trip is about Rs 500 a person. Snow usually falls from about December to February.
A quiet village a few kilometres past Kufri at about 2,450 m, on the road to Narkanda. It has wide views over the valleys and is much calmer than Kufri.
Tip: Clouds roll in fast in the afternoon, so go when the sky is clear. It can be cold even in summer, so carry a jacket.
Drive times come from road routing without traffic. Shimla's roads are narrow and winding, many run one way, and Cart Road and the Kufri highway are slow at weekends and in the snow season, so allow extra time on every drive. Opening hours marked ? are not yet confirmed, so check them before you go.
Call or message a local Shimla operator with this plan. Tell them your hotel and dates, and they send a price for the car and driver.
We are still listing Shimla operators. Write to [email protected] and we will put you in touch.
The hours we planned around. Check before you go on a public holiday.
| Place | Open | Best time | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jakhu Temple | About 05:00 to 21:00; one listing says the temple closes 12:00 to 16:00? | Morning, before the midday break. | 1 h |
| Kufri and Mahasu Peak | Open hillside; pony rides in daylight? | Morning, before the crowds and the afternoon cloud. | 2 h 30 min |
| Fagu | Open village and viewpoints, in daylight? | Late morning, on a clear day. | 30 min |
Jakhu, the Viceregal Lodge and Sankat Mochan · Kufri, Fagu and Mashobra
See the 2-day plan →Jakhu, the Viceregal Lodge and Sankat Mochan · Kufri, Fagu and Mashobra · Chail: the palace and Kali Tibba
See the 3-day plan →Every sight with what to see, opening times and how long to stay.
See all places →You can see the highlights: Jakhu, Kufri, Fagu and the Ridge and the Mall on foot. The Viceregal Lodge, Sankat Mochan and Mashobra need a second day.
One listing says the temple closes from 12:00 to 16:00, so the plan gets there before 09:00. Mornings are also clearer for the view.
Yes, if you like the outdoors: the pony ride to Mahasu Peak and the views are the point. In winter it is the nearest place to Shimla with reliable snow. If you would rather see old Shimla, swap it for the Viceregal Lodge and the museum (not on a Monday).