Trip to Fagu, Naldehra, Cheog? Check Out These Offbeat Places To Visit Near Shimla

Summer in Himachal, what’s not to love? As temperatures soar across the plains, this northern paradise becomes a cooler-than-cool escape. The crisp air, the lush greenery, and the serenity of the mountains make Himachal the ultimate summer vacation destination in India. And while Shimla remains the usual headliner, let’s talk about why the offbeat places to visit in Shimla are the new cool.

Picture this: you could be sipping your chai at a local café, but instead of the usual bustling Mall Road, you’re tucked away in an undiscovered village, with the sounds of nature as your background score. Sounds like a dream? Well, it’s a reality waiting to unfold at offbeat destinations around Shimla. Why stick to the crowd when you can embrace slow traveling and explore hidden gems that offer a more personal, intimate experience? The many offbeat things to do in Shimla allow you to wander at your own pace, breathe in fresh mountain air, and discover spots that most tourists overlook. Shimla trip in May just got a whole lot more exciting, because the best time to visit Shimla is when you stray off the beaten path. Ready to trade the usual touristy spots for an unforgettable adventure? Let’s dive into some hidden places to visit near Shimla, starting with Fagu, Naldehra and Cheog!

Why should you plan a trip to Naldehra?

If you’re hunting for peace, pine-scented air, and postcard views, Naldehra near Shimla should be next on your mountain hit list. Just a scenic drive away from the main town, this little gem is everything Shimla used to be, before the crowds and camera flashes took over. Whether you’re coming from Delhi to Naldehra or planning a detour from Mashobra to Naldehra, this charming spot is all about embracing the art of doing absolutely nothing… in style. Think lush deodar forests, the whisper of cool breeze, and the occasional neigh of a horse passing by. The weather in Naldehra is a dream during summers, think cool days and blanket-worthy nights, even when the Shimla temperature is nudging 30°C. It’s not just scenic, it’s soothing. And yes, it’s one of the best offbeat places near Shimla. So, if you’re craving something beyond the tourist checklist, Naldehra is your slow-travel soulmate.

Picture Credits: David Lowry via Flickr

Places To Visit in Naldehra

With the weather in Naldehra staying crisp and refreshing all through summer, it’s the perfect place to unplug and explore. Here are some must-visit spots and experiences in and around Naldehra that make it one of the best offbeat places to visit near Shimla:

• Naldehra Golf Course: One of the oldest golf courses in India, surrounded by deodar forests. Even if you’re not into golf, the views are a hole-in-one!
• Tattapani Hot Springs: A short drive from Naldehra, these natural hot springs are perfect for a warm soak, bonus if the clouds roll in.
• Mahunag Temple: Add a spiritual touch to your trip with this ancient hilltop temple offering panoramic views and calm vibes.
• Scenic horse rides: Trot through winding forest trails, an offbeat thing to do in Shimla you didn’t know you needed.
• Forest picnics & nature walks: Sometimes, the best places to visit in Naldehra aren’t places, they’re paths. Pack a picnic, find a clearing, and just be.

Trust us, Naldehra near Shimla is no longer a secret—it’s a summer sensation in disguise.

Things To Do In Naldehra

Naldehra near Shimla isn’t just about pretty pines and postcard views, it’s your low-key adventure escape dressed in calm and cool. While it may not scream for attention like its touristy neighbours, it whispers promises of serenity, slow travel, and surprise thrills. If you’re ready to go beyond the usual tourist traps, here are some things to do in Naldehra that tick every box for the curious wanderer:

• Trek to Shaily Peak: One of the most offbeat things to do in Shimla—this trek rewards you with dreamy valley views and fresh mountain air.
• Visit Kogi Mata Temple: Tap into the local legends and peaceful vibes with these sacred and scenic spots.
• Stroll through Reserve Forest Sanctuary: Swap city chaos for bird calls and pine-scented trails.
• Picnic at Craignano: Pack sandwiches, pick a spot, and forget your phone exists.

Trust us, when it comes to offbeat places to visit in Shimla, Naldehra is the quiet rebel that delivers big.

Is the journey from Shimla to Cheog worth it?

The journey from Shimla to Cheog isn’t just worth it, it’s the kind of scenic drive that makes you forget about your endless group chats and never-ending deadlines. At just about 23 km, the Shimla to Cheog distance is the perfect short escape that feels like you’ve hit a secret “refresh” button on life. If you’re tired of the same old touristy places near Shimla and crowded cafes, Cheog near Shimla is your golden ticket to bliss. Tucked away in orchards and misty valleys, Cheog offers everything we crave these days: quiet, slow mornings, and unfiltered nature. Plus, when you explore things to do in Cheog, it’s all about apple picking, forest walks, village strolls, and impromptu picnics with Himalayan backdrops. Talk about living your main-character moment!

Want to know about Cheog? It’s the kind of place where even time seems to slow down, where sunsets stretch longer, and every chai break turns into a full-on therapy session with nature. In short, when it comes to offbeat places to visit in Shimla, Cheog isn’t just a detour, it’s the destination your soul’s been waiting for.

Picture Credits: TripAdvisor

Places To Visit In Cheog

With postcard-perfect views, slow-living charm, and plenty of pine-scented serenity, it’s fast becoming one of the most loved offbeat places in Shimla. And while the Cheog weather plays the perfect host with its cool breeze and misty mornings, here are a few must-visit gems that make this escape even dreamier:

• Apple Orchards: When in Cheog, you must go apple-picking. Stroll through endless rows of fruit-laden trees and channel your inner farm-core self.
• Forest Trails: Think deodar woods, chirping birds, and trails that lead to nowhere. It’s one of the most peaceful things to do in Cheog.
• Local Temples: Quiet, quaint, and untouched by tourist footfall. Stop by for the silence, stay for the soulfulness.
• Scenic Picnic Spots: Every turn in Cheog is a potential picnic location. Just pack some snacks and follow the sun.
• Village Walks: Want to truly unplug? Walk through the local hamlets and soak in the rhythm of slow mountain life.

If you’re curating your own list of places to visit in Cheog, these are your top picks. Quiet luxury, minus the crowds.

Things To Do In Cheog

This hidden gem near Shimla offers just the right amount of adventure, nature, and slow living, all rolled into one blissfully quiet Shimla itinerary. Here are a few things to do in Cheog that prove it’s one of the most underrated offbeat places to visit in Shimla:

• Go orchard hopping: Depending on the season, apple or cherry orchards are ripe for picking (and selfies).
• Forest hikes: Discover secret trails and even more secret picnic spots with nothing but pines and peace for company.
• Drive from Cheog to Kufri: It’s a short, scenic joyride with bonus mountain views and cafés en route.
• Shimla to Cheog cycling: Feeling adventurous? This route is for thrill-seekers who want views and a workout.

With a mood board of mist, meadows, and mindful moments, Cheog is proof that sometimes, the offbeat path leads to the best memories.

Why does Fagu make it to the list of offbeat places to visit near Shimla?

If you’re the kind of traveller who rolls their eyes at crowded tourist spots and overhyped cafés, Fagu near Shimla is about to become your new favourite escape. Tucked away in a dreamy pocket of Himachal, Fagu feels like a place straight out of a fairytale, only it’s real, and mercifully crowd-free. No wonder it proudly claims its spot among the best offbeat places in Shimla! The Fagu weather is another winner: cool, misty, and perfect for cosy sweaters and even cosier conversations. Think sprawling apple orchards, winding trails, and views so surreal you’ll wonder why you didn’t ditch the city sooner.

Need more reasons? The apple blossom in Fagu during spring turns the entire village into a cotton-candy wonderland. And if you’re chasing things to do in Fagu, you’ll find forest walks, sunset picnics, and simple village strolls that are far more soul-soothing than any spa. The best part? The Shimla to Fagu drive is a breezy 45-minute affair, yet you’ll feel like you’ve entered a whole new world—one with pine-scented air and zero phone notifications.

Fagu proves that sometimes the smallest dots on the map hide the grandest adventures.

Picture Credits: Tal Surasky via Unsplash

Places To Visit In Fagu

Fagu may be a quiet little dot near Shimla, but it’s packed with experiences that’ll leave your heart (and your camera roll) full. Here’s a quick guide to the best places to visit in Fagu, because real explorers know the best stories begin off the beaten path:

• Fagu Valley: Rolling meadows, misty mornings, and postcard-worthy views, perfect for those seeking offbeat places to visit near Shimla.
• Apple Orchards: Visit during the apple blossom in Fagu and watch the landscape explode into a fluffy, pastel dream.
• Katir Village: A short walk from Fagu, this charming hamlet lets you experience slow, soulful living at its best.
• Banthia Devta Temple: Nestled amidst towering deodars, this ancient temple feels like a secret whispered by the mountains.
• Viewpoints: Drive along the Shimla to Fagu route and stop at hidden bends offering jaw-dropping panoramas, because sometimes the best “places” aren’t on any map.

And with the cool Fagu weather wrapping you in its chill embrace, you’ll never want to leave!

Things To Do In Fagu

Fagu might be small in size, but don’t let that fool you, as it packs a punch when it comes to experiences. If you’re into offbeat places to visit near Shimla, Fagu is your perfect unplugged escape.

Here’s what to do when you’re in Fagu (besides falling in love with the view):

• Trek to Chharabra via Tattapani Stream: One of the top things to do in Fagu, this trail gifts you golden-hour Himalayan views that make every step worth it.
• Trek to Kufri: For the thrill-seekers, the Shimla to Fagu distance is just a warm-up. Add a Kufri detour and embrace zip-lining, tobogganing, and snow-packed fun.
• Photography & Birdwatching: Fagu is a visual feast. Think of misty mornings, chirping magpies, and that magical apple blossom in Fagu during spring.
• Do nothing: Yes, you read that right. Sit back, sip chai, and soak in the quiet, because that’s the beauty of going offbeat.

Sometimes, doing less in the right place means experiencing more.

Accommodations near Shimla