Things to Do in Shimla. Activities, Experiences, Adventures

Adventure & Nature

Shimla and its surrounding areas feature trails for various fitness levels.

Hiking & Trekking Routes

Jakhoo Hill Trek

Easy to moderate difficulty. Paved path or natural trail. Steep but manageable for most, approx. 2 kilometers from The Ridge. The temple and panoramic views are the reward.

Chadwick Falls Trek

An easy, scenic walk through the Glen Forest, leading to the waterfall. The path is relatively flat, making it suitable for families.

Prospect Hill Trek

An easy walk leading to the Kamna Devi Temple, with quieter views of the valley.

Adventure Sports

Skiing/Snowboarding: Available in Kufri and Narkanda during winter months (typically January to February), with sufficient snowfall. These are generally beginner-friendly slopes, and equipment rentals are available locally.
Zip-lining/Valley Crossing: Some adventure parks near Kufri or Naldehra offer zip-lining, valley crossing, and other obstacle course activities. These are often part of larger amusement parks catering to tourists.
Paragliding: Not commonly available in Shimla itself. For paragliding, travel to locations like Solan (closer to Shimla) or the famous Bir Billing (further away in Himachal Pradesh), which is a world-renowned paragliding site.
Water Sports: Shimla is a hill station; it does not have major water bodies for water sports like rafting, kayaking, or boating directly within the city. For river rafting, travel to other parts of Himachal Pradesh, like Kullu or Manali.

Wildlife Observation

Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri: This park houses various Himalayan animals in a natural setting.
Observe species like the snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan brown bear, barking deer, and various pheasants, including the state bird, the Himalayan Monal.
A structured way to observe regional wildlife.

Darlaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

About 40 km from Shimla, this less-visited wildlife sanctuary focuses on Cheer pheasant conservation.
A quiet spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
It has opportunities for birdwatching and spotting local deer species, though sightings are not guaranteed.

Cycling & Geology

Cycling routes and mountain biking: Cycling infrastructure is very limited in Shimla.
The city's hilly, steep, and often congested nature generally makes it unsuitable for casual road cycling.
Dedicated mountain biking trails are rare within the immediate city limits but may exist in specific areas outside for experienced riders seeking challenging terrain.
Geological features: The unique geological formation of Shimla's hills is a defining feature.

Important Note on Water Sports

Water sports like river rafting, kayaking, or boating are not available directly within Shimla city. For such activities, travel to other parts of Himachal Pradesh like Kullu or Manali.

Cultural Experiences

Engage with Shimla's rich culture through workshops, performances, and local interactions. These experiences immerse visitors in Himachali traditions and British colonial heritage.

Workshops & Learning

Cooking Classes: Some local homestays or boutique hotels offer cooking classes focusing on Himachali cuisine. This has a hands-on opportunity to learn about local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Inquire with your accommodation or local tour operators.
Craft Workshops: Lakkar Bazaar, known as the Wooden Market, is famous for its wooden crafts. While formal workshops are rare, you can often observe local artisans at work, carving and painting wooden items. This gives insight into traditional craftsmanship.
Community-based Tourism Initiatives: Some rural tourism initiatives in the surrounding villages provide insights into local life and culture. These programs directly support local communities and foster authentic interactions, like spending time with local families, learning about their farming practices, or participating in daily chores.
Language Learning: No formal short-term language classes for tourists exist in Shimla. However, learning a few basic Hindi or Pahari phrases (like "Namaste" for hello, "Dhanyawad" for thank you) greatly assists in showing respect and often makes interactions with locals more rewarding.

Performances & Traditions

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex

This historic Victorian-era theatre is the main venue for cultural performances in Shimla. It hosts various plays, folk dances, musical performances, and other cultural programs. Check local listings upon arrival for any scheduled events.

Temple Visits

Witnessing the daily pujas (prayers) and rituals at temples like Jakhoo Temple or Kali Bari Temple has a genuine cultural and spiritual experience. Observe respectfully.

Cultural Festivals

Summer Festival (May/June): An annual festival held in Shimla, featuring folk dances, music, local handicrafts, and cultural performances. Winter Carnival (December/January): Celebrated if there is sufficient snowfall, this carnival includes winter sports activities, cultural performances, and local festivities, adding to the charm of a snowy Shimla.

Relaxation & Wellness

Spas & Traditional Healing

Luxury hotels like The Oberoi Cecil and Wildflower Hall (in Mashobra, near Shimla) offer high-end spa services, including traditional Indian therapies and international treatments. These spas have a relaxing ambiance and professional therapists.
Traditional healing practices: Ayurvedic clinics or practitioners in Shimla offer consultations and treatments based on traditional Indian medicine. Inquire locally for reputable centers.

Natural Therapies & Yoga

Hot Springs: No hot springs directly in Shimla. Tattapani, about 50 km from Shimla, is famous for its natural sulfur hot springs. These springs are known for their purported medicinal properties and have a therapeutic experience. You can visit Tattapani as a day trip.
Yoga and Meditation: While Shimla itself has limited dedicated yoga and meditation retreats, the broader Himachal Pradesh region offers numerous options for retreats and spiritual practices. You might find individual yoga classes offered in some hotels or wellness centers in Shimla.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Shimla's nightlife is generally subdued compared to major cities, gravitating more towards relaxed evenings. Options for live music, theater, and social gatherings exist.

Evening Venues

Live Music Venues: Some cafes and restaurants on Mall Road or within hotels may feature live music, especially during peak tourist season. These often include local folk music or contemporary Indian and Western tunes, making for a pleasant backdrop for an evening.
Theater & Performance Spaces: The Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is the main venue for theater and cultural performances in Shimla. Check their schedule for plays, musical concerts, or other cultural shows.
Nightclubs & Dancing: Shimla has very few dedicated nightclubs. Some larger hotels might have a discotheque or a bar with music and a dance floor, specifically during weekends or peak seasons. The nightlife leans more towards relaxed socializing than high-energy clubbing.
Bar Districts & Pub Crawls: Shimla does not have a specific "bar district" or a pub crawl culture. Bars are mainly found within hotels or as standalone establishments on Mall Road. These venues have a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in a relaxed setting.

Late-Night & Beyond

Late-Night Entertainment

Generally limited. Most shops and restaurants on Mall Road close by 10-11 PM. The atmosphere becomes quieter after this time. For late-night options, check with your hotel or a few specific bars that may stay open later.

Ambiance

The city's evening charm lies in its lit colonial architecture and serene mountain air, contrasting with bustling daytime activity.

Special Events

Occasional special events, especially during festivals or peak holiday times, bring extended evening activities.

Lakkar Bazaar

Famous for wooden crafts, toys, walking sticks, and souvenirs.
The name "Lakkar" means wood, reflecting its specialty.
You can find beautifully carved items, often made from deodar wood.

Lower Bazaar

A bustling local market for daily necessities.
It is denser and more chaotic than Mall Road but has a genuine glimpse into local life.
You find clothes, spices, household goods, and traditional Himachali products here.

Tibetan Market

Located near The Ridge, this market sells Tibetan handicrafts, jewelry, woolens, and winter wear.
You can find unique items and support Tibetan refugees.

Shopping Considerations

Souvenir Recommendations

Wooden crafts and toys: From Lakkar Bazaar, including intricately carved items and small decorative pieces.
Himachali caps and shawls: The traditional Himachali cap (often with a colorful band) is a recognizable souvenir. Hand-woven shawls offer warmth and cultural appeal.
Local jams, preserves, and fruit products: Especially apple products, considering Himachal Pradesh's fame for apples. Look for fresh, locally made fruit jams.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

Support local artisans: Purchase directly from local craftsmen and women in markets like Lakkar Bazaar; money directly for the community.
Mindful purchases: Avoid products made from endangered species or anything that appears to be illegally sourced.
Bargain respectfully: In local markets, bargaining is common and expected for goods. Engage in it respectfully and politely.

Shopping Tips

Luxury and boutique shopping in Shimla is limited. Some boutiques on Mall Road offer branded clothing and accessories. For international shipping, use private courier services. Be aware of home country customs regulations and import duties.

Things to Do in Shimla