Just beyond Shimla, three small places string together into one of the prettiest short loops in the lower Himalaya. Kufri, Mashobra and Naldehra sit within a few kilometres of each other along the old ridge roads, trading crowds for deodar forest, apple country and long green views. Done as a loop from Shimla, they make a relaxed day out — a gentler counterpoint to the higher, wilder Kullu valley.
The three stops
Kufri, at about 2,633 metres and roughly 19 km from Shimla, is the highest of the three. It is best known for its winter snow and its forest trails; the walk or pony ride up towards Mahasu Peak gives sweeping views on a clear day. Come early, as it fills up by mid-morning.
Mashobra, about 13 km from Shimla, is the quiet, wooded one — orchards, shaded lanes and a reserve forest, with paths good for an easy ramble. Naldehra, around 22 km from Shimla, is the surprise: its golf course, laid out by Viceroy Lord Curzon in 1905, is one of the oldest and highest in the world, a par-68 green ringed by cedars at about 2,200 metres. A pony ride through the woods, a cup of chai and the old Nag temple inside the course are the whole, unhurried point.
Practical notes
All three lie on paved roads and are easy to link by car in a single day from Shimla; there is a small entry fee for the Kufri and Mahasu areas. April to June is mild and green, and the golf course is at its best then; winter brings snow to Kufri and a real chill. Carry a light layer even in summer — the ridge cools quickly once the sun drops.
Fit it into your trip
Shimla and its surrounds sit between the plains and the Kullu valley, so this loop slots neatly into a longer Himachal itinerary. When you move on to the mountains around Manali, make Naggar your base — Ghar in the Hills is a cosy village homestay with wide valley views. Book your stay and let the deodars follow you north.