Shimla was nothing but a sleepy forest before the arrival of the British. Development of road, building, railway increases when Shimla announced the summer capital of India. Kufri, Naldehra, Chail, Tattapani, and Mall road are the tourist spots near Shimla. There are also worth visiting offbeat destinations near Shimla.
Pabbar Valley
Pabbhar valley located 85 km away from Shimla city. This region falls in upper Shimla area. Pabbar valley is the picturesque area around river Pabbar. This valley covered with a dense forest of deodar and Himalayan oak. Temples like Hatkoti temple and Latika temple located here. These temples are made in 7th – 8th century by carved wood. These temples are a great center of attraction. River Pabbar is also famous for trout fishing. There are many trekking routes originates from this valley. It is said that Pandva lived here during their exile. HPTDC hotels, private and government rest house available here to stay.
Kotgarh and Thanedar
Kotgarh and Thanedar are 87 km away from Shimla. Thanadar located on an altitude of 1830 meters from seas level. A good road gets ahead to Kotgarh and Thanedar after reaching Narkanda. This an hour drive from Narkanda to reach Kotgarh and Thanedar. This is a beautiful place tucked in apple orchards. The first plant of apple has planted here by Samual Evans Strokes. He was an American and settled here after getting married to a local girl. Houses made of the slate roof and wooden walls are traditional architecture to admire in Kotgarh and Thanedar. Tani Jubbar is also a place to visit between Narkanda and Thanedar. Tents are available on rental basis in summers. Government rest house is also available in Kotgarh and Thanedar
Khada Pathar
Khada Pathar located at a distance of 89 km from Shimla city. Buses and taxis are available from Shimla to Khada Pathar. You can reach Katha Pathar taking state road from Theog to Rohru Via Chaila and Kotkhai. This place located on a ridge. You trek to Giriganga located 9 km from Khada Pathar. This is a nice walk among the pine trees and thick forest. Rohru is 35 km away from Khadapathar. Trever huts are available to stay in Khada Pathar managed by local panchayat. You can also do camping in Khada Pathar. Government rest house also available.
Churdhar
Chudhar is day-long trek near Shimla. This place provides a panoramic view of Chopal, Nouradhar and rolling mountains of Haripurdhar. This trek starts from Sarain a place located 117 km away from Shimla. Government hotels and Sarai are available at Sarain. It is 4 hours of trekking route to reach the temple devoted to Shirgul Devta. Sarai is available here to stay overnight. Further, you need to climb for half an hour on this trek to reach on the top. 360-degree view is available on this point. There is a temple of Lord Shiva with a huge concrete idol. This area located on an elevation of 11,965 feet (3,647 meters).
Kedi
Kedi located at a distance of 125 km from Shimla. This place can be reached taking state road from Theog to Chopal via Sainj, Deha, and Khirki. It is twenty-seven kilometers from Chopal. A seven km long link road would take you to Kedi after reaching Nerwa. Kedi has huge open space around it. This tourist destination is surrounded by a forest of pine trees.