Are you looking for a peaceful hill station near Delhi that is not crowded like Shimla? Mashobra might just be the answer. Located barely 12 km from Shimla, Mashobra is a quiet suburb that most tourists skip entirely, and that is exactly what makes it special. It is one of only two presidential retreats in India, the other being the Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad. I visited Mashobra with my family, including our two-year-old son, and it turned out to be one of the most relaxing trips we have taken in Himachal Pradesh.
In this guide, I will share everything you need to know to plan your Mashobra trip in 2026. From how to reach, where to stay, what to do, budget, and practical tips, this is your complete travel guide to Mashobra near Shimla.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What Makes Mashobra Worth Visiting in 2026?
Mashobra sits at an elevation of about 7,041 feet and offers everything Shimla promises but without the traffic jams, blaring horns, and selfie-stick crowds. If you have visited Shimla recently, you know what I mean. Over my last few visits, I have watched Shimla transform into a crowded little hill city, especially on long weekends. Mashobra, on the other hand, remains calm and untouched by mass tourism.
The place is surrounded by thick forests of oak, pine, and cedar that are part of the Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary. You get apple orchards, gurgling streams, walking trails through coniferous forests, and views of snow-capped peaks in the distance. Even if your main plan is to visit Shimla, I suggest staying at Mashobra instead. You get the serenity of mountains without the chaos of the main town.
Quick Facts: Mashobra is 12 km from Shimla (30 min drive), 355 km from Delhi (8 hours), 125 km from Chandigarh (4 hours). Elevation: 7,041 feet. Best for: families, couples, solo travelers, anyone seeking a quiet getaway near Delhi.
How Did We End Up Choosing Mashobra for a Family Trip?
It was one of our initial trips with our two-year-old son. Traveling with babies or toddlers for the first few times gives stress goals to parents. Many things need to be kept in mind for a hassle-free journey with little ones, and choosing the right destination is the most important factor. Mashobra is one such place where you can visit with family, friends, spouse, kids, babies, or even alone and you will have a good time.
I was skeptical of revisiting Shimla because over the last few visits I have seen it transform into a crazy little hill city. Blaring horns, tons of cars emitting poisonous vapors, traffic jams, and mad tourist rush turn it into a nightmare over long weekends. And unfortunately, we chose to visit Mashobra on a long weekend. As we were crossing Shimla, the Mall and its vicinity, we got stuck in a jam for almost an hour because of the influx of tourists from Delhi and Punjab.
However, as we got out of the main town and hit the Mashobra road, the panorama changed completely. Though not too far from Shimla, Mashobra is devoid of any hustle-bustle and tourist rush. That is the beauty of this place.
Beautiful views, pristine trails to linger around, laid-back life of mountains, apple orchards, gurgling streams, green forest-covered mountains, comfortable cottages, homestays, and much to explore. That is Mashobra. Even if your objective is to visit Shimla, stay at Mashobra for a serene and refreshing neighborhood.
Where Is Mashobra and How to Reach from Delhi?
Mashobra is a small suburb located about 12 km northeast of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, sitting on the famous Hindustan-Tibet road. It falls in the Shimla district and is well connected by road. Here is a breakdown of distances and travel options from major cities.
Distance from Major Cities
| From | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 355 km | 8-9 hours |
| Chandigarh | 125 km | 3.5-4 hours |
| Shimla (Main Town) | 12 km | 30-40 minutes |
| Kalka (Toy Train) | 100 km | 3 hours by road |
By Road from Delhi
We drove down to Mashobra from Delhi, covering a distance of 355 km in over 8 hours. Roads to Shimla and Mashobra from Delhi are in good condition. The route goes via Karnal, Kurukshetra, Chandigarh, and then the Kalka-Shimla highway. As you cross over Shimla and take the road to Mashobra, the landscape transforms into thick shades of green, empty roads, and snow-clad mountains in the distance. Forests of Mashobra are a part of Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary, so you are likely to witness some thick vegetation and maybe even spot some wildlife if you are lucky.
Pit Stops on the Route
As we were traveling with a toddler, we had to make frequent stops in between for refreshments and rest. If you leave early in the morning (between 5 to 6 am) from Delhi, you would reach Kurukshetra around 8 am where you can stop over for breakfast as there are a host of good motels on the highway.
We ate at Motel Golden Saras, which had clean (even luxurious for a highway) premises, hygienic food, nice restrooms, and a pleasant outdoor seating area. In case you need to make another pit-stop, then Chandigarh is a good option.
By Bus
HRTC operates regular bus services from Delhi (ISBT Kashmere Gate) to Shimla. The ordinary bus fare starts from around Rs 540, and Volvo AC buses cost around Rs 900-1100 (as of 2025, verify with HRTC for current fares). From Shimla, you can take a local bus or hire a taxi to Mashobra. Local buses from Shimla to Mashobra ply frequently and cost around Rs 20-30 per person. The Shimla bus stand (Rivoli) has regular service towards Mashobra via the Mashobra road.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Shimla, which is connected to Kalka by the famous Kalka-Shimla toy train (UNESCO World Heritage). The toy train ride takes about 5-6 hours but is a wonderful experience if you have the time. From Shimla station, Mashobra is 12 km by road. You can also take a direct train from Delhi to Kalka (Shatabdi Express or Himalayan Queen) and then connect via the toy train or road.
By Air
The nearest airport is Shimla’s Jubbarhatti Airport (about 32 km from Mashobra). However, flights to Shimla are limited and often disrupted due to weather. Chandigarh Airport is a more reliable option at about 125 km from Mashobra. From Chandigarh, you can hire a taxi or take an HRTC bus to Shimla and then onward to Mashobra.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Mashobra?
Mashobra remains pleasant for most of the year, which is one reason it works so well as a getaway. We visited in April and the weather was perfect. Here is a month-wise breakdown to help you plan.
March to June (Spring and Summer)
This is the most popular time to visit Mashobra. Temperature hovers around 10-30 degrees Celsius. Flora is at full bloom during March-April with pretty flowers covering the hillsides. Apple orchards start blossoming and the entire area looks stunning. The famous Mahasu festival happens in Mashobra in May, so if you would like to attend that, plan during summertime. This is the best season for trekking, nature walks, and outdoor activities.
July to September (Monsoon)
Monsoon months at Mashobra are misty, cloudy, yet lush green. But showers are usually unexpected and can adversely affect any plans of sightseeing or intercity travel. There is always a risk of landslides on the Chandigarh-Shimla highway during heavy rains. It is best to avoid monsoon months unless the hard-core romantic in you says otherwise!
October to February (Autumn and Winter)
The temperature starts plummeting around September, and the area stays pleasantly cold till early April. Mashobra sees snowfall all across January, late December, and sometimes in February as well. Mashobra looks splendid in winters, and the neighboring Kufri opens up for skiing. You might not be able to do trekking and other adventure activities during this time except skiing, but for snow lovers, it is the best time to visit Mashobra. Keep in mind that road conditions can get tricky after heavy snowfall, so carry chains for your tires if driving in December-February.
Interesting Read: Dalhousie – Experience the Old World Charm
What Are the Top Things to Do in Mashobra?
Mashobra is a place that casts its spell on you to indulge in nature walks, treks, and bird watching. Its lush green surroundings, apple orchards, and the reserve sanctuary convince any traveler to explore its interiors on foot. One of the best things that we did in Mashobra was to sit around the bonfire at night and walk through the coniferous trails during the day. Here are the top things you can do.
Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary (Reserve Forest)
The nature lover in me was delighted to see this sanctuary which is an oak, pine, and cedar forest seeped with wilderness. It houses one of Asia’s largest watersheds and a variety of flora and fauna. Pleasant weather in April provided just the right atmosphere for a walk into this green paradise.
The reserve has a few campsites and nature resorts which organize treks and nature walks. Or you can stroll through it by yourself as the terrain is not very rough. If lucky, then you can spot some wildlife such as a jackal, baboon, Himalayan eagle, pheasant, or even a leopard. The sanctuary is also a paradise for bird watchers, with species including pheasants, partridges, and the colorful Himalayan monal.
Himalayan maple, which is very different from the famous Canadian maple tree, can be seen in plenty here, along with the Himalayan Chestnut. See if you chance upon bringing home some chestnuts. They are a much healthier variety of nuts with low calories and no gluten. You can steam, grill, or roast the nuts and use them in delicious recipes.
Interesting Read: How to Plan a Trip to Shimla and Manali?
Explore Fagu Village
Fagu is a little hamlet, almost 10 km away from Mashobra, situated on the acclaimed Hindustan-Tibet road. You can easily drive down to Fagu from Mashobra or Shimla. In addition to Kufri, Fagu is another high-altitude village in the Shimla region, known for its cool environment and snowfall throughout winters. Fagu remains pleasantly cold even during summer months.
Go there to experience the delightful apple orchards and potato fields that are spread all across Fagu. The place has a serene landscape, it is not much populated, and is a good location to spend some leisure time alone. The best thing to do at Fagu is enjoy its tranquil surroundings by walking across the place, soaking in the views, and relaxing.
If you choose to spend a night at Fagu then HPTDC has a renovated property here, The Apple Blossom. The property is perfectly located to give an amazing view of both sunrise and sunset.
Visit the Presidential Retreat at Chharabra
This is what first sparked my curiosity about Mashobra. Mashobra is a presidential retreat, which means once a year, The President of India holidays here at Chharabra. It is a pretty little village, a stone’s throw away (2.5 km) from main Mashobra. The highlight is the President’s Retreat Building, a historic wooden structure constructed in 1895 by the British. During the annual stay of India’s president, it turns into a fully functional President’s office.
Despite being old, the building’s special architecture and a unique wall construction (Dhajji) make it earthquake resilient. Chharabra’s other attraction is the renowned Wildflower Hall Hotel by Oberoi, which is again a British-era construction and considered one of the finest hotels in India.
Explore Kufri
This well-known snow destination of Shimla district is located near Mashobra. We did not spend much time here because, in April, it was devoid of snow and full of picnickers (or rather, selfie-takers!). However, Kufri has good slopes for skiing and is a hub of winter sports when it snows. If you want to enjoy the place in full bloom, then plan around December-January.
While driving down from Mashobra, you will first encounter Kufri, then Chharabra, and along the same road falls Fagu. This stretch on the mighty Hindustan-Tibet road is scenic with good roads to drive on and pristine views all along. Further ahead is a charming village called Theog, another offbeat place to explore near Shimla with minimal population and very few hotels.
Did you know that Kufri is one of the places to experience snowfall in Himachal near Delhi?
Trek to Shali Tibba
For trekking enthusiasts, there is a beautiful trail in the vicinity of Mashobra to Shali Tibba. It is an easy-moderate one-day trek running through pine and cedar forests, which offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. Shali peak is over 2,800 meters above sea level.
The trek starts at Khatnol, a village which is 33 km away from Mashobra. It is a 7 km trek (3-4 hours) from Khatnol. You may stay at the Forest Rest House in Khatnol or come back to Mashobra. Shali peak is famous amongst locals for the Shali Mata Temple, which sees a huge rush of devotees during Navratri. So you should avoid this time for a quiet trek.
Visit Craignano
Craignano is one of the most underrated spots near Mashobra. It is an Italian-style villa surrounded by cedar-lined walking trails and apple orchards. The place offers peace, solitude, and beautiful views, making it a great picnic spot. If Italian architecture interests you, this is worth a short visit.
Other Activities Near Mashobra
Being with a toddler, we stuck to easy and relaxing activities mentioned above. However, there is more to explore if you are interested. The hot water springs at Tattapani make for a decent family outing. Here adventure seekers can indulge in quad biking and white water rafting. Mashobra also has a few local temples worth visiting, including the Devta Doom Temple (a short uphill walk from Mashobra bazaar) and the Mashobra Church at the northern end of Bazar Road.
Where to Stay in Mashobra?
Mashobra has accommodation options for every budget, from budget homestays to one of India’s finest luxury hotels. Here is what you can expect in terms of pricing (as of 2025, verify locally for current rates).
| Category | Price Range (per night) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Homestay | Rs 800 – Rs 1,500 | Local homestays, apartments on Airbnb |
| Mid-Range Hotel | Rs 1,500 – Rs 4,000 | HPTDC Apple Blossom (Fagu), Mashobra Greens |
| Premium Resort | Rs 4,000 – Rs 8,000 | Club Mahindra Mashobra |
| Luxury | Rs 25,000+ | Wildflower Hall by Oberoi |
Our Stay: A Homestay Experience
While traveling with a small child, it is good to have a full-fledged kitchen for yourself, and hence we decided on staying at a homestay. Several apartment buildings have cropped up in and around Mashobra, and many have been developed into homestays and holiday rentals.
Our apartment was located near Mashobra Bazar at an elevated point. It was close to the sanctuary, commanding amazing green views on one side, and on another side, you could see snow-capped peaks in the distance.
The house, named Cloudberry, was extremely comfortable with all amenities, and help used to visit once a day for cleaning. We got our groceries from the well-stocked Bazar in the neighborhood and sometimes even ordered food from one of the hotels nearby.
Hotel and Resort Options
If you are looking to stay at a hotel, you would get options from every category. Club Mahindra has a property in Mashobra which is beautifully located and, like their other properties, offers an amazing stay, especially for families.
For those interested in camping, there is a nature resort right in the middle of the Reserve Sanctuary area, The Mashobra Greens. The property gives a campsite-like feel, with basic but robust amenities for a comfortable forest stay. They also organize excursions to the sanctuary and some other adventure activities for their guests.
If luxury is your choice, then look for none other than The Wildflower Hall by Oberoi hotels. I guess not much is required to be said about the property, as it is considered one of the best hotels to stay at in India!
Where to Eat in Mashobra?
Most of the eateries are located in the neighboring Shimla, Kufri, or Naldehra. There are not too many restaurants or hotels in the main Mashobra area. Keep in mind that you will need to plan your meals a bit more than you would in Shimla.
We usually cooked our meals or walked down to Club Mahindra Mashobra for a delicious meal. Their in-house multi-cuisine restaurant serves delicious yet comforting food. The chef here was so hospitable that he not just cooked customized meals for our son, but even got most of his meals delivered at our homestay, especially cooked as per my guidelines!
The Wildflower Hall hotel also has an in-house restaurant that serves Indian, European, and Oriental cuisines. We did not get a chance to visit the place, but it is famous for being the top-notch restaurant in the Mashobra area. For budget meals, you will find a couple of dhabas and small eateries around Mashobra Bazar.
How Much Does a Mashobra Trip Cost in 2026?
Mashobra is quite affordable compared to Shimla, especially if you stay in a homestay and cook your own meals. Here is a rough budget breakdown for a 3-day trip for two people (as of 2025, verify locally for current rates).
| Expense | Budget (2 people) | Mid-Range (2 people) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (Delhi return, ~710 km) | Rs 4,500 | Rs 4,500 |
| Tolls (round trip) | Rs 800 | Rs 800 |
| Accommodation (3 nights) | Rs 3,000 | Rs 9,000 |
| Food (3 days) | Rs 2,000 | Rs 4,500 |
| Local Transport/Misc | Rs 500 | Rs 1,500 |
| Total | Rs 10,800 | Rs 20,300 |
So roughly Rs 5,000-10,000 per person for a comfortable 3-day trip from Delhi to Mashobra, depending on your accommodation choices. For those taking the bus from Delhi, replace the fuel and toll costs with bus fare (around Rs 1,000-2,200 per person round trip depending on bus type).
What Practical Tips Should You Keep in Mind?
Based on our experience, here are some important things to remember when planning your Mashobra trip.
Mobile Network and Connectivity
Mobile network works reasonably well in Mashobra. Airtel, Jio, and BSNL all have coverage in the main Mashobra area. You might face weak signals in some interior forest areas, but the bazaar and main road have decent 4G connectivity. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and homestays.
ATM and Cash
There are limited ATM facilities in Mashobra itself. I suggest carrying enough cash from Shimla or withdrawing from an ATM before you take the Mashobra road. Some hotels and larger establishments accept UPI payments, but local shops and dhabas may be cash-only.
Safety Tips
Carry a flashlight while exploring the neighborhood in Mashobra during evenings as there are either no street lights or they do not work at most stretches. You should check the list of things to carry on a Himalayan trip to be prepared.
Near the Kufri highway you might find some people offering yak rides. Please avoid that and spare those animals. The weather of this hill station is not conducive to yaks, especially during summers. Those yaks looked sick, unable to even walk properly in that heat of April. I urge you not to encourage this business and let these animals thrive in their own natural Himalayan habitats. This is something I feel very strongly about, and I hope you will make a responsible choice here.
Best Vehicle for the Drive
Any car can make it to Mashobra. The road from Delhi to Shimla is a national highway and well maintained. The Shimla to Mashobra stretch is a two-lane hill road in good condition. During winters (December-February), if there has been recent snowfall, a car with higher ground clearance is better. Otherwise, even a hatchback or sedan will do just fine.
How Many Days Are Enough for Mashobra?
I would recommend spending 3-4 days to comfortably explore Mashobra and nearby places like Fagu, Kufri, Chharabra, and Theog. If you are combining it with Shimla sightseeing, then 5 days would be ideal. For a quick weekend getaway from Delhi, even 2 nights and 3 days work well. You will not be able to cover all nearby attractions, but you can enjoy the forest walks, bonfire evenings, and the peaceful atmosphere that Mashobra is known for.
What Is the Best Itinerary for Mashobra?
Here is a suggested 3-day itinerary that worked well for us.
Day 1: Arrive from Delhi/Chandigarh. Check in to your hotel or homestay. If you reach by afternoon, take an easy evening walk around Mashobra Bazar and the neighborhood. Enjoy a bonfire at night if your property offers one.
Day 2: Morning walk in the Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary. After lunch, drive to Kufri and Fagu (both within 10-15 km). Visit apple orchards at Fagu. Return to Mashobra by evening. If you have energy, walk up to the Devta Doom Temple for sunset views.
Day 3: Visit Chharabra (2.5 km from Mashobra). Drive through the Hindustan-Tibet road stretch towards Theog if time permits. Head back to Delhi or Shimla by afternoon. If you have 4 days, use the extra day for the Shali Tibba trek or Tattapani hot springs.
Is Mashobra Good for Families with Kids?
Absolutely. In fact, I would say Mashobra is one of the best family-friendly hill stations near Delhi. We traveled with our two-year-old and found it very manageable. The place is not crowded, so you do not have to worry about losing your child in a mob of tourists. The homestays with kitchens are a blessing when traveling with babies or toddlers, because you can prepare customized meals for your little one.
The walking trails in the sanctuary are gentle enough for families. You will not encounter steep or dangerous terrain on the main paths. The drives around Mashobra are also scenic and short, so kids do not get cranky in the car. If your child is old enough, the apple orchards and forest walks will keep them engaged and happy.
Interesting Read: Bir Billing – Much More Than A Paragliding Paradise
What Are Some Other Offbeat Places to Explore Near Shimla?
If Mashobra has made you fall in love with the quieter side of Shimla, here are a few more offbeat spots in the region worth exploring.
- Narkanda: A quiet hill station about 65 km from Shimla on the Hindustan-Tibet road. Known for apple orchards and Hatu Peak. Check my Narkanda travel guide for details.
- Thanedar: Famous for its apple orchards and Satyanand Stokes history. A serene spot ideal for an offbeat family getaway.
- Chail: The former summer capital of Patiala state, known for the world’s highest cricket ground.
- Naldehra: Home to India’s oldest golf course, about 22 km from Shimla.
- Theog: A quiet hamlet on the Hindustan-Tibet road with minimal tourism and pretty views.
For a broader list, check out my post on offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh and 5 alternatives to Shimla that are worth your time.
Conclusion
Mashobra is ideally a place for a lazy, relaxing getaway where you can spend your time reading books while enjoying the view. However, there is much more to it. For more active travelers, it offers some easy-to-moderate treks, adventure sports like quad-biking, and rafting at Tattapani. For those interested in sightseeing and family activities, there are plenty of options too. You can comfortably enjoy and explore the place in 3-4 days or take it slow and unwind at your own pace.
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If you know your friends or family are planning a trip to Mashobra or Shimla, do share this article with them to help them make a memorable Himachal trip. In case you have any questions, feel free to post them in the comments section below or join the DwD Community for discussions with fellow travelers. I would be happy to help you plan your trip 🙂 …
Last Updated: February 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mashobra worth visiting instead of Shimla?
Yes, absolutely. If you are looking for peace and quiet rather than crowded streets and malls, Mashobra is a much better choice. It is only 12 km from Shimla, so you can easily visit Shimla for a day trip while staying in Mashobra. You get the mountain experience without the chaos.
How many days are needed for Mashobra?
A minimum of 2 nights and 3 days is good for a quick trip. If you want to explore Kufri, Fagu, Chharabra, and do a trek to Shali Tibba, plan for 4-5 days. You can also combine it with Shimla for a week-long trip.
Does Mashobra get snowfall?
Yes, Mashobra receives snowfall typically from late December through January, and sometimes into February. The snowfall here is similar to what Shimla and Kufri experience, though Mashobra is much less crowded even during snow season.
Is Mashobra safe for solo female travelers?
Mashobra is generally a safe destination. It is a small, quiet community and not a party destination. That said, I would suggest carrying a flashlight for evening walks as street lighting is poor in many areas. Standard travel precautions apply. The locals are friendly and helpful.
Can I visit Mashobra in a hatchback or sedan?
Yes, absolutely. The road from Delhi to Mashobra via Shimla is well maintained. Any car can make the trip comfortably. During heavy snowfall in winters, higher ground clearance vehicles are more practical, but for most of the year, a hatchback is fine.
What is the distance from Shimla to Mashobra?
Mashobra is about 12 km from Shimla main town, which takes roughly 30-40 minutes by car depending on traffic. On a clear day without Shimla traffic, you can reach in about 20 minutes.
Is there public transport from Shimla to Mashobra?
Yes, local HRTC buses ply frequently between Shimla and Mashobra. The fare is around Rs 20-30 per person. You can board from the Rivoli Bus Stand in Shimla. Alternatively, a local taxi from Shimla to Mashobra costs around Rs 400-600 one way.
What is famous in Mashobra?
Mashobra is famous for being one of only two presidential retreats in India (the President of India holidays here annually at Chharabra). It is also known for the Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary, apple orchards, the Wildflower Hall Hotel by Oberoi, the Shali Tibba trek, and the Mahasu festival in May.
