Naldehra and Mashobra: deodar forest, an old golf course and quiet snow
Two small hill places just beyond Shimla — Mashobra about 12 km out and Naldehra about 22 km — for those who want Shimla’s views and snow without the Mall Road crowds.
- ~12 km Shimla → Mashobra
- ~22 km Shimla → Naldehra
- ~2,050 m Naldehra
- Dec–Feb snow possible
Photo: Vworlikar, CC BY-SA 4.0
Updated November 2026 · HP Tourism registered travel agent · Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022 · certificates
Mashobra (about 12 km from Shimla, roughly 2,150 m) and Naldehra (about 22 km, roughly 2,050 m) are quiet deodar-forest retreats on the road north of Shimla. Naldehra is known for its nine-hole golf course, among the highest in India and said to have been laid out at the wish of Lord Curzon, and for the small Mahunag temple on the meadow. Mashobra is a wooded ridge of orchards, resorts and old cottages, with the Craignano nature park nearby. Both are good bases for Tattapani’s hot springs on the Sutlej (about 30 km beyond Naldehra). Snow is possible from late December to February, usually in short spells; October–June is the easiest time. From Shimla, a car takes about 30–45 minutes to Mashobra and about an hour to Naldehra.
- DistancesShimla → Mashobra ~12 km; Shimla → Naldehra ~22 km; Naldehra → Tattapani ~30 km.
- HeightMashobra about 2,150 m; Naldehra about 2,050 m.
- Known forNaldehra golf course, deodar forest, Mahunag temple, orchards.
- SnowShort spells possible late December – February.
- Time neededHalf a day as a trip from Shimla, or 1–2 nights to unwind.
Shimla and Kufri weather today
Mashobra and Naldehra are about the same height as Shimla and Kufri, so their weather is close. Current temperature and the next days’ high, low, rain and snow.
Forecast data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), refreshed about once a day — last update —.
Things to do in Naldehra and Mashobra
Naldehra golf course: a nine-hole course on a meadow ringed by deodars, among the oldest and highest in India. You can walk around the edge and, in season, play a round (check with the club for green fees and timings). The small Mahunag temple stands at the edge of the meadow.
Mashobra: walk the forest roads, visit the apple and cherry orchards in season, and stop at the Craignano nature park on the hill above. The President of India’s summer retreat, The Retreat, is in Chharabra on the same road and opens to visitors for part of the year — check before you go.
Tattapani: about 30 km below Naldehra on the Sutlej, with natural hot springs — an easy half-day with lunch by the river. On the way back, the drive through the deodar forest at dusk is one of the prettiest near Shimla.
Best time to visit Naldehra and Mashobra
Both places are at Shimla’s height and share its weather.
| Season | Weather | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| March – June | Pleasant days, cool nights | Golf, picnics, orchard blossom |
| July – September | Monsoon rain and mist | Green forest; slippery roads |
| October – November | Clear and crisp | Long views to the snow peaks |
| December – February | Cold; snow possible | Quiet snow in the deodars; carry chains or travel with a hill driver |
When it snows: Shimla snowfall guide · Weather: Shimla ka mausam.
How to reach Naldehra and Mashobra
Both lie on the road north from Shimla through Dhalli towards Basantpur and Tattapani. From Shimla a car takes about 30–45 minutes to Mashobra and about an hour to Naldehra; local buses also run. From Delhi it is about 370 km to Shimla — see our Delhi to Shimla taxi. The nearest airport is Shimla (Jubbarhatti), and the Kalka–Shimla toy train reaches Shimla.
After fresh snow the stretch beyond Dhalli can be icy for a day or two; plan to travel in daylight.
Naldehra and Mashobra in pictures
The golf course in its deodar ring, the views over the valleys and the forest roads — real photographs, each credited to its photographer.
Around Shimla
Combine Naldehra and Mashobra with these.
Tattapani
Hot springs on the Sutlej river.
Our Shimla trips
Hotels, meals and a private car with a hill driver — one written quote.
Planning a quiet Shimla stay?
Tell us your dates and group. We suggest whether to stay in Shimla, Mashobra or Naldehra, check the snow forecast, and send one written quote with hotel, meals and a private car. Suzu Travels is a travel agent registered with HP Tourism, based in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.
Naldehra and Mashobra: frequently asked questions
How far is Naldehra from Shimla?
About 22 km, roughly an hour by car through Mashobra.
How far is Mashobra from Shimla?
About 12 km, 30–45 minutes by car.
Can tourists play golf at Naldehra?
Visitors can usually play on payment of green fees; check timings and fees with the club before you go.
Does it snow in Naldehra and Mashobra?
Snow is possible from late December to February, usually in short spells.
Is Naldehra worth a visit?
Yes, for a quiet half day or a night among the deodars, especially combined with Tattapani’s hot springs.
Mashobra or Shimla — where should I stay?
Shimla for sights and shopping; Mashobra or Naldehra for quiet, forest and views.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Naldehra
- Wikipedia: Mashobra
- MET Norway Locationforecast (CC BY 4.0) — live forecast data
Photo credits
Naldehra golf course — Photo: Vworlikar, CC BY-SA 4.0 · The fairway at Naldehra — Photo: Greenpenguin3459, CC BY 4.0 · The golf course from above — Photo: Biswarup Ganguly, CC BY 3.0 · The view from Naldehra — Photo: Dinesh Valke from Thane, India, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Deodar woods — Photo: Dinesh Valke from Thane, India, CC BY-SA 2.0 · The road through the forest — Photo: lalit890, CC BY 3.0 · The ridge at Naldehra — Photo: Biswarup Ganguly, CC BY 3.0 · Forest at Mashobra — Photo: Biswarup Ganguly, CC BY 3.0 · Hilltop at Naldehra — Photo: Biswarup Ganguly, CC BY 3.0
