Easy Weekend Treks in Shimla: Scenic Trails with Stunning Himalayan Views 

You know how sometimes life just gets too loud? And all you want is to grab your shoes, leave the city buzz behind, and just walk into the quiet? Shimla totally gets that. It has these beautiful treks where the trails aren’t too wild, but the views? Unreal. We’re talking about cosy pine paths, old-school villages, and that “wait-is-this-real” kind of Himalayan skyline. Perfect for when you want a little adventure without turning your weekend into a military mission. So, if you’ve been thinking, “I need a break”, these treks are exactly that for you. 

In this blog, we’re walking you through easy weekend treks in Shimla that promise stunning views, peaceful vibes, and just the right amount of adventure.

Top Easy Weekend Treks in Shimla 

Shali Tibba Trek 

Difficulty: easy to moderate 

Distance: 7–8 km one way 

Time: 3–4 hours uphill 

Shali Tibba Trek is a beautiful one-day trek that gives you a 360° view of Shimla, Mashobra, Kufri, Narkanda, and Fagu. After trekking for 3-4 hours through the trails that go through the valley of Blue Pine and Cedar Forest, you reach the top, where you find a 300-year-old temple of Bhima Kali, which is also known as Shali Temple by the locals. This temple is crafted with wood and stones, showcasing its rural Himalayan architecture. This is one of the trails that altogether goes through a dense forest, rolling meadows, and then a rocky ridgeline summit. Although it is only 35 km away from Shimla, there are very few people here even in peak seasons, so one thing you will surely get is peace.

Hatu Peak Trek 

Difficulty: easy to moderate 

Distance: 7 km one way 

Time: 3-4 hours uphill 

The starting point of this trek is Narkanda, which is 70 km from Shimla and can be easily reached via public transport or private vehicle. It is the highest peak in the district. The trail is also surrounded by the Himalayas, and initially, you will see forests of Deodar, Fir, Spruce, Blue pine, and cedar, followed by enchanting meadows. If you come here during the first few weeks of March, you may find it beautifully covered in untouched snow. And on top of it, you will find the temple of Hato Mata, which is dedicated to Mandodari, wife of Ravana. There is also folklore that goes around this temple that during Agyaat vaas, it was a home to the Pandavas. 

Tara Devi Trek 

Difficulty: easy  

Distance: 4–5 km one way 

Time: 1–2 hours uphill

It is one of the easiest treks but most recommended by hikers, as it is ideal for acclimatising, building stamina, or just stretching your legs before a longer expedition. This trek starts from Tara Devi Mandir, which is 11 km away from Shimla. The trails of this trek are fairly neat and steady in terms of inclination. You will find it covered with Pristine green meadows and rich with flora. On top of it, you will witness the beautiful view of Shimla Town.

Churdhar Trek 

Difficulty: Hard 

Distance: 32 km 

Time: 2 days 

Situated at an altitude of 12,000 feet, it is a long and steep climb to the Churdhar Trek. The trail is filled with lush green forest, rocky trails, and divine views of the Himalayan ranges. When you reach the top of it, you will find a towering statue of lord shiva, which is an attraction for many tourists and spirituality seekers. You will get a 360° view of the hills and a glimpse of Kinner Kailash from here. It is the highest peak of the lower Himalayan ranges.

Karol Tibba Trek 

Difficulty: easy to moderate 

Distance: 5–6 km one way 

Time: 5 hours 

You must have heard about the road not taken in the poem of Robert Frost; well, the Karol Tibba trek is the perfect example of it. It has lush green forests, breathtaking views, and a sacred cave with mythological history. It falls within the beautiful Shivalik range of the Himalayas, but then why don’t people go there more often? It is because people choose the more famous treks and don’t get to explore this one. There is a Karol Mata Temple at the top of it which is dedicated to the goddess Kali. Along with that, you get an amazing view of Solan, Shimla, and Churdhar.

Summer Hill Trek 

Difficulty: easy to moderate 

Distance: 4–5 km one way 

Time: 3.5 hours 

On the Summer Hill trek, you will be walking through a stretch of forest. The trail winds through cedar and pine cover, where the canopy filters sunlight. It is cold, and quiet, and smells like wet earth and old trees. Midway, you catch unexpected views of the Kalka Valley and distant ridgelines. You may also find locals walking silently, students sitting with books, or even early joggers who know this is the best-kept secret around Shimla. All you have to do is take a cab or local bus from Shimla to Summer Hill or hop on the Kalka–Shimla Toy Train, get off at Summer Hill Station, and let the trek begin.

Kuppar Bugyal Trek 

Difficulty: easy to moderate 

Distance: 5–7 km one way 

Time: 3-4 hours uphill

Kuppar Bugyal Trek is one of the least known treks of the region. It falls in the Pabbar Valley. The trek starts from kharapathar which is a 70 km drive from Shimla. The trail of this trek is surely long but full of adventures and beautiful elements of nature in its best form. You will find the trail surrounded by deodar trees, coniferous forests, and rhododendron forests. You will also find Giri-Ganga flowing on your right side (this is where it originates from). After a 3–4-hour hike, you will arrive at the Giri-Ganga temple, which is also the summit of the trek. What sets this trek apart from all the others is the abundance of flora and fauna. There is a chance you may spot a brown ghoral and a black bear. 

Things to Know Before You Go 

• Begin your trek early in the day to catch clear skies, cool weather, and quieter paths. 

• Wear sturdy shoes with decent grip, as the forest trails can get slippery, rocky, or uneven. 

• Pack your water and a few energy snacks, as most trails don’t have shops. 

• Dress in breathable layers so you can adapt to changing temperatures as you climb. 

• Always check the weather forecast, as sudden rain or fog can change the trail experience in a drastic way. 

• Keep your voice low and behave mindfully near temples or sacred spaces along the way. 

• Don’t expect a full mobile signal at higher points. Make sure to inform someone before you head out. 

• Even if it’s a short hike, pause when needed, as you come closer to the summit, do remember to enjoy the trail instead of rushing it. 

• Locals know the land better than any app. Don’t hesitate to ask for directions or tips. 

Responsible Trekking: Leave No Trace 

If nature gives you peace, give it your respect. 

Leave no litter behind 

Always carry your wrappers, bottles, and waste back. If you packed it in, pack it out. 

Stick to the trail 

Shortcuts may seem tempting, but they harm the forest floor and local wildlife. 

Keep it quiet 

Let the birds, breeze, and silence set the mood.  

Temples on treks are sacred 

Do remember to remove your shoes, keep your phone away, and give the space its calm. 

Shop and sip local 

Shop from local stores as your money supports mountain families. 

Ditch the plastic 

Use refillable bottles and reusable containers. It’s lighter for you and better for the earth. 

Don’t touch wildlife 

When you see wildflowers, birds, langurs, or any other animal, make sure that you don’t touch them, as they can be dangerous. 

Trek light, trek small 

Smaller groups mean quieter trails and fewer footprints. 

No random bonfires 

Unless a local guide says it’s safe, skip it. Forests aren’t meant to burn. 

Be the example 

If you see trash, pick it up. Sometimes the quietest acts speak the loudest. 

Final Thoughts 

So next time you’re sighing over your packed schedule and saying, “Yaar, it’s just a weekend; how will I go on a trek?”, remember that these trails are easy to reach and most can be done in a single day or morning while leaving you with a memory of a lifetime. To get the best services and a stress-free weekend trip, always stay with best luxury resort in shimla with Eco Hospitality. Our properties are perfectly placed near some of the most peaceful, easy-to-reach treks in Shimla. Our hospitality and local insights help you truly connect with nature. No matter if it is a one-day hike or a weekend escape, Eco Hospitality makes sure your stay is simple, soulful, and beautifully offbeat.