Scenic walks

Miles of unspoilt countryside, apple orchards and wild flowers in spring create the setting for Wildflower Hall. Let the region work its magic on you as you explore little known paths and follow tracks into the forest. We have mapped out trails that suit everyone, so you could go on a challenging walk, stroll along woodland lanes or take a route that offers a glimpse of colonial history. Not bound by clock or calendar, the world will be yours alone.

Trail 1 - Oaks & Orchards Hike

Distance: 6 km
Duration: 2 hrs
Grade: Easy

This is an easy-paced, two-hour hike that skirts Mashobra Hill and loops around the Presidential Retreat – a beautiful colonial bungalow used by the President of India as a summer retreat. The trail descends from a hill adjacent to the Wildflower Hall, which offers a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains and deep valleys. It then winds back through oak forests and apple orchards dotted with colonial cottages.

Trail 2 - The Wild Strawberry Trail

Distance: 3 km
Duration: 1 hr
Grade: Easy

A pleasant walk lasting an hour and covering four kilometers, skirting the Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary. The trail loops astride the Mahasu Ridge through the lush green forest reserve and is suitable for the elderly on account of its gentle gradient. This trail is also a wonderful introduction to the flora of the Himalayas and offers some great views.

Trail 3 - The Sanctuary Trail

Option A Option B
Distance: 7 km Distance: 12 km
Duration: 2 1 /2 hrs Duration: 4 hrs
Grade: Moderate Grade: Challenging

The Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary surrounds the Wildflower Hall on three sides. There are two options for exploratory walks into the sanctuary famous for its abundant and well-preserved flora and fauna. One is a two to three hour hike into the sanctuary that traverses a tiny trail carved through the lush undergrowth. The second is a longer, four-hour hike across the dense and pristine forest within the sanctuary, an area that has been preserved for the past 125 years and home to a variety of rare birds and animals.

Trail 4 - The Neckline Hike

Distance: 18 km
Duration: 6 hrs
Grade: Challenging

An eighteen-kilometer, six hour, challenging trek that offers a variegated experience of dense forests, ancient temples and quaint villages. The trail initially descends through lush cedar and fir groves, traverses a silent glade with an ancient wooden temple and meanders through enchanting villages that offer a peek at traditional hill life and architectural styles. The trek ends with a two hour demanding climb that is suitably rewarded by its culmination at Wildflower Hall.