Naldehra
A deodar covered ridge 22 km from Shimla, home to one of India's oldest golf courses established by Lord Curzon around 1905, with pony rides along forest trails, wide ridge views, and just enough to fill a good half day on the Shimla circuit
- About 22 km from Shimla, roughly 50 minutes by road
- One of India's oldest golf courses, established around 1905 by Lord Curzon
- Altitude about 2,200 m, surrounded by old growth deodar cedar
- Best as a half day stop, not a standalone destination
- Pony rides run along outer forest trails, not on the golf course itself
What makes it special
Naldehra is the place just outside Shimla where the city noise drops away and you get the kind of wide, quiet, forested space that Shimla itself lost a long time ago. It is about 22 km from Shimla, roughly 50 minutes by car, and sits at around 2,200 metres on a ridge covered in old deodar cedar. The name comes from a local deity, Nal Deo, and there is a Nag temple on the grounds that predates everything else here by centuries.
What defines Naldehra is one thing: the golf course. Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, came here around 1905 and was so taken by the natural meadow that he turned it into a 9 hole golf course on the existing slope. He reportedly named his third daughter Alexandra Naldehra. The course has since grown to 18 holes (par 68, with 16 greens and 18 tees) and is one of the oldest golf courses in India. It is managed by HPTDC and the Naldehra Golf Club. The fairways run through deodar forest on natural terrain that was never flattened or machine graded, which is why it still looks more like a meadow with holes than a manicured resort course.
Here is the honest part that most travel pages skip entirely. If you are not a golfer, the course itself is restricted. You cannot walk in and wander around the greens or fairways. Tourists who drive out expecting to stroll through the golf course are regularly turned away, and reviews consistently mention this disappointment. What you can do is view the course from the outer rim, walk the perimeter trails, enjoy the surrounding deodar forests, take pony rides along the designated forest paths outside the course, and sit at one of the cafes near the entrance with tea and a valley view. There is also a Mahunag Temple within the course grounds that is generally accessible to visitors, dedicated to Karna from the Mahabharata.
Naldehra is not a destination you plan a trip around. It is a stop on the way to or from Shimla, ideally combined with Mashobra and Kufri on a day loop. Two to three hours here is the right amount of time. The pony ride through the forest trails, a cup of chai, and the views from the ridge are the entire experience, and honestly, that is enough. The quiet at this altitude, surrounded by cedar that is hundreds of years old, is genuinely calming in a way that Shimla proper cannot match.
Who it suits. Golfers, obviously. Couples and families looking for a peaceful half day out of Shimla. Anyone doing the Shimla to Mashobra to Naldehra to Kufri driving loop. Photographers, especially in the golden hour light when the meadow and the trees look their best.
Who should reconsider. Anyone expecting a full day of sightseeing. There are genuinely only two or three things to do here, and the main one (the golf course) requires green fees to enter. If you are short on time in Shimla, The Ridge, Mall Road, and Jakhu Temple should come first.
If you are planning a circuit that includes Shimla, Naldehra, and the surrounding area, a Shimla Naldehra Kufri Narkanda package handles the routing so you do not waste time figuring out which stops fit in which order.
Quick answers
- Is Naldehra worth a separate trip from Shimla?
- As a standalone destination, only for golfers. For everyone else, it works best as a two to three hour stop on a Shimla area circuit. The deodar forests, pony rides along the outer forest trails, and ridge views are genuinely pleasant, but there is not enough here for a full day. The golf course is restricted to those paying green fees, which is the number one thing most travel pages fail to mention clearly.
- How far is Naldehra from Shimla?
- About 22 km from Shimla, roughly 50 minutes by car. The road goes through Mashobra and is paved throughout. Taxis are readily available from Shimla.
- How much time do I need at Naldehra?
- Two to three hours is the right amount for non golfers. A pony ride along the forest trails, tea at one of the cafes, a look at the Mahunag Temple, and the view from the ridge. Golfers should plan half a day for a full 18 hole round.
Quick facts
Everything you need to know at a glance.
At a glance
- Altitude
- About 2,200 m / 7,200 ft
- Location
- Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh. About 22 km from Shimla on the Shimla to Tattapani road, via Mashobra.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours for non golfers. Half day for a golf round.
- Known for
- One of India's oldest golf courses (est. ~1905 by Lord Curzon). Deodar cedar forests. Pony rides. Ridge views. Mahunag Temple.
- Difficulty
- Easy. Paved road access. Gentle walking. Pony rides available for forest trails.
On the ground
- Mobile network
- Jio and Airtel generally work in the main area. Signal can drop in the forest.
- ATM
- No ATM in Naldehra. Carry cash from Shimla.
- Food
- A few cafes near the golf course serve tea, Maggi, and snacks. The golf club has a restaurant. Limited options otherwise.
- Parking
- Available near the golf course entrance. Space is usually not a problem.
Seasonal weather
- March to May22°10°Spring
- June to September24°14°Summer and Monsoon
- October to November20°7°Autumn
- December to February12°1°Winter
Suitable for
- Couples — suitable
- Families — suitable
- Seniors — suitable
- Solo — suitable
- First-timers — with some care
- Pet-friendly — with some care
How to reach Naldehra
1 approach route, with seasonal access.
From Shimla (via Mashobra)
Year round. Monsoon months may bring occasional landslips, check road status.- Distance
- About 22 km
- Time
- 45 minutes to 1 hour by car
- Road
- Paved hill road via Mashobra. Single lane in a few stretches but generally comfortable.
The only route most travellers take. Drive from Shimla through Mashobra and continue to Naldehra. The road is paved and in reasonable condition. The stretch through Mashobra is pleasant, with apple orchards and forest on both sides. Taxis from Shimla are readily available. If you are driving yourself, the road is straightforward with no confusing forks.
Best time to visit
Season by season, so you can plan around the weather rather than hope.
- Recommended
Spring
March to May
Best overall window: clear weather, the golf course opens, and the forest is at its greenest
- Temperature
- ~10 to 22 C
- Golf course
- Generally open from April
- Crowds
- Low to moderate
The best time for Naldehra. The golf course opens (generally from April). The deodar forest is green, the meadow looks its best, and the weather is perfect for pony rides and sitting outdoors with tea. Weekends in May can get busier with Shimla's overflow crowd, but nothing extreme.
Summer and Monsoon
June to September
June is pleasant, but July brings rain and mist that limits ridge views
- Temperature
- ~14 to 24 C
- Rain
- Heavy July to August
- Visibility
- Often misty
June is still fine. July and August bring monsoon rain and mist, which makes the forest look dramatic but cuts visibility from the ridge. Pony rides can get muddy. The golf course may be affected by wet conditions. If you do not mind getting damp, the post rain freshness in these forests is something else.
- Recommended
Autumn
October to November
Clear air, golden light, empty trails, and the forest at its post monsoon best
- Temperature
- ~7 to 20 C
- Crowds
- Very low
- Photography
- Best light of the year
Post monsoon is arguably the single best time to visit. The air is clean, the light is warm and golden in the afternoons, the forest is still green from the rain, and the crowds are gone. October is the sweet spot. November mornings are cold but midday is comfortable.
Winter
December to February
Cold and quiet, golf course closed, worth a drive through but not a long stop
- Temperature
- ~1 to 12 C
- Golf course
- Generally closed
- Snow
- Possible but not guaranteed
Cold. The golf course is generally closed from December to March. The deodar forest in snow or frost is dramatic, but there is not much to do here in winter beyond a quick drive through. Snow is possible but not guaranteed. If you are in Shimla during winter, a quick drive to Naldehra to see the cedars in frost is worthwhile, but do not plan a long stay.
Things to see & do
4 things worth your time at Naldehra.
Take a pony ride along the forest trails
30 to 60 minutesThe main draw for non golfers. Local pony operators run rides along the designated trails and forest paths on the outer perimeter of the golf course, through shaded deodar forest with views of the valley below. The rides do not go on the golf course turf or fairways. Rides typically last 30 to 60 minutes depending on the route you pick. Prices are negotiable but generally affordable. Morning rides are quieter and cooler, and the light through the trees is better for photos.
Play a round at the Naldehra Golf Club (golfers only)
3 to 4 hours for a full roundThe Naldehra Golf Club is one of the oldest in India, established around 1905 by Lord Curzon. It is an 18 hole, par 68 course with 16 greens and 18 tees, on natural terrain at about 2,200 metres. The course is managed by HPTDC and the Golf Club. Visitors can pay a standard green fee and rent equipment. If you play golf, this is a genuinely unique round. The natural slopes, deodar tree hazards, and mountain backdrop make it unlike any city course. Check with the club for current green fees and availability, as these can change with the season. The course is generally open from April to November.
Visit the Mahunag Temple
15 to 20 minutesA temple dedicated to Karna (also known as Mahunag) sits within the golf course grounds and is generally accessible to visitors even when the course itself is restricted to players. The temple is in the traditional Pahari architectural style and is a small, quiet spot worth a short stop. Ask at the entrance about access if you are unsure.
Tea and the view from the ridge
30 minutes to 1 hourThere are a couple of small cafes near the golf course entrance where you can sit with tea, coffee, or Maggi and look out over the meadow and the valley. This is honestly the best thing to do in Naldehra if you are not a golfer. Pick a clear afternoon, find a spot with a view, and sit. The quiet is the point.
Know before you visit Naldehra
The practical bits, from people who have been.
The golf course access situation (read this first)The golf course is restricted to players paying green fees. Non golfers can walk the outer rim and enjoy forest trails, pony rides, and views from outside.
The most common mistake. Travellers drive out from Shimla expecting to walk around the golf course, take photos on the greens, and explore the whole meadow. That is not how it works. The Naldehra Golf Club, managed by HPTDC, restricts entry to golfers paying the standard green fee. General tourists are turned away at the gate. Reviews going back years consistently mention this.
What you can do instead. Non playing visitors can view the course from the outer rim and walk the perimeter. Pony rides run along designated forest trails on the outside of the course, not across the fairways. The Mahunag Temple is generally accessible. A few cafes near the entrance offer views over the meadow and valley. You will see parts of the course from outside. If you go in with these expectations, the visit is pleasant. If you go expecting to walk the fairways, you will be disappointed.
If you actually play golf. Pay the green fee, rent equipment if needed, and enjoy one of the most unusual rounds in the country. Check current rates and availability with the club directly. The course is generally open April to November.
Ground reality: services and suppliesNo ATM, limited network in forest areas, no proper market. Carry cash and supplies from Shimla.
Naldehra is small. Very small. The golf course, a few cafes, a temple, and the surrounding forest are the entire settlement. There are no ATMs here. Carry cash from Shimla. Mobile network (Jio, Airtel) generally works in the main area but signal can be patchy inside the forest. There is no proper market or shops for supplies. If you need anything, buy it in Shimla or Mashobra on the way.
Nearby attractions
Other places worth the detour.
Mashobra
About 10 km from Naldehra
A small town between Shimla and Naldehra, about 12 km from Shimla. Known for apple orchards, the Craignano nature walk, and a few good resorts. Worth combining with Naldehra as a morning loop from Shimla.
Kufri
About 16 km from Shimla (separate direction)
The hill above Shimla known for pony rides, the Himalayan Nature Park, and snow activities in winter. Most Shimla visitors include Kufri, and it can be done on the same day as Naldehra if you plan the route.
Chabba
About 18 km from Naldehra
A small village further along the Shimla to Tattapani road, known as the starting point for an 11 km river rafting stretch on the Sutlej that ends at Tattapani. If you are looking for something more active after the calm of Naldehra, the rafting here is a good contrast. The season for rafting is generally May to June and September to October.
Tattapani
About 30 km from Naldehra
A spot on the Sutlej river at about 655 metres, known for its natural hot sulphur springs. The drive down from Naldehra drops sharply in altitude, which makes for a dramatic change of scenery. Worth combining if you have a full day and want to add the springs and the rafting stretch from Chabba to your loop.
Chail
About 60 to 65 km from Naldehra
The quiet forested hill station that was the Maharaja of Patiala's summer capital, with the world's highest cricket ground and a heritage palace hotel. A separate trip from Naldehra, but both fit into a broader Shimla area itinerary over 3 to 5 days.
Our packages with Naldehra
Curated trips that include a visit to Naldehra.
6D/5NShimla Naldehra Kufri Narkanda Snow Valley Escape
1D Delhi•3D Shimla+2
₹11,999₹18,999SAVE ₹7,000/ person
Frequently Asked Questions about Naldehra
Is Naldehra worth visiting?
If you are a golfer, absolutely. The course is historic, scenic, and unlike anything in the plains. If you are not a golfer, temper your expectations. You cannot walk through the golf course fairways. The pony rides along the outer forest trails, the deodar forest, and the views from the ridge are pleasant but will fill two to three hours at most. It works best as a stop on a Shimla circuit, not as a standalone destination.
How far is Naldehra from Shimla?
About 22 km from Shimla, roughly 50 minutes by car depending on traffic and road conditions. The road is paved and goes through Mashobra. Taxis are available from Shimla, or you can drive yourself.
How much time do you need in Naldehra?
Two to three hours is enough for most non golfers. A pony ride along the forest trails, a stop at the Mahunag Temple, tea at one of the cafes, and a walk along the ridge. Golfers will want half a day for a full round.
Can you enter the Naldehra Golf Course as a tourist?
Not freely, no. The course is managed by HPTDC and the Naldehra Golf Club, and entry requires paying the standard green fee. General tourists are not allowed to walk through the fairways or greens. You can view parts of the course from the outer rim, and the Mahunag Temple inside the course grounds is generally accessible. Pony rides run along forest trails on the outer perimeter, not on the course itself.
What is the best time to visit Naldehra?
March to June and September to November are the best windows. The golf course is generally open April to November. Monsoon months (July and August) bring rain and mist, which can limit ridge views but gives the forests a lush green intensity. Winter visits are possible but cold, and the golf course is typically closed from December to March.
Is horse riding available in Naldehra?
Yes. Pony and horse rides along the deodar forest trails are the main tourist activity. Local operators offer rides from near the golf course entrance. The rides go along designated outer perimeter paths and through the forest, not on the golf course itself. Rides last 30 to 60 minutes and prices are generally negotiable. Morning rides are recommended for cooler weather and better light.
Are there restaurants in Naldehra?
There are a few cafes and small eateries near the golf course entrance that serve tea, coffee, Maggi, and basic snacks. The golf club has its own restaurant. For a wider selection, you will need to go back towards Mashobra or Shimla. Do not expect variety in Naldehra itself.
Can I combine Naldehra with other places near Shimla?
Yes. Combine it with Mashobra (about 10 km before Naldehra from Shimla) and Kufri (about 16 km from Shimla on the Hindustan Tibet road). You can do Shimla to Mashobra to Naldehra as a morning loop and visit Kufri separately. For a longer day, continue from Naldehra towards Chabba for river rafting on the Sutlej or all the way to Tattapani for its hot sulphur springs. The whole Shimla area circuit fits comfortably into two or three days.
What is at Chabba and Tattapani near Naldehra?
Chabba is a small village about 18 km from Naldehra, known as the starting point for an 11 km river rafting stretch on the Sutlej river that ends at Tattapani. Tattapani, about 30 km from Naldehra, is known for its natural hot sulphur springs at about 655 metres altitude. Both are on the same road heading away from Shimla and can be combined with Naldehra for a full day outing.
Related guides
Posts about Shimla
- Shimla Snow Trip 2026: Best Time, Itinerary, Cost and Local Tips
- Shimla in February 2027: Weather, Snowfall, Itinerary and Travel Tips
- Snow Point Near Shimla in 2026: Kufri, Fagu, Narkanda and the Best Places to Find Snow
- Shimla Honeymoon Guide 2026: Best Time, Itinerary, Cost and Romantic Places
- Shimla Kufri Chail Narkanda Tour 2026: Complete 6 Day Itinerary, Cost and Road Guide
- Shimla to Kasol Distance, Route, Bus and Taxi Guide 2026