Mashobra, Thanedar and Kotgarh are the prime apple orchards of Shimla, which also have a scenic view of the valley and allow you to pick fresh apples right from the tree during the harvesting season. Shimla became an apple heartland due to the cultivation activities started here in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Thus, the first apple saplings were planted in the hills of the Himalayas. These apple orchards near Shimla are a must-see now for visitors looking for more than a view of the hills from a hill station. It’s a fresh-air walk through apple trees and the taste of the fruit straight from the branch that remains with you long after you have arrived home. From nature enthusiasts to foodies and families, Shimla’s apple orchards offer a refreshing twist off the typical tourist path.
How Famous Are the Apple Orchards of Shimla?
The apple orchards of Shimla are famous throughout India and worldwide for the sweetest and juiciest apples of India. Himachal Pradesh contributes a major share of India’s total apple production, and Shimla district sits right at the centre of this fruit-growing legacy. The credit is mainly due to the American Samuel Stokes, who introduced the modern method of apple cultivation in the Kotgarh region more than 100 years ago. Since then, apple farms have grown all over the hills in Mashobra, Thanedar, Kotgarh and Fagu, spreading the green, fragrant paradise of apple fields every summer and autumn. It is not only agricultural history but a living, breathing landscape to walk through, touch and taste, for travellers.
Top Apple Orchards & Locations Near Shimla
For those who are visiting Shimla, the following are the best apple orchards to visit around Shimla and their approximate entry fees and visiting hours. Please note that as we get into the season, there may be slight variations in the fee and timings. So, it is always best to confirm in advance with orchard owners.
| Orchard / Location | Distance from Shimla | Best Known For | Approx. Entry Fee | Visiting Hours |
| Mashobra Apple Orchards | 12–13 km | Scenic valley walks, easy access | ₹50–₹100 per person | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thanedar Apple Orchards | 80–85 km | Historic orchards, Stokes’ legacy | ₹100–₹150 per person | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Kotgarh Apple Farms | 75–80 km | Oldest apple-growing belt | ₹100–₹150 per person | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Fagu Apple Orchards | 22–25 km | Roadside orchards, quick stopover | ₹50–₹100 per person | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Kufri Apple Orchards | 16–18 km | Combined with adventure activities | ₹50–₹100 per person | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
The orchard is open to visitors for a small fee, and some orchards offer the option of picking apples for an extra per-kg cost during the fruit’s harvest period. One of the most popular attractions to Shimla is this hands-on picking experience, and it is one of the top reasons travellers head straight for these apple fields when visiting Shimla.
How to Reach the Apple Orchards Near Shimla
By Air
Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti), located at a distance of 20-23 kms away from the city, is the nearest airport with limited flights from Delhi and Chandigarh. A better alternative is Chandigarh International Airport, located about 115 km away, which offers better connectivity to major cities of India. Both the airports are connected to Shimla. You can hire a taxi or take a pre-booked cab directly to Shimla and onward to the orchard areas.
By Road
Shimla is well connected by the national highways, and the route from Chandigarh takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, passing through a windy and scenic route. Regular Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses, private Volvo coaches, and taxis run from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Manali to Shimla. You will find local taxis and shared cabs in Shimla to drive to apple orchards in Mashobra, Kotgarh, Thanedar or Fagu as the country roads are steep and winding.
By Train
One of the most scenic ways to reach Shimla is via the famous Kalka-Shimla toy train, which passes through 102 tunnels, 87 bridges and pine forests, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kalka is the nearest broad-gauge railway station, connected to Delhi and other major cities, from where you switch to the narrow-gauge toy train for a slow, memorable ride up to Shimla. From Shimla, local transport takes you further into the apple-growing belt.
Trekking, Picking & Best Spots
Many apple orchards near Shimla double up as trekking spots, with short nature trails winding through apple trees, deodar forests, and quiet mountain villages.
- Thanedar and Kotgarh offer some of the best trekking routes, where you can walk between orchards while enjoying panoramic Himalayan views. Kufri and Fagu are great for shorter, family-friendly walks combined with orchard visits.
- For fruit picking, the best apple orchards to visit are typically in Kotgarh and Thanedar, where owners are more experienced in welcoming tourists and often let you pluck apples directly from the trees.
- Mashobra is ideal if you want a quick, easy visit without much walking, making it perfect for a half-day trip from Shimla.
Best Season to Visit Apple Orchards
The best season to visit apple orchards near Shimla is from July to October, with September being the peak harvest month when the trees are heavy with ripe, red apples. Visiting during this window means you’ll see the orchards at their most colourful and get the best chance at fresh fruit picking. Spring (April-May) is also a great time to visit if you want to see the blooms of the apple trees rather than the fruit, as it’s totally different, but also very beautiful.
Experiences & Activities at Apple Orchards
In addition to walking through the orchards, many of these orchards now provide information on traditional and contemporary cultivation practices, fruit-picking sessions where you pay by weight, and small local stalls selling fresh apples, jams, and juices. There are also a number of orchards near Kufri that are situated close to adventure activities, such as a short hike, pony rides and sightseeing to the nearby places, so it is easy to make a full day of activities around your apple orchard trip. But photography lovers will not be disappointed either, as there’s so much to shoot, including rows of tidy apple trees and snow-capped mountains in the background.
Travel Tips for Families
- Families visiting apple orchards near Shimla should carry comfortable walking shoes, as most farms are located on sloped terrain.
- Start your day early to avoid the afternoon crowd and get better weather for photos.
- Carrying water, light snacks, and warm layers is recommended, since mountain weather can shift quickly even in summer.
- Children usually enjoy the picking activity the most, so plan enough time at orchards that allow hands-on interaction rather than rushing through multiple spots in one day.
Looking for the Best Stay in Shimla?
After a day spent exploring apple orchards, trekking through fruit-laden hills, and picking fresh apples, a comfortable place to unwind makes all the difference. If you are looking for the best hotel, resort, or stay near Shimla, Snow King Retreat offers a peaceful base close to the city’s top attractions, with cosy rooms, mountain views, and easy access to nearby orchard destinations. It is the perfect place to relax after a day among the apple trees and plan your next adventure in the hills.
