My First Solo Trip to Shimla: Lessons and Travel Tips

Solo travel has a charm of its own – a mix of excitement, freedom, and, of course, a little nervousness. When I decided to venture out alone for the first time, a solo trip to Shimla seemed like the perfect choice. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, it promised serene landscapes, chilly weather, and just the right amount of exploration for a beginner solo traveler. 

Here’s how my journey unfolded, with lessons, surprises, and memories along the way.

Why Shimla?

To be honest, Shimla wasn’t a carefully planned destination. It caught my eye because flights from Delhi were budget-friendly, and accommodations like hostels were easy on the pocket. Plus, the mountains have always fascinated me. While I knew the popular Kalka-Shimla toy train was a more scenic option, time constraints led me to choose the quicker route by air.

Mall Road is Vibrant but Overcrowded

Mall Road, the heartbeat of Shimla, was bustling with activity. Shops lined up with winterwear, local snacks, and souvenirs drew my attention instantly. Everything was reasonably priced compared to Delhi, even though it’s a famous tourist spot, which was a pleasant surprise. However, the crowd was overwhelming. If you plan to soak in the market vibes, be prepared to navigate through groups of tourists. Being one of the primary markets in Shimla, finding a spot to stand without getting bumped into was a challenge, let alone actually shopping in peace.

November was a Chilling Reality Check

Despite doing my research on Shimla’s November weather, I underestimated the biting cold. The sunny mornings were deceptive as evenings plunged into freezing temperatures. If you’re planning a solo trip to Shimla during this time, pack more than just a few layers. You’ll need them to stay warm, especially when the temperature drops unexpectedly.

Three Days are Enough for a Solo Trip to Shimla

One of my biggest lessons was that Shimla doesn’t require an extended itinerary. Three full days, even at a relaxed pace, are sufficient to cover major attractions like The Ridge, Christ Church, and Jakhoo Temple. Since most places are clustered around Mall Road, it’s easy to explore without spending hours in transit. However, if you’re planning to explore nearby villages, you might want to extend your stay by a couple more days to truly experience the region.

Create an Itinerary Before You Book Your Tickets

I made the rookie mistake of booking flights before planning my itinerary. This left me with four days in Shimla, which felt like overkill after I had covered the main spots. My advice? Plan your days first, factoring in travel and exploration time, before committing to tickets and accommodations. That way, you won’t end up with extra days and nothing to do.

Read More: 7 Best Places I Visited in Shimla in November

Cabs are Expensive; Research Local Transport

One thing I wish I had known earlier was how pricey taxis and cabs in Shimla can be. Since I didn’t research local commuting options, I ended up spending more than I expected. It’s a good idea to talk to locals or your hostel staff about alternative transportation, like buses or shared rides. 

Choose Your Stay Wisely

The hostel I stayed at was lovely, with a warm host and a cozy atmosphere. But it was located downhill, and getting to the main road required a steep 20-25 minute climb. For someone not used to such hikes, this was exhausting. Make sure to ask about your accommodation’s location and accessibility before booking.

👉 I stayed at the Zu-Zu Hostels, and I booked my stay through Booking.com. Though I had originally planned to stay for four nights (7th to 11th November), I had to extend my stay since my flight was cancelled. Overall, I paid around Rs. 6,500 for a private room, which was reasonable considering the quality of my stay. 

Avoid the So-Called Hidden Gems

Social media is flooded with recommendations for ‘hidden gems’ like Kufri. However, I found such places to be highly inaccessible without private transport or exorbitantly priced cabs. The journey to Kufri was underwhelming, and the tourist activities offered, like horse riding, ice skating, etc., didn’t justify the hassle or expense. 

If you’re tempted by these spots, weigh the pros and cons carefully before venturing out. These locations are worth visiting if you’re planning a more relaxed, longer stay, like a workation. Otherwise, it might not be worth the effort and cost.

Budgeting is Key

While I stayed within my overall budget, I hadn’t accounted for unexpected expenses like cab rides. To avoid surprises, plan your budget down to the last detail, categorizing expenses like transport, accommodation, food, and shopping.

Stay Open-Minded

Travel comes with its share of hiccups. From unexpected costs to destinations not living up to expectations, it’s all part of the experience. What matters is keeping an open mind and embracing the journey, even the imperfect parts. 

Though it was exciting, it wasn’t as transformative as I had expected. I had hoped my (first) solo trip to Shimla would be eye-opening, life-changing in some way, and reveal my purpose in life. However, that didn’t happen. Instead, I realized that travel doesn’t always have to be profound. It can simply be about enjoying the moment and making memories.

Try Out Local Food 

Shimla offers a variety of delicious food options, from cozy cafes to bustling street food stalls. Most of the time, I ate random food from roadside stalls I could find while exploring some of the city. Unfortunately, I missed out on trying some of the best restaurants in Shimla and the famous local cuisine, which I regretted later.

If you’re a foodie, make sure to explore the best cafes in Shimla for their scenic views and warm ambiance. Additionally, don’t miss out on famous food places in Shimla, where you can try authentic Himachali dishes like Siddu, Chana Madra, and Dham. For an immersive experience, head to the streets and enjoy famous street food in Shimla, such as Momos and Bun Tikki. Next time, I’d definitely plan my meals better and explore the rich flavors Shimla has to offer!

Take Pictures of Tickets

I didn’t realize this until I visited Ajmer and Udaipur and sat down to write about my experience. If you think you’re going to remember the prices, you’re wrong. Make sure you take pictures, especially if you’re someone who shares their travel experiences online or wants to track expenses later. It’s a small habit that can save you a lot of hassle.

The Takeaway

Despite the minor setbacks, my solo trip to Shimla was an enriching experience. It taught me the importance of planning, the joy of independence, and the thrill of stepping out of my comfort zone. Shimla has something to offer to everyone, but only if you prepare wisely.