Local Guide
Apple Season Near Shimla: When to Visit Himachal's Orchards and the Story Behind Them
When apples are harvested around Theog, Narkanda and Kotgarh, how Samuel Stokes brought Red Delicious to Himachal, and how to plan an orchard trip from Kufri.
By The Pinewood Homestay Kufri3 min read
In this article
When is apple season near Shimla?
Apples around Shimla are generally harvested from about July to October, depending on altitude and variety — lower orchards ripen first and higher ones, such as those around Narkanda, later in the season. Around Mashobra, harvest runs roughly from July to September.
This is the best time to see orchards heavy with fruit and the roads busy with apple crates heading to market.
Where are the orchards?
The best-known apple belt near Kufri runs along NH 5 through Theog towards Narkanda, and on to Kotgarh and Thanedar.
| From The Pinewood Homestay Kufri | Approx. distance | Approx. drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Theog | 6.7 km | about 15 minutes |
| Mashobra | 19 km | about 45 minutes |
| Narkanda | 39 km | about 1 hour 20 minutes |
Measured on Google Maps, October 2026. Kotgarh and Thanedar lie beyond Narkanda.
How did apples come to Himachal?
Much of Himachal's apple industry traces back to Samuel Evans Stokes, an American who settled at Thanedar near Kotgarh.
- He established his estate, Harmony Hall, at Thanedar in 1912.
- In 1914 he sourced Red Delicious apple trees from Stark Brothers in the United States, and began planting in 1916; Golden Delicious followed later.
- By the late 1920s, apple growing had spread across Himachal's valleys.
- He took the name Satyananda in 1932 and built the Paramjyoti Temple on his estate.
- Stokes was also active in India's freedom struggle and was imprisoned by the British.
Today, according to Wikipedia, the Kotgarh–Thanedar area is described as the prime apple belt of Himachal Pradesh.
How to plan an orchard day from Kufri
- Leave early and drive along NH 5 through Theog.
- Stop in Narkanda — combine orchards with Hatu Peak.
- Ask before entering any orchard. Orchards are private farms and family livelihoods.
- Buy from growers or local markets in season, and carry a box home.
Apple season is also a great time to visit
July to October covers late monsoon and early autumn. Expect green hills, some rain in July and August, and crisp, clear weather from late September. Read our Kufri travel guide for month-by-month advice.
Stay between the orchards and Shimla
The Pinewood Homestay Kufri sits on the Fagu–Theog side of Kufri — about 6.7 km from Theog — so the apple belt and Shimla are both easy day trips. See rooms or plan your stay.
Frequently asked questions
Which month is best to see apples in Himachal? August and September are a safe bet near Shimla, with harvest running roughly from July to October depending on altitude.
Who introduced apples to Himachal? Samuel Evans (Satyananda) Stokes, who planted Red Delicious trees at Thanedar from 1916.
Can tourists pick apples? Orchards are private farms. Ask the owner first; some growers welcome visitors in season.
Sources: Live History India — Satyananda Stokes and the Apple State; Wikipedia — Narkanda; Outlook Traveller — Mashobra; distances measured on Google Maps from The Pinewood Homestay Kufri (October 2026).