Subathu: Gurkha History and the Old Shimla Route

Subathu is shaped above all by the old road to Shimla and the history of the Gurkhas. These themes offer different historical perspectives on the town.

Subathu on the old road to Shimla

Subathu was an important stop on the old road to Shimla. The route ran from Kalka via Kasauli, past Lawrence School in Sanawar and through Dharampur to Subathu; from there, it continued via the villages of Sairi and Kakkarhatti to Shimla.

When Shimla became the summer capital, Subathu was a natural stop for the Governors-General and Viceroys of India riding up on horseback. This context adds the travelers of the time to the sequence of places along the route and illustrates Subathu’s historical role as a stop. Its political history also includes the fact that Subathu was initially the base of the newly appointed British Political Agent for the Hill States.

Gurkha history: historical and present-day roles

From the early years onward, Subathu was an important Gurkha recruitment center for the British Indian Army. Today, Subathu is the Indian Army’s regimental center for Gurkhas. Recruitment describes its former role, while the regimental center reflects its present-day role.

The Gurkha Fort in Subathu is a remnant of the period when Gurkha warriors invaded the area. It is used for army training and is not open to the public. Near the fort, the Gurkha Museum displays exhibits from the Anglo-Gurkha Wars. If you plan to visit the museum, check its accessibility in advance.

Solan as a separate point of reference

The narrow-gauge Kalka–Shimla Heritage Railway runs through Solan and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Shoolini Mata Temple in Solan is dedicated to the goddess Shoolini, an incarnation of Maa Durga. In Solan, a railway connection and a religious dedication thus offer two distinct thematic points of reference.

The Shoolini Fair is held every year in June as a three-day mela at Thodo Ground in Solan. The Shoolini Festival is also celebrated annually on the third Sunday in June, with the main events taking place at Thodo Ground. If you plan to time your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates in advance. The historic road and Gurkha history provide context for Subathu’s past, while the Shoolini Festival details for Solan offer a recurring point of reference in the calendar. This is a practical distinction when planning a trip for a fixed date: local history provides the background, while the specific event dates define the timing of the occasion.

The Karol Trek starts in Chambaghat in Solan City and ends at Shikhar Ki Devi Temple. These are two specific reference points along the trek.

Discover more destinations: Banar, Chamba, Mundaghat, Manikaran, Kullu, Kangra, Solan, Kandaghat

For the main travel overview: Himachal Pradesh.