Kufri is an idyllic scenic resort located at the foothills of the Himalayas less than 20 miles from Shimla. Kufri derives its name from the word “Kufr”, which means lake in the local language. Pleasant weather, the promise of snow, beautiful natural beauty and all the fun make Kufri the perfect choice for a short break. Places to visit in and around Kufri are Indira Tourist Park, Himalayan Nature Park and Kufri Fun.
World. Kufri is very popular in winter when ski enthusiasts from all over the world come to town. The Summer Games are celebrated every February with events such as sledding, hiking, skiing and horse riding. Well known to trekkers, Kufri is the starting point for most treks to Shimla, Manali, Rewalsar and more. Whether you want to gaze up at a snow-capped peak or yak across green grass, offers a refreshing break from the madness of other mountainous regions.
History
Kufri is a quaint little hill town 20km away from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Earlier known to be the summer retreat for the British in 1819, Kufri still harbors its past through the colonial buildings and architecture around. With its pleasant summer weather and winter snowfall, Kufri is flocked by tourists almost at all times. However, snowfall is at its peak from November to March, which is also the best time to visit Kufri.
Located at an altitude of 2720 meters above sea level, Kufri is the starting point for some of the famous treks in Himachal. The Mahasu peak trek and the Fagu valley are two of the most sought-after places in Kufri, except you could hike or go on a pony ride from the parking lot to reach the top.
Visiting the Kufri Zoo, Kufri Fun World—best known for its Go-karting experience, and Yak rides are some fun things to do on your visit to Kufri.
When planning a visit to Kufri, include Chail in your itinerary as it’s close by and has plenty of sightseeing options, such as temples, a wildlife sanctuary, and a nature park. Other destinations you could cover include Narkanda, Mashobra, Tattapani, and Naldehra; check out these Shimla packages for more.
Kufri: Himachal’s Snow Capital
Discovered by the British in 1819 when Nepal ceded the region after the Anglo-Gurkha War, Kufri is a picturesque hill station in the Shimla district. Dotted with colonial-style buildings, terraced farmhouses and potato plantations, this is also the starting point for excursions to Manali, Rewalsar and Fagu. With heavy snowfall during the winter, the winding roads through the potato plantations turn into ski slopes.
Being the highest point among the surrounding regions, Kufri has something for everyone, whether it be hiking or adventure sports, or just a relaxing holiday to enjoy the breathtaking mountain views.
Things to Do in Kufri
- Skiing
- Horse Riding
- Visit the Himalayan National Park
- Yak Rides
- Visit Mahasu Peak
- Kufri Fun World
- Enjoy Tobogganing
Skiing
It is an important part of the ski town of Shimla due to its beautiful location, high altitude and snow-capped peaks which make the area stunning. Whether you are a sportsman or a confirmed skier, it has many ski resorts. In fact, every winter, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Board organizes winter sports celebrations. In addition to skiing, you can go sledding and tobogganing. The best time to skiing in Kufri is the high season, from mid-December to early February, when deep, fresh snow covers everything.
Also Read : Best 8 Places To Visit In Manali
Horse Riding
It is an important part of the ski town of Shimla due to its beautiful location, high altitude and snow-capped peaks which make the area stunning. Whether you are a sportsman or a confirmed skier, it has many skiing resorts. In fact, every winter, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Board organizes winter sports celebrations. In addition to skiing, you can go sledding and tobogganing. The best time to ski in Kufri is the high season, from mid-December to early February, when deep, fresh snow covers everything.
Visit the Himalayan National Park
Sprawling over 90 hectares, the Himalayan Nature Park in Kupri is one of the most iconic places to visit, especially if you are a fan of nature, biodiversity and nature. Not only is it suitable for a wide variety of species and over 180 species of birds, but it also offers some of the best views of the Himalayas. Whether you choose to take a walking tour or want to explore the best of yourself, visiting the Himalayan Nature Park is one of the most enjoyable activities in Kupri. As well as being home to some of the finest flora and fauna in the Himalayas, the park is a major center for wildlife exploration and conservation.
Yak Rides
One of the most unique and interesting things to do in Kufri is to take a yak ride, an experience entirely different from horseback rides. Kufri is one of the rare few places in India where yak rides are possible. Enjoy galloping through the beautiful mountain and forest trails on a yakas the panoramic mountain ranges unfurl before you. Best experienced during winters, it is truly mesmerizing to see how yaks function in the bone-chilling weather of Kufri. The Travel and Tourism Department of Himachal Pradesh actively organizes yak rides every year, especially during peak winters. While it is an enriching experience, you must respect yaks and other animals that thrive here. Do not irritate them, as they can be dangerous when agitated.
Visit Mahasu Peak
Opening up to stunning views of the incredible Kedarnath and Badrinath mountain ranges, the trail punches into a dense forest of deodar right up to the summit. The Mahasu ridge is one of the most ideal places to practice and sharpen your skiing skills before you hit more challenging terrains. You also have the option of taking a horseback ride up the mountain, but it’s quite a risky ordeal, although a whole other experience if done right. Your Kufri trip is essentially incomplete without a hike up this iconic destination.
Kufri Fun World
One of the most entertaining things to do in Kufri is a visit to the famous Kufri Fun World with your little ones. Perched atop the Mahasu Peak, at about 9,000 ft., the amusement park is lined with various adrenaline-pumping rides that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
Amongst other things, Kufri Fun World is lauded most for its iconic go-karting rides, as is one the world’s highest go-karting tracks. In order to reach the park though, you have to hike through the mountain, or hire a mule to carry you there. It also houses a canteen which offers some of the most delicious food, both local and continental. With the plethora of swings and rides that the park is home to, this will easily be the highlight for the trip for your kids. Try planning a trip during the winters for a truly unrivalled experience!
Must Read : Shimla- the Queen of Hill Stations!
Enjoy Tobogganing
Another winter sport, besides skiing, that has been gaining quick popularity is tobogganing. With a relatively simple concept where you slide down snowy slopes on a sledge, so it is a truly exciting activity to engage in. Being reminiscent of elder’s simpler times, tobogganing literally brings out the child in you as you go shrieking down the hill.
The window from mid-December to early February is ideal for tobogganing in Kufri, when there’s the untouched whiteness of snow as far as the eyes can see. Replete with various snow-clad peaks and yawning valleys, Kufri offers you the perfect opportunity to experience winter sport, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a full-fledged professional. Hit the slopes with your sledge, sit back, and let the mountains take over.
Best Time to Visit
Due to its high altitude in the middle of the Himalayan slopes, Kufri can be visited all year round thanks to the various tourist attractions and activities offered here. Summers in Kufri are mild and the city is full of tourists seeking refuge from the heat of the low plains. Monsoons are generally pleasant but cold due to the high altitude. Winters are cold, making it popular terrain for ski enthusiasts. The best time to visit the city is from late September to mid-November, when the weather is more pleasant with cold winds and occasional rains.
| Travel Seasons | Min/Max Temperature | Season |
|---|---|---|
| October to March | 5-28°C | Winter – Severe |
| April to June | 17-37°C | Summer – Pleasant |
| July to September | 20-32°C | Monsoon – Moderate rainfall |
How to Reach
Shimla to kufri distance is located within the Shimla district and is well connected to surrounding towns and hill stations. The nearest airport is in Chandigarh with connecting flights via Delhi and other major airports in India. After That The closest train station is Shimla and is best reached via the Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shimla is well connected by train from major cities through Delhi. The city is a short drive from Shimla and is a 30–40-minute drive. Buses and taxis can be taken from Shimla and Chandigarh if you plan to travel by road.
Must Know Before You Travel to Kufri
- There are several cabs and buses available in Shimla to go to the Kufri parking lot. It takes you around 40 mins to reach. The cab prices start from INR 1300. The bus fare is around INR 30-50 INR max.
- To reach the top of Mahasu Peak where most of the adventure activities are situated. You will have to take a ride on a pony which is very easily available here.
- A pony ride should cost you around INR 500 per person for a round trip from the parking spot.
- It is recommended to wear snowshoes and they can be rented as well for INR 250 per pair.
- There is an entry ticket of INR 10 that has to be paid to Kufri Gram Panchayat and INR 10 to Fagu Gram Panchayat.
- You can also hike to the top by yourself, but the way is very muddy. And slippery and slightly difficult because of the continuous commotion by all the other ponies.
Climatic Conditions
Being part of the Shimla district, Kufri enjoys a mild climate similar to that of Shimla. The months from April to June are characterized by a slightly humid but mild summer. With temperatures that barely exceed 30 degrees Celsius. The months between July and September are those with the maximum rainfall and a significant drop in temperatures. Winters in Shimla to kufri distance 15 km start from the end of October and last until mid-February. The region can experience a sharp drop in temperatures with occasional snowfall and temperatures that can drop below freezing due to the high altitude.
Why is Kufri famous?
This is a small hill station located near Shimla. It is famous for its trekking and hiking trails. Adventure seekers flock to Kufri in the winter to enjoy skiing and sledding along its snow-covered slopes. Kufri is also famous for its nature parks and picnic areas.
Is Shimla better or Kufri?
Please save Shimla to distance 15 km if you come to Shimla for its Mall Road and markets. This is a very decent place to enjoy your vacation in peace. Away from the silence of the Things to do in kufri busy Shimla. If you plan to stay there, be aware that there are very few hotels and resorts.
Is it safe to visit Kufri?
Is Kufri open for tourists?
Kufri is one of the few places in Himachal Pradesh. That is open all year round and receives many tourists even in winter. In the summer you can walk to some places and there are some paths you can follow. In winter and becomes a mini-Zermatt and some resorts give you the chance to skiing.
The Great Himalayan Nature Park, on the other hand, is home to more than 180 species of animals and birds. Lie down on the grass and watch some of the most exotic species of birds in their natural habitats. One of the most famous and unique tourist attractions of Kufri is its yak riding activity. Which the travellers can enjoy amidst the towering Himalayan Mountains.
One can also take a yak ride all the way up to the picturesque and pristine site of Fagu. Situated 6 km away from Kufri. Apart from this, there are various adventure activities such as skiing. Tobogganing, go-karting and horse-riding in Kufri to satiate the adventure lovers’ adrenaline inducing desires. Kufri, with its many outdoor activities, will surely make a traveller hungry. Luckily, it has numerous mouth-watering dishes like Siddus and Sepu Badu Madra to satisfy your tastebuds and tummies.
Shimla to Kufri distance?
Distance between Shimla to kufri distance by Road is 15 km.
What is the best time to visit Kufri?
| Travel Seasons | Min/Max Temperature | Season |
|---|---|---|
| October to March | 5-28°C | Winter – Severe |
| April to June | 17-37°C | Summer – Pleasant |
| July to September | 20-32°C | Monsoon – Moderate rainfall |
Is Kufri closed?
It is open daily from 9am to 6pm and costs INR 5 per child and INR 10 per adult. Kufri Fun World – Time to have fun with family and children.
How can I reach Kufri by air?
- The closest airport to Shimla to kufri distance is Shimla Airport. Located in Jubba Hatti which is 22 kilometers from Shimla. …
- There are well-maintained roads that connect shimla to kufri distance. To the neighboring towns and major cities of India such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Manali. …
- The Shimla railway station is around 13km away
Is skiing Open in Kufri?
The duration of this activity is 1 hour, and the opening hours are from 9:00 to 6:00. Book this activity and arrive at the place where you will do this exciting activity.
How far is Kufri from Manali?
Distance between Shimla to kufri distance to Manali by Road is 250 km.
Can we visit Kufri in December?
Although a year-round destination, Kufri in Shimla to kufri distance December is perfect for thrill seekers. You should definitely tick this off your wish list as snowfall in December turns this place into a paradise.
Does Kufri have snow in February?
In February there is very little chance of snow. In Shimla but in you will have at least 2-3 feet of snow.
