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Kufri travel guide

Kufri is a small hill resort about 13–16 km beyond Shimla on the road towards Narkanda, set among deodar and pine forest at around 2,700 m. It is quieter than Shimla, gets more snow in winter, and is one of the easiest places in Himachal Pradesh for a first taste of snow, skiing and tobogganing. In summer it is a cool escape with meadows, forest walks and mountain views.

Snow Kufri hills
Altitude
About 2,700 m
Distance from Shimla
About 13–16 km
Best time
December–February for snow; March–June for sightseeing
Nearest railway station
Shimla
Ideal time needed
One day

What to see

Things to do

In winter, skiing, tobogganing and ice skating are the main draws, and the slopes around Kufri are gentle enough for beginners. The rest of the year you can go horse riding, hike through deodar forest, or try the rides at the amusement parks. Mashobra, about 13 km away, and Chail are easy side trips.

Food and culture

Local food is mild and hearty. Try siddu, a steamed wheat bread stuffed with lentils or poppy seeds and served with ghee, and look out for dham, the Himachali festive meal of rice, lentils and madra served on leaf plates. Dussehra and village fairs bring out Nati folk dances and traditional music.

Best time to visit

December to February is the time for snow and winter sports, though roads can close briefly after heavy snowfall. March to June is pleasant for sightseeing and walks, and the July to September monsoon brings mist and greenery but also landslide risk.

How to reach

Kufri is 30 to 45 minutes by road from Shimla by taxi, bus or private car. Shimla is linked by road to Chandigarh and Delhi, and by the narrow-gauge railway from Kalka. Most visitors stay in Shimla and make Kufri a day trip, which we can arrange as part of a Himachal tour.

Also nearby

ShimlaMahasu PeakHimalayan Nature ParkFaguChailMashobraGreen ValleyIndira Gandhi Tourist Park

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