Local Guide
Fagu and Theog: The Quieter Side of Kufri
Just past Kufri on NH 5, Fagu and Theog offer calmer views, farm country and apple orchards. Here's what to see and why it makes a good base.
By The Pinewood Homestay Kufri3 min read
In this article
The short answer
Fagu and Theog lie just beyond Kufri on National Highway 5, on the road from Shimla towards Narkanda. They are quieter than Kufri's main viewpoints, surrounded by farms and orchards, and make a calm base for exploring Kufri, Shimla and Narkanda.
| From The Pinewood Homestay Kufri | Approx. distance | Approx. drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Fagu | 3.4 km | under 10 minutes |
| Theog | 6.7 km | about 15 minutes |
| Kufri bus stop | 8.4 km | about 20 minutes |
| Narkanda | 39 km | about 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Shimla — The Ridge | 21 km | about 55 minutes |
Measured on Google Maps, October 2026.
Fagu: open views and farm country
Fagu is a small village a few kilometres past Kufri, known for open views across terraced fields and forested hills. Because most day-trippers turn back at Kufri, Fagu feels noticeably calmer, especially on weekday mornings and at sunset.
Potato country: the ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute, headquartered in Shimla, runs a regional research station at Kufri–Fagu. Many Indian potato varieties developed by the institute carry the "Kufri" name — for example Kufri Khyati and Kufri Lima. Next time you see that name on a seed sack, you will know where it comes from.
Theog: the gateway to apple country
Theog is a busy market town on NH 5 and the gateway from Shimla to Himachal's upper apple belt — Narkanda, Kotgarh and Thanedar lie further along the highway. It is a practical stop for supplies, fuel and a cup of tea before longer drives.
Visit between roughly July and October and you will see apple orchards heavy with fruit and crates moving to market. Read our apple season guide.
Why stay on the Fagu–Theog side of Kufri?
- It is calmer. Away from the busiest viewpoints, evenings are quiet.
- It is well placed. Kufri's attractions are about 7–10 km away, Theog about 6.7 km, and Narkanda under an hour and a half.
- Fewer traffic jams on day trips to Narkanda and Hatu Peak, because you start beyond the Shimla–Kufri bottleneck.
Where to stay near Fagu
The Pinewood Homestay Kufri is near Bekhalti village on the Fagu–Theog side of Kufri, about 3.4 km from Fagu. It has:
- a Family Suite for up to four guests,
- a Suite with Kitchen for two to four,
- two Balcony Rooms,
- ample parking with CCTV on the parking area,
- the option to book the whole house for groups.
Every room has an attached washroom. See all rooms or talk to your host.
A half-day around Fagu and Theog
- Morning — Fagu viewpoints while the air is clear.
- Late morning — Theog market for tea and local produce.
- Afternoon — Back to Kufri for Mahasu Peak or the Himalayan Nature Park.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Fagu from Kufri? The Pinewood Homestay Kufri is about 3.4 km from Fagu and 8.4 km from Kufri bus stop by road.
Is Fagu worth visiting? Yes, for calm views and farm landscapes without the crowds of Kufri's main viewpoints.
Why are potato varieties called "Kufri"? Varieties developed by ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute, which has a regional station at Kufri–Fagu, carry the "Kufri" name.
Sources: Wikipedia — Central Potato Research Institute; PotatoPro — Kufri Khyati, Kufri Lima; Wikipedia — Narkanda; distances measured on Google Maps from The Pinewood Homestay Kufri (October 2026).