Kufri Travel Guide
Kufri Travel Guide: How to Reach, Best Time to Visit, Things to Do and Where to Stay
Everything you need to plan a trip to Kufri near Shimla — how to get there, when to go for snow or sunshine, what to see, what to eat and how long to stay.
By The Pinewood Homestay Kufri5 min read
In this article
Kufri at a glance
Kufri is a small hill station in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, on National Highway 5 east of Shimla. It is best known for snow in winter, wide views from Mahasu Peak, the Himalayan Nature Park and pony rides along forested ridges. Most travellers combine Kufri with Shimla, Fagu, Narkanda and Chail.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| State / district | Himachal Pradesh, Shimla district |
| Road | National Highway 5 (Shimla–Theog–Narkanda) |
| Snow season | Usually December to February |
| Nearest airport | Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti); Chandigarh for most flights |
| Nearest railhead | Shimla, on the Kalka–Shimla line |
| Good for | Families, groups, couples, snow trips, short breaks from Delhi and Chandigarh |
According to the Wikipedia entry for Kufri, the name comes from the local word kufr, meaning "lake".
How do I reach Kufri?
By road is the simplest way. Kufri sits on NH 5, so you drive to Shimla and continue east towards Theog. From The Pinewood Homestay Kufri (measured on Google Maps):
| From | Approx. distance by road | Approx. drive time |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | 378 km | 7½ hours or more |
| Chandigarh | 132 km | about 3 hours 50 minutes |
| Chandigarh International Airport | 142 km | about 4 hours |
| Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti) | 42 km | about 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Shimla — The Ridge | 21 km | about 55 minutes |
By train, take the toy train on the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla line to Shimla, then a taxi to Kufri. By air, Shimla's small airport has limited flights; most visitors fly into Chandigarh and drive up.
Drive times are estimates. Weekend traffic around Shimla and snowfall can easily double them.
When is the best time to visit Kufri?
Visit from December to February for snow, and from March to June for clear, pleasant sightseeing weather.
- December–February: the snow season. Snowfall is never guaranteed, but January is often the snowiest month. Expect sub-zero nights, and keep a buffer day in case roads are slowed by snow.
- March–June: sunny days and cool evenings — the most comfortable months for walks, viewpoints and day trips, and a popular escape from the heat of the plains.
- July–September: the monsoon turns the hills deep green and misty. Roads can be affected by rain, so travel with some flexibility.
- October–November: crisp, clear air and good visibility before winter sets in.
For more detail, read our Kufri in winter guide.
What are the best things to do in Kufri?
- Ride or walk to Mahasu Peak, the highest point around Kufri, for wide views over forested ridges.
- Visit the Himalayan Nature Park, a wildlife park focused on Himalayan species.
- Spend an afternoon at Kufri Fun World, an amusement park billed as having the world's highest go-kart track.
- Play in the snow in winter — tobogganing and skiing are offered on Kufri's slopes when there is enough snow.
- Drive on to Fagu and Theog for quieter views and apple country.
Our full list is in things to do in Kufri.
How many days do I need in Kufri?
Two to three days is ideal. Spend one day around Kufri itself, one day in Shimla, and — if you have a third — take a day trip to Narkanda and Hatu Peak or to Chail. A single night works for a quick snow visit, but it leaves most of your time on the road.
A simple three-day plan:
- Day 1: Arrive, settle in, sunset walk.
- Day 2: Mahasu Peak, Himalayan Nature Park and Kufri Fun World in the morning; Fagu in the afternoon.
- Day 3: Shimla's Ridge and Mall Road, or a day trip to Narkanda, Chail or Naldehra.
What food should I try in Kufri?
Look out for siddu (a steamed wheat bun with a nut or poppy-seed filling), babru (a crisp, kachori-style snack associated with Shimla) and, if you are lucky enough to be invited to a celebration, a traditional Himachali dham feast. Read our Himachali food guide for what to order and why.
Where should I stay in Kufri?
Choose based on how you travel:
- For families and groups: look for suites and the option to book an entire property, so everyone stays under one roof.
- For self-catering: a room or suite with its own kitchen saves time and money on longer stays.
- If you are driving: confirm parking at the property before you book.
The Pinewood Homestay Kufri is a small homestay near Bekhalti on the Fagu–Theog side of Kufri, about 3.4 km from Fagu and 8.4 km from Kufri bus stop. It has a Family Suite for up to four, a Suite with Kitchen for two to four, two Balcony Rooms, ample parking with CCTV on the parking area, and the option to book the whole house for groups. See all rooms.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kufri worth visiting? Yes, especially for snow in winter, mountain views and an easy add-on to a Shimla trip.
How far is Kufri from Shimla? The Pinewood Homestay Kufri is about 21 km by road from The Ridge in Shimla — roughly 55 minutes without heavy traffic.
Does Kufri get snow every year? Kufri usually gets snow between December and February, but the amount and timing vary from year to year.
Can we visit Kufri and Shimla in one day? It is possible but rushed. Two separate days make the trip far more relaxed.
Sources: Wikipedia — Kufri, India; distances measured on Google Maps from The Pinewood Homestay Kufri (October 2026).