Quick answer: Kufri is a small hill resort east of Shimla, on the highway towards Narkanda, known for snow in winter, skiing on the slopes of Mahasu Peak, the Himalayan Nature Park and the Kufri Fun World amusement park. The Shimla district administration puts it about 20 km from Shimla by road, and Himachal Pradesh Tourism lists the nature park at Kufri as 16 km from the city. For snow, go in winter (Shimla’s snowfall comes mostly in January and February); for pleasant weather and green hills, go between March and June.
Kufri at a glance
| Detail | What we verified (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Location | East of Shimla on the national highway towards Narkanda (the old Hindustan–Tibet Road), Shimla district |
| Distance from Shimla | About 16 to 20 km by road, depending on the starting point (Himachal Pradesh Tourism; Shimla district administration) |
| Altitude | Sources differ, from about 2,290 m to 2,720 m; Kufri Fun World is at about 2,800 m (Himachal Pradesh Tourism) |
| Known for | Snow, skiing on Mahasu Peak, Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri Fun World |
| Best time | December to February for snow; March to June for pleasant weather |
| Time needed | Half a day to a full day from Shimla |
A short history of Kufri
The name Kufri is said to come from kufr, a local word for a lake. The hills here were part of the Gorkha kingdom of Nepal until they were ceded to the British under the Treaty of Sugauli, and the British “discovered” Kufri as a retreat in 1819. Kufri grew slowly into a small resort on the road east of Shimla, and today it is one of the most visited day trips from the state capital.
An earlier version of this article said Kufri “was built in 1819 by the British”. Kufri was a hill village long before; 1819 is when the British are said to have found it, not when it was built.
Things to do in Kufri
Skiing and winter sports
Himachal Pradesh Tourism describes Kufri as one of the oldest places in India where skiing is done, with runs on the slopes of Mahasu Peak. The Shimla district administration says a winter sports festival is held at Kufri every February. Skiing depends entirely on snowfall, which varies a lot from year to year, so check snow conditions before you plan around it. For formal ski courses and equipment hire, Himachal Pradesh Tourism points to its facility at Narkanda, further up the same highway.
Mahasu Peak
Mahasu Peak is the highest point around Kufri, with the Mahasu Naag temple at its top. Visitors usually walk or ride a pony up from the road through forest and meadows; in winter the slopes are snow-covered. On clear days the views open up over the surrounding ranges.
Himalayan Nature Park
The Himalayan Nature Park at Kufri is a high-altitude zoo and nature park. Himachal Pradesh Tourism says it is home to more than 180 species of birds and animals, and its collection includes the Himalayan monal, Himachal Pradesh’s former state bird. Timings and ticket prices are not published on an official site we could reach, and travel listings disagree on the weekly closing day, so check at the gate or with the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department before you go.
Kufri Fun World
Kufri Fun World is an amusement park with rides for children and a go-kart track. Himachal Pradesh Tourism says it is at about 2,800 m and claims the highest go-kart track; it lists it as 18 km from Shimla. Rides may not run in bad weather.
Pony and yak rides
Pony rides, and photographs with yaks, are commonly offered by local operators around Kufri, especially on the way up to Mahasu Peak. Prices are not regulated in any source we could find, so agree the price and the route before you set off. An earlier version of this article quoted a tobogganing price of about ₹500 per person; we could not verify it and have removed it.
Shopping
Stalls at Kufri sell woollen caps, gloves, socks and shawls, along with souvenirs and snacks. For a bigger choice of Himachali handicrafts, shop on the Mall in Shimla.
Best time to visit Kufri
- December to February: the snow season. India Meteorological Department records for Shimla show most of the season’s snow falling in January and February, and Kufri sits higher than central Shimla. Roads can be slippery or briefly closed after heavy snowfall.
- March to June: clear, mild weather, green hills and the busiest tourist season.
- July to September: the rainy season, with mist, heavy showers and a risk of landslides on hill roads.
How to reach Kufri
- By road from Shimla: According to the Shimla district administration, taxis to Kufri can be hired from Shimla’s Old Bus Stand or the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT), and Himachal Road Transport Corporation buses run frequently from the Lakkar Bazaar bus stand, about 1.5 km from the Old Bus Stand.
- By train: The nearest railway station is Shimla, the terminus of the Kalka–Shimla toy train. From Shimla, continue by road; the toy train does not go to Kufri.
- By air: Shimla Airport at Jubbarhatti is about 23 km from Shimla, with daily flights from Delhi, according to Himachal Pradesh Tourism. Chandigarh airport is the larger alternative, a longer drive away.
An earlier version of this article said you could reach Kufri by toy train and that Chandigarh was only 36 km away. Both were wrong: the toy train ends at Shimla, and Chandigarh is much further than that.
Places to visit near Kufri
- Indira Tourist Park: near the Himalayan Nature Park, with wide views of the hills.
- Green Valley: a forested roadside viewpoint on the drive between Shimla and Kufri.
- Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary: protected forest on this side of Shimla, originally kept as the town’s water catchment.
- Mashobra: about 12 km from Shimla, known for the Sipi Fair held each May. On the road to Mashobra, Craignano Nature Park has a tulip garden that blooms around March and April, according to Himachal Pradesh Tourism.
- Chail: the former summer capital of Patiala state, about 44 km from Shimla, with its palace and high-altitude cricket ground.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kufri from Shimla?
About 16 to 20 km by road, depending on where in Shimla you start. Expect the drive to take longer in peak season and after snowfall.
When does it snow in Kufri?
Snow usually comes between December and February, with January and February the most reliable months, but it varies from year to year.
Can you ski in Kufri?
Yes, when there is enough snow, on the slopes of Mahasu Peak. Himachal Pradesh Tourism offers ski courses and equipment hire at Narkanda.
What is Kufri famous for?
Snow and winter sports, the Himalayan Nature Park, Mahasu Peak and the Kufri Fun World amusement park.
Does the toy train go to Kufri?
No. The Kalka–Shimla railway ends at Shimla. Continue to Kufri by taxi or bus.
Checked in October 2026 against Himachal Pradesh Tourism’s Shimla and skiing pages, the Shimla district administration’s Kufri page and India Meteorological Department climate normals for Shimla. Snow, road and park conditions change, so check before you travel.
