Surrounded by thick cedar woods and mountains that are sky high is the pristine little hill station of Kufri. It is set at an altitude of 2510 m and situated in the southern part of Himachal Pradesh, amidst the foothills of the Himalayas. Since Kufri is very close to Shimla, it is also a very frequently visited tourist spot in Himachal Pradesh. Reaching Kufri from any part of the country can be done easily by air, road or rail depending on the weather conditions and other factors. All the seasons here have their own characteristics and no matter when you plan to visit, Kufri’s climate is always pleasant.

Tourism in Kufri is highly enjoyable as there are a number of things to do and places to visit in this region. Whether you want to admire the beauty of nature at Fagu, spend some time observing animals and plants at the Himalayan National Park or simply go on skiing trip, our travel guide to Kufri will keep you informed about some of the best places to visit on your trip to this quaint hilltop.

By Air:

Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla is the nearest railways station, located at a distance of 34 km from Kufri. Although major airlines have flights that ply to the airport, they are not very frequent. It is recommended to travel to the Chandigarh Airport (66 km from Kufri) as it is much well connected to major cities and flights are more frequent from other parts of the country.

By Road:

Roadways leading to Kufri are well connected with national highways that connect to other northern cities. If the aim is to see the most beautiful sceneries, taking a road trip to Kufri is something that you would want to do. You can also take a bus from neighbouring cities at a cheaper cost to reach your destination in Kufri.

By Rail:

The closest railway station is the Shimla Railway Station, located at 13 km from Kufri. Trains ply frequently to this railway station from various cities in India. Alternatively, you can also take the Chadigarh Railway Station to get to Kufri. Trains are the best way to enjoy the scenic beauty of this beautiful hill station.

Getting Around:

Getting around in Kufri can be done by taking local busses run by the government or you can move around on horseback or on a yak. The roads in Kufri are narrow and hence not a lot of busses go upwards; the best way is to move around on foot.

Summer (April-June):

Due to Kufri being situated on a high altitude, summers in this hill station are not very hot and mildly pleasant. Temperatures range from 12°C- 20°C, making it an ideal time to visit this region. Also during this time, the Summer Festival takes place, showcasing local art and is definitely worth attending.

Monsoon (July-October):

Kufri starts to see light showers during the month of July and this continues until October. This region does not see heavy rainfall during monsoons, but the environment that it creates is simply breathtaking. Fog clad mountains and cold winds are the highlights of the winter season.

Winter (November-March):

If you are a winter sports fanatic, visiting Kufri in the winter time is absolutely ideal. Known as the winter wonderland, Kufri has an array of sports that you can indulge in during this time. Temperatures range from -8°C to 15°C, making the slopes apt for skiing. The Winter Sports Festival is held during this time and is a fun time to visit with family.

Skiing at Mahasu:

Kufri has a lot of slopes for tourists to ski on, but the highest and the gentlest slopes are found at the Mahasu peak. They call it the skier’s paradise due to the thick blanket of snow that covers the slopes, making the sport easy for experienced skiers as well as amateurs. If you want to engage in the sport of skiing, make sure you plan your trip between Decembers to February.

Bird watching:

The Himalayan National Park in Kufri gives nature lovers an opportunity to observe various species of flora and fauna. At the park, you can lay on the green grass and engage in bird watching. Diverse species of birds can be observed, each having vibrant colours, with different shapes and sizes.

Horse and Yak rides at Fugo:

Horse riding is very common in the northern hill stations of India, but riding a Yak can be done in a select few places; Kufri happens to be one of them. These rides are a lot of fun, especially for children. Ride on a yak all the way up to Fugo to get magnificent views of the beautiful mountains.

Relax with Nature:

Kufri is packed with abundant cedar forests and a variety of flowers, plants and animals. If you want to feel one with nature, walking on foot and exploring the region is something that you must do. Take stroll in the Indira Tourist Park and explore the vibrant flowers, tall trees and verdant valleys.

Go Sightseeing:

Kufri has a few hidden spots that one must visit to get the authentic feel of the place. Chini Bangla, the home of Indira Gandhi in the earlier days is a sight worth seeing, for its architectural excellence. The structure will remind of establishments during the colonial period. You can also visit the Nag Temple on top, at the Mahasu Peak, which will make your journey even more serene.

If you are looking for food that will keep you warm in the chilly weather of Kufri, then you must try the cuisine here! Siddus, is a fried lump of flour filled with some poppy seed paste and served with some desi ghee. You can also try Sepu Badi Madra, which a traditional dish is made in the north made with a fine mix of chickpea and lentil, which is later on cut into pieces and fried and is best enjoyed with roti. You can try these delicious dishes at restaurants like Hide out Café and Hotel Snow Shelter for a price that fits the budget and fulfills your cravings.  

There are a number of places that one can shop at in Kufri. The Kufri Local Tourist Market is one of them where you can find local handicrafts and art for purchase. You can also go to Himachali Hats and Handicrafts where you can find the authentic Himachali hat and also traditional dresses worn by the locals in the area. If you are an antique collector, you may also find old treasures and beautiful ancient jewellery at the Lakkar Bazaar. These handicrafts give tourists a glance of the culture in the region and they are so beautiful that you will have to take back something as a souvenir.