Kufri sits 17 km east of Shimla at 2,600 m in Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh. Famous for winter skiing, the Himalayan Nature Park, and panoramic views from Mahasu Peak, it draws adventure seekers and wildlife lovers year-round.
Kufri
Shimla's High-Altitude Adventure Hub at 2,600 Metres
A Glimpse into History
Origins – British Discovery
British administrators frequenting Shimla first documented Kufri as a scenic winter retreat in the 1820s. Its name derives from the local Pahari word "Kufr" meaning a place with a cave or hollow. The British used the slopes informally for skiing as early as the 1920s.
Evolution – Organised Tourism
The Himalayan Nature Park was established in 1984, protecting rare Himalayan species across 17 sq km. Infrastructure for adventure tourism followed through the 1990s as HP Tourism developed Kufri as a day-trip extension of Shimla.
Modern Era – Year-Round Destination
With the addition of Kufri Fun World and organised yak/pony rides, Kufri transformed from a winter-only spot into a year-round destination. Snowfall between December and February still remains its primary tourist draw.
Significance
Kufri's Himalayan Nature Park shelters the endangered Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, and the state bird — Himalayan Monal. Mahasu Peak at 2,900 m offers unobstructed views of the Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges. The area's apple orchards supply markets across northern India.
Festivals & Events
Winter Carnival / Skiing Season (Jan–Feb)
Kufri hosts skiing competitions and snow activities on its natural slopes from January to February. The HP Tourism Department runs organised ski courses for beginners and intermediates during this window.
Shimla Summer Festival Overflow (May–Jun)
As Shimla's Summer Festival peaks, Kufri sees a surge in day-trippers. Local vendors set up mountain food stalls, pony rides, and yak photo sessions along the ridge trail to Mahasu Peak.
Did You Know?
Kufri is home to one of India's highest small-gauge ski slopes operated for public use. The natural snow slope on Mahasu Peak (2,900 m) is used for skiing without any artificial snowmaking — the season lasts only as long as natural snowfall permits, typically 6–8 weeks.
Travel Guide
How to Reach
By Air: Shimla Airport / Jubbarhatti (SLV) is ~30 km from Kufri; Chandigarh Airport (IXC), ~135 km, has better flight connectivity from major cities.
By Train: Shimla Railway Station (SML) on the Kalka–Shimla toy train line is 17 km away; Kalka (KLK) broad-gauge railhead is ~107 km from Kufri.
By Road: Kufri is 17 km from Shimla on NH5 (Old Hindustan-Tibet Road); regular taxis and shared cabs run from Shimla's Lakkar Bazaar (~40 min drive).
Best Time to Visit
Dec–Feb (Snow): Peak season for skiing and snowfall — book well ahead. Mar–Jun (Summer): Pleasant 10–20°C, clear Himalayan views, less crowded. Oct–Nov (Autumn): Apple harvest season, golden forests, crisp air. Jul–Sep: Monsoon turns slopes lush but roads can be slippery — visit with care.
Local Attractions
Mahasu Peak (~3 km trek): Highest accessible point near Kufri at 2,900 m — 360° Himalayan panorama.
Himalayan Nature Park: 17 sq km park with Snow Leopard, Himalayan Monal, and brown bear enclosures.
Fagu (~6 km): Quiet apple orchard village with valley views — great en route stop.
Shimla City (~17 km): Mall Road, Christ Church, and Jakhu Temple all within easy reach.
Tips for Visitors
Book ski equipment from HP Tourism counters near the slope — private vendors often charge 3× more for the same gear.
Start the Mahasu Peak trek by 7 AM for clear Himalayan views — clouds build rapidly by late morning.
Park vehicles at the Kufri market and walk — the ridge trail to the peak is pedestrian-only and non-negotiable.
Carry thermal layers even in May — Mahasu summit can be 8–10°C colder than the Kufri market area below.
Location Map
Image Gallery
