How to reach Kufri by car, and what it costs
Kufri is about 16 km east of Shimla on the Hindustan–Tibet road, usually 40 to 60 minutes by car depending on Dhalli traffic. With RutzIndia.com a sedan on the 4 hr / 40 km package costs Rs 4,320 Pay Now to Reserve and a full 8 hr / 80 km day Rs 7,200 Pay Now to Reserve; an Innova Crysta day is Rs 12,600 Pay Now to Reserve, before 5% GST and actual parking.
Kufri is less a town than a ridge top with a bazaar, a nature park and a lot of ponies. It sits at roughly 2,500 metres, a good 300 metres above Shimla's Ridge, which is enough to turn winter drizzle in the capital into snow up here. That single fact explains its fame: for decades, families from Delhi, Punjab and Haryana have driven up to Kufri in January to throw their first snowball, and in summer they come back for the views across to the Himalayan ranges and the cool air.
Because Kufri is so close to Shimla, most people treat it as a half-day or day trip from their Shimla hotel, often extended to Fagu, Chini Bungalow or even Narkanda. Some drive straight up from Chandigarh or Delhi and base themselves in the resorts around Kufri and Fagu. Either way, the fastest and least stressful approach is a chauffeur-driven car that waits while you ride, walk and play, and knows when the police are about to close the road.
What to do in Kufri
- Mahasu Peak. The highest point of the Kufri ridge, reached on foot or on a pony along a rough, muddy track of about 2 to 3 km from the bazaar. At the top is a small Nag Devta temple and, on a clear day, a line of snow peaks to the north. Pony rates are set by the local association and displayed on boards; confirm the price and the route before you mount.
- Himalayan Nature Park. A forest park run by the Himachal wildlife department where you can see Himalayan birds and animals in large enclosures, including pheasants such as the monal. It is a gentle hour or two for families. Check opening days and ticket prices at the gate.
- Kufri Fun World. An amusement park with rides and a go-kart track on the ridge, popular with teenagers.
- Snow play and skiing. In a good winter the slopes around Kufri carry enough snow for sledging, snow tubes and basic skiing on short runs. Equipment is rented locally; quality varies, so inspect before you pay.
- Yak photographs. The decorated yaks you see on every Kufri postcard are still here, with their owners charging a small fee for a picture.
- Fagu and Chini Bungalow. Fagu is about 6 km further on, quieter, with orchards and potato fields and a state tourism property. Chini Bungalow, a short detour, is an old rest-house viewpoint.
- Green Valley viewpoint. A roadside stop between Shimla and Kufri looking down a steep deodar-covered valley, with the inevitable rabbit-and-costume photo stalls.
Kufri's food is basic: Maggi, pakoras, corn on the cob, rajma-chawal and chai. For a proper meal, head back to Shimla's Mall or on to the dhabas at Theog.
The road: Shimla to Kufri, and getting to Shimla first
Shimla to Kufri (16 km)
The route leaves Shimla through Sanjauli and Dhalli, where the Hindustan–Tibet road (NH5) begins its climb east. Dhalli is the bottleneck: the junction, the tunnel and the bus stand can hold traffic for 20 to 40 minutes on winter weekends. After Dhalli the road runs along forested slopes, past Green Valley, to the Kufri bazaar. It is a good two-lane highway, but in snow it becomes slippery quickly, and after heavy falls the district administration often stops traffic at Dhalli until the road is cleared and gritted.
Chandigarh or Delhi to Kufri
From Chandigarh, Kufri is roughly 131 km, around 4 hours via Parwanoo, Solan and Shimla's bypass. A sedan one way at Rs 36 per km costs about Rs 4,720; an Innova Crysta about Rs 7,470 Pay Now to Reserve. From Delhi the distance is roughly 360 km, usually 8 hours or more with breaks. Our Chandigarh to Shimla taxi and Delhi to Shimla taxi pages set out those legs in detail.
Arriving by air? Shimla's small airport at Jubbarhatti has limited flights, and many visitors prefer Chandigarh. We collect from both, track the flight and hold a name board. Waiting is free for 60 minutes after international landings and 30 minutes after domestic ones, then billed at the hourly rate.
Seasons: when Kufri is at its best
- December to February: snow season. Kufri usually gets its first proper fall around late December or January. Weekends after a snowfall are chaotic, with long queues at Dhalli, so weekdays and early starts are far better. Your chauffeur carries chains and will advise if a larger vehicle is safer.
- March and April: the snow melts, the crowds thin and rhododendrons flower. Good for walking up Mahasu.
- May and June: peak summer season. Pleasant temperatures and clear mornings, but Shimla's roads are busy; start by 8 am.
- July to mid-September: monsoon cloud and rain. Views are hit and miss and the Mahasu track turns to mud, though the forest is at its greenest.
- October and November: our favourite window for views, with dry air and sharp outlines of the snow ranges.
Christmas and New Year week is a special case. Shimla's Ridge and Mall are packed, hotels charge peak rates and traffic control is strict. If you want a white Christmas in Kufri, book your car and hotel early. For official district advisories, including snowfall road closures, the Shimla district administration is the source to check, and Himachal Tourism lists state-run stays around Kufri and Fagu.
Kufri car hire with RutzIndia.com
We keep Kufri pricing tied to our Shimla local packages, because that is how the trip actually runs: out and back with plenty of waiting.
- Half day (4 hr / 40 km): Kufri and Green Valley, back for lunch.
- Full day (8 hr / 80 km): Kufri, Fagu, Chini Bungalow and perhaps Chail's palace or the orchards near Theog.
- Transfers: Chandigarh or Delhi to a Kufri or Fagu resort, billed per kilometre.
- Multi-day hill tours that start with Kufri and continue to Narkanda, Sarahan or Manali.
- Groups: a Tempo Traveller on rent for school trips, college reunions and extended families.
| Vehicle | 4 hr / 40 km from Shimla | 8 hr / 80 km from Shimla | Chandigarh to Kufri one way (about 131 km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dzire sedan | Rs 4,320 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 7,200 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 4,720 Pay Now to Reserve |
| Innova Crysta | Rs 7,560 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 12,600 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 7,470 Pay Now to Reserve |
| Fortuner SUV | Rs 13,500 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 22,500 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 11,730 Pay Now to Reserve (minimum fare applies) |
| Tempo Traveller | Rs 11,700 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 19,500 Pay Now to Reserve | Rs 10,220 Pay Now to Reserve |
Local packages include the stated hours and kilometres; extra time and distance are billed at the rates shown on our fares page. Outstation round trips follow the usual 250 km per calendar day minimum, with a Rs 1,500 Pay Now to Reserve driver night allowance. Fares are quoted before 5% GST; Himachal entry fees, tolls and parking are billed at actual cost. All vehicles are within four model years. Pay by card or UPI through the booker; companies receive GST invoices.
A snow forecast can change plans overnight. Cancel more than 72 hours before pickup and you pay nothing. After that we retain 10% within 72 hours, 50% within 48 hours and 100% within 24 hours or for a no-show, as per the cancellation policy.
Kufri day plans
Winter snow day from Shimla (about 50 km)
Leave your Shimla hotel by 7.30 am to clear Dhalli before the rush. Snow play and sledging at Kufri until late morning, hot chai and Maggi, then Fagu for quieter snowfields and photographs. Back in Shimla by 2 pm, before the afternoon jam, and an evening skating session at Shimla's open-air ice rink if it is running.
Summer ridge day (about 80 km)
Green Valley at 9 am, pony or walk up Mahasu Peak, the Himalayan Nature Park after that, lunch at Fagu, and a late-afternoon drive towards Theog's orchards before returning to Shimla. If you have another day, continue east to Narkanda; our Narkanda by road guide explains the Hatu Peak road and apple season.
Two-day Chandigarh to Kufri escape (about 290 km)
Day one: Chandigarh to Shimla in the morning, the Ridge and Mall in the afternoon, then check in at a Kufri or Fagu resort. Day two: Mahasu and the nature park early, then return to Chandigarh by evening. Billed on the 500 km two-day minimum, a sedan costs Rs 18,000 plus GST and actual costs.
Practical tips for Kufri
- Parking: space in the Kufri bazaar is limited and paid. Your chauffeur drops you near the pony stand and waits in the lot; on busy snow days he may have to park further down the road.
- Local operators: ponies, yak photos, sledges and ski gear are run by local associations with their own rates. Agree the price first and keep small cash.
- Road closures: after heavy snow the police can stop traffic at Dhalli or allow only vehicles with chains. Your driver will follow instructions; please do not ask him to bypass barriers.
- Clothing: waterproof shoes and gloves are essential in winter; you can rent gumboots near the bazaar, but your own are more comfortable.
- Altitude: about 2,500 metres. Mild headaches are possible for a few people; drink water and avoid heavy exertion on arrival.
- Kids: bring a change of clothes for children who will inevitably roll in the snow.
For hotel transfers, heritage walks and local days in the capital itself, see our Shimla taxi service, and for the city's own highlights, the Shimla by road guide.
