Overview
Shimla to Kufri is about 12–16 km along the old Hindustan–Tibet road (NH5), usually 40 minutes to an hour by taxi depending on traffic at Dhalli. Kufri sits higher than Shimla, at roughly 2,600–2,700 m, which is why it gets snow more reliably in winter and is the first place most visitors head for a white December or January. It's a small, busy resort rather than a town: Mahasu Peak above it, horse and mule rides, the Himalayan Nature Park, and fun parks. We pick you up from your Shimla hotel's nearest vehicle point, wait in Kufri, and can combine it with Chail, Mashobra or Naldehra.
Usual route: Hindustan–Tibet road (NH5) via Dhalli
Included
- Fuel and driver allowance
- Tolls and state entry taxes
- Pickup anywhere in Shimla
- Short refreshment stops
Not included
- ×Parking at sightseeing stops
- ×Detours beyond the agreed route (quoted upfront)
- ×Night allowance on trips that need one (quoted upfront)
The climb from Shimla to Kufri
How high you go, and the stops along the way. Useful if anyone in your group gets motion sick or feels the altitude.
Start
2,376 m
Shimla
Total climb
+274 m
over ~16 km
Finish
2,650 m
Kufri
- Shimla
- Sanjauli
- Dhalli
- Kufri bazaar
- Himalayan Nature Park
- Kufri
Illustrative profile. Start, finish altitudes are approximate; stops are shown in order, not to scale.
Shimla to Kufri taxi fare and cab rates
Starting prices for a one-way trip (~16 km), per vehicle, with fuel, driver, tolls and HP entry tax included. Your exact price is confirmed in writing on WhatsApp before you book; it can vary with dates, vehicle model and extra stops. All Himachal taxi fares
₹2,900
starting · one way
₹3,650
starting · one way
₹4,050
starting · one way
₹6,550
starting · one way
Your quote
Shimla → Kufri
Sedan · one way · ~16 km
- FuelIncluded
- Driver & driver allowanceIncluded
- Highway tollsIncluded
- Himachal state entry taxIncluded
- Pickup anywhere in ShimlaIncluded
Total you pay
starting price
₹2,900
Only ever extra: parking at sightseeing stops you choose (paid at cost), and detours you add on the day (quoted before you go).
Driving tips for this route
- 1Leave by 9 am on weekends and in snow season; the road through Dhalli jams quickly.
- 2Hotels on and near the Mall are vehicle-restricted; the driver meets you at the closest permitted point.
- 3After fresh snow, the road can be closed or restricted to chained vehicles for a while; we check before leaving.
- 4Horse and mule rides to Mahasu Peak are run by local operators; agree the price and route before starting.
- 5Combine with Chail for a full day: the Chail road turns off just after Kufri.
Worthwhile stops on the way
Shimla
Pickup
Sanjauli
Ridge suburb on the way out of Shimla, with views back over the town.
Dhalli
Junction where the Hindustan–Tibet road leaves Shimla; often the traffic bottleneck.
Kufri bazaar
Shops, snacks and the start of horse rides.
Himalayan Nature Park
Wildlife park close to the main market, with Himalayan species.
Kufri
Drop at your hotel
Things to do in Kufri
Most visitors take a horse or mule up to Mahasu Peak, through deodar and pine forest, for views of the snow ranges on a clear day. Sources give its height at roughly 2,700–2,900 m. Near the top is a fun park with rides. Back in the bazaar, the Himalayan Nature Park, about 2 km from the main market, houses Himalayan animals and birds in large enclosures.
In winter, snow play near the slopes is the main draw, with sledges and snow gear for hire. Kufri is small, so two to three hours is enough unless you're adding Chail or Narkanda.
- Agree horse-ride prices before starting.
- Carry warm clothes; it's colder than Shimla.
- Weekday mornings are the quietest.
Combining Kufri with nearby places
Kufri is the first stop on several popular day trips from Shimla. Chail, about 45 km from Shimla via Kufri, makes a full day with its palace and hilltop cricket ground. Narkanda and Hatu Peak lie further along the Hindustan–Tibet road for apple country and wider views. Mashobra and Naldehra are quieter forest spots off the same road. Tell us which you'd like and we'll plan the order around traffic.
Kufri in the snow: what to expect
When snow falls around Shimla, Kufri is where the crowds go, and the road through Dhalli can back up for hours on weekends. Snow chains may be required, and police sometimes stop traffic below Kufri until the road is cleared. On those days, an early start, ideally before 8 am, makes the difference between a fun morning and a long wait in traffic.
Dress for real cold: thermal layers, waterproof shoes and gloves. Snow boots and coats can be hired in Kufri. If the road is closed, the forest around Mashobra or the upper parts of Shimla often have snow too, and your driver will suggest the most accessible spot that day.
Weather & road conditions
When to go to Kufri
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January: Snow likely, roads can close | February: Snow likely, roads can close | March: Best time | April: Best time | May: Best time | June: Best time | July: Monsoon, landslide risk | August: Monsoon, landslide risk | September: Best time | October: Best time | November: Best time | December: Snow likely, roads can close |
- Best time
- Snow likely, roads can close
- Monsoon, landslide risk
- Fine, check weather
Pickup options
- • Shimla hotels (Mall Road, Chhota Shimla, Sanjauli, Lakkar Bazaar)
- • Shimla railway station and ISBT
Other ways to travel
Local buses run from Shimla toward Kufri along the Hindustan–Tibet road. A taxi lets you combine Kufri with Chail, Mashobra or Naldehra.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Shimla to Kufri cab cost?+
Starting one-way fares are Sedan ₹2,900, SUV ₹3,650, Toyota Innova Crysta ₹4,050, Tempo Traveller ₹6,550, all-inclusive with fuel, driver, tolls and Himachal entry tax. Your exact taxi price is confirmed in writing on WhatsApp before you book.
How far is Kufri from Shimla?+
About 12–16 km, usually 40 minutes to an hour by taxi depending on traffic (approximate; verification pending).
When does it snow in Kufri?+
Usually December to February. Snow varies year to year, so allow some flexibility.
Can a taxi reach Kufri after snowfall?+
Usually once the road is cleared; it can close or be restricted for a while after heavy snow. We check before leaving.
Can we visit Kufri and Chail together?+
Yes. Chail is on a road that turns off after Kufri; a full day covers both.
Is Kufri crowded?+
Yes, on weekends and in the snow season. Weekday mornings are much quieter.
Are horse rides included?+
No. They're paid directly to local operators; agree the price first.
How long should we spend in Kufri?+
Two to three hours covers a horse ride to Mahasu Peak, the nature park and some time in the snow. Add Chail or Naldehra if you want a full day out of Shimla.
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