Kufri – The Himachal’s Heaven

10 Awesome Things To Do In Kufri That’ll Enrich Your Himachal Travel Experience In 2022!

Kufri, derived from the word ‘kufr’ that means lake in the local language, is a destination to explore in India at least once in a lifetime. Full of vibrancy, this small hill station district of Himachal Pradesh, which is situated just 20 km from the state capital city of Shimla, is blessed with natural beauty and pleasant weather conditions. Since there are various things to do in Kufri, one can spend quality time here whilst getting a fair idea about the cultural setup of this place.

Today, Kufri has already become a hotspot for Indian tourism. It opens a passage for the rest of the popular tourist destinations such as Shimla, Manali, and Rewalsar. This hill station is one of the most visited holiday destinations, exploring which never gets enough.

Top 10 Things To Do In Kufri

Although Kufri seeks the attention of a large chunk of adventure sports lovers with its trekking and hiking trails, it has much more to offer. There are countless activities to do in Kufri – from skiing and tobogganing to exploring its flora and fauna throughout the year. Some of the top things to do in Kufri have been mentioned below!

1. Encountering Wildlife

Wild Animal

Image Credit: rschellenberg for Pixabay

Home to 180 species of birds and rare mammals, Himalayan National Park has been welcoming tourists ever since it was established in 1984. In 1999, it was formally declared as a National Park. Sprawled over an area of 754.4 sq. km, you can make the best use of your time here. It is a heaven for birdwatchers. Besides hundreds of thousands of birds, you’ll also get to encounter animals like musk deer and snow leopards here.

The colourful herbaceous plants that are grown all around the region from the species of balsam, geranium, primula, and orchid etc., leave a scintillating impact on you.

Location: Kandaghat-Chail-Kufri Road, Kufri, Himachal Pradesh 171012
Timings: 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM every day, except Mondays
Charges: INR 30/- per person

2. Amazing Trekking

Snow Chile Mountain Trekking The Andes Rocks

Image Credit: otroaireaventura for Pixabay

The dedicated travelers in India must be aware of the fact that Kufri is one of the most popular spots for trekking in India. Kufri remains the starting point of treks to Fagu, Shimla, Manali, and Rewalsar and is thus counted amongst the best things to do in Kufri that will make for an unforgettable experience. Kufri trekking is fascinating as well as short through Kullu – Manali Valley. Snow-capped peaks in winter and lush green meadows make the trekking experience as one of the most amazing moments during the Kufri trip.

Location: Kufri, Himachal Pradesh, 173217
Timings: 6:00 AM-5:00 PM
Ideal For: Friends, Group Travellers

Suggested Read: Himachal Pradesh In May: 16 Places To Escape The Busy Life In Summer 2022

3. Thrilling Horse Ride

Horse Riding

Image Credit: themomentfreezer for Pixaba

One of the most classic ways to explore the town of Kufri is by horse riding. The excitement of horseback riding combined with a thirst for exploration makes it one of the most unforgettable experiences. If you can brave the slightly rough terrains of the trails, a horse ride to Mahasu Peak is a must try. In fact, this activity has been gaining popularity year after year which is why it is one of the most fun things to do in Kufri.

Location: Mahasu Peak, Kufri
Charges: INR 500/- per person (approx.)

Suggested Read: 11 Travel Tips For Himachal Pradesh That Will Come In Handy For Your Trip In 2022

4. Exciting Snow Trail Camping

Snow Trail Camping

Being a perfect getaway for snow trailing, blessed with environmental richness unlike any city pollution or exhaustive traffic, Kufri has already become an ultimate camping site. Situated at an altitude of 2,250 meters above the sea level on the Kufri-Chail Road, you can try snow trail camping activity for unlimited fun and excitement. Snow trail camps with the modern facilities are definitely going to become a great choice for an unforgettable vacation for you.

Location: Kandaghat-Chail-Kufri Road, Village Neen, P.O. Koti, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171012
Timings: Opens 24 hours
Accommodation: Comfortable accommodation with twin-bedded Swiss tents, cottages attached with toilets with proper running hot & cold water with a sit-out verandah is available

Suggested Read: 15 Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh In December 2022

5. Inspiring Photography

Photography

Photography is definitely one of the best things to do in Kufri as you get to capture some precious moments. Clicking 360-degree panoramic views that include magnificent hills, dense forests, and clear blue sky are what that make Kufri a Utopia for the photography enthusiasts. The landscape is extremely breathtaking and therefore makes for the perfect pre-wedding photo-shoot location.

Location: Kufri Shimla
Average Cost: INR 15/- per person
Ideal For: Couples, Friends, and Family

Suggested Read: Top 12 Waterfalls In Himachal Pradesh That Treat Your Eyes To The Best Sights Ever!

6. Exhilarating Hiking

Hiking Place

Hiking in Kufri couldn’t be experienced better than the Mahasu Peak trail. During the hike, you’ll be a witness to the breathtaking views of Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges. Hiking is the best way to explore through a thick forest of deodar and spiff up to the top.

As Mahasu Peak remains a sought after spot for beginners to practise before hitting the rougher slopes, it is worth trying. While hiking, you literally detoxify your body as you inhale pure and fresh air. Winter is the best time to hike up the Mahasu Peak when snow drapes the forest and the trails. Your Kufri trip will be incomplete without hiking up to this iconic destination.

Location: Located at a distance of 13 km from Shimla, the peak is seated in the heart of Kufri.
Timings: From Sunrise to Sunset.
Charges: Free

7. Shop Your Heart Out

Shop Your Heart Out

World-renowned spice, Saffron is easily found around the town of Kufri. Those of you visiting here at any time of the year can delve into many things to do in Kufri in summer including shopping at the Mall Road in Shimla. This shopping area is absolutely amazing for local handicrafts like Tibetan carpets and Pashmina shawls.

You can consider buying the intricately carved wooden products here, as they can be counted as great souvenirs. The Lakkar Bazaar is another perfect destination for shopping besides Lower Bazaar, The Mall, Himachal Emporium, Tibetan Market and several other markets.

Location: Kufri Shimla malls, Local markets
Timings: Throughout the day

8. Elated Yak Ride

Yak Ride

One of the most exciting and best things to do in Kufri is yak riding. Riding on this slow prodding and fluffy animal will let you have a wonderful experience. Travelling on yaks make your journeys unforgettable as you pass through some of the most beautiful landscapes of Kufri.

Location: Mahasu Peak Kufri
Charges: Starting from INR 300/- per person (approx.

9. Electrifying Skiing

Skiing in ice

Image Credit: Pixnio

Skiing is one of the ways to make your travel experience more exciting. You get to experience the blooming rush while skiing across the icy slopes. After snowfall in Kufri, skiing can be a great experience for amateurs and experts. The thrill comes with the adventurous slopes that will simply pump your adrenaline rush!

Location: National Highway No.22 at a distance of 20 km from Shimla
Timing: High Season – 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Low Season: 9:00 AM – 7:00PM ; Winter Season: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

10. Mind-Blowing Tobogganing

Tobogganing

Tobogganing has been gaining popularity over the years. Sliding down through snowy slopes on a sledge is more fun than one’s imagination. The time period between mid-December and early February is ideal for tobogganing and other snow adventure sports in Kufri. Usually, two or more people can accommodate in one toboggan. To get your heart pumping, you must include tobagganing in your to-do list as it is one of the most adventurous things to do in Kufri.

Location: Kufri
Charges: INR 500/-
Best Time: April to June and from September to February.

Located at a distance of less than 50 kilometres from various renowned hill stations, Kufri has its own unique charm. There’s a lot one can do in this hill station – from adventurous activities to simply spending time by oneself amidst the rich beauty of the mountains! A visit to Kufri is a must if you’re out exploring the different towns during your Himachal trip! Keep the list of things to do in Kufri handy during your visit!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Kufri

What places should I visit in Kufri?

The following are the famous places to visit in Kufri – Mahasu Peak, Green Valley, Himalayan Nature Park, Indira Tourist Park, Kufri Fun World, Fagu, Jakhu Temple, Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park, etc.

Where to stay in Kufri?

The following are the best places to stay in Kufri – Radisson Kufri, Treebo Trend Snow View Resort, Kufri Holiday Resort, Royal Tulip Luxury Hotel, Sterling Kufri Resort, Kufri Pacific Resort, etc.

Is it safe to visit Kufri during Covid times?

You need to follow all the mandatory travel guidelines mentioned by the authorities to ensure a safe travel experience. Avoid crowded places and keep sanitizing your hands after touching surfaces. Maintain social distancing and remain masked in public places.

At what height is Kufri located?

Kufri near Shimla is nestled at an elevation of 2,720m (8923 feet) and is well-connected by road. It is about 14.5 km from Shimla and you can board a bus or hire a taxi to reach here.

What is famous in Kufri?

Kufri is a tiny hill station located near Shimla. It is famous for its trekking and hiking trails. Adventure-seeking travellers throng Kufri in the winters to enjoy skiing and tobogganing along its snow-covered slopes. Also, this region seeks the attention of travellers with its nature parks and picnic spots.

In which month does Kufri experience snowfall?

The days between November to March are the time to witness snowfall in Kufri. These are the months when the region welcomes snowfall. Summers are pleasant with greeneries everywhere.

How can I go to Kufri?

There are no direct flights or trains or buses between New Delhi to Kufri. The convenient way to reach from New Delhi to Kufri is to hire taxis or board any bus plying on this route. You can fly until Chandigarh and from there hire a taxi or explore the bus option.

What is the best time to visit Kufri?

The best time to visit Kufri is during summer, between April and June. However, one may also plan a tour in the wintertime from December to February to enjoy snowfall and skiing activities.

Shimla- A Fairytale Destination

Shimla offers much more than charming colonial buildings against a backdrop of the magnificent snow-capped Himalayas. Much more than the dozens of Bollywood songs set on Mall Road or its oldest boarding schools. The upper reaches around the Shimla region offer skating on natural ice as well as host the MTB Himalaya (South East Asia’s biggest mountain biking race). Shimla also boasts ownership of the 16th century “Arya Astha Sahasrikas Prajna Paramita” Tibetan script (at the quaint Maria Brothers antique booksellers) and the Jakhu Temple Shrine with Lord Hanuman’s footprints.

Originally part of the Kingdom of Nepal (before it was declared the British Summer Capital of India), pleasant summers and snow-covered winters make Shimla a favorite weekend getaway with tourists all year-round. Expect a tattoo artist around every corner, but expect no food after midnight. Legendary ghost stories (Chudail Baudi, for single men whose cars slow down for the lady in the white sari) and fantastic cultural heritage make this visit all the more memorable. un[travel] your way up that UNESCO heritage railway route to Shimla for sights and sounds like never before.

Places to visit in Shimla

1. Heritage Walk through Shimla

The Ridge , Shimla

Shimla has a lot of stories to tell, some legends, and more heritage, but all equally exciting. Begins at the appropriately named ‘Scandal Point’ where legend has it that the Maharajah of Patiala was exiled from Shimla after a fierce argument with the Viceroy (some stories say he eloped with the Viceroy’s daughter) and was eventually exiled from Shimla –giving this spot its name in 1892. Send yourself a postcard from the timber-structured ‘wild west Swiss’-styled 133-year-old Shimla General Post Office as a souvenir.

Pass Christ Church on the ridge that was built back in 1857 with its tower clock and fresco designed by Rudyard Kipling’s father. Take a break at The Town Hall’s steps, but make way for officials as it’s still used by the Municipal Corporation of Shimla. Get transported to the grandeur and aura of times gone by at the century-old Gaiety Theatre before you move on to the ancient Kali Bari Temple. Stop for a breather at the neo-Gothic Gorton Castle set in the midst of gigantic Deodars. Walk past the enormous Vidhan Sabha to the old Victorian mansion that now houses the Himachal State Museum with its numerous cultural treasures. Be prepared for a pleasant colonial hangover at the end of this walk.

Also Read :- 14 Things to do in Lansdowne to have a refreshing getaway with pals in 2022

2. Kufri and Chail

Kufri To Chail

Lush green hills mark summer in Kufri– a stark contrast to the fantastic snow slopes that make tobogganing ‘the’ thing to do at the end of the year. If you’re visiting in January, try your hand at the ‘National Snow Statue Competition’ here in Kufri. A short walk around would take you past colonial-Esque statues at Chini Bungalow to the Himalayan nature park.

Head on to Koti for a picnic in unexplored gardens surrounded by orchards. Tall pine and deodar forests signal the entry to Chail at about 2250 meters above MSL. Renowned for the worlds’ highest cricket pitch and polo grounds (at 2444 m above MSL), Chail is also home to the majestic summer palace of the Maharaja of Patiala built in 1891 (when exiled from Shimla by the British). Walk back in time through fascinating Indo-English architecture set on sprawling lawns with wide patios and corridors that echo with voices of an era gone by.

3. Kipling’s home and Viceregal Lodge

Viceregal Lodge

What makes Shimla more alluring is its glorious past, the days when it was the summer capital during the British Raj. Beneath the Kali Bari temple, at the North Bank, lays an ordinary house where there once lived an extraordinary writer, Rudyard Kipling. This Nobel laureate spent most of his summer vacations here where memories of Jungle Book still linger on. Move on to the Viceregal Lodge. This was originally built as a home and summer residence of subsequent viceroys and governors-general of India. Leave history behind, for a peaceful walk through dense forests for a quiet moment of solitude with a quaint picnic basket for the company.

4. Jakhu Temple Hike

Jakhu Temple

Heritage and reverence have co-existed in the hill-town of Shimla for a long time now. Hike up from the east end of the ridge of Shimla, towards the revered Jakhu temple. Through the gates of the Rothney Castle; once the home of the great naturalist, A.O. Hume, hikes uphill to a beautiful temple complemented by the hymns filling the air and the wall murals depicting Hindu myths! A looming 33m tall Hanuman statue and a battalion of His minions stay with you as you stroll through the surrounding forests.

5. Toy Train Ride

Toy Train

103 tunnels, 864 bridges, 919 curves, and a ride of a lifetime: Welcome aboard the Shimla-Kalka ‘toy train’. This UNESCO heritage train chugs slowly up the mountains, seemingly playing an interesting game of hiding and seek with tunnels. Gradual ascents on winding tracks, flanked by age-old trees on either side, seem straight out of a storybook. Over a century old, the ‘toy train’ still chugs into the hearts of the hundreds who travel in it every day. Made more memorable with numerous Bollywood songs, there’s nothing like a ride up to Shimla with the tune of ‘gaadi bula rahi hai, seeti baja rahi hai’ probably playing on in your head.

Best time to Visit Shimla

March to June is the popular tourist season when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities and quite pleasant. If you’re the type to lace up your adventure boots, this is the time to visit here with paragliding, trekking, camping, and rafting all up for grabs.
July to September sees heavy rainfall and quite a drop-in visitors. On the upside, the rains make the hills more luxuriant and if you’re the kind who prefers dripping weather and lonesome hikes, this time has your name all over it.
October to February is the typical Shimla filming weather with huge dollops of snow thrown in! Also, a popular time for visitors.
Although a year-round destination, the activities open to you may vary based on when you visit. So, plan accordingly.

Things to carry

Pack as light as possible given the amount of road travel involved here.
• Cotton clothing for summer and a light jacket would work for when evenings get cooler. If you’re un[travel]ling in winter, warmer clothes complete with thick socks and warmer jackets. Carry your windcheater and umbrella if you’re here in the monsoons as well.
• Sturdy walking shoes, mandatory if you’re hiking, make sense given the amount of walking involved here.
• Sunscreen, especially if you’re going up to the higher reaches. Usual prescription medications.
• Mobile and tablet electronic chargers.

Best places to stay in Shimla

• Wildflower Hall, Shimla
• Hotel Willow Banks
• Hotel Combermere
• East Bourne Resort and Spa
• Koti resort