Kufri, Shimla
Small hill resort about 12–16 km from Shimla on NH 5, known for winter snow, the Himalayan Nature Park and Kufri Fun World.
Overview
Kufri is one of the most popular day trips from Shimla. It sits higher than the town on NH 5, gets reliable winter snow, and is home to the Himalayan Nature Park.
Kufri is a small hill resort east of Shimla on National Highway 5 (the old Hindustan–Tibet road). Wikipedia gives the distance as about 12 km, and Himachal Tourism puts the Himalayan Nature Park at 16 km from Shimla. Kufri's average elevation is about 2,720 m, noticeably higher than Shimla, and it gets regular winter snow. In the past a path through the potato fields was used as a ski track. The name is said to come from a local word for 'lake'.
Its best-known sight is the Himalayan Nature Park, run by the state Forest Department, which Himachal Tourism says holds more than 180 species of Himalayan birds and animals, including the Himalayan monal. Kufri Fun World, next to NH 5 on the Shimla–Fagu road and at about 2,800 m, claims the highest go-kart track in the area, along with other rides. Pony rides up to the viewpoints above the main road are a common activity.
Their rates are set locally and can vary, so agree a price before you set off. Kufri is usually done as a half-day trip from Shimla, often together with Fagu or Mashobra.
Entry fees
Entry
All visitors
Himalayan Nature Park, adult. Secondary source only; other sites quote Rs 50.
Amount needs verification
Child (Indian)
Himalayan Nature Park, child. Secondary source only.
Amount needs verification
Camera
All visitors
Himalayan Nature Park camera fee. Secondary source only.
Amount needs verification
Kufri itself is free. Nature Park fees need confirming with the HP Forest Department (Wildlife Division, Shimla). Pony rides, Fun World rides and parking are run by private or local operators at varying rates.
We only show an amount when a source backs it. Prices change, so confirm locally before you go.
Opening hours
The town is accessible at all times. Himalayan Nature Park reportedly 9 AM–6:30 PM (summer) / 9:30 AM–5:30 PM (winter), closed Tuesdays (unverified).
Nature Park hours come only from a secondary site (Trawell), so no rows are included. The road may close after heavy snow.
Visitor information
- Best time to visit
- December to February for snow; March to June for pleasant weather
- Best time of day
- Morning, before afternoon clouds and traffic
- How long to spend
- Half day
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Families
- Suitable for families
Good to know
- Agree pony-ride prices before starting
- Do not feed animals at the Nature Park
Location
Kufri, Shimla (Rural), Himachal Pradesh 171007
Kufri, Himachal Pradesh, India
31.09790, 77.26780
Get directionsPhotos
Snow on the hills of Kufri. Photo: Jeyasree S.B / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 Himalayas from Kufri. Photo: MikeLynch / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 Pony ride at Kufri. Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0 Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri. Photo: Astajyoti1 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kufri from Shimla?
About 12–16 km by road along NH 5, depending on where you start.
When does Kufri get snow?
Snowfall is most likely between December and February.
Is the Himalayan Nature Park open every day?
Travel sites say it is closed on Tuesdays; confirm locally as this is not officially verified.
Information sources
Where the facts on this page come from, and what still needs confirming.
Information last checked 28 September 2026
Not yet confirmed
- Nature Park fees and hours (secondary only)
Not available yet
- official Forest Department fee schedule
- pony-ride rates
- Wikipedia – Kufri, India · Encyclopedia
- Trawell.in – Himalayan Nature Park / Kufri Zoo · Other
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