Shimla to Kufri Travel Guide
How to travel from Shimla to Kufri — driving route, timing, stops along the way, and where to base yourself for a relaxed trip.
The journey from Shimla to Kufri is a short one — only about 16 km — but it takes you from a busy colonial hill town into the quieter cedar-and-orchard country of the upper Shimla hills. With a little planning, the drive itself becomes part of the trip rather than just a transfer between two points.
The standard route leaves Shimla on NH-5 heading east, then branches off onto the Fagu–Kufri road. The whole drive takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour by taxi, depending on traffic and weather. State buses also connect Shimla to Kufri during the season, though a taxi gives you the flexibility to stop along the way, which is where the route gets interesting.
The most worthwhile stop is Fagu, a tiny village on the road between Theog and Kufri, surrounded by apple orchards and terraced fields. Fagu has roadside viewpoints looking toward the greater Himalaya and a few small dhabas where you can stop for chai. It is a peaceful photography stop and a good place to stretch your legs — and it is far quieter than Kufri itself will be.
If you have time, the ridge around Theog (about 30 km from Shimla, just before Fagu) is worth a detour. The villages just off the highway here, like Kathot, sit on an east-facing ridgeline with wide valley views. It is the kind of spot that most travellers drive straight past, which is exactly why it is worth stopping — you get the mountain views without the crowds.
When planning your timing, leave Shimla early if you can. The road out of Shimla can get congested in the late morning, and Kufri itself gets busier as the day goes on, particularly on weekends and in snow season. An early start means you reach Kufri while it is still quiet, and you can be on your way back before the afternoon traffic builds.
Rather than doing this as a day trip from Shimla and back, consider basing yourself between the two. Alpine Crest Homestay near Theog sits roughly an hour from Shimla and a short drive from Kufri, so you can explore Shimla one day and Kufri the next without doubling back. It also gives you a peaceful place to stay that neither Shimla's busy centre nor Kufri's limited accommodation can match.
Plan your stay
If this guide was useful, consider staying with us. Alpine Crest Homestay is a peaceful mountain base near Theog, with easy access to all the destinations above.
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