Kufri Shimla began as a quiet mountain hamlet used by British officers in the early 20th century. In the 1960s, it developed into a wildlife sanctuary housing yaks, deer, muntjacs, and Himalayan fauna. The Himalayan Wildlife Zoo was formally established in 1965 to protect indigenous species like snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan monals, and bears. Over time, Kufri became a popular winter destination thanks to dependable snowfall, leading to attractions like pony and yak rides, skiing slope ...
Dress in winter gear during Dec–Feb (≤0 °C)
Pony/yak rides ₹300–₹500—prioritize safety
Entry fees: zoo ~₹30, Fun World ~₹100
Trek to Mahasu Peak (~3 km round-trip) for sunrise views
Best wildlife spotting: Oct–Mar
Start early to avoid crowds and glare
Drink local tea and try sidu bread
Bring trekking poles for ice
Sunglasses essential against snow glare
Snacks: pakoras, hot tea at roadside stalls
Popular Foods Nearby:
Sidu (steamed Himachali bread) and local chai
Pakoras and thukpa at hilltop snack stalls
Dec–Feb (snow), Oct–Mar (zoo season)
Kufri Shimla began as a quiet mountain hamlet used by British officers in the early 20th century. In the 1960s, it developed into a wildlife sanctuary housing yaks, deer, muntjacs, and Himalayan fauna. The Himalayan Wildlife Zoo was formally established in 1965 to protect indigenous species like snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan monals, and bears. Over time, Kufri became a popular winter destination thanks to dependable snowfall, leading to attractions like pony and yak rides, skiing slopes, tobogganing tracks, and Kufri Fun World amusement park. The elevation of around 2,600 m offers breathtaking views of Shimla Valley, Mahasu Peak, and Himalayan peaks. Today, Kufri is both a thrill-seeker’s paradise and wildlife sanctuary, offering seasonal skiing, pony rides, mid-winter snowplay, and a family-friendly zoo.
Elevation: ~2,600 m; near Mahasu Peak
Zoo species include snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan monal, musk deer, bears
Zoo started 1965; designated Himalayan Nature Park in 1996
Features tobogganing, skiing, pony and yak rides
Reliable winter snowfall
Hilly terrain is a dynamic landscape characterized by rolling or steep slopes, varying elevations, and a mix of hills, ridges, valleys, and plateaus. These features are the result of geological processes such as tectonic movements, erosion, and weathering over time.
