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Kufri — host of Kufri Winter Sports Festival

Festival · HIMACHAL PRADESH

Kufri Winter Sports Festival.

January-February (varies) · Kufri

Skiing, tobogganing, and ice-skating competitions at Kufri near Shimla, with yak rides and snow sculpture contests.

Why it mattersKufri has been a winter sports hub since the British era; at 2,622m it reliably receives snow when Shimla may not.

Going for this? Kufri in January

NakshIQ score
5/10
Go

January Kufri is cold and hoping for snow — -5 to 5°C at 2622m. When snow falls, Kufri transforms from a dusty ski-resort-in-progress to a genuine winter playground just 16km from Shimla. Yak rides on snow, improvised skiing on the small slopes, and snowball fights draw weekend crowds from Shimla and Chandigarh. When snow doesn't fall, Kufri is a cold, brown hilltop with limited appeal.

See the Kufri January guide →

Getting there

Elevation
2622 m
Nearest airport
Shimla — 16km
Nearest railway
Shimla

Live in Kufri

Where to stay in Kufri

  • Kufri Holiday Resort

    ₹1,500-3,500/night
    guesthouse · Near Kufri Fun World

    One of the few proper hotels at Kufri hilltop. Rooms are warm (important — Kufri is freezing Nov-Feb). Restaurant is average but you're not here for food. Snow views in winter are the draw.

All stays in Kufri →

Where to eat

  • ABC Sher-e-Punjab

    Chharabra, near Wildflower Hall · ₹₹

    Signaturevalley-view biryani with jeera rice

    Phone +91 96259 93533 ahead on weekends — patio fills with day-trippers from Wildflower Hall and the hotel itself doesn't allow non-resident dining. Cards accepted; cash backup recommended for a quick exit.

  • The Thali House Restaurant

    Kufri-Chini Bungalow road · ₹₹

    SignatureAuthentic Himachali thali

    Skip the Chinese section. The Himachali thali is portioned for two if you order it with an extra roti basket. Reserve a window table on weekends — Kufri lunch crowd peaks 1-3pm.

  • Sharma Bhojnalaya

    Kufri main bazaar · ₹

    SignatureAloo paratha with white butter

    Avoid the maggi (default tourist trap). Order aloo paratha + Pahari aloo + chai for the local triple, total under ₹200. Closed Tuesdays.

  • Cafe Lalit (HPTDC)

    Chini Bungalow, Kufri-Chail Road · ₹₹

    Signaturegarden-seating thali with masala chai

    Eat in the open courtyard, not the indoor section — the courtyard view and ice cream are why most reviewers come. Skip the Chinese; stick to the thali and biryani which the kitchen actually cooks well.

All eateries in Kufri →

What else to see in Kufri

  • Himalayan Nature Park (Kufri Zoo)

    Home to Himalayan wildlife including snow leopard, musk deer, and pheasants at 7,990 ft.

    viewpoint
    2-3 hours

  • Mahasu Peak

    Highest point in Kufri at 8,563 ft. Panoramic views of Shimla, Kedarnath and Badrinath ranges on clear days.

    viewpoint
    2-3 hours

Other festivals in January, elsewhere

See every festival in January →

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