Are you planning a snow day out of Shimla and wondering whether Kufri is worth the hype, or whether Chail deserves the extra drive? I have a soft spot for this pair, because Chail and Kufri were the very first trip I did on my own wheels, back in November 2008, with a school friend, one car and absolutely no plan 🙂 …
I will be honest with you. Kufri disappointed me on that trip. We reached at 9 AM, there was no snow, and within a minute pony owners were telling us we would never make it to the viewpoint without a horse. We walked up anyway. Chail, on the other hand, was calm and peaceful, and I loved it. The raw diary is in Delhi to Chail, Devil’s First Trip and Chail – Kufri – Shimla to Delhi.
A lot has changed since then. In October 2025, the National Green Tribunal capped the number of horses on the Kufri – Mahasu trail. Hence, this guide covers when Kufri actually gets snow, the horse ride and Fun World situation for winter 2026-27, the 30 km Chail – Kufri road, and what a day costs. I have not been back this season, so current numbers are based on research from official listings and news reports, and I mark which ones are unofficial. For Shimla’s month-by-month IMD snow data, read my Shimla in Winter 2026 guide.
Quick answer: Kufri (about 16-20 km from Shimla, 2,720 m) is the snow and horse-ride stop. Chail (45-50 km from Shimla, 2,250 m) is the quiet heritage stop. Snow is most likely in January and February. Horse rides to Mahasu Peak cost about Rs 500-700 per person, unofficially. Drive the loop in daylight.
Kufri and Chail at a Glance (2026)
| Kufri | Chail | |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | About 2,720 m (8,923 ft) | About 2,250 m; cricket ground 2,444 m (8,018 ft) |
| From Shimla | About 16-20 km on NH-5 via Dhalli | 45 km via Kufri, 49 km via Kandaghat |
| Between them | 30 km on the narrow Chail – Kufri road | |
| Best chance of snow | January and February | Occasional spells, melts quickly |
| Main draw | Mahasu Peak, snow, Nature Park, Fun World | Palace, cricket ground, sanctuary, quiet |
| Horse ride to Mahasu | About Rs 500-700 per person, round trip (unofficial) | Not applicable |
| Permits | None | None |
| Nearest railway station | Shimla | Kandaghat (Kalka – Shimla line) |
| Altitude sickness risk | Unlikely, both are well under 3,000 m | |
| Last updated | November 2026 | |
Kufri or Chail: Which One Should You Pick?
Quick answer: Pick Kufri if snow, horse rides and kid-friendly activities are the goal, and you are fine with crowds. Pick Chail if you want a quiet night in deodar forest with some royal history. If you have a car and a full day, do both: Kufri early in the morning, then the forest road to Chail.
Every Shimla package bundles these two together, but they are very different. Kufri is a busy ridge on the main highway that comes alive when it snows. Chail is a sleepy town at the end of narrow forest roads, which is exactly why I liked it.
| If you are… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A family chasing the kids’ first snow | Kufri | Gets snow when Shimla gets rain; Nature Park and Fun World for kids |
| A couple who wants quiet | Chail | Palace lawns, forest walks, far fewer people |
| Staying in Shimla, short on time | Kufri (half day) | Done by lunch |
| Driving up from Chandigarh or Delhi with one night | Chail first, Kufri next morning | Chail is reachable via Kandaghat without entering Shimla |
| Someone who hates touts and crowds | Chail | Kufri sees 3-5 lakh visitors in the December to February peak, as per stakeholders quoted by ANI |
| Serious about snow photography | Kufri at sunrise, then Narkanda | Narkanda holds snow longer. See my Narkanda travel guide. |
If you can only do one, I suggest a night in Chail with Kufri as a morning stop. In case you are weighing other quiet options, my comparison of 5 hill stations near Shimla puts both alongside Mashobra and Narkanda.
When Does Kufri Actually Get Snow?
Quick answer: Kufri’s realistic snow window is the last week of December to February, and January and February are far more reliable than December. Kufri sits about 500 m above Shimla town, so it often gets snow when Shimla gets cold rain, and the upper slopes towards Mahasu Peak hold it for weeks.
The India Meteorological Department’s long-period normals for Shimla show December averaging only about 7 cm of snow, against about 42 cm in January and 43 cm in February. Kufri, at about 2,720 m as per Wikipedia’s Kufri page, turns the same western disturbance into snow while Shimla town gets slush.
The 2025-26 season shows how this plays out. Shimla’s first snowfall was reported only around 23 January 2026. On 20 February 2026, ANI quoted a Kufri horse operator saying the snow “arrived a bit late”, but Kufri saw three to four feet initially, and one to one-and-a-half feet still lay in the upper areas around Mahasu after the lower ground had thinned. Keep this in mind: if the parking area looks bare, the snow is usually still up the hill.
Chail, at about 2,250 m, sits roughly at Shimla’s height, so it gets snow only in proper spells and loses it quickly. Go there for the forest, not for guaranteed snow. And in November, like my 2008 trip, expect cold, clear days with no snow. That is normal, not bad luck.
What Happens on the Shimla – Kufri Road After Fresh Snow?
The Dhalli – Kufri stretch of NH-5 is one of the first to be hit when it snows. The Tribune has reported traffic being suspended beyond Dhalli after snow at Dhalli, Kufri and Fagu, with around 15 people rescued from that stretch overnight. In another spell, NH-5 was blocked near Kufri and Narkanda, traffic was diverted via Basantpur and the Bhakhalti – Mashobra route, and the Shimla Deputy Commissioner advised commuters to avoid travelling at night.
On busy weekends it gets worse. In January 2020, the Hindustan Times reported nearly 300 tourists rescued overnight after about 200 vehicles got stuck in Kufri. So, after fresh snow, leave Shimla early, be ready to park and walk, and never attempt the road at night. My Himachal road status checklist shows where to check closures.
How Much Does a Horse Ride in Kufri Cost in 2026?
Quick answer: Expect about Rs 500 per person for a round trip to Mahasu Peak, going up to Rs 650-700 in the snow season and on weekends. These figures come from travel guides and an operator page, not from any official rate card I could find. Agree the price, confirm it covers the return, then sit on the horse.
The ride goes from the Kufri parking area to the Mahasu Peak viewpoint, about two to two-and-a-half kilometres uphill as per the ANI report, and operators describe the ride as 30 to 40 minutes. One operator also advertises an SUV ride to Mahasu at about Rs 1,000 per person. None of this is a government-notified tariff, so treat it as the going rate.
- Confirm “round trip” before you start, and ask how long they will wait at the top.
- You do not need a horse. In 2008 the pony owners warned us the climb was too steep. We walked it and were fine. In deep snow, walking is often safer than a slipping horse.
- Wear proper shoes. A joint committee report to the NGT estimated 400-500 tonnes of horse dung on this trail every year. Add snowmelt and you get the picture.
What Did the NGT Order Change for Kufri’s Horses?
Kufri’s horse trade has been in court for a few years, and it affects your ride. The timeline, as reported by The Tribune and Devdiscourse:
- November 2023: after an NGT-appointed committee counted 1,029 horses operating in a small area, the Divisional Forest Officer, Theog, ordered tourist-ride horses restricted to 217.
- October 2025: the National Green Tribunal limited the Kufri – Mahasu trail to 293 horses and 2,232 tourists per day, based on a carrying-capacity study. As per The Tribune’s report on the order, the complaint described 700-800 horses working in about 8-10 sq km.
- Next steps: the state was asked to frame guidelines with horse owners within three months, and a phased first cut to 500 horses, with yearly reductions after that, was proposed to protect livelihoods.
- February 2026: a local operator told ANI that nearly 1,000 horses were still engaged in the business.
As of November 2026, I could not find a published notice on how the daily cap is being enforced. If it is enforced this season, rides could run out on peak weekends after fresh snow. Hence, I suggest reaching Kufri by 9 or 10 AM, asking operators about any token system, and being ready to walk. Please verify locally rather than trusting old blog prices.
What Else Is There to Do in Kufri?
Quick answer: Apart from Mahasu Peak, Kufri has the Himalayan Nature Park (closed on Tuesdays), Kufri Fun World with its go-kart track and rides, Indira Tourist Park and Chini Bungalow. Fagu, a few km further along NH-5, is the quieter option. Most of it fits into half a day.
Himalayan Nature Park. As per the Central Zoo Authority listing, this 90.40-hectare small zoo was established in 1992. It is closed on Tuesdays, open 9 AM to 6:30 PM in summer and 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM in winter, with entry at Rs 35 for adults and Rs 15 for children aged 5-12. That listing is a few years old, so the fee may have been revised. The Himalayan monal, once Himachal’s state bird, lives here. Many older blogs say it closes on Monday, so do not get caught out.
Kufri Fun World. An amusement park on the ridge, often billed as having the world’s highest go-kart track, with swings and bumper cars. Incredible India lists its timings as 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. I could not find an official price list, and third-party figures contradict each other, so check the board at the gate. One guide notes many rides accept only cash.
Indira Tourist Park and Chini Bungalow. The tourist park, next to the Nature Park, gives a wide view around Kufri. Chini Bungalow is an old bungalow known for its architecture. Both are quick stops.
Fagu and Green Valley. If Kufri feels like a mela, drive a little further along NH-5 to Fagu, where HPTDC runs Hotel Apple Blossom. Green Valley, close to Kufri, is a popular photo stop. For a quieter base on this ridge, read my Mashobra travel guide.
Is Chail Worth Visiting, and What Should You See There?
Quick answer: Yes, if you like quiet. Chail has the Patiala-era palace (now an HPTDC hotel), what is often called the world’s highest cricket ground at 2,444 m, an old Gurudwara, Kali ka Tibba temple and a wildlife sanctuary 3 km away. One night is enough. Do not expect Kufri-style snow or activities.
Chail was the summer retreat of the Maharajas of Patiala. As per Wikipedia’s Chail page, Maharaja Rajinder Singh built the first palace on Rajgarh hill in 1891-92, and his grandson’s rebuilt palace was completed in 1951. The Himachal government acquired it in 1972 and turned it into the Chail Palace hotel you can stay in today.
Chail Cricket Ground. This was why I went to Chail at all in 2008, being a big cricket fan. Built in 1893 at 2,444 m (8,018 ft), it is the playground of Chail Military School and is used for polo during school vacations. We reached at 4:30 PM, went straight to the ground and had tea at the canteen in front of it, where the staff even helped us find a hotel. Keep in mind it is a school ground, so access depends on the school. Ask politely at the gate.
Chail Gurudwara. The first building the Maharaja put up here, built in 1907 with a 22 ft wooden roof. We stopped for our prayers here on the evening of that first trip. A lovely, quiet place.
Kali ka Tibba. The Kali Devi temple on a hilltop above town. Go for the views as much as the temple.
Chail Wildlife Sanctuary. About 3 km from town, notified on 21 March 1976 and spread over about 10,854 hectares. Goral, barking deer, sambar and cheer pheasants are the residents people hope to see, from machan-style sighting posts at Khuruin. Dawn and dusk are your best chance.
Junga and Sadhupul. You can trek about 10 km from Junga to Chail. Sadhupul, on the Ashwini river between Chail and Solan, is a popular riverside stop with a cafe.
How Do You Get to Kufri and Chail from Shimla?
Quick answer: Kufri is about 16-20 km from Shimla on NH-5 via Dhalli. Chail is 45 km from Shimla via Kufri, or 49 km via Kandaghat. Kufri and Chail are linked directly by a narrow 30 km forest road, so you do not need to go back through Shimla or Kandaghat. Wikipedia advises against driving it at night and even by day to be careful, so go in daylight with a driver who knows it.
| Leg | Distance | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Shimla to Kufri | About 16-20 km | NH-5 via Dhalli; first road to close after snow |
| Kufri to Chail | 30 km | Single-lane forest road; daylight only |
| Shimla to Chail via Kufri | 45 km | HPTDC says 50 km, about 1.5 hours |
| Shimla to Chail via Kandaghat | 49 km | Avoids the high Kufri ridge when it is snowed in |
| Chandigarh to Chail | 108 km | About 3 hours (HPTDC) |
| Kalka station to Chail | 82 km | About 2.5 hours (HPTDC) |
| Delhi to Chail | About 365 km | About 8 hours, traffic permitting |
One correction, because I see it repeated online and even in my own old trip notes: you do not need to go via Kandaghat to get from Chail to Kufri. The direct road is about 30 km. Wikipedia describes it as a lonely single road with many twists, says never to drive it at night and to be careful even by day. I would only do it in daylight, with a driver who knows the road, and ask locally about conditions first. Never after dark.
By Bus
Kufri sits right on NH-5, so buses from Shimla heading towards Theog, Narkanda or Rampur pass through it. Ask the conductor to drop you at Kufri. For Chail, Wikipedia notes regular buses to Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi. I could not find a current official HRTC timetable or fare for either route, so ask at the Shimla bus stand counters the evening before. On snow days, buses stop where cars stop.
By Taxi
Taxi aggregators quote about Rs 2,000 for a sedan and Rs 2,900 for an SUV from Shimla to Kufri. For longer runs, one aggregator lists about Rs 9 per km for a sedan, Rs 12.5 for an SUV and Rs 16 for an Innova. These are aggregator estimates, not taxi union rates. For a Kufri – Chail loop, fix a full-day price with a local driver who knows which side of the hill is open that morning.
Self-Drive
On my first trip we came up from Delhi via Kalka and Solan, took the Chail turn-off after Solan, and found the road smooth but narrow at many turns. Next morning we drove Chail – Kufri – Shimla and all the way back to Delhi, with a big jam from Kalka to Pinjore. For the loop, I suggest: Shimla to Kufri early morning, the forest road to Chail for the night, then down via Kandaghat towards Chandigarh. You beat the Kufri crowds and avoid the Chail road late.
How Much Does a Kufri and Chail Trip Cost?
Quick answer: For two people on a Kufri day trip from Shimla, budget about Rs 1,070-1,470 in fees and horse rides if you come by bus or your own car, about Rs 3,070-3,470 with a sedan taxi, and about Rs 3,970-4,370 with an SUV. Add food, Fun World rides and a Chail room if you stay over.
I have used only numbers I could trace to a source, and the table says which ones are official.
| Item | Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Horse ride to Mahasu (round trip) | About Rs 500-700 per person | Guides and operators, unofficial |
| Himalayan Nature Park | Rs 35 adult, Rs 15 child | CZA listing, may be revised |
| Kufri Fun World | Paid per ride | No official rate card found |
| Taxi, Shimla to Kufri | About Rs 2,000 sedan, Rs 2,900 SUV | Aggregator estimate |
| Taxi, longer runs | Rs 9 sedan, Rs 12.5 SUV, Rs 16 Innova per km | Aggregator rate card |
| Bus, Shimla to Kufri or Chail | Verify locally | No official fare found online |
| Room in Kufri | Budget from about Rs 1,500; mid-range Rs 2,500-5,000 | Approximate |
| Room in Chail (private) | About Rs 1,500-5,000 | Approximate |
| Chail Palace (HPTDC) | Check current tariff | Book via HPTDC |
Here is a simple day budget for two people, Kufri from Shimla and back, both riding to Mahasu and visiting the Nature Park:
| Tier | Transport | Fees and rides | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Bus or own car (fare or fuel extra) | Rs 70 park + Rs 1,000-1,400 horses | Rs 1,070-1,470 |
| Mid-range | Sedan taxi, about Rs 2,000 | Rs 1,070-1,470 | Rs 3,070-3,470 |
| Comfort | SUV taxi, about Rs 2,900 | Rs 1,070-1,470 | Rs 3,970-4,370 |
Walk instead of riding and you knock Rs 1,000-1,400 off every tier. For perspective, my room behind the Chail market cost Rs 350 in 2008. Those days are long gone, my friend!
Where Should You Stay: Shimla, Kufri, Mashobra or Chail?
Quick answer: Stay in Shimla if Kufri is a half-day add-on. Stay in Kufri or Fagu if snow on the first morning is the whole point. Stay in Chail if you want silence and history. Mashobra is a good quiet middle ground on the same ridge. Whatever you pick, book early for late December and snowy weekends.
In Chail, the obvious choice is the Chail Palace. Its official HPTDC page lists cottages, suites and rooms at different tariffs, a booking number (01792-248141), and notes that rooms may be sold on meal plans during May-June and from 23 December to 2 January. Check the current tariff there, not on old rate lists. On a tight budget, see my HP PWD rest house guide. And for Kufri slotted into a longer trip, my Shimla and Manali 8-day itinerary lays it out day by day.
What Safety Tips Should You Keep in Mind?
Quick answer: Altitude sickness is unlikely at these heights. The real dangers are black ice in the early morning, getting stuck in traffic after fresh snow, and driving the narrow Chail roads after dark. Start after the sun has been on the road, carry chains in January and February, and finish driving before dusk.
- Black ice: worst on shaded curves early in the morning. Low gear on descents, no braking mid-turn.
- Snow day traffic: after overnight snow, expect the road beyond Dhalli to be shut or crawling. Go early or wait a day.
- Night driving: avoid the Chail – Kufri road after dark.
- Chains: carry them in January and February if self-driving, or hire a local taxi that has them.
- Mahasu trail: muddy and slippery in season. Waterproof shoes with good grip, please.
- Nature Park: closed on Tuesdays.
- Weekends: Kufri fills up on Saturdays and Sundays after snowfall. A weekday is a completely different experience.
Related Reading
- Shimla in Winter 2026: Snowfall Timing and Weather
- Narkanda Travel Guide 2026
- Snowfall Near Delhi: 7 Places in Himachal
- Thanedar Travel Guide: Apple Country Beyond Kufri
Frequently Asked Questions About Kufri and Chail
When is the best time to see snow in Kufri?
January and February. December can get snow, but IMD’s Shimla normals show it is much less reliable. In 2025-26, snow came late but heavy, and the slopes near Mahasu Peak still held one to one-and-a-half feet in late February.
How much is a horse ride in Kufri?
About Rs 500 per person for a round trip to Mahasu Peak, rising to around Rs 650-700 in peak snow season. These are unofficial rates from guides and operators, so confirm the price covers the return.
Is there a limit on horses at Kufri now?
On paper, yes. In October 2025, the National Green Tribunal limited the Kufri – Mahasu trail to 293 horses and 2,232 tourists per day. As of November 2026, I could not find a published enforcement notice, so go early and be ready to walk.
How far is Chail from Kufri?
About 30 km on the direct Chail – Kufri road, a narrow single-lane road through deodar forest. You do not need to go via Kandaghat. Wikipedia advises against driving it at night and even by day to be careful, so go in daylight with a driver who knows it.
How far are Kufri and Chail from Shimla?
Kufri is about 16-20 km from Shimla on NH-5. Chail is 45 km via Kufri and 49 km via Kandaghat. HPTDC puts the Shimla to Chail drive at about 1.5 hours.
Can I do Kufri and Chail in one day from Shimla?
Yes, with a car and an early start. Do Kufri in the morning, then the 30 km road to Chail, and be back on the main road before dark. A night in Chail is far more relaxed.
Is the Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri open on Tuesday?
No. The Central Zoo Authority listing gives Tuesday as its weekly closure day. Winter timings are 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Does Chail get snowfall?
Sometimes. At about 2,250 m, Chail sits roughly at Shimla’s height, so it gets snow in strong January and February spells, but it melts quickly. For reliable snow, go to Kufri or Narkanda.
So, Kufri, Chail, or Both?
If I planned this trip again today, I would do what I did not do in 2008: go in January or February, reach Kufri by 9 AM on a weekday after fresh snow, walk up towards Mahasu, then take the forest road to Chail for a slow evening. Kufri gives you the snow. Chail gives you the quiet.
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The horse rules at Kufri are in flux after the NGT order, so if you visit this winter, please share what you found in the comments. Were horses capped? What did you pay? Your update will help fellow travelers in the DwD community far more than any old rate list. And if friends or family are planning a Shimla snow trip, feel free to share this guide with them 🙂 …
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below 🙂
Last updated: November 2026. Snowfall and road information is based on IMD normals and reports in The Tribune, ANI and the Hindustan Times. Horse and taxi rates are unofficial, so verify locally.
