Kufri, a charming hill station just east of Shimla, is a favorite for Himalayan views, skiing, yak rides, and tranquil green landscapes. Traveling from Mussoorie to Kufri is a memorable journey winding through the Doon Valley and Shimla hills, blending the best of Uttarakhand and Himachal. This comprehensive 1000+ word guide covers every detail: realistic travel routes, step-by-step directions, local tips, costings, and FAQs for a seamless journey.
Distance and Overview
- Road Distance: Roughly 260–275 km (varies by precise route)
- Aerial Distance: About 105 km (as the crow flies)
- By Car/Taxi: 4 to 5 hours (nonstop; actual trip often takes 7–9 hours with rest/traffic)
- By Bus: 7.5 to 9 hours (includes bus changes and possible waiting)
- No direct train or flight connects the two; this is a classic hill-over-hill road trip
Step-by-Step Travel Route
1. Private Car, Taxi, or Self-Drive (Most Direct & Comfortable)
Recommended Route:
- Mussoorie → Dehradun → Paonta Sahib → Nahan → Solan → Shimla → Kufri
Detailed Directions:
- Mussoorie to Dehradun (34 km)
- Steep, winding, well-paved. 1.5–2 hours.
- Dehradun to Paonta Sahib/Nahan (~90 km)
- Via NH7; rolling Shivalik hills and scenic Doon Valley; 2–2.5 hours.
- Nahan to Solan/Shimla (~110 km)
- Hill roads; pine forests, apple orchards, and panoramic views; 3 hours.
- Shimla to Kufri (16 km)
- Gentle final climb; about 30–40 minutes.
Complete car journey:
- Travel time: 7–9 hours with meal/photo breaks
- Taxi fare estimate: ₹7,000–₹9,000 one-way (sedan/SUV)
- Car rental (self-drive): Starts from ₹5300–₹8000 per day plus fuel and tolls
- Cab types: Hatchback, Sedan, SUV, Innova, Ertiga, etc.
2. Bus & Multi-Modal (Budget Option)
Step-by-Step:
- Mussoorie to Dehradun (Local Bus/Shared Jeep)
- Every 30–60 min, ₹80–₹200, 1.5–2 hours.
- Dehradun to Shimla (HRTC/Private AC/Volvo Buses)
- Shimla to Kufri (Local Bus/Taxi)
- Regular local bus (every 30–45 min) or easy pre-paid taxi.
- 16 km, 40–60 minutes, ₹50–₹250.
Total bus journey:
- Time: 8–9 hours (including transfers, best in a day)
- Total fare: ₹2,000–₹3,300 (mix of bus classes and last-mile taxi)
Pro and Con:
- Pros: Very economical; buses reliable in daylight hours.
- Cons: Less comfort, especially with luggage; longer duration with multiple changes.
3. By Train (Least Practical)
- No direct train from Mussoorie.
- Closest possible route: Dehradun-Haridwar to Kalka (by train), then catch the famous “toy train” narrow-gauge to Shimla (spectacular but slow; 5–7 hours).
- Final step: Taxi or bus up to Kufri.
Total time: 12+ hours; best reserved for those with time and a love of classic travel.
Suggested Itinerary
| Time | Segment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Depart Mussoorie | Private taxi, car, or early bus to Dehradun |
| 9:00 am | Arrive Dehradun | Breakfast; board intercity bus or continue car |
| 12:30 pm | Paonta Sahib/Nahan lunch | Tea/snacks stop, brief rest |
| 4:00 pm | Cross Solan or Shimla | Final climb begins, views open up |
| 5:30 pm | Arrive Kufri | Check in, enjoy sunset, stroll |
What to Pack
- Light woolens even in summer, warm jacket for evenings and winter.
- Umbrella/raincoat (monsoon) and sun hat/sunscreen year-round.
- Snacks, water, personal medicines for the road.
- Power bank and cash (ATMs limited after Shimla/Kufri).
Where to Stay in Kufri
- Wide range of stays: budget hotels, mid-range resorts, luxury hilltops with pine/valley views.
- Book early for weekends or in the summer holiday crowds.
- Popular options: Royal Tulip, Kufri Holiday Resort, various homestays.
Must-Visit Sights — Kufri and En Route
- Kufri Fun World: One of the world’s highest amusement parks.
- Mahasu Peak: Highest point, offering panoramic snowy vistas, pony rides.
- Himalayan Nature Park: For birdwatchers and wildlife fans.
- Shimla: En route, visit The Mall, Jakhoo Temple, Ridge, and colonial buildings.
Local & Safety Tips
- Start early for less traffic and scenic sunrise hill climbs.
- Drive carefully: Mountain roads have hairpin bends and, at times, fog or rain.
- Fuel up in Dehradun/Nahan/Solan: Limited pumps in hilly stretches.
- Monsoon: Prepare for possible delays—landslides or slow traffic common.
- Snow season (December to March): Carry chains, or hire a local driver experienced with icy roads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I drive direct from Mussoorie to Kufri in a day?
A: Yes—leave by 7 am, arrive by afternoon/early evening with a few breaks for food and photos.
Q: Is the route scenic and safe?
A: Very scenic; major highways and hillways are well-maintained, but sharp bends and changing weather need caution.
Q: Which is the cheapest method?
A: State buses mixed with local jeeps; ~₹2000–3300 total fare for the whole journey.
Q: Best time to visit Kufri?
A: March–June for clear skies and summer cool, December–February for snow and winter sports.
Q: Can I include a Shimla stopover?
A: Yes. Many break their journey overnight in Shimla to rest and explore before heading up to Kufri the next day.
Quick Facts Table
| Segment | Distance | Typical Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mussoorie–Dehradun | 34 km | 1.5–2 hr | Steep, winding road |
| Dehradun–Shimla | ~225 km | 5–6 hr | Highway + hill roads |
| Shimla–Kufri | 16 km | 40–60 min | Gentle, scenic climb |
| Total | ~260–275 km | 7–9 hr | By car/private taxi |
Final Travel Summary
- Distance: ~260–275 km by road
- Car/Taxi: 4–5 hours (without breaks/traffic; realistically 7–9 hours)
- Bus: 7.5–9 hours, ~₹2000–3300
- Taxi Fare: ₹7000–9000 one way, more for SUVs
A trip from Mussoorie to Kufri is one of north India’s classic hill journeys—traversing lush valleys, colonial peaks, and pine-forested slopes before ending at Kufri’s lively meadows. With smart planning, an early start, and due respect for mountain weather, the trip is comfortable, rewarding, and full of visual delights.
