Short answer: Shimla sits at a little over 2,000 m (figures range from about 2,075 m at the railway station to about 2,170 m for the town). Its centre — the Mall Road and the Ridge — is closed to ordinary traffic, so you explore it on foot. Kufri is about 20 km away and higher, at roughly 2,700 m, which is why it gets snow more reliably in winter. Two days covers Shimla; add a day for Kufri and the toy train.
At a glance
| Detail | Shimla | Kufri |
|---|---|---|
| Height (approx.) | 2,075–2,170 m | About 2,700 m |
| Known for | Colonial-era centre, the Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhu | Winter snow, Mahasu peak, Himalayan Nature Park |
| Getting around | On foot in the centre; taxis to the edge | About 40 minutes by cab from Shimla; local buses run |
| Snow | Some years, mostly late December–February | More likely, in the same months |
What to see in Shimla
- The Ridge and Christ Church: the open heart of town and its landmark church.
- Mall Road: the pedestrian shopping street; private vehicles are barred under a 2007 state law, with exceptions for emergency and permitted vehicles.
- Jakhu temple: on the hill above the Ridge, with a tall Hanuman statue. You can walk up or take the ropeway that starts a short walk from the Ridge. Watch your belongings around the monkeys.
- Viceregal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Study): the former summer seat of the Viceroy, with guided visits to part of the building.
- Lakkar Bazaar and Lower Bazaar: wooden crafts and everyday markets.
A fuller list is in sightseeing in Shimla.
The Kalka–Shimla toy train
The narrow-gauge line from Kalka to Shimla is 96.6 km long and was added to UNESCO's Mountain Railways of India World Heritage listing in 2008. It runs through more than a hundred tunnels and over several hundred bridges (published counts differ). The journey takes most of a day and is about the ride, not speed. Seats sell out in holiday periods, so book on IRCTC well ahead; a common plan is the train one way and the road the other.
Kufri
- When it has snow: snowfall is most likely from late December to February, but no date is guaranteed.
- Mahasu peak: the high point above Kufri, reached on foot or by pony; the path is muddy and slippery in wet weather.
- Himalayan Nature Park: a small zoo of Himalayan species on the Kufri–Chail road.
- Activities: ponies, snow play and an amusement area. Agree prices before you start; rates are not fixed.
On snow days and weekends the Shimla–Kufri road jams badly. Leave early and return before late afternoon.
When to go
- March–June: pleasant and busy; book early for May and June.
- July–September: monsoon, with mist, heavy rain and landslide risk on the highway.
- October–November: clear skies and fewer visitors.
- December–February: cold, with a chance of snow; the Christmas–New Year week is the most crowded and expensive.
Practical points
- Choose a stay with a clear walking or lift route to Mall Road. See which area to stay in Shimla.
- Taxis cannot drop you on Mall Road; expect a walk or the public lift from Cart Road.
- Carry warm layers even in summer evenings, and shoes with grip in winter.
- For local transport, read how to book a taxi in Shimla.
Check before you go
- IRCTC — Kalka–Shimla train timings and booking.
- Shimla district administration — local advisories.
- India Meteorological Department — forecasts and warnings.
- HRTC online booking — state bus timetables and fares.
Plan a Shimla trip
Funtoor can arrange the drive from Delhi or Chandigarh, a stay within walking distance of the Ridge and a Kufri day timed to avoid the worst traffic. Plan my Shimla trip. Comparing hill stations? See Manali vs Shimla.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kufri from Shimla?
About 20 km, around 40 minutes by cab in normal traffic and much longer on snow days.
When does it snow in Shimla and Kufri?
Mostly between late December and February. Kufri, being higher, gets snow more often than Shimla town.
Are cars allowed on Mall Road?
No. Mall Road and the Ridge are pedestrian zones, with exceptions only for emergency and permitted vehicles.
Is the toy train worth it?
For the experience, yes. It is slow, so many travellers take it one way only.
How many days are enough for Shimla and Kufri?
Two to three days.
Compiled by the Funtoor team from published sources and official pages, last reviewed in October 2026. It is a planning guide, not a first-hand trip report; distances, fees, rules and timetables change and sources differ, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you travel.
Written by
Funtoor Travel Team
Travel planners based in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. We plan and arrange trips — stays, transport and experiences — across the Himalayas.
