Kufri near Shimla

Just 18 Kilometers from Shimla Kufri at an altitude of 2510 m is the most popular tourist spot around Shimla. The Kufri Shimla distance can be covered in half an hour by car. This place is famous for hiking, skiing, beautiful scenes and a cool environment. The Skiing season spreads between November to February and the tourist inflow is at its peak during winters because everyone lands up here to ski and throw snowballs at each other and one can also enjoy the activities.

Kufri Weather

Kufri’s altitude is 500 meters higher than Shimla, so this place is colder than Shimla. On an average the temperature in Kufri is 3 to 5 degrees less than Shimla. Kufri receives more snowfall than Shimla.

Kufri weather is pleasant in April May and June months with nature at its best. December January and February months are famous for winter sports and playing in the snow. Due to heavy snowfall in winter months the roads get blocked and there is disruption in traffic also.

Kufri sightseeing places | Things to see and do

Kufri has a number of tourist spots for sightseeing offering panoramic views of the distant Himalayas apart from its beautiful natural surroundings. The main attraction of the scenic Kufri however lies in the adventure options that are offered here.

The Himalayan Nature Park

The Himalayan Nature Park is located amidst 90 hectares of temperate vegetation that forms natural habitat for many a wild animals of the Western Himalayas. The Himalayan Nature Park here has a good collection of animals and birds found in the region. In this park rare varieties of Hangal, Barking Deer, Musk Deer, Brown Bear, rare species of Monal and other pheasants are kept in social groupings. A vast collection of migratory birds can also be sighted inside the Nature park.

Walkways in the Nature Park help the visitors to appreciate Nature in its most serene self. While inside the Nature Park, one can also enjoy, on a clear day, a breathtaking view of the entire range of Himalayas snow clad peaks.

Yak and horse riding

Another adventure option in Kufri is Yak and Horse riding. This is one of the best way to enjoy the landscape. Passing through the exuberantly green woodlands, sky soaring mountains and gurgling rivers, the journey through this mode of will give you excellent delectation and gratification.

Mahasu Peak

Mahasu Peak is the highest peak in Kufri, offering breathtaking views of its surroundings. The path leading to the peak is surrounded by wooded forests of spruce and deodar. The Mahasu Ridge offers a great opportunity for skiing. The slopes at Mahasu Peak are best for beginners.

Fagu

Picturesquely located amid forests and apple orchards on a pass between two valleys, Fagu is a vantage point with panoramic views of the higher ranges and valleys. Just 6 km from Kufri and 22 km from Shimla Fagu is located at the height of 2509 meters. Fagu has a rest house and tourist bungalow overlooking the Giri valley.

Skiing in Kufri

Shiing season in Kufri is from December to February. During the winter months bands of ski enthusiasts from all over the country drift from the snowy fields of Kufri to Narkanda in search of the finest ski slopes on which to flaunt their expertise. There is a wide range of Skiing slopes in Kufri, where there are slopes to suit ever king of skier. There’s a beginner’s run, an advanced slope and slalom run. Government too has taken care by offering ski courses, and gives out equipment on hire at Kufri. To indulge in some difficult skiing trek, then try this sport at Mahasu, situated above Kufri.

Hotels in Kufri

There are a few hotels and an amusement park in Kufri. Kufri Holiday Resort and Kufri Holiday Inn are two famous Kufri Hotels. Staying in these hotels is a pleasure in the summer months but staying there in winter months can make you uncomfortable due to low temperatures. Roads get blocked in winter season and there are chances that you are not able to Check-in at your hotel  or get stuck in your hotel. Keep these travel tips in mind before booking  hotel in Kufri in the winter season.

Tattapani in Shimla Hills

This place is is known for its hot water springs on the banks of the river Satluj, white water rafting and adventure sports. Tattapani is located at a distance of 51 kilometers from Shimla. The place is at an elevation of 655 meters above sea level. Being at a lower altitude than Shimla this place is comparatively warmer than Shimla. Mashobra and Naldehra tourist spots are on the way while going to Tattapani so you can enjoy over there.

Tattapani: Getting there

Distance: 51 Kms from Shimla on the Shimla Naldehra Mandi road

Travel time: two hours

Travel mode:  By road only, preferable in a car

Sunrise Travels offer full day Tattapani Trip by Indicia Car for  Rs 2100 only by tata indica  and Rs 2400 by Tavara.

Things to see and do at Tattapani near Shimla

The Tattapani village is spread in about a kilometer of area and there are a number of activities that can be done here

Hot sulphur Springs

Tattapani is an ideal locale for enjoyment and recreation. The springs are found on the banks of river Sutlej covering an area of one square kilometer. People from all over the country visit the place to take a dip into the sulphur water of the spring. A dip into the water of the spring provides relief to the people suffering from joint pains, fatigue or any type of skin disease and hence has got a great medicinal quality. This natural sulphur spring is pure and has curative powers of various kinds. The temperature of the water keeps fluctuating depending on the water level of the river.

White river rafting in the Sutlej River

Tattapani is only place in Shimla where you can do white water reafting. The powerhouse at Chabba which is 18 kms from Naldehra provides a starting point for the 11 km river rafting stretch to Tattapani. Peak season is during April to June

Grade II rapids are between Chabba and Tattapani, a 14 km course. It takes about one to one-and-a-half hour to cover the distance.

Grade IV rapids are between Pandowa to Tattapani, which is a 36 km course.  It takes about three and half hours to cover the distance. A minimum of four persons are required for a rafting trip.

The following are required for river rafting. The same are available on rent at various shops around rafting sites or from the Himachal Tourism (HPTDC) offices

Dinghy (expansive rubber life raft)

Life jackets

Helmets

Apart from this you need to carry some personal belongings like sunscreen lotion, first aid kit, and shoes.

River rafting training

You can take up course on river rafting offered by HPTDC and private operators. It is very easy to learn this sport.

For Rafting and related activities get in Touch with Sunrise Travels Shimla

Mountain Biking / cycling

Cycling is a unique and great refreshing experience along the banks of river Sutlej. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of the river the flora and fauna and village life. The cycling trek is 12 kilometers long having lots of upside and downside curves in a very peaceful environment in the lap of nature. If you are more enthusiastic you can go up to the higher stretch called Chindi village which is 30 kilometers from Tattapani.  All the cycling needs are provided by the hotel Hot Spring Therme and Spa located on the banks of the river at Tattapani.

Collecting stones from the Sutlej River

There are huge numbers of round and oval stones in the river bank which have become very smooth in touch as they have come rolling from far distant mountains. The stones are in various colors and shapes which are collectible items.

Hotels in Tattapani

There are a few hotels in Tattapani but the best one is Hotel Hot Springs Therme and Spa.They arrange river rafting, cycling and camping expeditions also.  Other are budget category hotels. All these hotels are  located nearby the banks of the river Sutlej. Finding a suitable accommodation is not a problem in Tattapani as few tourists stay back, other prefer to return to Shimla.

Adventure Sports In Shimla

Shimla district is full of thickly populated pine trees and small rivulets, rivers in deep gorges and placid mountains lakes, mountain sides draped in snow, and green alpine meadows, all form a part of this immense spectrum and the possibilities for a wide range of adventure activities are enormous. Shimla is also famous for its adventure Sports which thrills and spills. Shimla Adventure Sports gives the participant the taste of a life worth living.You can also enjoy the snow activities in winter.

Ice Skating in Shimla

The Shimla ice-skating rink has the largest open-air area with naturally frozen ice in this part of the world. The Ice Skating Club has already celebrated its Diamond Jubilee. Ice-skating normally begins in early December and carries on to February. Clear skies and low temperatures provide series of uninterrupted sessions.

Trekking in Shimla

Trekking is a very exciting adventure sport, where one treks or walks from one mountain incline to another mountain incline. Every mountain slope is distinct from the other, with varying altitude and terrain. The magnificent hills surrounded by snowy peaks are ideal for trekking in Shimla in India. The best way to appreciate the mountains in Shimla is by taking a scenic walk.  Himachal Pradesh Development Corporation (HPTDC) provides guidance, camps, equipments and hospitality services to trekkers.

Some popular trekking places around Shimla are:

Chharabra (2,953m): 13 kms away from Shimla

Naldehra (2,044m): 23 kms from Shimla

Narkanda (2,700m): 64 kms away from Shimla. From here you will find one of the famous treks to Hattu Peak via Sutlej Valley.

Trekking to Tara Devi temple

This is from Shimla end and the walk starts from Tara Devi station on the national highway 7 kms before Shimla. From this place one has to walk / trek about 4 kilometers to reach the temple. When out walking, it is recommended that you do not wander off the tracks and that you wear sensible, comfortable shoes or sneakers. The meandering foot path  to the temple is uphill, through the pinewoods and green meadows, accompanied by the chilly mild wind. Atmosphere of the hill rejuvenates the pilgrims and common tourists visiting this sacred temple.

Walk Grade

Easy to medium: May not be suitable for all ages, some steps and inclines; for people who walk occasionally. Distance about 4 kilometers

Skiing in Shimla

There are many places in Shimla that offers skiing and tourists flock these places in winters to try out this adventure sport.

Skiing in Kufri

The ski resort which is perhaps the most easily accessible for anyone in northern India is Kufri. Just about 10 km from Shimla, Kufri’s a quiet little town which becomes a busy winter wonderland once the snow starts falling. The Mahasu Ridge, just above Kufri, has some good slopes which are worth a try.This place attracts ski enthusiasts from all over the world during winters.

Skiing in Narkanda

64 km from Shimla is one of India’s oldest ski resorts, Narkanda. Narkanda lies at an altitude of 8,100 ft. The slopes at Narkanda run the gamut from beginner’s to advanced, from slalom to cross-country. Hattu Peak, 6 km from Narkanda, towers 2,000 ft above Narkanda and has popular ski slopes. It is less crowded and the slopes are virtually unexplored which is what makes Narkanda a haven for ardent skiers.

Himachal Tourism manages all the skiing facilities at Narkanda. They hire out equipment, conduct training courses, and provide everything from accommodation to transport. The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports at Manali also plays a part in the skiing at Narkanda; they organize special skiing courses January onwards every year.

River Rafting in Shimla

The swift flowing rivers of Shimla provide the ideal condition for the river rafting adventure sport. The Sutlej river near Shimla offers exciting river rafting opportunities. River rafting is done on an inflatable rubber dinghy. The sport cannot be conducted during the winter and the monsoons. The famous white water rafting place in Shimla is water rafting from Chabba to Tattapani a stretch of 12 km. and two hours  river down challenging the rapids of aggressive Sutlej river.

Golf in Shimla

At Naldehra, 23 km. from beyond Shimla is one of the oldest golf courses in India. The course, whose topography is absolutely natural, was originally placed by the British Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. This is a par 68, nine hole course which is regarded as one of the most challenging in the country.