Delhi to Kufri Road Trip 2026: Distance, Route, Stops and Travel Tips
Delhi to Kufri: At a Glance
| Distance | 375 km (Delhi to Kufri via NH44 and NH5) |
| Travel Time | 9 to 10 hours by car (non-stop) |
| Best Start Time | 4 AM to 5 AM from Delhi (reach Kufri by 2 to 3 PM) |
| Route | Delhi - Panipat - Ambala - Chandigarh - Kalka - Solan - Shimla - Kufri |
| Best Time of Year | October to February for mountain weather and possible snow in Kufri |
| Toll | Approximately Rs 600 to Rs 800 total (Delhi to Shimla) |
Delhi to Kufri is one of the most popular mountain road trips in North India. The route takes you from the flat plains of the Gangetic belt, through Chandigarh, up the Himalayan foothills past Solan and Kasauli, all the way to the pine-covered hillsides of Shimla and Kufri.
At 375 km, it is not a short drive. But the journey is straightforward, the highway is in good condition for most of the way, and the last hour through the Shimla hills is one of the most scenic mountain drives in the country.
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Delhi to Kufri Route: Step by Step
The most direct route from Delhi to Kufri follows NH44 from Delhi to Chandigarh, then switches to NH5 (the old NH22) from Chandigarh through Kalka, up to Shimla, and then the final 13 km to Kufri.
Segment 1: Delhi to Chandigarh (250 km, 3.5 to 4 hours)
Take NH44 from Delhi. The road is dual carriageway and mostly in good condition. Pass through Panipat and Ambala. Chandigarh is your first major city and the best place to fuel up, have breakfast and use proper restroom facilities before the mountain section begins.
Segment 2: Chandigarh to Kalka (35 km, 45 minutes)
From Chandigarh, take NH5 toward Kalka. This is mostly flat and fast. Kalka is the base of the Himalayan foothills and the departure point for the famous Kalka-Shimla Toy Train. Most travelers stop here for a quick break before the mountain climb begins.
Segment 3: Kalka to Shimla (88 km, 2.5 to 3 hours)
This is the mountain section. The road climbs steadily through Kasauli, Solan and the Shivalik range. The drive is winding with multiple hairpin bends. Take it slow, especially if you are not used to mountain roads. Allow extra time in winter when ice and fog can slow traffic significantly.
Notable stops on this segment: Kasauli (30 minutes off the main route, good for a pitstop), Solan (good place for lunch), Barog (scenic pass).
Segment 4: Shimla to Kufri (13 km, 30 to 40 minutes)
From Shimla, take NH5 toward Kufri. The road is narrow in places but well-paved. Kufri is 30 to 40 minutes from Shimla centre. You will see the Himalayan Nature Park sign on the left as you arrive in the Kufri area.
Best Time to Start the Drive
Start at 4 AM to 5 AM from Delhi. This gives you the best chance of avoiding Delhi traffic, reaching Chandigarh by 8 AM to 9 AM, and arriving in Kufri by 2 PM to 3 PM with half a day to explore.
Avoid starting after 8 AM on weekdays. Delhi exits on NH44 get congested by 7 AM and the delay can add 1 to 2 hours to your total journey time. On weekends, starting after 6 AM means you will hit family holiday traffic near Chandigarh.
Road Conditions and What to Expect in Winter
The Delhi to Chandigarh section of NH44 is a national highway in good condition year-round. The Chandigarh to Kalka section is similarly well-maintained.
The mountain section from Kalka to Shimla requires more care in winter. From December to February, there can be ice on the road above 1,800 metres altitude, especially in the early morning. Fog near Shogi and Taradevi (closer to Shimla) is common in winter mornings.
If you are driving in January, plan for road diversions and possible delays near Shimla. The Himachal Pradesh government sometimes restricts vehicle access on the Shimla bypass during heavy snowfall. Check local road conditions before setting off.
| Month | Road Conditions | Drive Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| October to November | Clear and dry, excellent driving weather | Easy |
| December | Usually clear; possible ice above 1,800 m in late December | Easy to Moderate |
| January | Ice and fog possible on mountain section; snow possible | Moderate to Difficult |
| February | Improving by mid-month, watch for slush and ice early in month | Moderate |
| March to September | Good conditions; avoid monsoon season (July to August) if possible | Easy |
Stops and Detours Worth Making
Kasauli (optional detour, 30 minutes off route)
Kasauli is a quiet colonial-era hill town 75 km from Chandigarh. A short detour off NH5 gives you a 30-minute walk through shaded tree-lined streets and a panoramic view from the hilltop. Best if you have extra time and are not targeting Kufri before dark.
Solan (lunch stop)
Solan is a small town at 1,450 metres, midway between Kalka and Shimla. Good place for lunch. Several dhabas and restaurants on the main road. Driving time from Kalka: about 1.5 hours.
Shimla (evening walk or shopping)
If you arrive with time to spare, a walk on Shimla's The Mall Road is worth 30 to 60 minutes. The ridge above The Mall gives sweeping Himalayan views on clear days.
Alternatives to Driving: Bus and Train Options
If you do not have a car or prefer not to drive the mountain section, there are two popular alternatives.
Overnight Volvo bus from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate: Buses depart from 7 PM to 10 PM and arrive in Shimla at 5 AM to 8 AM. Cost: Rs 700 to Rs 1,200 per seat. From Shimla, take a shared taxi or cab to Kufri (Rs 300 to Rs 500). This is the most popular option for budget travelers.
Shatabdi Express to Kalka + Toy Train: Take the Kalka Shatabdi from New Delhi station to Kalka (4.5 hours), then the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train to Shimla (5.5 to 6 hours). Scenic but slow. The toy train ride is an experience in itself, winding through 102 tunnels and 800+ bridges. Total journey: 10 to 12 hours. From Shimla, cab to Kufri as above.
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What to Do in Kufri Once You Arrive
After a long drive, the first hour in Kufri is about settling in and taking in the altitude. The air is noticeably thinner than Delhi at 2,622 metres. Have lunch at your resort or a local restaurant, take a short walk to adjust, then head to the main activity area.
For a first-time visitor, the top priorities in Kufri are:
Kufri Fun World for snow activities (skiing, snow tubing, yak rides in winter; horse riding and zip line in summer). See timings and entry fee.
Himalayan Nature Park for wildlife including snow leopards, bears and Himalayan pheasants. Open 8 AM to 5 PM. Complete visitor guide here.
Mahasu Peak for the highest viewpoint in the area, with panoramic Himalayan views on clear days. Accessible by horse or on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Delhi to Kufri is approximately 375 km by road via NH44 and NH5. The drive takes 9 to 10 hours non-stop, though most travelers allow 10 to 12 hours including breaks and stops.
The most common route is Delhi - Panipat - Ambala - Chandigarh - Kalka - Solan - Shimla - Kufri via NH44 and NH5. This route is mostly national highway and in good condition except for the mountain section above Kalka which is narrow and winding.
Yes, if you start early. Leaving Delhi at 4 AM to 5 AM, you can reach Kufri by 2 PM to 3 PM. This gives you half a day for activities before checking into your resort for the night. A 2-night, 3-day trip is more comfortable if you want to explore properly.
The Delhi to Chandigarh section of NH44 is safe year-round. The mountain section from Kalka to Shimla requires caution in December to February when ice, fog and occasional snowfall can make roads slippery. Start early in the morning before ice melts and turns to slush, drive slowly around hairpin bends and check local road condition updates before your journey.
There is no direct bus from Delhi to Kufri. The most convenient option is an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Shimla (departs 7 PM to 10 PM, arrives 5 AM to 8 AM). From Shimla, take a shared taxi or private cab to Kufri (13 km, 30 to 40 minutes, Rs 300 to Rs 500).
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