Weekend Trip from Delhi to Kufri: 2 Night 3 Day Complete Guide 2026

A weekend trip from Delhi to Kufri is one of the most rewarding short breaks in North India. In two nights and three days, you go from 40-degree heat and city noise to 2,700 metres of Himalayan mountain air, snow (in winter), and a view of peaks that stretches to 200 km on clear days. The drive is 355 km and fully doable if you leave early on Friday or Saturday morning.

This guide gives you the complete plan: the best route, a day-by-day itinerary, what to do, where to stay, and how to make the most of a Delhi to Kufri weekend trip in 2026.

Delhi to Kufri Route and Distance

The standard road route from Delhi to Kufri is 355 km. The route is well-maintained throughout:

Stretch	Distance	Time	Road
Delhi to Ambala	200 km	3 hours	NH44 (4-lane highway)
Ambala to Chandigarh	45 km	45 minutes	NH44
Chandigarh to Kalka	35 km	40 minutes	NH5
Kalka to Shimla	65 km	1.5 to 2 hours	Old Hindustan Tibet Road (winding, scenic)
Shimla to Kufri	13 km	30 minutes	Kufri Highway

Total: 355 km | 7 to 8 hours

The Kalka to Shimla stretch (65 km) takes the longest per km due to the mountain roads. This section is scenic - cedar and pine forests, mountain views, and small hill towns - but it is winding and requires careful driving.

Delhi to Kufri 2 Night 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1 (Friday or Saturday): Delhi to Kufri

• 5:00 AM: Leave Delhi. Early departure is essential to beat NH44 highway traffic and to arrive in Kufri before dark.
• 6:30 AM: Breakfast at Murthal (50 km from Delhi) - the famous dhaba strip along NH44 is a classic Delhi road trip tradition.
• 8:00 AM: Continue through Ambala and Chandigarh. Chandigarh bypass is well-signed.
• 10:30 AM: Kalka - start of the mountain section. Fuel up here. The road narrows and winds from this point.
• 12:30 PM: Shimla - a short stop for photos at The Ridge if time allows, then continue.
• 1:00 to 1:30 PM: Arrive Kufri Heritage Resort. Check in, lunch, rest.
• 3:00 PM: Kufri Fun World (go-karts, zip-line) or a walk to Mahasu Peak viewpoint.
• 6:00 PM: Sunset from the resort terrace or lawns with Himalayan views.
• 7:30 PM: Bonfire evening at the resort. Dinner at The Heritage Restaurant.

Day 2 (Saturday or Sunday): Full Day in Kufri

• 6:30 AM: Sunrise walk. The mountain views in the early morning are spectacular, particularly in winter when the snow-covered peaks catch the first light.
• 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the resort.
• 9:30 AM: Himalayan Nature Park (Kufri Zoo) - allow 2 hours. See Himalayan black bears, pheasants, and the forest trails.
• 12:00 PM: Horse or yak ride to Mahasu Peak. Views extend across the Himalayan range on clear days. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
• 2:00 PM: Lunch.
• 3:30 PM: Day trip to Shimla (13 km, 30 minutes). Mall Road shopping, Jakhu Temple visit, or The Ridge for sunset.
• 7:00 PM: Return to resort. Evening spa treatment (optional).
• 8:00 PM: Dinner.

Day 3 (Sunday or Monday): Kufri to Delhi

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast and checkout.
• 8:00 AM: Optional: Chail day trip (30 km from Kufri, 1 hour) if departing Monday. Skip if returning Sunday to avoid evening traffic on NH44.
• 9:00 AM (if returning Sunday): Start drive back to Delhi. Leave by 9 AM to arrive by 5-6 PM.
• Tip: Avoid returning Sunday evening. The NH44 between Ambala and Delhi sees heavy traffic on Sunday evenings as Delhi residents return from hill stations.

Delhi to Kufri Weekend Trip: Key Tips

• Leave early: 5 AM departure from Delhi is ideal. 6 AM is acceptable. 7 AM means hitting NH44 traffic near Karnal and arriving Kufri after 3 PM.
• Book in advance: Weekend slots at Kufri Heritage Resort fill up, especially in winter (Dec-Feb) and summer (May-Jun). Book 3-4 weeks ahead for weekends.
• Vehicle type: A regular sedan handles the Shimla-Kufri road easily in summer and spring. In winter (Dec-Feb), carry tyre chains or book a taxi from Shimla to Kufri as a precaution.
• Fuel at Kalka: Fuel stations in Shimla are limited. Fill up at Kalka before the mountain section.
• Cash: ATMs are available in Shimla but can be crowded on weekends. Carry sufficient cash for local activities and tips.

Delhi to Kufri by Train (Alternative)

The scenic alternative to driving is the Delhi to Shimla route by Shatabdi + Kalka-Shimla toy train. The Delhi-Kalka Shatabdi departs at 7:20 AM and arrives Kalka at 11:25 AM. The Kalka-Shimla toy train then takes 5 to 6 hours through UNESCO-listed mountain railway to reach Shimla. From Shimla, take a taxi to Kufri (30 min). Total journey: 12 to 14 hours. Better suited for those who want the train experience than for those prioritising time.

Where to Stay: Delhi to Kufri Weekend

For a weekend trip from Delhi, Kufri Heritage Resort and Spa is the recommended base. Staying in Kufri rather than Shimla puts you 500 metres higher in altitude with better mountain views, direct access to snow activities in winter, and the resort's outdoor pool and spa in summer. Shimla is just 30 minutes away as a day trip.

Weekend rates at Kufri Heritage Resort vary by season. Book early for Dec-Feb and May-Jun weekends as these fill first. Call for current availability and weekend package pricing.

Also Read

• Delhi to Shimla Distance and Travel Time - Complete route guide by road, train, and flight.
• Kufri Itinerary: 2 Nights 3 Days - Detailed day-by-day plan for your Kufri trip.
• Shimla Kufri Tour Package 2026 - Combined Shimla and Kufri tour prices and itinerary.
• Best Resorts in Kufri 2026 - Resort comparison to help you choose where to stay.
• Best Hill Stations Near Delhi for Weekend Trips 2026

FAQs: Weekend Trip Delhi to Kufri

Is a Delhi to Kufri trip doable in a weekend?

Yes. A Delhi to Kufri weekend trip is very much doable in 2 nights and 3 days. Leave Delhi at 5 AM on Saturday, arrive Kufri by 1 PM. Full day in Kufri on Sunday. Drive back Monday morning. If you have only Friday night to Monday morning, you get 2 full days in Kufri which is enough to cover the main attractions.

How long is the drive from Delhi to Kufri?

The drive from Delhi to Kufri is 355 km and takes 7 to 8 hours under normal conditions. The NH44 section (Delhi to Chandigarh, 260 km) takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. The Chandigarh to Kufri mountain section (95 km) takes 3 to 3.5 hours due to winding roads. Leaving Delhi at 5 AM means arriving Kufri by 12:30 to 1:30 PM.

What is the best route from Delhi to Kufri?

The best route is NH44 from Delhi through Murthal, Ambala, and Chandigarh, then NH5 from Chandigarh through Kalka, Solan, and Shimla, then the Kufri Highway for the final 13 km. Total: 355 km. Avoid the old GT Road through Karnal - it is slower and more congested than NH44.

What should I see on a Delhi to Kufri weekend trip?

On a 2 night 3 day Delhi to Kufri trip: Himalayan Nature Park wildlife walk, yak or horse ride to Mahasu Peak, Kufri Fun World, snow sports if visiting in winter (Dec-Feb), a day trip to Shimla (Mall Road, Jakhu Temple, The Ridge), and paragliding if visiting March to November. Two days in Kufri covers all major attractions comfortably.

When is the best time for a Delhi to Kufri weekend trip?

For snow: December to February weekends - book 4-6 weeks in advance as these are the most popular. For comfortable weather without crowds: October-November and March-April. For summer escape: May-June weekends when Delhi heat is worst (book early, these fill up fast). Avoid monsoon weekends (July-August) due to potential road closures from heavy rain.