Himalayan Nature Park Kufri
A serene Himalayan wildlife park with snow leopards, bears, and diverse flora, offering scenic forest walks and mountain views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather & blooms
Himalayan Nature Park Kufri
Best Time
Pleasant weather & blooms
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Himalayan wildlife park with snow leopards, bears, and diverse flora, offering scenic forest walks and mountain views.
"A peaceful place to explore and be close to nature, home to impressive Himalayan wildlife."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park has walking trails, some quite steep. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Weather can change. Pack layers, especially for cooler months, to stay comfortable during your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Himalayan Brown Bear
Enclosures
Witness the majestic Himalayan brown bear, a star attraction of the park.
Snow Leopard
Enclosures
Spot the elusive snow leopard, a rare and beautiful feline of the Himalayas.
Forest Trails & Views
Park pathways
Stroll through temperate forests with fir, spruce, and oak trees; catch Himalayan peak views on clear days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Wildlife & Blooms
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park has walking trails, some quite steep. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Weather can change. Pack layers, especially for cooler months, to stay comfortable during your visit.
🎒 Carry a Bag
Keep essentials handy and store any items. Watch out for monkeys outside the zoo!
📸 Camera Fees Apply
There's an extra charge for using cameras, so be prepared if you plan to take lots of photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park has walking trails, some quite steep. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Weather can change. Pack layers, especially for cooler months, to stay comfortable during your visit.
🎒 Carry a Bag
Keep essentials handy and store any items. Watch out for monkeys outside the zoo!
📸 Camera Fees Apply
There's an extra charge for using cameras, so be prepared if you plan to take lots of photos.
⏳ Allow 2 Hours
Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the park and its inhabitants.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri is appreciated for its collection of Himalayan wildlife, including snow leopards and bears, set within a peaceful, forested environment with potential mountain views. While some visitors note that the park's maintenance could be improved, the unique animals and natural setting make it a worthwhile visit for families and nature lovers seeking a few hours of serene exploration.
"ExcellentHere’s what I found out about Himalayan Nature Park (Kufri): what it is, how to reach, things to do, best time, costs etc. If you like, I can also pull up nearby stays, or plan a visit for you.
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About Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri
Officially called Himalayan Nature Park (sometimes “Kufri Nature Park” or “Kufri Zoo”).
It’s around 90 hectares in area.
Located at an altitude of about 2600 m above sea level.
Vegetation: temperate forest with trees such as fir, spruce, oak; scattered deodar, blue pine, holly, etc. Also many herbaceous plants (primulas, balsams, geraniums, orchids) bloom especially in spring and summer.
Fauna: many Himalayan wildlife species. Some found in open enclosures / sections of the park, others seen by visitors walking around. Mammals include musk deer, barking deer, goral, sambar, brown bears, black bears, snow leopards, common leopards, etc. Birds include pheasants (Monal, Cheer, White‐crested Kaleej) etc.
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What to Expect / Things to Do
Walking trails / paths through forested areas. On clear days, views of snow-clad Himalayan peaks.
Wildlife viewing (in enclosures and possibly open enclosures).
Flora & seasonal blooms: spring to early autumn has a nice variety.
Camping / guided treks may be possible, though with permissions.
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Timings, Entry Fees, Best Time to Visit
Parameter Details
Timings ~9:00 AM to 6:30 PM on days open. Usually closed on Tuesdays.
Entry Fees For Indian tourists: relatively low (some sources say approx ₹30-₹50 for adults, less for children). Extra charges for cameras.
Best Time Spring to early summer (April-June) for blooms, pleasant weather; also post-monsoon (September-October); winters for snow, though cold and more challenging. Avoid heavy monsoon due to risk of landslides etc.
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Access & Location
About 18 km from Shimla.
From Kuzri, or Shimla busstand, one"
Dr.Harpreet Kaur
"Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri is a quiet and green wildlife park located about 18 km from Shimla, at a height of around 2,600 meters. It is home to animals like the Himalayan black bear, brown bear, snow leopard, musk deer, barking deer, and the colorful Himalayan monal. The park is clean and peaceful, with a walking trail through tall trees. It’s a nice place for families and nature lovers who want to see wildlife in a natural setting.
The entry fee is about ₹60 for adults and ₹20 for children. There’s an extra charge if you want to use a camera. The walk is easy, but wearing comfortable shoes and warm clothes is a good idea, especially in the colder months. You can also enjoy yak rides and small treks nearby.
To reach the park, take a taxi or bus from Shimla to Kufri. From Kufri Bazaar, it’s just a short walk. The best time to visit is in summer or winter when the weather is clear. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature for a few hours, away from the noise of the city."
Arunesh Tiwari
"This is the highest zoo in India - set in a picturesque landscape. Great place for walks and being close to nature. There is an entry fee (Rs 60/- as of Apr 2025). Leopards and Bears are the star attraction. A very peaceful place to explore - you will typically spend up to 2 hours in this place"
Dwip Sengupta
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is about 18 km from Shimla. You can take a taxi or a bus from Shimla to Kufri. From Kufri Bazaar, it's a short, though steep, walk to the park entrance.
Yes, the road leading to the zoo can be quite steep, so be prepared for an incline when walking from Kufri Bazaar.
The park is best explored on foot via its walking trails. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended due to the terrain.
Parking is available, but it can sometimes take longer to get your car in and out than to explore the zoo itself.
Yes, buses are available from Shimla to Kufri, making it an accessible option for those not using private vehicles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees are relatively low for Indian tourists, around ₹60 for adults and ₹20 for children as of recent information. There's an additional charge for cameras.
The park is typically open from around 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM on days it is operational. It is usually closed on Tuesdays.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Himalayan Nature Park. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, children have a lower entry fee. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket counter for any available concessions.
Yes, there is an additional fee for using cameras inside the park.
🎫 🐻 Wildlife & Flora
The park houses various Himalayan wildlife, including snow leopards, brown bears, black bears, musk deer, barking deer, and sambar.
Yes, the park is home to species like the snow leopard and Himalayan brown bear, which are significant attractions.
The park features a temperate forest with fir, spruce, and oak trees, along with other species like deodar and blue pine. Many herbaceous plants bloom in spring and summer.
Yes, you can see various birds, including pheasants like the Monal and Cheer pheasant.
Some animals are in open enclosures, while others are in sections of the park designed to mimic their natural habitat.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light for photography. Clear days provide good visibility of the animals and potential mountain views.
It's a peaceful place for walks and enjoying nature, offering a chance to see Himalayan wildlife in a forested setting. Some find it not perfectly maintained but appreciate the animals.
Yes, it's a great place to relax for a few hours, away from city noise. Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours here.
Yes, yak rides and small treks are often available in the vicinity of Kufri.
While animals are in enclosures, it's wise to be cautious. One TikTok warned against trying to encounter a wild yak.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Bring snacks and water, as options inside might be limited. Keep an eye on children, especially around enclosures and due to the presence of monkeys outside the park. The park offers a good introduction to Himalayan wildlife in a safe, contained environment.
🚶 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
While not a strenuous hike, the trails are well-defined and provide a good opportunity to immerse yourself in the local environment. The altitude adds to the experience, offering cooler air and unique vegetation.
📸 Photographers
Remember that there's an extra charge for cameras, and the lighting conditions can vary. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Wildlife
Beyond the mammals, the park also boasts a collection of birds, including various pheasants like the Monal and Cheer pheasant. The park's design aims to provide a semi-natural habitat for its residents, allowing for a more immersive viewing experience. Remember to be respectful of the animals and their environment during your visit.
Flora and Scenic Beauty
On clear days, the park offers stunning vistas of snow-clad Himalayan peaks, adding to its scenic appeal. The walking trails wind through these forested areas, providing a peaceful environment for exploration. The combination of diverse flora and the majestic Himalayan backdrop makes the park a refreshing escape.
Visitor Experience and Practicalities
However, some reviews mention that the zoo might not be as well-maintained as expected. Despite this, the unique wildlife and the natural setting are often highlighted as compensating factors. It's important to wear comfortable shoes due to the steep paths and dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit