About Kullu
Kullu, the “Valley of Gods”, lies on the Beas river 40 km before Manali at 1,220 m. It is famous for the Kullu Dussehra in October, Kullu shawls, river rafting and the Parvati valley with Kasol and Manikaran.
Most travellers see Kullu on the way to Manali or as a day trip from Manali.
Kullu – Quick Facts
| State | Himachal Pradesh |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 1,220 m |
| Nearest airport | Bhuntar – 10 km |
| Nearest big railway station | Chandigarh – 270 km |
| Best time | March – June, October (Dussehra) |
| Ideal stay | 1 – 2 days |
Places to Visit in Kullu
- Kullu Dussehra (Dhalpur ground)
Week-long festival with 200+ village deities, starting on Vijayadashami. - Raghunath Temple
Main temple of the valley – the deity leads the Dussehra procession. - Bijli Mahadev
Hilltop Shiva temple whose lingam is struck by lightning – 2 hr walk. - Kasol
Cafés and riverside camps in the Parvati valley. - Manikaran Sahib
Gurudwara and temple with boiling hot springs. - Naggar Castle & Roerich Gallery
Old capital of Kullu with Nicholas Roerich’s paintings. - Beas river rafting (Pirdi)
Rafting stretch of 14 km below Kullu. - Shawl factories
Handloom Kullu shawls and caps at Bhuttico and local units.
Best Time to Visit Kullu
- March – June: pleasant days (15 – 28 °C) – peak season for families
- July – September: monsoon – green hills, lower rates, landslides possible
- October – November: clear skies and autumn colours
- December – February: cold, snowfall in the higher hills – Christmas & New Year rush
How to Reach Kullu
- By air: Bhuntar airport, 10 km.
- By road: Delhi 500 km, Chandigarh 270 km on NH-3; Volvo buses stop at Kullu.
Kullu Distance Chart
| Route | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Manali | 40 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Kasol | 40 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Manikaran | 45 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Naggar | 22 km | 45 min |
| Mandi | 70 km | 2 hrs |
| Chandigarh | 270 km | 7 hrs |
Approximate road distances and times – mountain roads can take longer in snow or rain.
Kullu Travel Tips
- Kullu Dussehra hotels fill up early – book by August.
- Rafting is best in April – June and October.
Entrance & Permit Fees in Kullu 2026
Permits
- No permit is needed in the Kullu and Parvati valleys.
🎟️ Entrance fees (per person, paid at the gate or online)
| Place | 🇮🇳 Indian | 🌍 Foreigner |
|---|---|---|
| Bijli Mahadevapprox. 3 km walk from the road head | Free | Free |
| Kasol Valley | Free | Free |
| Gurudwara Manikaran Sahibcover your head | Free | Free |
| Naggar CastleHPTDC heritage castle | approx. ₹20 – 30 | approx. ₹20 – 50 |
| Roerich Art GalleryRoerich estate & museum | approx. ₹50 | approx. ₹100 |
| Beas River Raftingper person, by distance | approx. ₹600 – 1,500 | approx. ₹600 – 1,500 |
| Kullu Shawls Weaving Industry | Free | Free |
Fees as published for 2026 and can be revised by the authorities; "approx." rates are local / private and may differ. Children are usually free or half rate. Camera fees extra at some places.
Taxi Service in Kullu
Book a private cab with Travel Himalayas – fixed rates, experienced hill drivers, toll and parking included.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Kullu Dussehra 2026?
It begins on Vijayadashami and runs for 7 days at the Dhalpur ground – we run special Kullu Dussehra packages.
Is Kasol in Kullu?
Yes, Kasol is in the Parvati valley of Kullu district, 40 km from Kullu town.
What is the best time to visit Kullu?
March – June: pleasant days (15 – 28 °C) – peak season for families. July – September: monsoon – green hills, lower rates, landslides possible. October – November: clear skies and autumn colours. December – February: cold, snowfall in the higher hills – Christmas & New Year rush.
How to reach Kullu?
By air – Bhuntar airport, 10 km. By road – Delhi 500 km, Chandigarh 270 km on NH-3; Volvo buses stop at Kullu.