Things to Do in Kullu for a Perfect Hillside Vacation

The River Beas in Kullu, is popular for rafting of all grades of rapids, for amateurs, tourists as well as trained and professional rafters. End of April to June and September to October are the best months for rafting in Kullu. Avoid the monsoons and the winters if you want to go for Rafting here. The activity is one of the prime things to do in Kullu.

This man-made marvel stands out from much of nature's picture perfect valleys and hills around it, with a rather spectacular and grand experience to offer to its viewer. The unforgiving rush of water and a lake which is somewhat more at peace are the sights here that you should not miss, while in Kullu. The dam is a structure under the Bhakra Beas Management Board and diverts the water of the River Beas.

Great Himalayan National Park, situated in Himachal Pradesh is spread over an area of 754 square kilometres at an altitude of between 1500 to 6000 m. The Great Himalayan National Park is one of India's national parks, which is located in Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh. This beautiful location of the national park becomes all the more attractive due to the Deodar and Oak trees.

Located in the scintillating hill town of Kullu, the Raghunath Temple is one of the main attractions here. Wrapped around in an ancient legend, the temple finds connections to Lord Rama, and the idol of Lord Raghunath placed here, is said to be the same as the one used by him. 

One of the trekkable summits in the Indian Himalayan region, the Friendship Peak looming at an elevation of 5,289 meters in the Pir Panjal range in Himachal Pradesh is a trekker's heaven. The Friendship Peak trek passes through the beautiful Solang Valley. Visiting here is one of the topmost things to do in Kullu.

One of the best things to do in Kullu is to spend a night at the camps. Camping is one experience which is especially sought after at the hills. And Kullu provides amazing camping opportunities where you can camp amidst the mountains and (if lucky) you can stargaze at night. You can also enjoy a bonfire and in house games along with amazing food.

At a flattering height of 3600 meters, nestled in the Parvati Valley, the Chandrakhani pass is a favourite for those who seek natural beauty as well as those in search of adventure with mountains and valleys in the backdrop. The Parvati valley, with all its beauty, makes for an amazing trek. You should definitely include visiting here in your bucket list of things to do in Kullu.

Trout Fishing is quiet popular in the Kullu Valley. There are a number of spots fro fishing along the river Tirthan, such as Kasol, Naggar, Katrain and Raison. The exciting activity is equally popular among the kids and adults alike.

Manikaran is a small town situated between rivers Parvati and Bears, famous for its hot water springs and beautiful landscapes. The town has many temples and a gurudwara, making it a significant pilgrimage centre for Hindus and Sikhs alike.

Best Time: October to June

3 Manikaran Sahib Attractions

What could be a better shopping spot than the hill station markets which provide you with a mix of traditional and modern stuff? Shopping in Kullu is an absolute delight as it has some amazing markets selling handicrafts and other trinkets to take back home. The must-buy things in Kullu include Tibetan traditional stuff and Buddhist paintings. After a beautiful day of sightseeing, the best option is to shop. Market Browsing is one of the topmost things to do in Kullu.

Paragliding is one of the better experiences and one of the most exciting activities that you can try at Kullu. The place is a hot spot for adventure sports and this one is going to be one of the topmost experiences of your life. You get to fly like a bird atop the mighty Himalayas and enjoy a bird's eye view of the gorgeous valley.

A blazing blue Brighu Lake sits snug between two high-altitude ridges towards the east of Rohtang Pass. One of the many glacial lakes in Kullu Valley, this lake makes for a perfect weekend trek and is also well- suited for families. To add to that, the camping grounds at Rola Kholi and Pandu Ropa offer dream-like views to wake up to.

Bijli Mahadev Temple is the one temple in Kullu that you cannot miss. From a legend where lightning strikes, to a huge structure and surreal surroundings with some of the best views and sceneries of Kullu, the temple is enchanting in every bit. Visiting here is one of the topmost things to do in Kullu.

The Pin Bhaba Pass trek combines the green of Kinnaur and the barren high altitude desert of the Spiti Valley. The trek starts from Kafnu situated in the Kinnaur Valley and passes through the lush green meadows and grazing fields on the banks of river Bhabha. As we cross over Bhabha and enter the picturesque Pin Valley, we witness the spectacular contrast in the mountains and a stark difference in the culture and tradition.

Regarded as one of the most challenging treks in the northern Himalayan region, Parvati Valley Trek is perfect for those seeking adventure. The mesmerising views all around will not only leave you spellbound by its beauty but also filled with adrenaline by the challenges it throws at you at every nook and corner. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you should definitely include visiting here in your list of things to do in Kullu.

One of the well-known religious centres in Kullu, Hanogi Mata Temple is a tiny little mandir, perched on top of a small hill. Like any other sacred shrine or temple in the Kullu Manali area, the Hanogi Mata Temple also finds itself a picture-perfect backdrop. Watching over valleys from the top of a hill, the temple dedicated to Hindu Goddess Mata Hanogi, has a stream running down below, creating the perfect scenery for a religious and sacred structure.

One of the most offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh, Prashar Lake is a crystal clear water body situated about 50 km north of Mandi, with a three-storied pagoda-like temple dedicated to the sage Prashar. Bounded by mighty Dhauladhar ranges in Kullu Valley, the place is full of mystic charm. Its lush green valleys, interspersed with rivers and lakes offer one of the most scenic and enjoyable trekking experiences.

Known For : Great Himalayan National Park Serlosar Lake Jalori Pass

The land of untouched and mystifying beauty, Tirthan Valley is a destination with a plethora of delights. Lying nearly 3 km from the entrance of Great Himalayan National Park, this place is abundant in adventurous activities and a paradise for nature lovers. The great Himalayas with snow covered tops looking over the Tirthan River, this valley is best known for its trout fishing and for surprisingly high influx of foreigners. 

Best Time: Mar to June, October to November

7 Tirthan Valley Attractions

Malana is an ancient solitary village in Himachal Pradesh in an isolated and charming plateau by the side of the Malana River. Known as Malana Nala, it lies in Parvati Valley which is a quaint corner away from rest of the world. One of the unique aspects of this destination is the strong culture and beliefs of the locals, who follow their rules with the utmost tenacity. 

Known For : Naggar Castle Trekking and Fishing Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum

Naggar is an unexplored and modest town in the Kullu district, which will give you all the time to leisurely walk around, rest and rejuvenate amongst mountains, valleys, lush greenery and the River Beas flowing in much proximity. There isn't much to do here and Naggar comes with little on its list of must visit areas. There is also a hot water spring to visit here.

Best Time: Throughout the year

11 Naggar Attractions

Kullu is also renowned for its grand Dussehra celebrations; the festival of a triumph of good over evil. Kullu Dussehra was declared an international event in 1972 and is witnessed by around 4-5 Lac people from across the globe. Kullu Dussehra is slightly different because its celebrations begin when the rest of the country closes the nine-day long festival. Dussehra in Kullu is a week-long festival, which is famous for its large number of visitors and grand celebrations.