desitravelling Are you also looking for the best place to visit in Himalayas during holidays? Then Kullu and Manali, located in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, are two such beautiful places where you will get a wonderful mix of adventure, nature, spirituality and peace. Whether you are planning a romantic honeymoon, a backpacking adventure or a family vacation, Kullu Manali travel guide will help you plan your trip in the best possible way.
In this detailed travel guide, find out about the best places to visit in Kullu Manali, top activities, pleasant travel season, how to reach, where to stay and more important tips as we take you to the beautiful valleys of the Himalayas.
One of the most frequently asked questions is: What is the best time to visit Kullu Manali.
March to June (Summer): March to June is the best and pleasant season for sightseeing, paragliding, rafting and hiking and the flowers are in full bloom during this season.
October to February (winter): The best time to experience heavy snowfall and blizzards in Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass is from October to February when the temperature goes below zero.
July to September (Monsoon): This season is greener but also has frequent landslides which makes the roads unsuitable for travelling, however, it is best for budget travellers as it is less crowded.
Top places to visit in Kullu Manali
1. Solang Valley
Solang Valley is a mountain valley located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It is located just 14 km from Manali and is situated on the way to Rohtang Pass. Solang Valley is also a center of adventure sports. Here you can also enjoy paragliding, ATV rides, skiing in winter or cable car rides for panoramic mountain views.
Why go: You will find a perfect mix of paragliding, thrill of ATV rides and natural beauty here
Tip: Go a little early to avoid the crowd
2. Rohtang Pass
The Rohtang Pass is a Himalayan pass located at an altitude of 3,980 metres between the Kullu Valley and Lahaul Spiti Valleys in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a pass located at an altitude of 13,050 feet. This pass is one of the highest motorable roads. It is open from May to October, permit is mandatory. Rohtang Pass permit is available from SDM office Manali on first come first serve basis. It remains snowbound throughout the year.
Why go: For snow adventure, photography and breathtaking views
3. Hadimba Temple
This temple was built by Raja Bahadur Singh in 1553. A unique wooden temple dedicated to Hidimba Devi is surrounded by deodar forests. This temple is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, the wife of Bhima mentioned in the Mahabharata epic. She is also considered the patron goddess of Manali and the Kullu region. The Hidimba Devi Temple stands 24 meters high and has three square roofs with wooden tiles, topped by a fourth cone-shaped roof covered in brass.
Why go: For spiritual peace, relaxation, architecture and local history
Don’t forget to ride a yak and take photos with Himachali people attire
4. Old Manali
This area is very quiet and full of boho cafes, hostels and a laid-back vibe. Perfect for solo travelers or digital nomads looking for a slower trip. Old Manali: Also the Land of Manu Old Manali is said to be the place where the sage Manu stepped out of his boat after the great deluge to repopulate the earth.
Why go: Great food, live music and young backpacker crowd
5. Kasol and Manikaran (from Kullu)
Kasol and Manikaran are two beautiful towns located in Himachal Pradesh, India. Both the places are popular for their natural beauty, temples and hot springs Situated just a few hours away from Kullu, Kasol is a paradise for nature lovers and hippie culture fans. Nearby is Manikaran Sahib, a holy pilgrimage site. Manikaran Sahib is also known as a famous pilgrimage site for both Sikhs and Hindus.
Why go: Trekking, spiritual bath and spiritual peace
Popular Trek: Kheerganga
Best adventure things to do in Kullu Manali
✅ 1. River rafting in Beas River
One of the best white-water rafting experiences in Kullu is the Beas River. Adventure companies offer grade II and III rapids for all levels. The thrilling adventure of the fast flow, twists and turns of the Beas river, and the waves will fill you with a different kind of excitement. You can get rides ranging from 7 to 14 kms, of which the long rides are more popular.
Best time: April to June
✅ 2. Trekking and Camping
Manali is the gateway for those who trek into the Himalayas. For camping, you can camp in the valleys of Manali, which is surrounded by pine forests and the sound of the Beas River. The best time is between April to June and September to October when the weather is very pleasant. To experience trekking and camping in Manali you can go for
Hampta Pass Trek
Bhrigu Lake Trek
Chandrakhani Pass
Pro tip: Book only with registered guides and check the weather forecast in advance.
✅ 3. Don’t forget to shop at Mall Road
How can we forget Mall Road among the places to visit in Manali, where all the shopping items are available at one place. Mall Road was not named by Indians, but by the British. Manali’s bustling Mall Road sells local handicrafts, woolen clothes, Tibetan artefacts and Himachali hats.
✅ 4. Visit Naggar Castle and Art Museum
Naggar Castle located near Kullu is a very nice and serene place for history, art and amazing views of the valley. The entry fee to Naggar Castle is Rs 30 per person. It is very popular for its architecture, views and artifacts.
Why visit: Quiet, offbeat, perfect for architecture and culture lovers
How to reach Kullu Manali
✈️ By Air:
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (KUU) is the nearest airport which is 50 km from Manali and 10 km from Kullu
Flights: Flights are available on regular basis from Delhi and Chandigarh
🚍 By Bus:
Overnight Volvo buses and many private buses ply from Delhi and Chandigarh.
Manali is well connected by Himachal Road Transport buses as well
🚆 By Train:
Nearest major station: Chandigarh You can get any train from Delhi to Chandigarh. Vande Bharat also runs for this.
Taxi:
You can also take a direct taxi to Manali which takes (about 8-10 hours)
Where to stay in Kullu Manali
You will get accommodation according to every budget and environment, you can take whatever is within your budget
Budget:
The Hostler
Local Homestay in Old Manali
Moderate Range:
Johnson Lodge
Snow Valley Resorts
Luxury:
Span Resort & Spa
Pro tip: Book 2-3 months in advance during peak season (May-June, December-January) to avoid rush
Five-day itinerary of Kullu Manali trip
Day 1: Reach Manali, visit Mall Road, local temples
Day 2: Solang Valley adventure sports + local markets
Day 3: Day trip to Rohtang Pass
Day 4: Visit Kullu, rafting + visit Kasol
Day 5: Visit Naggar Castle, Hadimba Mata Temple, Departure
Important travel tips
Carry warm clothes even in summers as the weather changes very quickly
Permit is required for Rohtang Pass – book online in advance
Download offline maps – phone signal is sometimes weak in remote areas
Final Thoughts
Kullu Manali is a place that truly has it all – adventure, peace, culture and natural beauty. Whether you want to go trekking on mountain trails, rafting in icy rivers, Or if you just want to sip tea while admiring the snow-capped peaks, every moment you spend here will be an unforgettable experience.
Make sure to plan in advance, travel like a responsible citizen and most importantly, enjoy every moment of the magic and vistas of the Himalayas.
Respect local customs and the environment – avoid littering and plastic
