🧳 Welcome to Kullu–Manali
If you dream of snow-covered mountains, green valleys, adventure sports, and peaceful temples, then Kullu–Manali is your perfect destination.
Located in Himachal Pradesh, Kullu and Manali are two beautiful towns just 40 km apart. They are surrounded by the Himalayas, with the Beas River flowing through. It’s a place for everyone—whether you love nature, adventure, snow, or just want peace.
🚗 How to Reach Kullu–Manali
✈️ By Air
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Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu) – 10 km from Kullu, 50 km from Manali
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Limited flights from Delhi and Chandigarh
🚂 By Train
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No direct train to Manali
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Nearest stations: Joginder Nagar or Chandigarh, then take a taxi or bus
🚌 By Road
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From Delhi: 12–14 hours by Volvo or private car
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From Chandigarh: 8 hours
🚌 Tip: Overnight Volvo buses from Delhi are a good option
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | March – June | Cool weather, green valleys 🌳 |
| Monsoon | July – Sept | Heavy rain, risk of landslides ☔ |
| Winter | Oct – Feb | Snowfall, skiing, cold ❄️ |
👉 Visit between December and February for snow lovers.
🏞️ Top Places to Visit in Manali
🏔️ 1. Solang Valley
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Snow games, skiing, snow bikes
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In summer, enjoy paragliding and zorbing
🗻 2. Rohtang Pass (51 km)
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Snow all year round (closed in winter)
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Scenic views, snow play, snow scooters
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Requires permit – book online in advance
🛕 3. Hidimba Devi Temple
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Ancient wooden temple in the forest
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Peaceful and spiritual place
🏞️ 4. Jogini Waterfalls
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Small trek from Vashisht village
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Waterfalls, hills, and perfect for photos 📸
🏊 5. Vashisht Hot Springs
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Natural hot water baths
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Good after trekking or cold weather
🌄 Top Places to Visit in Kullu
🚣 1. Beas River
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Great for river rafting and nature photography
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Flows through both Kullu and Manali
🎨 2. Kullu Shawl Factories
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See how warm woollen shawls are made
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You can buy beautiful handmade shawls and caps
🎡 3. Great Himalayan National Park
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Trekking, bird watching, forest walks
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UNESCO World Heritage Site 🌿
⛷️ Things to Do in Kullu–Manali
| Activity | Where to Try | Season |
|---|---|---|
| ❄️ Skiing | Solang Valley | Winter |
| 🪂 Paragliding | Solang Valley, Kullu | March – May |
| 🚣 River Rafting | Beas River | March – June |
| 🚵 Trekking | Jogini Falls, GHNP | April – Oct |
| 🧖 Hot Springs | Vashisht Village | All seasons |
🍛 Local Food You Must Try
| Dish | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Siddu | Steamed bun with spicy filling |
| Thenthuk | Himalayan noodle soup |
| Madra | Yogurt-based chickpea curry |
| Dham | A traditional Himachali thali 🍽️ |
| Tibetan Momos | Stuffed dumplings, must-try |
Popular cafés: Johnson’s Café, Café 1947, Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted
🛍️ What to Buy
| Item | Where to Buy |
|---|---|
| Kullu Woollen Shawls | Kullu markets & factories |
| Hand-knit socks & caps | Old Manali, Mall Road |
| Wooden crafts | Local markets in Kullu |
| Tibetan jewelry | Old Manali Tibetan Market |
🏨 Where to Stay (Per Person, Per Night)
| Type | Price Range (INR) | Area Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Hostel | ₹500 – ₹1,000 | Old Manali, Vashisht |
| Mid-range Hotel | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 | New Manali, Kullu Town |
| Luxury Resort | ₹4,000 – ₹10,000+ | Near Beas River, Naggar |
👉 Stay in Old Manali for a peaceful vibe and Mall Road if you like being in the center.
💰 Trip Budget for 3–4 Days (Per Person)
| Expense | Estimated Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Travel (Delhi–Manali) | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 |
| Stay (3 nights) | ₹1,500 – ₹6,000 |
| Food & Drinks | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 |
| Sightseeing & Permits | ₹800 – ₹1,500 |
| Shopping & Souvenirs | ₹500 – ₹1,000 |
| Adventure Activities | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 |
| Total | ₹6,300 – ₹15,500 |
🗓️ 4-Day Itinerary
📍 Day 1: Welcome to Manali
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Reach & check-in
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Walk around Mall Road
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Visit Hidimba Temple and Vashisht Hot Springs
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Dinner at a mountain café
📍 Day 2: Snow Adventures
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Drive to Solang Valley
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Try skiing, snow scooter or paragliding
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Visit Atal Tunnel (optional)
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Bonfire at night (many hotels offer this)
📍 Day 3: Rohtang Pass Day Trip
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Start early – Rohtang gets crowded
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Play in the snow, click pictures 📸
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Return and relax in Old Manali
📍 Day 4: Explore Kullu & Return
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River rafting in Kullu
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Visit shawl factory and local market
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Head back to Delhi or Chandigarh
🎒 What to Pack
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Warm clothes (even in summer, nights are cold)
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Waterproof jacket (rain or snow)
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Woollen cap, gloves, socks 🧤🧣
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Trekking shoes
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Sunglasses, sunscreen
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Personal medicines & ID card
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Camera and power bank
📸 Best Photo Spots
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Solang Valley snow views
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Rohtang Pass mountain roads
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Jogini Waterfalls trek
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Sunset over Beas River
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Traditional Himachali dress photo shoot (available in Mall Road)
📝 Travel Tips
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Book hotels and Rohtang permits in advance
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Carry cash – some areas have weak network
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Drink water and rest – high altitude can cause dizziness
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Wear sunscreen – snow reflects sunlight strongly
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Respect local culture and nature 🌿
❤️ Final Thoughts: Kullu–Manali Is More Than Just Mountains
Kullu–Manali is a place where you forget the city noise. It gives you peace, fresh air, fun activities, and happy memories. Whether you want to chase snowflakes, raft in the river, or just relax, Kullu–Manali welcomes you with open arms.
“Once you breathe the air of the Himalayas, your heart never leaves.”