In and around Kullu town
- Raghunath temple: the temple of Kullu's presiding deity, established in 1650 after an idol of Rama was brought from Ayodhya; the focus of Dussehra.
- Dhalpur maidan: the open ground where the Dussehra festival is held each October.
- Bijli Mahadev: a Shiva temple at about 2,460 m on a ridge above Kullu, famous for the lightning that strikes its tall staff; reached by road and a short walk.
- Shawl weavers and showrooms: Kullu shawls, with their geometric borders, are woven across the valley; watch the looms and buy direct.
- Vaishno Devi cave temple: a small hillside cave shrine a few kilometres north of town.
Up the valley towards Manali
- River rafting: on the Beas north of Kullu, with short, beginner-friendly runs in season.
- Naggar: a castle built in the 15th century, now a heritage hotel, and the Roerich art gallery and estate.
- Apple orchards: along the left bank of the Beas, laden with fruit from August to October.
- Manali: about 40 km away, with Solang, the Atal Tunnel and Rohtang beyond.
Into the Parvati valley
- Kasol (about 40 km): riverside cafés, pine forest and a backpacker scene.
- Manikaran (about 45 km): hot springs, a gurdwara and temples.
- Kheerganga: a trek from Barshaini to a meadow with a hot spring.
- Tosh and the upper valley: villages with views of the snow peaks.
Into the Banjar valley
- Jibhi (about 60 km): wooden homestays, waterfalls and forest walks.
- Tirthan valley: trout streams and the gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park.
- Jalori pass and Serolsar lake: a high pass with forest walks to a sacred lake.
When to go
March to June and September to November are best. Rafting runs roughly from spring to early summer and again in autumn, stopping in the monsoon. October brings Dussehra and apples. Winters are cool in Kullu town, with snow higher up at Bijli Mahadev and Jalori.
How to plan your days
With one day, see the Raghunath temple and Dhalpur in the morning, then drive up the left bank to Naggar and back via a rafting run. With two days, add Bijli Mahadev and a shawl showroom. With three or more, spend a night in Kasol for Manikaran and Tosh, or in Jibhi for the Banjar valley. A car with a local driver makes it easy to link these side valleys.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kullu famous for?+
The Kullu Dussehra festival, Kullu shawls, river rafting, the Raghunath temple and Bijli Mahadev.
What are the best places to visit near Kullu?+
Naggar, Bijli Mahadev, Kasol, Manikaran, Jibhi, the Tirthan valley and Manali.
Is Kullu worth visiting?+
Yes, for a day or two, especially for Dussehra, rafting and as a base for Kasol and Jibhi.
How far is Bijli Mahadev from Kullu?+
It's on a ridge about 14 km from Kullu across the Beas; the road goes most of the way, then a short walk.
What can I buy in Kullu?+
Kullu shawls, Himachali caps, woollens, apples and dry fruit.
How many days do I need for Kullu?+
One to two days for Kullu and Naggar, more if you add Kasol or Jibhi.
Can I do Kullu as a day trip from Manali?+
Yes. Kullu is about 40 km away; a day can cover the Raghunath temple, Naggar and a rafting run.
