Overview
Kullu Dussehra is unlike Dussehra anywhere else in India. It begins on Vijayadashami, the day the rest of the country ends its celebrations, and lasts a week, when hundreds of village deities are carried down from the hills in decorated palanquins to pay homage to Raghunath ji, the valley's presiding god, at Dhalpur ground in Kullu. This five-day package puts you in Kullu for the opening procession and the first days of the fair, then moves to Manali for Solang and the old villages. Hotels during Dussehra fill months ahead, so we book early.
Best for: Culture lovers and photographers who want to see Himachal's biggest festival
- The opening procession of Raghunath ji's chariot
- Hundreds of village deities at Dhalpur
- Folk dances and the Dussehra fair
- Naggar castle and the Roerich gallery
- Two nights in Manali
- Hotels booked months in advance
Day by day
- Day1
Chandigarh to Kullu
About 250 kmOvernight: Kullu
The drive from Chandigarh through Bilaspur and Mandi to Kullu, about six to seven hours. Evening at Dhalpur, where the stalls and tents of the fair are going up.
Road guide: Chandigarh to Kullu → - Day2
Dussehra opening day
Local sightseeing, short drivesOvernight: Kullu
In the afternoon, Raghunath ji's chariot is pulled across Dhalpur ground by crowds of devotees, while village deities in their palanquins, accompanied by drums and horns, gather around. It's loud, colourful and moving. Your driver will help you find a good vantage point.
- Day3
The festival and Naggar
About 60 kmOvernight: Manali
A morning among the deities' camps at Dhalpur, each with its musicians and attendants, then Naggar castle and the Roerich gallery on the way up to Manali.
- Day4
Solang and Old Manali
About 30 kmOvernight: Manali
Solang valley in the morning and Hadimba temple and Old Manali's cafés in the afternoon. Timings are flexible: tell your driver in the morning if you'd like to linger somewhere, skip a stop or add one along the way.
Road guide: Manali to Solang Valley → - Day5
Manali to Chandigarh
About 305 km
The drive back to Chandigarh, about seven to nine hours. Your driver helps with luggage at the station or airport, and if your train or flight leaves late we can add a lunch stop or a short detour on the way.
Road guide: Manali to Chandigarh →
The story of Raghunath ji
In the seventeenth century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu brought an idol of Raghunath, a form of Rama, from Ayodhya and declared him the ruler of the kingdom. Since then, the valley's deities have gathered each year at Dussehra to pay homage. The festival is recognised by the state as an international event.
What to expect
The opening procession is the highlight, followed by days of fairs, cultural evenings, folk dances and trade stalls. The final day ends with a ritual on the banks of the Beas. The atmosphere is joyful, with drummers and horn players accompanying each deity.
Who this suits
Photographers, culture-minded travellers and anyone who'd like to see living Himalayan traditions. It's busy and noisy, so it's less suited to those wanting quiet.
Planning around the crowds
The opening day is the busiest, with tens of thousands of people at Dhalpur. Arrive early, wear comfortable shoes and agree a meeting point in case you get separated. The quieter middle days are the best time to wander the deities' camps, talk to the musicians and see the handicraft stalls. Evenings bring cultural programmes at the Kala Kendra with performers from Himachal and abroad.
Accommodation in Kullu is limited, so some guests stay in Bhuntar or along the valley road; we'll confirm the hotel with you when you book.
Food at the fair
The stalls at Dhalpur sell Himachali snacks such as siddu, steamed bread stuffed with poppy seed or walnut, alongside sweets and street food.
Route and price at a glance
The Kullu Dussehra Festival trip covers about 660 km by road over 5 days, with overnight stops in Kullu and Manali. The car is priced on the same basis as our private car tours: 1,250 billable km (the larger of the real distance and 250 km a day) at the vehicle's per-km rate, plus 4 nights of driver allowance, with fuel, tolls and parking included.
For two travellers on standard hotels, that comes to ₹13,000 for 4 hotel nights with breakfast and dinner, ₹30,350 for the car and driver and a ₹6,502 service fee: ₹49,852 in all, or ₹25,000 each. Larger groups share the car and pay less per person.
- Day 1: Chandigarh to Kullu (about 250 km, overnight Kullu)
- Day 2: Dussehra opening day (short local drives, overnight Kullu)
- Day 3: The festival and Naggar (about 60 km, overnight Manali)
- Day 4: Solang and Old Manali (about 30 km, overnight Manali)
- Day 5: Manali to Chandigarh (about 305 km)
Kullu Dussehra Festival price
Per person, by hotel tier and group size. Prices last calculated 21 October 2026 from current rate cards and hotel listings.
3-star hotels, standard camps and homestays
| Travellers | Per person | Group total | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | ₹25,000 ≈ US$295 | ₹50,000 | Sedan |
| 4 | ₹19,500 ≈ US$230 | ₹78,000 | Innova |
| 6 | ₹20,000 ≈ US$235 | ₹1,20,000 | Tempo Traveller |
Per person, twin sharing, all-inclusive of the items listed below. Dollar prices are approximate (₹85 = US$1). Your exact price is confirmed in writing before you book; it depends on dates, hotel availability and group size.
Where the money goes: 2 travellers, standard hotels
- Hotels and camps (breakfast and dinner)₹13,000
- Private car and driver for the whole trip₹30,350
- Our service fee (15% on hotels and transport)₹6,502
- Total for both₹49,852
Included
- 4 nights in Kullu and Manali, twin sharing, with breakfast and dinner
- Private car with driver for all 5 days (sedan or Innova for two, Innova for four, Tempo Traveller for six), including fuel, tolls, parking, state taxes and the driver's allowances
- Pickup from Chandigarh and drop at Chandigarh
Not included
- ×Train, bus or flights to Chandigarh
- ×Lunches, drinks and snacks
- ×Entry fees, ropeways, activities and snow gear hire
- ×GST on the package, travel insurance and tips
Good to know: roads, permits and safety
- No permits are needed. Crowds at Dhalpur are dense on opening day; keep valuables safe and agree a meeting point.
- Photography is generally welcome, but ask before photographing priests or deities up close.
- Traffic around Kullu is heavily controlled during the festival; expect to walk.
When to go
- • Kullu Dussehra starts on Vijayadashami, usually in October; we confirm the dates for your year.
- • October weather is generally clear and crisp, ideal for the festival.
- • Hotels in Kullu and Manali fill up for the festival; book two to three months ahead.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Kullu Dussehra Festival package cost?+
About ₹20,000 per person for six travellers on standard hotels, or ₹25,000 per person for a couple, for all 5 days. Comfort hotels cost more; the price table shows every option.
When is Kullu Dussehra?+
It starts on Vijayadashami, usually in October, and lasts seven days. Dates change each year.
What makes it different?+
Village deities from across the valley are carried to Kullu to honour Raghunath ji, a tradition dating back to the seventeenth century.
Is it crowded?+
Very, especially on the first day. The later days are calmer.
Can we stay for the whole week?+
Yes; we can extend your stay in Kullu or Manali.
Which car do we get on the Kullu Dussehra Festival trip?+
A sedan for two travellers, an Innova for up to four and a Tempo Traveller for six, with the same driver for the whole trip.
Plan the rest of your trip
Price and route sources: Wikipedia: Kullu Dussehra · Wikipedia: Kullu · Wikipedia: Naggar · TravelTriangle: Himachal tour packages and prices
