Himachal Pradesh
Kullu Travel Guide — Valley of Gods on a Budget
Best months
Per-day budget
₹1,000–1,900/day
Getting there
Kullu is a town in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, set at 1,230 m in the Kullu Valley along the Beas River. It is the administrative headquarters of the district and a commercial centre for the valley. Kullu is less touristy than Manali (40 km away) and is often used as a transit point for travellers heading to Manali, Leh or the Parvati Valley. The Kullu Valley is called the Valley of the Gods because of the numerous temples and shrines in the region. The main attractions are the Bijli Mahadev temple trek, the Great Himalayan National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the river rafting on the Beas River. Kullu town itself has a busy market, a bus stand and the Kullu shawl and handicraft industry.
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Why go
The Bijli Mahadev temple trek is the best short walk near Kullu — a 3 km uphill climb from the village of Kais to a temple at 2,460 m with a panoramic view of the Kullu Valley. The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), 50 km from Kullu, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with trekking routes through forest to alpine meadows and glacial valleys — the Tirthan Valley entry is the most accessible. River rafting on the Beas River from Pirdi to Gojra (14 km) has Class II-III rapids. The trail from Kullu to Manali along the valley floor is a popular cycling route.
Kullu is famous for the Kullu Dussehra festival, a week-long celebration in October that attracts thousands of people. The festival features a procession of local deities in palanquins from the surrounding villages. The Raghunathji Temple in the main market is the focal point of the festival. The Kullu shawl is a traditional Pashmina wool shawl handwoven in the valley — the shawl industry employs many local women. The Bajaura temple, 15 km from Kullu, is a stone temple with carvings from the 9th century.
How to reach
The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar, about 145 km from Kullu — not well connected. The primary access is by road. Buses from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate to Kullu take 11-12 hours (₹500-800). HRTC and private operators run overnight buses — check current timings and fares with HRTC (hrtchp.com) before travel. The nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali Airport), about 10 km from Kullu town, with flights from Delhi. Kullu town is spread along the valley — local autos and buses connect the bus stand, market and surrounding villages.
What a day costs
| Budget hotel | ₹500–900 |
| Food (thali) | ₹150–300 |
| River rafting (14 km stretch) | ₹300–600 |
| GHNP entry fee | ₹50–100 |
When to go
March to June is the summer season — ideal for trekking, rafting and valley tours. October to November offers clear skies and the Kullu Dussehra festival. December to February is cold — the valley gets cold but snow falls mainly in the higher elevations, not in Kullu town. July to September is monsoon — the Beas River swells and rafting is good but rain is frequent. For the GHNP, the ideal period is May-June and September-October. For Dussehra, visit in October.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and Market
Arrive in Kullu from Delhi by bus (overnight) or from Bhuntar airport. Check into a hotel near the bus stand. Explore the Kullu market for shawls and handicrafts. Visit the Raghunathji Temple. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Bijli Mahadev and Rafting
Trek to Bijli Mahadev temple in the morning (3 km uphill from Kais village, 1.5 hours). The valley view from the temple is excellent. Return to Kullu by midday. Afternoon river rafting on the Beas River (14 km stretch, ₹300-500).
Day 3: Depart or GHNP Day Trip
If you have time, visit the Great Himalayan National Park (50 km, shared taxi ₹200-300). Otherwise, catch a bus to Manali, Shimla or Delhi.
Student hacks
- ▸Kullu is cheaper than Manali for accommodation — stay in Kullu and visit Manali as a day trip if you are on a tight budget.
- ▸The Bijli Mahadev trek is free — take a shared auto to Kais village (₹30) and walk from there.
- ▸River rafting on the Beas from Kullu is cheaper than from Manali — ₹300-500 per person for 14 km.
- ▸Buy Kullu shawls from the weaver's cooperative near the bus stand — better quality and price than the tourist-facing shops.
- ▸HRTC overnight buses from Delhi to Kullu are ₹500-800 in sleeper class — book at ISBT Kashmere Gate.
Safety & permits
Indian nationals do not need any permit for Kullu town. The Great Himalayan National Park requires a Forest Department permit (₹50-100) at the park entrance. The Bijli Mahadev trail is safe during daylight. River rafting operators should be licensed — check equipment before starting. Bhuntar airport is a small airstrip in a valley — flights may be cancelled due to cloud cover. ATMs are available in the main market. Mobile coverage is good from all networks. Kullu is safe for solo travellers.
FAQs
How do I reach Kullu from Delhi?
Take an overnight HRTC bus (11-12 hours, ₹500-800) or a flight to Bhuntar Airport.
What is Kullu known for?
Kullu is known for the Bijli Mahadev temple, Kullu Dussehra, Pashmina shawls, and as the gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park.
Is Kullu better than Manali?
Kullu is cheaper and has a more local atmosphere. Manali has more tourist facilities and attractions. Both are worth visiting.
Is Kullu safe?
Yes. Kullu is safe for travellers of all types.
How many days do I need?
2-3 days — one for the town and Bijli Mahadev, one for rafting and the market, one for GHNP.