A Comprehensive Guide to Kullu Manali Trip

Going to new places, exploring their cultures, and admiring nature are blissful. But before you pack your bags and leave for the trip that you have been looking forward to, take a look at the information provided for the tourists. It will make things more comfortable, less stressful, and you can enjoy a hassle-free journey.

When you’re visiting Kullu Manali, there will be a list of things that you would want to do; from exploring the beautiful mountains, adventure, to shopping. Before I provide a list of guidelines for you, there are a few things that you should remember if you’re taking a tour package; carry your tour confirmation voucher along with, since the hotel check-ins, cab services, and driver information will all be provided there. Keeping those aside here is the list of tourist information;

Weather in Manali

Kullu-Manali is open to tourists all year long; summer being the most pleasant with the maximum number of tourists. If you are looking to participate in sports adventures such as paragliding, river-rafting, and others, then this is the best time. Summer here begins in April and lasts till June. Monsoon season starts right after summer from July till September, there is a constant rise in water level which creates new waterfalls and trails for hiking. During Autumn the temperature starts to fall after sunset, winters in Manali are cold and it lasts from October to February. A blanket of snow covers the entire place, leaving Manali looking like a magical island from a fairytale. You can indulge in winter sports like skiing or a romantic walk with your partner in the snow-covered alley. Then comes spring, which lasts from March till April, during this time the snow starts to melt, the valley looks lovely with beautiful wildflowers and patches of snow in higher altitude.

Food, food, and food

When you visit Manali, make sure to taste the traditional Manali meal which includes steamed rice, curry or cooked beaten curd, madra, pulses, and raita. Their most common local drinks are milk-based, lassi, curd, and hot-milk. Besides, Manali is also known for its home-made wine made from red rice and barley called Chakti and Lugdi. There are many local and non-local restaurants available both in Manali town and old Manali you will find different cuisines for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. If you’re a non-veg trout is a must-try.

Places for shopping

There is a wide range of handmade pieces of stuff from souvenirs to woolen garments. Manali has a few popular marketplaces one should visit while shopping; old Manali market, Himachal Emporium, Tibetan Market, Manu market, Mall road, Bhuttico, and the clubhouse.

Festivals and fairs

In Kullu-Manali, they have a unique culture; they indulge in festivals and fairs all year long. If you want to visit during the festive season, plan accordingly, for instance, winter carnival (Jan 2nd week) is the most awaited festival. Artists and cultural groups from all around the country participate in this festival. Spring festival in Kullu (April 28-30) also known as Basantotsav or Pipal Jatra, they do a grand celebration and hold winter sports. Kullu Dusshera (Nov or Oct), Hadimba Devi fair (spring), Shamshi Vishu, Mela Bhuntar (June-July), Doongri Forest Festival (May), Losar (New Year celebration for Buddhist), Lohri (13th Jan), and Baisakhi (13th & 14th April), are some of the festivals celebrated in Manali. Be a part of their celebration and make your trip more memorable.

A few additional tips to remember; avoid alcohol before participating in sports activities, do not hike alone, be wary of your valuable things, there is landslide risk during monsoon season, be sure that you’re physically fit before doing any physical activities, and don’t forget your first-aid kit.