Kullu

River Beas in Kullu offers a perfect site for whitewater rafting with rapids of all grades of varying difficulty levels for rafters of all ages. End April to June and September to October is the best season to go river rafting in Kullu. Strictly avoid monsoons and winters if you are planning for this sport.

Safety tips:
Before you go rafting, try to get detailed information about the sport from your trainer. Choose your rapid grade wisely. Remember, you are not proving anything to anyone. You are here to go rafting and have lots of fun. So, it is wise that you judge your abilities and choose a grade that will suit you appropriately.

Kullu offers some of the most breathtaking trekking trails in the Himalayas. The high mountains, the alpine pastures, and the dense forests combine to make the most mesmerizing landscapes. The longer treks include the crossing of higher passes and mountain tops. Some of the most popular trekking trails of Kullu are Beas Kund, Parvati Valley, Kheerganga, Pin Valley, Chandratal, Lamayuru, Bijli Mahadev to Chanderkhani pass via Malana.

Safety tips:
Choose your trek wisely and accordingly. Pack a light bag and make a check-list for longer treks, or you can forget your things behind in the resting camp. Always stay close to your group. Don’t wander off alone to take that wow picture. Inform someone in the group before you go anywhere. Carry dry food to prevent spillovers.

Mountaineering is one of the most thrilling adventures that one can experience in Kullu. Countless adventure lovers visit Kullu to scale the heights of these daring yet enchanting peaks. Despite the risks, mountaineers climb these challenging, snow-covered peaks every year with high-level energy and great stamina. Kullu also offers some challenging mountaineering expeditions for professional mountaineers and ice-climbers. Some of the major routes include Beas Kund, Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Chandratal, and Malana glaciers.

Safety tips:
Be alert and stay safe. Prepare physically and mentally before going on an expedition. Wear a good pair of mountaineering boots. Carry plenty of dry food and water. Weather is a huge deciding factor, so know about the weather and pack accordingly. Carry emergency shelter just in case there is an urgency. Expeditions can be unpredictable, so retain your calm and decide wisely.

Camping is the best way to feel nature’s beauty and tranquility in Kullu. That is why the campsites around Kullu is catching a lot of tourist attention lately. Some of the prominent campsites in Kullu are the natural regions of Raison, Solang Nullah, and Shoja. The uniqueness and brilliant sobriety of the atmosphere rejuvenates your mind and soul.

Safety tips:
Be careful with fire. Take bug and insect repellant creams. Drink lots of water. Look out for poisonous plants.

Kullu is famous for its woolen shawls, carpets, and handicrafts. The shops can be found on both sides of the alleys and lanes with colorful products on display. You can take any of these local and traditional things as a memory of Kullu or as a souvenir for your loved ones. The things that tourists and travelers mostly buy include shawls, caps, Tibetan carpets, woolens and mufflers, Buddhist paintings, traditional jewelry, and many more. Check out the Tibetan Bazaar and the Sultanpur Market for the best buys. Visit Himalayan Store on the Mall Road for the best quality local homemade cheddar and yak cheese.

If you are planning to visit Kullu in October, then check out the calendar for the grand festival of Dusshera. During this time, this cozy hill station is overwhelmed with enthusiasm and vibrant festivities. Attend Kullu during this time and witness the beauty of their grand processions, folklores and dances, fairs, Phool yatra and Nainadevi Fair.

Kullu has a rich culture that dates back to many centuries. The most famous shrine in Kullu is Raghunathji Temple, situated at an altitude of 2050m. In this temple, the legendary king Ram is seen riding a chariot. According to the beliefs, King Raja Jagat Singh established the idol, which belonged to the 17th century. Although open throughout the year, the temple gets maximum footfall in autumn. During this time, Raghunathji Temple serves as the center of the most vibrant festival, Dusshera. In other places of the country, this festival is all about burning an effigy of Ravana, the symbol of evil and a celebration of Ram’s victory, the symbol of good. But here, it is known as the run of gods. Idols are brought out of the temples, and people carry them in a grand procession. Lights and flowers adorn the Raghunathji temple, and countless tourists pour in the temple premises.

Best Time to Visit: October
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm on all days
Entry fees: Free
Duration: 1-2 hours

Among those things that you can’t afford to miss in Kullu is the Bijli Mahadev Temple. It is the idol of Lord Shiva that makes this little temple enchanting. According to the locals, every year on the eve of Maha Shiv Ratri, lighting strikes this temple and destroys the idol. The broken pieces are then put together by the priest of the temple. This phenomenon repeats every year. The tiring hike that takes to this temple is worth for its breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.

Best time to visit: March to September (Remains closed in winter)
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm on all days
Entry fees: Free
Duration: 3-4 hours

If you are planning sightseeing in Kullu, then don’t forget to include the Pandoh Dam on your list. Constructed in 1977, Pandoh Dam is a majestic structure of concrete that stands over the gurgling Beas river. Once on the top of the impressive dam, you will be surrounded by picturesque landscapes and offered spectacular views with gushing waters below.

Best time to visit: April to August
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on all days
Entry fees: Free
Duration: half hour
Photography: Not allowed

The Great Himalayan National Park is one of the most prominent nature parks in India and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Situated in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh, this national park was established in 1984 and was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in June 2014. This national park is home to almost 372 species and protects them under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Once inside, you will be able to feel the primitiveness of the environment. Witness the old tree trunks, the thick moss, the beautiful wildflowers, and let their timeless charisma capture you. Vibrantly colored birds and butterflies complete the landscapes. The higher altitudes are dominated by animals like blue sheep, snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan tahr, and musk deer. Tourists get lucky to catch a glimpse of these animals from September to November when they move to lower altitudes for seasonal migration.

Best time to visit: September-November, Mornings and afternoons
Opening hours: 24hrs on all days
Entry fees: Payable
Duration: Minimum 5 hours
Photography: Photography, videography allowed