Things To Do
in Kulu
Kullu (often spelled Kulu) is a scenic valley town in Himachal Pradesh, India, set along the Beas River and framed by snow‑capped Himalayan peaks. It is a cultural and pilgrimage hub with lively bazaars, old temples, and seasonal festivals that showcase Pahari traditions. The valley is a gateway to high mountain treks, river sports, and nearby hill stations like Manali and the Great Himalayan National Park.
Visitors come for outdoor adventure, relaxed riverside cafes, and panoramic viewpoint photography rather than big‑city amenities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Kulu and check into your cozy accommodation nestled amidst the scenic mountains. Enjoy a traditional breakfast featuring local Himachali cuisine while soaking in the beautiful views. Take a leisurely stroll to acclimatize to the altitude and breathe in the crisp mountain air.
Visit the famous Raghunath Temple, rich in history and architecture, to start your spiritual journey in Kulu. You can explore the quaint markets nearby and shop for local handicrafts, woolens, and exquisite shawls. A warm lunch at a local eatery will provide a taste of the regional flavors.
As the sun sets, enjoy a peaceful walk by the Beas River, listening to the sounds of nature around you. End the day with a comforting dinner at your accommodation, reflecting on the day’s exploration. Rest well, for adventures await you in the days to come.
After breakfast, embark on a guided trek to the enchanting Solang Valley, known for its lush greenery and stunning landscapes. Engage in some thrilling adventure sports like paragliding or zorbing, perfect for adrenaline enthusiasts. Capture picturesque moments as you traverse through meadows adorned with wildflowers.
Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the breathtaking scenery, then continue your trek towards the charming village of Naggar. Visit the Naggar Castle, a historic site that offers magnificent views of the Kulu Valley. Learn about the local culture and history as you explore the quaint village.
Return to Kulu and unwind with a hot cup of chai at a local café. Spend your evening mingling with locals to learn about their traditions and way of life. Have dinner at a scenic restaurant, savoring local delicacies under the starry night sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / double room (per night) | $15-40 |
| 🚕Short taxi/auto fare (within town) | $1-5 |
| 🚌Intercity bus or shared cab (Kullu–Manali) | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Dramatic Himalayan scenery and excellent photography opportunities
- Gateway to treks, wildlife and adventure sports
- Rich local culture, craft bazaars and seasonal festivals
- More relaxed and less commercialized than some nearby tourist hubs
- Limited high-end amenities and medical facilities compared with big cities
- Monsoon landslides and winter road closures can disrupt travel
- Crowds and higher prices during peak season (May–June)
- Connectivity (mobile/Internet) can be patchy in remote areas
- "Namaste" - Hello / respectful greeting
- "Dhanyavad" - Thank you
- "Kripya (itna) kam namak daalein" - Please use less salt
- "Kya yah shakahari hai?" - Is this vegetarian?
- "Kya main tasveer le sakta/saakti hoon?" - Can I take a photo? (male/female)
Places to Visit in Kulu
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic valley shots with the Beas River snaking through terraced orchards and snow peaks in the background — great at golden hour.
A hilltop temple with dramatic ridge views; the temple’s rustic steps and the valley below provide strong composition opportunities.
Alpine meadows, rhododendron forests and high‑altitude wildlife — excellent for landscape and nature photography (permits required for some zones).
Fast water, pebbled banks and old wooden/stone bridges make for dynamic river photography, especially after snowmelt.
Traditional wooden houses, apple orchards and terraced fields; intimate portraits and cultural shots possible with permission.
Food in Kulu
Kulu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A leavened steamed bread often filled with fat or pulses; best tried at home kitchens, dhabas, and traditional bakeries across Kullu.
Must-Try!
A festive multi‑course vegetarian meal served at weddings and special days — expect rice, rajma, kadi/maddra and sweet dishes; taste it if you find a local feast or during festivals.
Fresh river trout, simply cooked or fried, available at riverside restaurants and some dhabas near Bhuntar and Kullu.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Main market for snacks, baked goods and chai; try local sweets, simple aloo parathas, and street samosas at the busier sections.
Small clusters of stalls selling roasted corn, pakoras and momos during tourist season — good for quick bites between drives.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes before entering temples and some homes; dress modestly when visiting religious sites and ask before entering private property.
Greet with folded hands (Namaste) and use polite forms when interacting; avoid public displays of affection in conservative villages.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas or during private festivals.
Dussehra and local fairs are community events — observe respectfully, follow local guidance, and avoid intrusive behavior during rituals.
Safety
Tipping in Kulu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory: 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, small tips (₹50–200) for porters or drivers after long trips, and a rupee or two for hotel housekeeping.
Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used in villages and small shops; ATMs are in Kullu town and Bhuntar but can run out during peak season. Cards and mobile UPI/payments are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants, but always carry cash for remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant days (15–30°C) and clear skies make this peak tourist season — ideal for sightseeing and treks below high passes; book accommodations ahead.
Heavy rains bring lush green scenery but also the risk of landslides, roadblocks and slippery trails; river rafting can be risky when flows are high.
Stable weather, crisp air and excellent visibility; fewer crowds after mid‑October and a great window for photography and low‑difficulty hikes.
Cold, temperatures often dipping below freezing at night and snow at higher elevations; some roads (Rohtang pass) may be closed, but lower Kullu remains accessible and atmospheric.
Kulu at Night
Hiking in Kulu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A relatively short but steep hike to the hilltop temple offering panoramic views of the Kullu Valley; suitable for a half‑day outing.
A popular moderate trek starting from Solang/Manali region leading to the glacial lake that is the source of the Beas River — scenic and moderately challenging.
A classic Himalayan trek (accessible via Manali area) that connects the Kullu and Lahaul valleys, known for dramatic landscape changes from green meadows to stark high-altitude terrain.
Several marked and guided treks of varying difficulty through protected high‑altitude ecosystems; permits and local guides are required for many routes.
Lower‑level hikes and nature walks near the GHNP with good birdwatching, trout streams and remote village stays — excellent for multi‑day, low‑impact trekking.
Airports
How to reach Kulu by plane.
Small domestic airport near Bhuntar (about 10–20 minutes from Kullu) with limited flights to Delhi and regional centers; weather can cause cancellations, especially in winter.
Major regional airport with wider domestic connections; a road journey of several hours (around 6–8 hours by car/bus) to reach Kullu depending on traffic and road conditions.
Largest international gateway for reaching Kullu by road or connecting flight to Bhuntar; expect a long road transfer (8–12+ hours) or an internal flight when available.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous hill people who speak Pahari dialects and practice local agriculture and crafts; they form the cultural backbone of the valley.
Most inhabitants follow Hindu traditions, with many local deities and temple festivals shaping community life.
Notable religious minorities contribute to the region’s cultural mix; Tibetan cultural influence appears in food and shops near tourist hubs.
Workers and small business owners from other Indian states who come for seasonal employment in hospitality and construction.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular spectator and participatory sport across the valley; local matches are common in village grounds.
Paragliding (nearby Bir‑Billing), river rafting and rock climbing are popular among visitors and adrenaline seekers.
Local folk sports and competitions (wrestling, kabaddi, and seasonal rural games) appear during fairs and festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kulu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian food is widely available; many Himachali dishes are vegetarian or easily adapted. Ask for less oil or ghee if preferred.
Vegan options exist but require requests (many dishes use ghee, yogurt or paneer). Stick to lentil dishes, vegetable curries and rotis after confirming dairy use.
Rice, lentils and some local dishes are gluten‑free, but breads (rotis, sidu) contain wheat. Explain gluten needs clearly — restaurants vary in awareness.