🏔️ Kullu–Manali Travel Guide: A Perfect Himalayan Getaway
Location: Himachal Pradesh, North India
Altitude: Manali ~2,050 m | Kullu ~1,279 m
Best Time to Visit:
- Summer (March to June) – Pleasant weather
- Winter (November to February) – Snowfall & skiing
- Monsoon (July to September) – Lush green beauty (but risky roads)
🧭 Introduction
Kullu and Manali are two twin hill towns nestled in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, offering a breathtaking blend of natural beauty, Himalayan adventures, and cultural experiences. While Kullu is known for its lush valleys, rivers, and Dussehra celebrations, Manali is the crown jewel for honeymooners, trekkers, and snow lovers.
Together, they make for one of India’s most popular travel destinations.
🚗 How to Reach Kullu–Manali
- By Road:
- From Delhi: ~530 km (12–14 hours)
- From Chandigarh: ~300 km (7–9 hours)
- Deluxe & Volvo buses available; best by private taxi (comfortable & flexible)
- Nearest Railway Stations: Joginder Nagar (~160 km), Chandigarh (~300 km)
- Nearest Airport: Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhuntar) – 50 km from Manali
✨ Book your private cab with Voyage de Himalaya for a stress-free journey.
📍 Top Tourist Attractions
🌉 In Manali:
- Solang Valley
- Adventure hub: Paragliding, ziplining, zorbing, snow sports
- Winter: Snowfall and skiing
- Atal Tunnel (Rohtang)
- 9.02 km long tunnel connecting Manali to Lahaul-Spiti
- Open year-round, offers breathtaking views
- Rohtang Pass
- High mountain pass (open May to Nov)
- Snow even in summer
- Hadimba Devi Temple
- 16th-century wooden temple surrounded by cedar forests
- Dedicated to Hadimba, wife of Bhima (Mahabharata)
- Old Manali
- Cafes, hippie vibe, river walks, yoga retreats
- Vashisht Hot Springs & Temple
- Natural hot water springs, ancient temple of Sage Vashisht
- Manu Temple
- Only temple dedicated to Sage Manu (Manali is named after him)
🍃 In Kullu:
- Kullu Dussehra (October)
- International festival – cultural processions, folk dances, music
- Raghunath Temple
- Oldest temple of Lord Ram in Kullu, central to Dussehra festivities
- Bijli Mahadev Temple
- Situated on a hilltop (2,460m) – panoramic views
- Known for lightning striking the Shivling every year
- Rafting in Beas River
- White-water rafting available between Pirdi and Jhiri
- Kasol & Parvati Valley (near Kullu)
- Backpackers’ paradise, Israeli cafes, spiritual vibe
- Naggar Castle & Art Gallery
- Ancient heritage castle, now a hotel; beautiful architecture
- Nearby: Roerich Art Gallery
🛶 Adventure Activities
- ✅ River rafting (Kullu, Beas River)
- ✅ Paragliding (Solang, Dobhi)
- ✅ Skiing & snowboarding (Solang, Rohtang)
- ✅ Trekking (Hampta Pass, Bhrigu Lake, Deo Tibba)
- ✅ Camping & bonfire (Sethan, Tirthan, Manali outskirts)
🏡 Where to Stay
In Manali:
- Budget: Zostel, Hosteller, Apple Bud Cottages
- Mid-range: Johnson’s Lodge, Snow Valley Resorts
- Luxury: Manu Allaya, Span Resort, Baragarh Villa
In Kullu:
- Budget: Homestays & guest houses near Bhuntar
- Riverside Resorts: JJ by Vivaan, Himalayan Hamlet
🍲 Local Food to Try
- Siddu – steamed wheat bread stuffed with walnuts
- Madra, Chha Gosht – traditional Himachali dishes
- Trout fish – fresh from the Beas & Tirthan rivers
- Tibetian food – Momos, Thukpa (available in Old Manali)
🧳 Travel Tips
- ❄️ For snow, visit December to February (Rohtang & Solang)
- 📶 Network is good in Manali, patchy in remote Kullu areas
- 💵 Carry some cash – ATMs may not always work
- 🧘 Best for solo travelers, couples, families & honeymooners
- 🚖 Book cabs in advance during peak season
🚖 Taxi Fares by Voyage de Himalaya
Route | Dzire (Sedan) | Innova | Crysta | Tempo Traveller |
---|---|---|---|---|
Delhi to Manali | ₹10,000 | ₹15,000 | ₹25,000 | ₹30,000 |
Chandigarh to Manali | ₹6,000 | ₹8,000 | ₹18,000 | ₹18,000 |
Manali Local Sightseeing | ₹3,000–₹4,500 (Full Day) depending on vehicle |
📞 Call or WhatsApp: +91 7018023659 for bookings
🛎️ Hotel + Taxi packages also available
🎒 Popular Kullu–Manali Tour Packages
- 3 Nights 4 Days – Manali Honeymoon Special
- Delhi pickup, hotel, Solang, Atal Tunnel, Rohtang (if open), shopping
- 5 Nights 6 Days – Kullu Manali + Kasol
- Manali, Solang, Kullu rafting, Manikaran, Kasol stay
- 7 Nights 8 Days – Manali + Tirthan + Shoja
- Offbeat Himachal circuit for nature lovers
🎁 Customize your package with hotel category & vehicle of choice (Dzire, Innova, Crysta, Traveller)
📞 Book Your Trip Now!
🌐 Website: www.voyagedehimalaya.com
📱 WhatsApp: +91 7018023659
🚖 Voyage de Himalaya – Your Trusted Tour & Taxi Partner in Himachal Pradesh