The best things to do in Kullu Manali

Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh’s capital, is located on the eastern bank of the Beas River. This valley is a trekker’s dream come true, sprawling like a garden of flowers, snow, temples, apple orchards, and majestic deodar forests sheltering tall pine trees. Kullu Manali is much more than India’s Hippie’s Valley or Mini Israel, with everything from Yak rides to trout delights. The Beas and Sarvari Rivers separate Kullu from Manali and Largi. It’s also a great place to go rafting on the White Water River.

Himachal Pradesh’s proximity to the Great Himalayan Ranges and the Pir Panjal makes it a great place to go hiking, trekking, camping, adventure sports, and bike riding. Or, for party blazers, musical festivals! You should stay in Kullu for a day before moving on to Manali to be able to see the best of both cities. In any case, Himachal will astonish you with its limitless possibilities. Here are the best things to do in Kullu and Manali, based on everything I’ve learned over my last few trips.

Take a trip to View-Point and Rohtang Pass

The first thing you should do when visiting Kullu and Manali is to visit the magnificent Snow-View-Point and Rohtang Pass. I first discovered this route as a child 25 years ago, and it still has a certain allure that you can’t ignore. Jogni Falls, Rohtang Pass, Freezing Point, Maharishi Ved Vyas temple, and the final viewpoint are all accessible via this forest-clad path.

You’ll pass small stores renting overcoats and boots as you drive towards the viewpoint, which is much colder than the heart of Kullu-Manali city centres. If you plan on spending time in the snow, I strongly advise you to rent this snow sheltering equipment. To get to the starting point of this trip, set aside 2 hours for one-way travel from Manali.

Dine at a local Kullu Manali Restaurant

Kullu and Manali have it all from rooftop dining to restaurants serving global bites. Whether you’re planning a romantic honeymoon or a family vacation, Himachali cuisine will set the tone. After all, good food puts a person in a good mood. Right?

Take, for example, restaurants such as Greenfields, known for its rooftop dining, or Cafe 1947 which serves Italian specialities in Kullu, or the Lazy Dog Lounge and The Himalayan, both in Old Manali. Once you’ve arrived in the city, you’ll notice restaurants now and then. Kullu Manali is love on a plate, from salads to full multi-cuisine meals to local bakery specialities.

Plan Hillside Paragliding

Riding a bike or driving a car through Kullu and Manali’s steep, narrow roads is one way to see the region. The other option is to go hillside paragliding, which takes about 30 minutes and provides the best aerial views of Kullu Valley and majestic Manali. Furthermore, when compared to what operators charge elsewhere in India, the cost of paragliding in Manali is as low as 25% lower.

The best paragliding spot in the region is said to be Solang Valley. If you want to have a safe flying experience, book Bir-Billing, The Adventure Roar, Magic & Wonder of Flying, or Catching Air. The breathtaking views of the hillside forests will move a part of your soul, we guarantee it.

Trek to Tosh

A beautiful Himachali village called Tosh is located three hours’ drive from Kullu Valley. The most convenient way to get here is by bicycle or car. If you want to pump your adrenaline like the NRIs, however, you should prepare for the trek of your life. It’s an 18-hour walk if you don’t stop in the middle; however, if you want to cover everything comfortably, I recommend a 5-day trek.

Chill like a Real Hippie

Kullu and Manali are not simply known as the Valley of Hippies. Himachal Pradesh is the real deal when it comes to smoking. Not endorsing illegal activity, but if you see locals smoking, you can always borrow a few drags to get a feel for it. Aside from that, spend hours relaxing at one of the local coffee shops, where you’ll meet some interesting people and listen to phenomenal hippie music. Kullu and Manali’s trance tunes can compel just about anyone to dance willy-nilly.

The hippie dance in this magical valley will make you forget about your worldly problems, whether you have two left feet or a happy feet disorder. Oh! Also, don’t forget to dress up in the vibrant stand-out’ clothing created by the locals to add a touch of glitz to your hippie vacation. The quickest way to get to Kullu or Manali is to fly to Bhuntar airport, 10 kilometres from the city centre. Alternatively, take a bus from Delhi to Chandigarh and get off at Manali.

Get off at the Dhalpur bus stop, which has a tourist information centre, taxi stand, restaurants, and lodging.

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