Beas River Rafting
Kullu’s top adventure draw — exhilarating white-water rafting through the rapids of the Beas, with stretches suited to both beginners and thrill-seekers.
Kullu
Known as the ‘Valley of the Gods’, Kullu unfurls along the rushing Beas River amid apple orchards and deodar forest. Raft the white water, hike out to the riverside hamlet of Kasol, and bathe in the hot springs of Manikaran — especially magical during the colourful Dussehra festival.
Overview of Kullu
Known as the ‘Valley of the Gods’, Kullu unfurls along the rushing Beas River amid apple orchards and deodar forest. Less hectic than neighbouring Manali, it offers river adventure, riverside villages and a deeply spiritual local culture centred on its many mountain deities.
Kullu is the adventure and pilgrimage hub of the valley — white-water rafting on the Beas, treks into the Great Himalayan National Park, and the sacred hot springs of Manikaran. Its grand Dussehra festival is among the most spectacular cultural events in the Himalayas.
Key Highlights
Top Attractions & Things to Do in Kullu
Kasol & Parvati Valley
A laid-back riverside village and backpacker haven in the scenic Parvati Valley, surrounded by pine forest and gateway to popular treks like Kheerganga.
Manikaran Sahib
A revered pilgrimage site sacred to both Sikhs and Hindus, famous for its natural hot springs and a gurudwara where food is cooked using the steaming spring water.
Great Himalayan National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity hotspot of high meadows, forests and rare wildlife, offering some of Himachal’s finest wilderness trekking.
Local Culture & Traditions
Kullu earns its name ‘Valley of the Gods’ from the hundreds of village deities (devtas) worshipped across the region. The grandest expression of this devotion is Kullu Dussehra, when deities from surrounding villages are carried in vivid palanquin processions to Dhalpur Maidan for a week of celebration.
The valley is also famous for its handwoven Kullu shawls and caps, with their distinctive geometric borders, produced in weaving cooperatives and sold throughout Himachal.
Best Time to Visit Kullu
Overall, the ideal time to plan your Kullu trip is March–June & October (Dussehra). Here is a season-by-season guide to help you choose:
- Summer (March–June): The prime season for rafting, sightseeing and treks, with pleasant weather and blossoming orchards.
- Autumn (September–October): Crisp, clear days and the spectacular Kullu Dussehra festival make this a wonderful time to visit.
- Winter (November–February): Cold with snow in the higher reaches; lower Kullu stays accessible but many high treks close.
Famous Foods & Cuisine
No trip to Kullu is complete without savouring its iconic flavours. Here are the local specialities you must try:
- Kullu Trout — Fresh river trout, grilled or curried — the valley’s signature delicacy.
- Siddu — Steamed stuffed wheat buns served hot with ghee or dal, a Himachali favourite.
- Dham — A traditional festive thali of rice, madra and rajma, cooked by Botis and served on leaf plates.
- Sepu Vadi — Black-gram dumplings in a spiced spinach gravy — rich and warming.
- Babru — Lentil-stuffed fried bread, a popular snack across the valley.
- Langar at Manikaran — The communal meal at Manikaran Sahib, cooked using the natural hot-spring water, is a unique local experience.
Travel Tips for Kullu
- Book rafting only with registered operators and always wear the provided safety gear.
- Visit Manikaran Sahib respectfully — cover your head and remove shoes at the gurudwara.
- Treks into the Great Himalayan National Park may require permits and a local guide — arrange in advance.
- Plan around Kullu Dussehra (October) if you want to witness the festival, and book stays early.
- Carry warm layers and sturdy shoes; valley weather can change quickly.
Kullu Travel FAQs
What is Kullu best known for?
Kullu is known as the ‘Valley of the Gods’ for its many local deities and grand Dussehra festival, as well as Beas River rafting, the Parvati Valley, Manikaran’s hot springs and handwoven Kullu shawls.
Is river rafting in Kullu safe for beginners?
Yes. The Beas River offers graded stretches, including beginner-friendly rapids. Always raft with a registered operator and wear the provided life jacket and helmet.
What is special about Manikaran?
Manikaran is a sacred site for Sikhs and Hindus, famous for its natural hot springs and a gurudwara where langar food is cooked using the boiling spring water.
When is Kullu Dussehra celebrated?
Kullu Dussehra is held in October, beginning on Vijayadashami, and features week-long processions of village deities at Dhalpur Maidan — one of the Himalayas’ most spectacular festivals.