Best Places to Travel in Kullu Manali in Winter

Himachal Pradesh is one of the best destinations for Snow lovers, and I love to spend most of my time in Himachal due to its pleasant weather and peaceful environment. My roots belong to Kullu Valley, and I know some unexplored and the best places to travel in Kullu Manali in winter. Most people visit these famous places in all seasons, especially in winter. The best destination for all age groups is Manali. However, there are many small valleys for family and group travellers, also some unexplored valleys.

Starting from the top destinations of District Kullu are as follows:

1. Manali

The most crowded and popular tourist place in Kullu is famous for its cultural heritage, Forest Parks, Waterfalls, Rivers, Treks, Glaciers, and other Himalayan Sports Activities.

2. Atal Tunnel

The Atal Tunnel connects Kullu Valley and Spiti Valley. This 9km tunnel holds the world record for the longest Highway tunnel above 10,000ft under Rohtang Pass and 25km from Manali.

3. Solang Valley

Solang Nala is a well-known destination for adventure activities like Skiing, Paragliding, Zorbing, Mountain Biking, Ropeway, Flydining, etc., and it is 14km from Manali.

4. Rohtang Pass (Gulaba)

Rohtang Pass is one of the major Border Road Passes that connects Kullu Valley and Lahaul & Spiti, but in winter it is fully covered with Snow and tourists can travel up to Gulaba and other best Snow points. It is 50km from Manali and at a height of 13,000 ft.

5. Manikaran

Manikaran is a holy place of the Hindu deity God Shiva and the famous Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib. This place is also famous for its natural Hot Water Spring used to cook food (langar) and a good belief of locals that if you take a holy bath in that hot spring then your body will heal up to 90% and as a ritual, every single person take that holy bath in the day time only. It is 50km from Kullu.

6. Kasol

Kasol is a small Village of Kullu, also known as the Amsterdam of India, and 36km from Kullu popular destination for trekkers, Backpackers, and Peaceful nature lovers on the banks of the Parvati River.

7. Kheerganga

Kheerganga is the best hot spring in the middle of the forest. To reach this beautiful valley, you have to trek 14km from Kasol. One of the easiest treks of 5-6 hours from Barshaini. Camps are available in the summer season. In winter, you have to check with Locals, or you can carry your Tents. Take a local guide or porter so you can trek without worries, as they will guide you and provide you with the best. Going alone in winter in the deep forests of Kullu is unsafe.

Some Less Explored Valleys

1. Grahan Village

Grahan is a small village with a cultural lifestyle, only 9km from Kaso.l You can trek 3-4 hours to the village from Barshaini. Best place for peace lovers, but local authorities have some basic rules if you want to stay there. They want peace, so Parties and Alcohol consumption are not allowed.

2. Malana Village

Malana is a remote village with the oldest democracy, and some basic rules you must follow if you plan to visit this Village. Their unique customs and old traditions make them unique and amazing for everyone. They pray and follow the deity Jamlu Rishi and the rules and regulations made by the local authorities. It is 20 km from Kasol.

3. Naggar

Naggar is an ancient town of Kullu Valley and the best place for peace and nature lovers. You can camp or hike in small villages and see the finest culture and shawl work by the local ladies. You can also visit the Buddhist Monastery Dagpo. It is also famous for fishing(trout). Naggar is 22km from Manali.

4. Kullu

Kullu is the main city where you can enjoy the seasonal festivals and international fairs. Best place for shopping and Adventure activities like Paragliding, river rafting, small hikes to nearby places, etc.

5. Sreolsar Lake(Jalori Pass)

Sreolsar Lake is one of the most famous lakes in Kullu Valley, which is 6km from Jalori Pass. The Fascinating Lake is the main place of the Deity Budhi Nagan, where locals perform their rituals. This is the best trek for every tourist.

6. Bijli Mahadev

An ancient temple of God Shiva in the higher ranges of Kullu near Naggar Valley. One of the highest peaks of Kullu. Best hike for beginners and has amazing views for travelers and pilgrims.

Best Offbeat Destinations of Kullu Manali

There are many places in Kullu district to spend winter in offbeat locations, but some of the Best Offbeat destinations of Kullu district in winter are as follows:

1. Tunda Bhuj

Tunda Bhuj is a small village of shepherds and a dreamland for tourists. The best Offbeat destination for trekkers and backpackers is 15km from Kheerganga. Advanced trekkers mostly cover this destination when they summit the Pin Parvati Pass trek. Normal Trekkers can visit with local guides and other professional trekkers.

2. Tirthan Valley

Tirthan Valley is famous for the Great Himalayan National Park of India and many small treks and trails for every tourist, from beginners to expert trekkers. You can try many local cuisines and the best homestay, treehouses. It is 60km from Kullu.

3. Sethan Valley

Sethan is a small village of lovely Buddhists who welcome you with an open heart. It is famous for its Winter Igloo Village property for commercial purposes and as a skiing destination for athletes. It is 12km from Manali.

4. Waichin Valley (Malana)

Waichin Valley is a small village 5km from Malana Dam. Once you reach Malana Village, you can trek to Waichin Valley. This is the best short trek, but you must go with a local guide.

5. Chehni(Chowni) Kothi (Jibhi)

Chehni is a small Village in Jibhi Valley famous for Chehni Kothi (a tower made of wood and stone), which is used to perform local rituals of the deity Shinga Rishi. If you are in Jibhi Valley, then you must try this small trek of 60 minutes. There are many homestays, treehouses, and small cafes to eat at.

6. Bahu (Jibhi)

Bahu is a beautiful valley of giant deodar trees with a mesmerizing view, and a descent culture to explore. You can trek to a famous destination where local people gather for rituals of the deity Anant Balu Naag. Bahu is 9km from Jibhi.

7. Gada Gushaini (Banjar)

Gada Gushaini is a small village 6km from Bahu. Now becoming a new attraction for peace lovers and nature lovers, you will see the pure culture of the Kullu mountain people. They have started developing ‘A’ shape Cottages for tourists so you can stay and explore many waterfalls and water streams.

8. Kaisdhar

Kaisdhar is the best trek in winter for beginners, it is a 6km trek from Lot village, which is 20km from Kullu main Station. You will see the mesmerizing and scenic beauty of Lug Valley and Maharaja Valley.

9. Lambri Top(Jalori)

Lambri Top is a small trek route shepherds use, and the best scenic route for tourists. There are many trek routes to Lambri Top. You must consult with locals and always choose a guide for the trek. Some routes are as follows:

The best route is a shepherd route of 6km from Jalori Pass to Sreolsar Lake and 5.5km from Sreolsar Lake to Lambri Top.

Jalori Pass – Sreolsar Lake – Shepherd Hut -Lambri Top – Sarthi Village – Ghiyagi
Banjar- Bihar – Bashir Village/ Chanan Thach – Lambri Top

11. Sakirn

Sakirn is a beautiful trek in Jibhi Valley. It starts from Ghiyagi Village, where you have to follow the shepherd route to reach Chanan Thac, where you can camp or directly head towards Sakirn. The other route starts from Banjar ( Bihar Village) to Chanan Thach and then Sakirn.

Outer Seraj Valleys

1. Jalori (Khanag)

A pass that divides Seraj Valley into Inner-Seraj and Outer-Seraj. Both valleys are less explored, especially Outer Seraj. We mostly see foreign tourists in the valley. Only a few Indians travel in these valleys with their deities.

2. Raghupur Garh

Raghupur Garh is an ancient fort with a 360-degree scenic view location and the best hiking spot near Jalori Pass. It is a small hike of 3km from Jalori Pass.

12. Baga Sarahan

Baga Sarahan is a famous adventurous place for locals and tourists. It is a huge park surrounded by snow-covered mountains and water streams. It is also known as the Mini Khajjiyar of Dalhousie, and it is 50km from Rampur city of the district of Shimla(Himachal Pradesh).

Where is Kullu Manali?

District: Kullu

State:- Himachal Pradesh

Country: India

Continent: Asia

Currency:- Rupees

Language:- Pahari, Hindi, Punjabi, English

How to reach Kullu Manali?

By Air:- Once you reach Delhi International Airport, you can book your further flights to Bhuntar Airport, which is 15km from Kullu, and another option is Gaggal Airport, which is 180km from Kullu. Now, from the Airport, you will easily find a taxi for your further journey towards Kullu City.

By Train:- From Delhi International Airport, you can take the metro to Delhi Railway Station and then towards Jogindarnagar Railway Station, Mandi, which is 106km from Kullu. Now you will easily find Cabs/taxis outside the railway station for your further journey towards Kullu City.

By Road:- From Delhi International Airport, hire a cab/taxi towards Kullu Valley. The Delhi to Kullu journey by road is 480km.

You can also travel on ordinary Buses, and you can also book Volvo tickets for an Overnight journey towards Kullu from Kashmiri Gate (Majnu ka Tila). Now to reach the bus Station, you can take the metro, a local taxi, or an Auto.