Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu

Vaishno Devi Temple in Kullu is another example of an idyllic sacred place in Himachal Pradesh. The surrounding of the temple is outstanding, covered with mountains and scenic locations. Due to the topographical bliss and spiritual value of this place, the majority of the tourists visit this tourist attraction in Kullu. Also known by the name Mahadei Tirth, this temple is situated on the serene bank of River Beas and it is one of the Kullu famous places.The temple dates back to 1966. The temple is being taken care of by a trust. It is just 2 km away from Kullu. One can reach this spot by following the hilly roads. The same road will take you to Manali. There is no doubt that you will get smitten by the exclusive views of the lush green forest, hilly slopes, meandering roads, and the view of the river from the temple compound.If you are looking for utmost peace and spiritual connection then this is the right place to be. This is one of the most sought tourist locations in the state. The temple authority also provides free vegetarian meals to the devotees throughout the year. Embrace the views and worship the Goddess for infinite peace and wellbeing.

Sri Guru Nanak Devji Gurudwara is one of the must-visit tourist places in Kullu, located near the hot springs at Manikaran. It holds sacred significance for both Sikhs and Hindus. Situated amidst nature, the temple emits positive vibes, making it one of the famous landmarks in Kullu.The presence of the hot springs and the beautiful temple promises a profound sense of tranquility and peace. Like all other gurudwaras, this place is meticulously maintained by the internal staff, ensuring cleanliness and orderliness.The holy place dates back to the 16th century when Guru Nanak visited Manikaran. Legend has it that when Guru Nanak's disciples were hungry and lacked fire or hot water to cook, he instructed one disciple to lift a rock. To their amazement, a hot spring emerged, allowing them to cook their food. Since then, this area has been revered and believed to shower blessings upon every visitor.No physical fire is used to cook the rice and curry provided at this place; the geothermal heat suffices. The Gurudwara captivates tourists with its architecture and beauty, showcasing age-old art and architecture from the 16th century. Visitors interested in witnessing century-old masterpieces will find an excellent example here.

This is a place where the earth meets the sky! At more than 15,000ft, you are greeted and embraced by the clouds on a Manali to Leh Road trip. Located on the eastern part of the Pir Pangal range, this mountain pass is a connecting point for the Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti valleys. A natural divide between these two valleys, an ancient trade route passed through either sides of the Pir Panjal ranges. From the Rohtang La, enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas and its snow capped mountains. Enjoy regional food at local dhabas and eateries; savour the unique ambience to the brim.

Raghunath Ji is the chief deity of Kullu and the Raghunath Temple is one of the most famous places to visit in Kullu. Raghunath is another name of Lord Rama and the temple is dedicated to him. It is one of the oldest temples present in Himachal Pradesh. The high-rise temple is present on a hillock and provides visitors with the magnificent view of the valley. The compound of the temple is huge. It covers the entire peak of the hillock. The temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh in the 17th century. It is a mix of both pyramidal and Himachali style of architecture.Raja Jagat Singh built this temple as an apology for all the sins he has committed in his lifetime. According to the mythology, it has been believed that the idol of Raghunath in this temple was used by Lord Rama in the Ashwemedha Yaga. The idol was brought from Ayodhya and has been established here. There are a lot of stories around this temple and you can hear them from the guides who are present in the temple. The temple is a beautiful piece of ancient architecture and is one of its kinds.

If you are a nature buff then Prashar Lake is the must place to visit in Kullu. The beautiful mountains of Dhauladhar Range surround an amazing lake of blue color will leave you awestruck. The lake is in the Mandi District right in the middle of the mountains. Imagine the blue water surrounded by white snowy peaks and a blue sky above! There is no other place that will give you such a blissful view. You will have to take an easy 9-km trek to this point as the lake is situated right on the top of a mountain. The trek is extremely calming as it offers a stretched view of Kinnaur, Pir Panjal, and Dhauladhar mountain ranges. During the winter season, the entire lake freezes and do not leave any trail of greenery behind. This place also homes a beautiful temple right on the top of the mountain. The architecture buffs will find an exclusive example of local Himachali design in this temple. It has been beautifully crafted from the rocks and looks just amazing in this tranquil landscape. The entire conglomeration of the temple, beautiful landscape, panoramic views, and the exotic water body makes it a perfect place to visit as a trekker.There are rooms with basic amenities given here for rent. The cost of these rooms is a bit high considering the features it provides. Apart from that, the complete place is very interesting and you can enjoy the beauty of this place. Prashar Lake is considered as one of the most attractive picturesque places in India because of its amazing location and combination of diverse topography. The beautiful sunrises with the rays kissing the mountain peaks will captivate your attention. You will be bound to come back and visit this place again.Location: Panasra Pines, Mandi, Mandim, 175001Distance from Kullu Bus Stand to Prashar Lake: The distance from Kullu Bus Stand to Prashar Lake is 64.9 kmTimings: 5:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

The Pin Parvati Pass is situated in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh. It connects the Parvati Valley in Kullu to the Pin Valley in Spiti. Remarkably, the landscapes on either sides of the pass are in stark contrast to each other. While the Kullu side showcases a lush green and verdant landscape, the Pin side is mostly barren and devoid of vegetation. The two sides are quite different from each other even in terms of culture. While the Kullu side is predominantly Hindu, the Pin side has followers of Buddhism.The Pin Parvati valley is a popular trekking destination. However, the place is still untouched by the evils of mass tourism and presents a clean and pristine picture to its visitors. It is believed to be one of the most beautiful places that trekkers can visit while trekking in India.The trek to the Pin Parvati valley begins at Manikaran, moves along the Parvati River and ends at the Pin Parvati Valley, which has an altitude of 4900 m. The Pin Parvati Valley is also known as the ‘Valley of Gods’ and is located between the Dhauladhar range and the Pir Panjal range.The journey to this beautiful valley commences at Manali from where the route will take you through lush green alpine forests, lakes, clumps of wild flowers, majestic mountain peaks, etc. On your way to the valley, you will cross the Mantalai Lake, which is a very important Hindu pilgrimage centre. The Pin Parvati peak has an elevation of 5319 metres, which offers a fantastic view of the nearby peaks namely, the Parvati South, the Parvati North, the Pinnacle and Kullu Eiger.This wonderful journey will end at the sleepy little hamlet of Sagnum. From here you can take a jeep safari into the Spiti valley, where you can explore places of Buddhist importance and also visit some interesting villages before heading back.This trekking expedition is one of the most interesting experiences of high altitude trekking in India. This trekking trail is often mentioned as one of the toughest trekking trails in India, but it is definitely worth the effort.Best Season: May- September Difficulty Level: DifficultMax. Elevation: 4900 m