Planning to attend Kullu Dussehra this year? If you are travelling from Delhi, this guide will help you plan your journey, choose the right place to stay, attend the festival and explore nearby destinations in Himachal Pradesh.
The International Kullu Dussehra is just around the corner, happening from **October 21 to October 27, 2026**, at Dhalpur Maidan in Kullu. This amazing festival has a lot to offer, including the famous Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath, traditional deity processions, and incredible folk dances and cultural performances.
1. Where Is Kullu Dussehra Celebrated?
The main festival takes place at:
Dhalpur Maidan, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
The festival ground is in Kullu town, where visitors can attend the celebrations, explore local stalls and watch cultural performances.
2. How to Reach Kullu from Delhi
By bus:To get to your destination, you can take an overnight bus from Delhi that's headed to Kullu or Manali. It's really important to check where the bus is ultimately going and where it will drop you off before you book your ticket.
By car: Drive via Chandigarh, Kiratpur, Bilaspur and Mandi to Kullu. The road journey is approximately 570 km, depending on the route. Allow extra time for traffic and mountain roads.
If you're heading to Kullu, one way to get there is by flying into Kullu-Manali Airport, which is located in Bhuntar, about 10 km from Kullu town. But before you book your flight, make sure to check availability first, because flights can be limited and the weather might affect them.
Getting to Kullu by Train: If you prefer to travel by train, you can take a train to a nearby railway station and then continue your journey to Kullu by road. Unfortunately, Kullu itself doesn't have a major train station, so you'll need to plan for a road transfer from the nearest railhead.
3. Where Should You Stay?
When picking a place to stay, think about how much time you'll be spending at the festival and if you want to explore other nearby spots - this will help you choose the perfect accommodation for your needs.
- Kullu town: Best for easy access to Dhalpur Maidan.
- Bhuntar: For people flying in or wanting to stay outside the main festival area, this is a good choice. It's a place to consider if you don't want to be right in the middle of the festival, but still want to be close by.
- Naggar: A quieter base for exploring the Kullu Valley.
- Katrain: A possible alternative between Kullu and Manali.
- Manali: If you're looking to make the most of your trip to Himachal, Manali is a great choice - you can easily combine your festival experience with a longer holiday in the area.
Hotels may fill up quickly during festival week. Check the location, transport arrangements and cancellation policy before confirming your stay.
4. Places to Visit in Kullu
If you have some free time around the festival, add these places to your itinerary:
- Raghunath Temple
- Bijli Mahadev Temple
- Sultanpur Palace
- Kais Wildlife Sanctuary
- Naggar Castle
- Tripura Sundari Temple, Naggar
- Beas River viewpoints
5. Places to Visit Near Kullu
You can extend your trip to explore some of Himachal Pradesh's popular destinations.
Manali: Hadimba Devi Temple, Old Manali, Manu Temple and Vashisht Temple.
Solang Valley: Mountain views and outdoor activities, depending on weather and seasonal conditions.
Kasol: Riverside scenery, cafés and mountain walks.
Manikaran Sahib: The famous gurudwara and hot springs.
Naggar: Naggar Castle, art galleries and traditional Himachali architecture.
Tirthan Valley: Nature, riverside stays and access to the Great Himalayan National Park region.
Kasol and Manikaran are better planned as a separate day trip or an overnight extension rather than squeezed into a short festival visit.
6. A Simple Four-Day Travel Plan
Day 1: Delhi to Kullu
To start your trip, you can either take an overnight bus or drive. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and get some rest. If you have time, consider visiting Dhalpur Maidan - it's a great way to get a feel for the place.
Day 2: Attend Kullu Dussehra
Spend the day at the festival, watch the scheduled religious processions and explore the local stalls and cultural programmes.
Day 3: Explore Naggar and nearby attractions
If you're in the area, consider stopping by Naggar Castle and Tripura Sundari Temple - they're definitely worth a visit. After exploring these sights, you can head back to your hotel in Kullu to rest and relax. Alternatively, if you've got a room booked in Manali, you can continue on your way there.
Day 4: Manali sightseeing and return journey
When planning your day, consider visiting either the Hadimba Devi Temple or the Vashisht Temple, depending on what time you need to leave. If you're heading back to Delhi on the same day, make sure to factor in enough time for the trip back down the mountain - the roads can be slow going.If you want to visit Solang Valley, Kasol or Manikaran as well, plan an additional two or three days.
7. PinVox Tips Before You Leave
- Check the official festival programme before deciding which day to attend.
- Book your hotel and transport in advance.
- Expect traffic and crowds around Dhalpur Maidan during major events.
- Carry warm clothes for chilly evenings.
- Check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling.
- Confirm flight operations if you are using Bhuntar Airport.
- Avoid planning too many distant attractions into a single day.
Useful official links
- "https://himachaltourism.gov.in/destination/kullu-2/">Himachal Tourism: Kullu</a>
