There’s a side of Kullu that most travellers never see
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Request a CallbackMost travellers know Kullu through the tourist towns and cafes that have grown around the valley. Then there’s Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass with their familiar views. But spend some time away from the crowds and tourist spots, and you begin to see the mountains differently. A quieter side of Kullu that takes a little more effort to find.
So we set out to do just that. We discovered villages like Bhalyani in the Lug valley tucked into the slopes. Open grasslands, orchards, deodar forests and waterfalls hidden beyond village paths. Here, people still live in old stone and wooden homes called Kath-Kuni. You’ll stay in one of these homes. Villagers grow their own food and grind wheat in traditional gharats. You’ll even spend one night in a Buddhist monastery - just another peek into Kullu’s diverse cultural heritage.
This is the Kullu we want to share with you. Unexplored Kullu Manali is a four-day immersive journey that takes you deeper into the landscape, culture and history of the region. You’ll understand why traditions matter, and how they remain part of everyday life.
As part of our Unexplored Kullu Manali Program, you get to not only experience but also live the culture of the region. You stay in secluded villages, monasteries, and see a side of the valley that no one else does. Photo by Ninad Lanjewar.
Unexplored Kullu gives you space to experience the Himalayas at a slower pace. Walk through wide grasslands and deodar forests. Meet people who carry generations of knowledge about living in the mountains. You’ll also understand why Kullu is called the ‘Valley of Gods’. Here, devtas and devis aren’t confined to temples. They are viewed as living, breathing members of the community.
Kaisdhar opens up into wide grasslands with forests and mountains all around. On a clear day, you can see the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges in the distance. The walk here is gentle, with very little around you except the sounds of the forests.
At Bajaura, you'll visit Basheshwar Mahadev, one of the oldest stone temples in the Kullu Manali. It stands along the banks of the Beas River and was built in the Nagara style. The Krishna Temple in Ropari Village and the Shri Katrusi Narayan Temple in the Bhalyani–Jathani region are examples of smaller village temples.
The trail to Crystal Waterfall takes you through a deodar forest. The walk is short and gradual, leading to a clear waterfall hidden beyond the village paths.
At Bhuntar, the Parvati River joins the Beas, marking the beginning of the Parvati Valley. There’s also an option to go rafting here. If you’d rather skip rafting, stop for a cup of tea and watch the river flow by.
Where you stay is an important part of the journey. In Bhalyani, you’ll experience village life first-hand. Stay in old Kathkuni homes built with layers of wood and stone. You’ll also spend a night at the Dechen Choekhor Buddhist Monastery, where you can observe the monks and learn about their daily routines.
Sanchari Saha · May-June 2026 | IT Professional at IBM
Unexplored India is a lesser-known initiative that is truly special. If you want to experience the unseen, authentic, and deeply rooted side of India, Unexplored India is the perfect way to do it. When Unexplored India first introduced the Kullu–Manali experience, we were eagerly waiting to be part of it. After managing our office schedules, we finally booked a spot in the last pilot group of this initiative. And what an incredible, mesmerising journey it turned out to be. Staying at the village pradhan’s home, spending time with the locals, enjoying delicious food made with locally grown ingredients, experiencing a monastery stay, witnessing the special prayers, and rafting on the Beas, every single moment felt surreal and remains close to our hearts. A huge thank you to the entire Unexplored India team and our trip leaders. Without them, none of this would have been possible. The amount of research that goes into every experience, the effort put into designing the itinerary, and most importantly, the trust they have built with the local communities are truly commendable. The locals trust Unexplored India, welcome us into their homes, and make us feel like family. “This is your home too. Your home far away from home.” These were the words our trip leader, Nalin, repeated every time we reached a new village. Those words perfectly captured the spirit of the journey. While we tried our best to connect with the people, it was the kind, humble, and warm-hearted locals who embraced us with open arms and made us feel completely at home. And the beauty? Himachal Pradesh has always been breathtaking, but its offbeat villages felt nothing short of heaven. Endless blue skies, fluffy white clouds, lush green fields, crystal-clear streams, fresh fruits straight from the trees, and snow-capped mountains created memories that will stay with us forever. Thank you, Unexplored India, for creating such a beautiful initiative and giving us the opportunity to experience India beyond the usual tourist trails. Here’s to many more hidden corners of India waiting to be explored.
Vibhas Gupta · May-June 2026 | Medical Director – Pharmaceutical Company
We recently completed the ‘Unexplore Kullu Manali’ program as a family, and it turned out to be an experience we will cherish for a very long time. What made this journey truly special was the thought and care that went into every little detail. Throughout the program, every possible effort was made to ensure that we were comfortable, supported, and well taken care of. Experiencing the mountains together as a family felt incredibly meaningful, and it made the journey all the more memorable. The landscapes of Kullu Manali are breathtaking, but what stayed with us even more was the opportunity to experience a side of the Himalayas that most travellers rarely get to see. We walked through quiet villages, witnessed the simplicity of everyday life, interacted with local communities, and learnt about their rich culture and traditions that have been preserved across generations. True to the spirit of “Unexplored India,” the program took us far beyond the usual tourist routes. There was a beautiful sense of stillness and authenticity in these lesser-known places, untouched landscapes, peaceful villages, and moments where we could simply pause and take in the mountains around us. One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was staying with local families. Their warmth, generosity, and genuine hospitality made us feel less like guests and more like family. Sharing simple, delicious home-cooked meals and experiencing their way of life reminded us that some of the most memorable travel experiences are not found in luxurious hotels, but in human connections and simple moments. A special shout-out to our program leaders, Abhishek and Prince, for their constant support, patience, guidance, and encouragement throughout the journey. They played a big role in making the experience smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable for our family. We returned home with countless beautiful memories, but also with something deeper, a greater appreciation for the mountains, the people who call them home, and the incredible diversity and richness of India. Highly recommended for families and for anyone looking to experience the peaceful, authentic, and deeply human side of the Himalayas.
Anjan Dutta · May-June 2026 | HR Consultant
I’m Anjan, and I recently moved to Chandigarh. I was intrigued by the idea of Unexplored India, and the experience truly lived up to what the name promised. When we travel, more often than not, we visit places that have already been explored and experienced hundreds of times. At this stage of my life, what I truly enjoy is going beyond the obvious , absorbing the culture of India, its nuances, subtleties, traditions, and stories that we may never come across otherwise. The entire experience was deeply immersive. It gave me an opportunity to gain knowledge, connect with the local community, and understand the lives and perspectives of people within the village. I sincerely thank Unexplored India for creating such a meaningful experience. I believe Unexplored India should become a brand in itself. Taking this concept to different parts of the country and introducing it to a whole new genre of travellers who want to experience, understand, and truly feel how wonderful India is. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
Sharon · May-June 2026 | Corporate Lawyer
I’m not a trekker, and usually, when I travel, I tend to choose the usual touristy destinations. That’s why this experience was so different and special for me. Unexplored India gave me the opportunity to experience the mountains beyond the usual — to explore the local culture, taste the local food, meet the people, and experience the warmth and hospitality of the mountain communities. What I loved most was how thoughtfully the entire program was structured. This isn’t just a trip or a trek. It’s an immersive experience that allows you to truly connect with a place and its people in a way that you may not be able to experience on a regular holiday. I’m so glad I chose to be part of this experience. For anyone who wants to go beyond the usual tourist trails and explore places that are still relatively untouched, Unexplored India is definitely a must-try. And this won’t be my last one. I’ll definitely be among the first to book my next Unexplored India experience. Thank you for such a wonderful experience.
We handpick every stay. We’ve chosen homes in Kullu that give you more than just views of the mountains and valleys. On the first two nights you'll stay with local families in villages far away from the tourist towns. You’ll spend the third night with the monks, where buddhist chants create a different kind of silence. Bedrooms are shared, with around four people in a room. It’s a simple, comfortable way to stay together during the journey.
Lot Village
Lot is a small village with plenty of character. It's a lovely base for the walk through Kaisdhar. From the homestay, you can see the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on a clear day.
Bhalyani Village
In Bhalyani, life still revolves around the land, while the Himalayas stand quietly in the background. Fields of makki, jaw and maash stretch around the village. Here, you'll stay with a family in a traditional Kath-Kuni home made of stone and wood. Spend the evening chatting with locals at Bhalyani Ground, an open grassland meadow surrounded by pine, oak and deodar forests.
Dechen Choekhor Monastery
You’ll stay within the monastery complex, which has intricate architecture and vibrant murals. Observe the monks, learn about their daily routines and get a sense of monastic life. You may also be able to sit in during prayers, depending on the monastery’s schedule.
Real photographs shot by group leaders, unexplorers and commissioned photographers.
Unexplorations take time. We plan our days so you have time to slow down, take it all in and notice the little things along the way. Here's a sneak peek into what you do, where you stay and how you move as your Unexploration unfolds
Reach Beas Bridge, Manali by 6:30 am. We’ll take you to the Indiahikes Manali Basecamp at Sarsai. Walk through Lot village and Kaisdhar Grasslands with grand views of Dhauladhar. Enjoy an optional 4 km hike to Chambagarh Village
Visit Bhalyani Village in Lug Valley and enjoy a 2 km walk. Taste local delicacies and spend the night in a traditional Kath-Kuni house.
Drive to Kullu for an optional rafting experience on the Beas River. Visit the ancient Dasheshwar Mahadev temple and spend the night at Dechen Choekhor Buddhist Monastery.
Take a gradual hike and unwind at the Sagoo Waterfall and return to Manali. You'll be dropped off at Beas Bridge by 6 PM. Plan your return only after 8 PM.
Reach Beas Bridge, Manali by 6:30 am. We’ll take you to the Indiahikes Manali Basecamp at Sarsai. Walk through Lot village and Kaisdhar Grasslands with grand views of Dhauladhar. Enjoy an optional 4 km hike to Chambagarh Village
Visit Bhalyani Village in Lug Valley and enjoy a 2 km walk. Taste local delicacies and spend the night in a traditional Kath-Kuni house.
Drive to Kullu for an optional rafting experience on the Beas River. Visit the ancient Dasheshwar Mahadev temple and spend the night at Dechen Choekhor Buddhist Monastery.
Take a gradual hike and unwind at the Sagoo Waterfall and return to Manali. You'll be dropped off at Beas Bridge by 6 PM. Plan your return only after 8 PM.
Our next departures are in October and November. Leave your details and we’ll let you know when registrations open.
Trip Duration
4 Days
Group Size
17 at the most
Accomodation
Homestays and Monastery
Pickup Details
Day 1: Beas Bridge, Manali at 6.30 AM
Drop Off Details
Day 4: Beas Bridge, Manali at 8 PM
Food
Vegetarian Food Celebrating Local Delicacies
Rain Expectation
Light Showers
Best Season
Summers (Apr-Jun) and Autumn (Oct-Nov)
Suitable For
Over 5 Years of Age
Over the last 17 years, we’ve trekked through some of the most beautiful, diverse landscapes in our country. But we also know how different travelling through India can feel. We've realised that some of the most interesting parts of our country don't make it onto a typical tourist itinerary.
They are found in the small details and little moments. A village temple, the family kitchen, an old house, a local festival. Maybe a conversation with someone who has lived there all their life. These things don't always fit neatly into a sightseeing list, but stay with you longer. This is what we look for when we travel. Journeys that give people the time and space to look closer and travel deeper.
This is Unexplored India.
We believe that when you understand a place a little better, you begin to see it differently. Our hope is that, along the way, you also rediscover something that makes you feel proud of India too.
Arjun Majumdar is the Founder & CEO of Indiahikes. In this video he talks about why we started Unexplored India after 17 years of leading treks and what it means to travel this way through the country.
A closer look at the people, places and traditions of India that often remain unseen.
Kath-Kuni: Mountain Life in Himachal’s Earthquake-Defying Vernacular Homes
You can hear the pride in his voice when you speak to Rajesh Kumar, who has spent his life in Bhalyani Village, in the Lug Valley of Kullu district. He speaks fondly of his grandfather and great-grandfather, who built their Kath-Kuni home with their own hands — stone and wood rising organically from the terrain, almost frozen in time.
Read the full storyAll Stays
Mixed Dormitories in Homestays and Monasteries
Every Meal
All meals (except those mentioned as exclusions)
All Transport
Everything from when we pick you up in Manali until we drop you back there
Permits
Forest and Local Permissions are arranged before you arrive
Group Leaders
Guidance and facilitation throughout the trip from our leaders who bring the region to life with historical and cultural stories.
You will receive a 90% refund if you cancel 20 days or more before the trip date. Please check the detailed cancellation policy for complete terms and conditions.
Hotel options at Manali (Near first stay)
Fursat - Boutique Homestay & Hostel
Location: Click here
Price Range: Rs 3,000
Distance from IH Manali campus: 200 metres
Amenities: Yoga room, game room, restaurant
Phone number: 9999629900
Booking link: Click here
Hotel options at Manali (Near Beas Bridge, Manali)
Sterling Manali
Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 5,000- 10,000
Distance from Pick-up: 3.2 km
Amenities: Pet friendly, scenic location, Kullu kitchen; serving authentic Himachali food
Phone number: 7969792040
Booking link: Click here
Woodstock Inn
Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 2,000 - 5,000
Distance from Pick-up: 800 mts
Amenities: Wifi, restaurant, doctor on call, car-hire, parking
Phone number: 9736553070
Booking link: Click here
Iris Cottage & Cafe, Manali
Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 2,000 - 4,000
Distance from Pick-up: 1.5 km
Amenities: Wifi, parking, laundry, room service
Phone number: 07018351466
Booking link: Click here
Zostel Old Manali (Goshal Road)
Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 800 - 1,500
Distance from Pick-up: 2 km
Amenities: Wifi, laundry, smoke-free, restaurant
Phone number: 011 4116 9725
Booking link: Click here
