Every road journey to Kasol passes through Bhuntar, a busy junction town at about 1,100 m where the Parvati river flows into the Beas. The Chandigarh–Manali highway runs through it, the valley’s only airport is beside it, and the Kasol road turns off across a bridge at the confluence.
Kullu, the district headquarters, is 10 km to the north. It has the area’s main bus stand, hospital and market, and each October hosts the week-long Kullu Dussehra, when village deities from across the district — including the Parvati Valley — are carried here in procession.
Top things to do in Bhuntar & Kullu
See the confluence
From the bridge at Bhuntar you can watch the grey-green Parvati meet the Beas. It is a five-minute stop while you wait for the Kasol bus.
Climb to Bijli Mahadev
On the ridge above the confluence, at about 2,460 m, this Shiva temple is known for its tall wooden staff, which is said to draw lightning. A road climbs most of the way from Kullu, followed by a walk of about an hour up steps and through forest. The view covers both valleys.
Stock up in Kullu
Kullu’s Akhara Bazaar and Dhalpur are the places to buy the region’s handloom shawls and caps at fair prices, withdraw cash and pick up anything you forgot.
Raft the Beas
The stretches of the Beas around Kullu are Himachal’s best-known rafting runs in season (roughly April to June and after the monsoon). Use only licensed operators and wear the helmet and life jacket.
Continue to Manali
Manali is about 50 km north of Bhuntar. It combines naturally with Kasol — see the Manali day trips on our tours page.
How to get to Bhuntar & Kullu
- By bus: all Delhi–Manali and Chandigarh–Manali buses stop at Bhuntar. Tell the conductor you are getting off there.
- By air: Kullu–Manali airport (Bhuntar) has a short runway and a limited, weather-dependent schedule of small aircraft from Delhi and a few other cities.
- Onward to Kasol: local buses for Manikaran and Barshaini leave from the Bhuntar bus stand through the day; taxis wait at the stand and the airport. See getting to Kasol.
Insider tips
- Overnight buses from Delhi reach Bhuntar early in the morning. Tea stalls are open, and the first local buses up the valley leave soon after dawn.
- Use the ATMs here. It is the last reliable place for cash before the valley.
- In the monsoon, ask at the bus stand about the state of the Kasol road before you set off.
- If you have a spare half day at the end of a trip, Bijli Mahadev is a better use of it than waiting in Bhuntar.
Tours that include Bhuntar & Kullu
These guided trips cover Bhuntar & Kullu or combine easily with a visit:
Private multi-day tour From Kullu: 4-Day Private Manali and Rohtang Pass Tour
A private four-day circuit that begins in Kullu — handy if you fly into Bhuntar or have just come down from Kasol — and takes in Manikaran, the temples of Manali and an excursion towards Rohtang Pass. The pass is open only in season and needs a permit; confirm what is included when you book.
- Starts in Kullu, close to Bhuntar airport
- Includes a visit to Manikaran
- Manali’s temples and an excursion to Rohtang Pass
Private day trip Kasol and Manikaran Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Manali
If you are staying in Manali and only have a day, this private car-and-driver trip covers the two essential stops of the Parvati Valley: the pilgrimage town of Manikaran with its boiling springs, and Kasol’s riverside cafés. Pickup is available and the pace is yours to set.
- The drive down the Kullu valley and up the Parvati gorge
- Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib, its langar and the hot springs
- Free time for lunch and a river walk in Kasol
Private multi-day tour Manali & Kullu Wildlife Sanctuary Tour (5 Days)
A private five-day nature-focused tour of Manali and Kullu, with meals and pickup. It suits travellers who would rather have one operator handle the whole Kullu valley and add Kasol independently before or after.
- Five days around Manali and the Kullu valley
- Forests, wildlife areas and valley viewpoints
- Meals included, pickup available
Adventure activity Manali: Paragliding from the Valley’s Highest Take-Off Point
There is no paragliding in the narrow Parvati gorge, so this is the nearest option: a jeep ride to a high launch above the Kullu valley and a tandem flight down with a licensed pilot. Flights depend entirely on the weather.
- A jeep ride up to a take-off at about 8,000 ft
- A tandem flight with a licensed pilot
- No experience needed
