About this Festival Trip
Himachal's Dussehra begins where the rest of India's ends
Kullu does Dussehra differently. There is no burning of Ravana here. Instead, more than two hundred village deities are carried down from the surrounding valleys in palanquins to Dhalpur maidan, where they gather around Lord Raghunath for a week of processions, drums, Nati dancing and a huge fair.
In 2026 the festival runs 21 to 27 October - starting the day after Dussehra everywhere else. We base you in Manali or Naggar, an hour away, so you get comfortable rooms and clear mountain days alongside the festival.
Trip Highlights
The festival, and the valley around it
The opening Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath
200+ village deities at Dhalpur maidan
Traditional Nati dancing and folk troupes
The week-long craft and trade fair
Naggar Castle and the old valley villages
Manali, Solang and the Beas in autumn
Trip Gallery
A taste of the trip
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Four nights, timed with the festival week
- Pick-up at Chandigarh and a long, scenic drive up the Beas.
- Check in at Manali or Naggar and rest for the evening.
- Drive down to Kullu for the day's processions at Dhalpur maidan.
- The deity palanquins, the drums and the Nati dancing.
- Time at the fair stalls before driving back.
- Naggar Castle and the Roerich art gallery.
- Village walks through apple orchards above the Beas.
- Optional second evening at the festival.
- Hadimba temple, Old Manali and the Mall Road.
- Solang valley, or a drive towards the Atal Tunnel if the weather is clear.
- Drive back to Chandigarh for onward travel.
What's Included
Transparent pricing — no hidden surprises
- All arrival & departure transfers
- 4 nights hotel stay in Manali or Naggar
- Daily breakfast & dinner
- All sightseeing & festival transfers by private vehicle
- Driver allowance, fuel, tolls & parking
- Festival day guidance and timings
- 24x7 on-trip support
- Train/air fare to Chandigarh
- Lunches & personal expenses
- Entry tickets, ropeway & adventure activities
- Anything bought at the fair
- GST as applicable
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Things to Carry
Late October in the hills is properly cold at night
Important Notes
Please read before booking
Festival dates: Kullu Dussehra 2026 runs 21–27 October at Dhalpur maidan, starting the day after Dussehra elsewhere in India.
Where you stay: Kullu town is fully booked during the fair, so we base you in Manali or Naggar, both about an hour away.
Roads: This is peak week on the Chandigarh–Manali highway. Drives take longer than usual, and we plan the days around that.
Respect the rituals: The deity palanquins are objects of worship, not a photo prop. Keep a respectful distance and ask before photographing people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you book
21 to 27 October 2026, at Dhalpur maidan in Kullu. The festival begins the day after Dussehra is celebrated in the rest of India.
Kullu Dussehra is a gathering of village deities around Lord Raghunath rather than a re-enactment of the Ramayana ending. It is a week of processions, music and a fair.
In Manali or Naggar, about an hour from the festival ground. Kullu town itself is fully booked during the fair.
Yes, with some planning. The maidan is flat and open, but it is crowded and involves standing. We keep the vehicle close and plan shorter festival sessions.
Days are pleasant at around 15-20 degrees, and nights drop close to freezing. Carry a proper jacket.
Yes, though Spiti's Kunzum route closes around mid-October. Kasol, Tirthan and Jibhi pair easily with these dates.
Yes. The opening Rath Yatra is the most spectacular day, and we can plan your arrival a day earlier to catch it.
We pick you up at Chandigarh and drive up, or you can fly into Bhuntar airport near Kullu. Overnight Volvo buses from Delhi are another option.
