Almost everyone who flies into the Kullu valley lands at Bhuntar, yet few travellers stop to look at it. This small town sits at the meeting point of the Beas and Parvati rivers, about 11 km south of Kullu town on the national highway, and it quietly does a lot of work: it is both the valley's air gateway and the junction where the road to the Parvati Valley branches off.
The airport town
Bhuntar is home to the Kullu–Manali Airport (airport code KUU), the only airport in the district, with flights connecting the valley to Delhi. It is a dramatic little airstrip hemmed in by mountains, and landing here is a memorable first taste of the hills. An airstrip has existed at Bhuntar since the early 1960s, long before the town itself was formally recognised.
Where the valleys divide
Bhuntar's real significance is as a crossroads. Head north and the road runs up to Kullu, Katrain, Naggar and Manali. Turn east across the river and you enter the Parvati Valley, bound for Kasol, Manikaran and Tosh. A British forest officer had a suspension bridge built over the Beas here back in 1905 to link the two valleys — a reminder that Bhuntar has been a gateway for well over a century.
What to see if you have time
Bhuntar is more a place you pass through than linger in, but it has its moments. The riverside confluence is worth a look, the bazaar is a good spot to stock up before heading deeper into the mountains, and the ancient stone temple at nearby Bajaura is an easy detour for anyone interested in old Himalayan architecture.
Practical tips
- Getting on from Bhuntar: Buses and taxis to Kullu, Manali and the Parvati Valley run frequently; Naggar is about 30 km north, roughly an hour by road.
- Flights: The airport is small and weather-dependent — flights are occasionally delayed or cancelled by low cloud, so keep buffer time.
- Cash and SIMs: Bhuntar has ATMs and shops, making it a sensible place to sort essentials before you head up into quieter villages.
If you are flying in, it is worth planning your onward journey before you land. From Bhuntar, it is a short and scenic drive up the valley to Naggar, where Ghar in the Hills offers a calm, orchard-side base to settle into after your travels.
Think of Bhuntar not as a place to rush past but as the front door to the whole region. Book your stay at Ghar in the Hills and let Naggar be the quiet corner you retreat to.