On the old road up to Rohtang, about 12 km above Manali, the village of Kothi is where the Kullu valley shows off. At roughly 2,500 m the Beas — the same river that flows gently past Naggar — squeezes into a spectacularly deep, narrow gorge, and the whole scene is framed by snow peaks and glaciers. It's one of the most dramatic short stops you can make on a day out from Naggar.
The Beas gorge and the views
Kothi's claim to fame is that steep-sided canyon: from the road and the small bridge you can look straight down at the Beas roaring through the rock far below. Above, the mountains open up toward Rohtang, and on clear days the glaciers glint white. Because it's higher and cooler than the valley floor, the meadows around Kothi stay green well into summer and the air feels sharp and clean. Photographers and film crews have long loved this spot for exactly that combination of gorge, river and peaks.
What else is nearby
Kothi works well strung together with the other sights on the Rohtang road. A few kilometres higher is Rahala Falls, a powerful glacier-fed cascade at around 2,500 m that thunders beside the highway. Further up lie Marhi and, in season, the Rohtang Pass itself. Because this is the road toward Rohtang, remember that beyond Gulaba you may need a permit and that the pass is closed in winter.
Practical tips
- Getting there: Kothi is about 35 km from Naggar — drive to Manali and continue up the Rohtang road for roughly 12 km. Allow around 1.5 hours each way from Naggar.
- Best time: May to October for the greenest meadows and open roads; the highest stretches toward Rohtang open around May and close with the first heavy snow.
- Permits: No permit is needed for Kothi itself, but travelling higher toward Rohtang requires an online permit and there are daily vehicle limits — arrange this in advance.
- Carry: A warm layer even in summer; it's noticeably colder up here than in Naggar.
Kothi is the kind of place that reminds you how quickly the landscape changes in this valley — an hour's drive takes you from orchards to glaciers.
If you want to explore the upper valley without the crowds of Manali, base yourself in quieter Naggar. Ghar in the Hills is a homely stay in the village with valley views, an easy launch pad for day trips up the Rohtang road. Book your stay and let the mountains do the rest.