Naggar's quiet lanes feel a world away from the bustle of the valley's main town, but Kullu is only a short drive south and well worth a half-day. It is the administrative heart of the district, home to the valley's most important temple and some of the best shopping for genuine Kullu woollens. If you want to feel the everyday pulse of the Kullu valley, this is where to find it.
The Raghunath Temple
Kullu's spiritual centre is the Raghunath Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama. Its story goes back to the 1650s and Raja Jagat Singh, who — according to legend — brought an idol of Rama from Ayodhya to atone for a grave wrong and cure an illness that had befallen him. Lord Raghunath has been considered the presiding deity of the valley ever since, and it is his chariot that leads the famous Kullu Dussehra procession each autumn. The temple is modest in scale but central to local life; visit in the morning for aarti and a calmer atmosphere.
Akhara Bazaar
Just below the temple lies Akhara Bazaar, Kullu's main market street. This is the place to buy authentic Kullu shawls, caps, pattu and other woollens, often directly from the weavers' cooperatives. Prices here are generally fairer than in the tourist-heavy bazaars further up the valley, and you can see the patterns up close before you commit. Take your time, compare a few shops, and look for the handloom mark on genuine pieces.
Planning your visit
- Distance: Kullu is roughly 25 km (around 45 minutes to an hour) by road from Naggar, down the valley.
- How to get there: regular buses and shared taxis run along the valley; a private taxi gives you more flexibility for the temple and market.
- Timing: mornings are best for the temple, while the bazaar livens up through the day.
- Best season: any time of year, though the town is at its most festive during Dussehra in October.
Kullu pairs well with a riverside lunch and, if you have time, a slow browse through the Akhara Bazaar weavers before heading back up to Naggar. It is an easy, rewarding outing that shows you the working side of the valley.
If you're basing yourself in Naggar to explore trips like this, Ghar in the Hills is a cozy homestay right in the village — book your stay and let the valley's towns, temples and trails unfold at your own pace.