Snowfall at Manali, Rohtang, Kashmir, Shimla on New Year 2011
Are you planning a trip to Naggar Castle near Manali? Built around 1460 A.D. by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, this castle is now a heritage hotel run by HPTDC and one of the most offbeat stays in the Kullu – Manali region. I visited Naggar Castle on my honeymoon trip and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the entire journey. In this guide, I will share my personal experience of staying at Naggar Castle along with everything you need to know to plan your own visit in 2026.
Last Updated: February 2026
Naggar Castle is a 16th-century castle built using the traditional Kathkooni technique, where stone and wood are stacked alternately without using a single nail or iron piece. The castle served as the seat of the Kullu Kingdom for centuries before the capital was moved to Sultanpur (present-day Kullu town). Today, it operates as a HPTDC heritage hotel, which means you can actually spend a night inside this 500+ year old structure. It is one of the three premium heritage properties managed by HPTDC in Himachal Pradesh.
Naggar as a village sits at an altitude of about 6,700 feet on the left bank of the River Beas. It offers panoramic views of the Kullu Valley, snow-capped peaks, and apple orchards all around. What makes Naggar special is that it remains relatively quiet even during peak tourist season, unlike Manali which gets extremely crowded. Hence, if you want the Kullu Valley experience without the chaos, Naggar is where you should be.
Naggar Castle is about 22 km from Manali and approximately 26 km from Kullu town. From Delhi, the total distance is around 540 km via the Chandigarh – Mandi – Kullu route. Here is a quick distance reference table.
| From | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Manali | 22 km | 45 min – 1 hr |
| Kullu | 26 km | 1 hr |
| Bhuntar Airport | 55 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Chandigarh | 310 km | 8-9 hrs |
| Delhi | 540 km | 12-14 hrs |
| Shimla | 238 km | 6-7 hrs |
By Bus: HRTC and private buses run from Delhi to Manali daily. From Manali Bus Stand, you can take a local bus to Naggar. Buses to Naggar are frequent and the fare is around Rs 30-50 per person. The bus drops you at Naggar Bus Stand, from where the castle is about 800 meters uphill on foot.
By Taxi: A one-way taxi from Manali to Naggar costs around Rs 800-1200. If you are coming from Delhi to Manali, you can ask your driver to include Naggar as a stop.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali Airport), about 55 km from Naggar. From Bhuntar, you can hire a taxi for about Rs 1500-2000 to reach Naggar directly.
Self-Drive: Naggar is very well connected by road and accessible for all vehicle types including sedans and hatchbacks. The road from Manali to Naggar passes through Patlikuhl and then climbs up to Naggar village. Keep in mind that the last stretch from Naggar Bus Stand to the castle is a narrow uphill road.
You can visit Naggar Castle throughout the year. Each season offers a different experience.
March to June (Spring/Summer): This is the best time for most travelers. Pleasant weather with temperatures between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. Apple orchards are in bloom and the valley looks green and beautiful. This is also peak tourist season for Manali, but Naggar remains relatively calm.
July to September (Monsoon): Naggar receives rainfall during monsoon. The valley turns lush green, but there can be occasional landslides on the roads. I suggest avoiding monsoon unless you are okay with some disruptions.
October to November (Autumn): The weather starts getting cold but the views are stunning. Apple harvesting season is on, and you can buy fresh apples directly from orchards. A lovely time if you enjoy cooler weather.
December to February (Winter): This is when I visited Naggar, on my honeymoon trip. Naggar receives snowfall during winters and the castle looks absolutely stunning covered in snow. However, temperatures drop below freezing, so come prepared. If you are someone who loves traveling to Manali in winters, Naggar makes for a perfect extension.
As of 2026, Naggar Castle is run by HPTDC as a heritage hotel with about 17 rooms spread across two blocks. Here is the approximate tariff structure.
| Room Type | Approx. Tariff (per night) |
|---|---|
| Standard Room | Rs 2,100 – Rs 3,000 |
| Front-Facing Suite | Rs 3,000 – Rs 4,500 |
| Royal Suite | Rs 5,000 – Rs 6,300 |
Important: HPTDC offers an off-season discount of about 25-30% during winter months (November to February). When I visited, the discount was 30%, but I could not extend my stay due to limited leaves. So if you can plan your trip in the off-season, you will save a good amount. GST of 12% is extra on all room tariffs.
The front-facing rooms are the ones you want to book for the best views of the valley. In the past, these rooms were numbered 101, 102, 103, and 112. As of the latest update, the room names have been changed to:
I suggest asking specifically for these rooms when you book. The valley views from the balcony are worth every rupee.
You can book rooms at Naggar Castle through the following channels:
Pro Tip: If you feel it is the off-season and the hotel may not be fully occupied, you can also book on the spot. We managed to rearrange our booking on the day itself, and the reception staff was quite accommodating. However, during peak season (May-June), I would highly recommend booking in advance.
Travel Tip: Planning a honeymoon trip in the Himalayas? Check this complete guide full of tips on zeroing the honeymoon destinations in the Himalayas.
As of 2026, the entry fee to visit Naggar Castle is Rs 50 per person. This applies if you are visiting as a day tourist or coming just for a meal at the restaurant. If you have a room booking, you do not need to pay any entry fee. The castle is open for visitors from 9 AM to 6 PM every day of the week.
There is a temple inside the castle complex called the Jagati Patt Temple, which local people visit regularly. So here is a little tip to save yourself Rs 50, in case you just want to see the castle from outside and have a meal 🙂
Day 2 on my trip to Manali, we had scheduled the day for sightseeing as a part of our HPTDC honeymoon package. To our fortune, since the way to Rohtang Pass was closed due to heavy snowfall, HPTDC guys decided to head to Naggar after 2 hours of sheer enjoyment at Snow Point, Solang Valley.
I had the booking at Naggar Palace on the very next day. As soon as we reached Naggar Palace, I asked the guy at reception to accommodate the booking for the current day, and he obliged favorably. They even adjusted the tickets of Volvo for the very next day, which were initially booked for two days after. So in all, we had cut short the journey by one day.
The guy at reception showed us room number 105, which we booked for Rs 3,000 from Delhi office (poor me, the first time I made that mistake of booking without seeing the room first). When I saw it, I believe it was worth it. But somehow, we had to reject it since it was too big, and my wife recalled the last night horror at Hadimba Cottages. Moreover, we were alone again that day at the hotel as only a few foreigners were there, and no one could assure their presence at night.
So, sadly, we rejected that one of the most beautiful rooms I have ever seen. Nevertheless, in the end, we got one of the front-facing rooms (Room Number 112), although it is priced Rs 900 less 🙂 i.e., Rs 2,100. The complete list of tariffs is available on the HPTDC website for different rooms.
Well, there was an off-season discount of 30% w.e.f 15th November, but I could not extend the dates due to lack of official leaves. So, if you can, then do check for off-season discounts.
The room which we finally got was amazing for its views of the valley. The interior of the room was also not behind. As expected, wood and rocks were the heart and the rooms are spacious enough for two. Each thing in the room had an elegance attached to it. The bathroom had hot running water, and there was a tower type heater in the room as well.
We liked the food, coffee, and tea served at Naggar Castle. We had lunch, a dinner, and breakfast, and all were totally up to the mark and tasted just great. The restaurant is the major attraction with its four balcony tables (3 regular and one round table for 5) offering you the view of the valley while having your food. There was internal seating as well to accommodate a good number of guests.
The hospitality we received from the staff was great. Location is no concern either. For medical assistance, you will have to approach Naggar town, which is not too far. There is a temple inside the hotel complex itself, the Jagati Patt Temple, and here is a picture of it.
One important thing to keep in mind: if there are thunderstorms, the hotel shuts down its EPABX system making all phones dead. So in case of emergency during a storm, you cannot contact anyone at the hotel using room phones. The staff stays till 9 PM only, at least in winter (that is when I visited, it might be different in summers). I suggest taking someone’s cell number who would be there at night, just to be on the safer side.
Travel Tip: You can also plan to stay at Solang Valley as well along with Naggar on your trip to Kullu – Manali region.
Naggar Castle has two accommodation blocks, “A” and “B.” Block B is on the restaurant side, and Block A is along the temple side. From my experience, Block B is more open, better lit, and has more character compared to Block A which felt more like closed loops and a bit lonely. I suggest opting for the block on the restaurant side for a better experience.
Naggar is not just about the castle. There are several attractions in and around Naggar village that you can explore. Here is a list of things to do.
This is the highlight of Naggar beyond the castle. Nicholas Roerich was a Russian painter, writer, and philosopher who settled in Naggar in the 1920s and lived here until his death in 1947. His estate has been converted into an art gallery and museum. The gallery houses original paintings by Roerich, mostly depicting the Himalayan landscapes. Entry fee is Rs 50 for Indians and Rs 200 for foreigners. It is just about 1 km from Naggar Castle.
This ancient stone slab temple sits right inside the castle complex. It is believed to be the seat of the gods of Kullu. Local people visit this temple regularly. The architecture is fascinating, built entirely of stone slabs.
An 11th-century stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple is a fine example of Shikhara style architecture and is a short walk from the castle.
Another ancient temple near Naggar village, dedicated to Goddess Tripura Sundari. This temple is known for its Pagoda-style architecture. Both these temples are within walking distance from Naggar Castle.
Located about 13 km from Naggar, Jana Waterfall is a lovely day trip option. The drive through the village roads is scenic, and the waterfall is a refreshing sight, especially during summers.
A short trek of about 4-5 km from Naggar takes you to Rumsu Village. The trek passes through pine forests and apple orchards, offering stunning views of the valley. This is perfect for a half-day activity.
For the adventurous ones, the Chanderkhani Pass trek starts from Naggar and leads to Malana Village in the Parvati Valley. This is a 2-3 day trek at about 12,000 feet and should only be attempted with proper preparation.
Naggar is surrounded by apple orchards. If you visit during September-October (harvest season), you can walk through the orchards, interact with local farmers, and buy fresh apples at throwaway prices. This is one of those experiences that you will not find in Manali.
We could not explore most of these attractions due to continuous rain and chilly winds. The only possibility we had was to contemplate the beauty of the entire valley from the room’s balcony sipping a cup of coffee. It was just too awesome 🙂
Travel Tip: Do not forget to check my detailed travel guide of planning a trip to Manali and the nearby region.
Here is a rough per-person budget breakdown for a 2-day, 1-night trip to Naggar from Manali.
| Expense | Budget (per person) | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (1 night, shared) | Rs 1,050 | Rs 2,500 |
| Transport (Manali-Naggar return) | Rs 60 | Rs 600 |
| Food (3 meals) | Rs 600 | Rs 1,200 |
| Entry Fees (Castle + Art Gallery) | Rs 100 | Rs 100 |
| Total | Rs 1,810 | Rs 4,400 |
Note: Budget estimate assumes sharing a standard room (Rs 2,100 split between 2) and using local buses. Mid-range assumes a front-facing suite and taxi transport. These are approximate costs and may vary. I suggest confirming the latest tariffs directly with HPTDC before booking.
While staying at Naggar Castle itself is the best experience, here are some other options in case the castle is fully booked or out of your budget.
However, I would still recommend experiencing a night at Naggar Castle at least once. It is one of those places where the stay itself becomes the experience.
If you are planning a trip to the Kullu – Manali region, here is how you can include Naggar in your itinerary.
Day 1: Arrive in Manali. Rest, explore Mall Road, visit Solang Valley or Hadimba Temple.
Day 2: Drive to Naggar (22 km, 45 min). Visit Naggar Castle, Roerich Art Gallery, temples. Check into the castle for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Morning at the castle balcony with coffee, then head to Kullu and onwards to your next destination.
If you have more days, you can extend to explore Parvati Valley (Kasol, Tosh, Manikaran) from Naggar or head to other offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh.
Travel Tip: Do not forget to check these other romantic places for honeymoon in Himachal.
Naggar Castle is a must-visit place if you have not been there yet. It is one of those rare experiences where history, nature, and comfort come together in one place. Whether you are on a honeymoon, a family trip, or just looking for a quiet getaway near Manali, Naggar is where you should head. You can stay at this 500-year-old castle, eat meals with a view of the Kullu Valley, and walk through temples and art galleries, all within a few hundred meters.
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I hope the above article was helpful in planning your trip to Naggar Castle. If you have any questions or have visited Naggar yourself, feel free to share your experience in the comments section below. And if you know your friends or family are planning a trip to Naggar or Manali, do share this article with them to help them make a memorable trip 🙂 …
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Yes, Naggar Castle is absolutely worth visiting. It is a 16th-century heritage castle converted into a HPTDC hotel. The castle offers panoramic views of the Kullu Valley, beautifully crafted wooden architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere that you will not find in crowded Manali. You can visit as a day tourist (entry fee Rs 50) or stay overnight to fully experience the heritage stay.
Naggar Castle is about 22 km from Manali Bus Stand, which takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour by road. You can reach by local bus (Rs 30-50), taxi (Rs 800-1200), or self-drive. The road is suitable for all vehicle types.
As of 2026, room tariffs at Naggar Castle range from Rs 2,100 for a standard room to Rs 6,300 for the Royal Suite per night. HPTDC offers an off-season discount of 25-30% during winter months (November to February). GST of 12% is extra. I suggest confirming the latest rates directly with HPTDC at (01902) 248316 or naggar@hptdc.in.
Yes, you can visit Naggar Castle as a day tourist. The entry fee is Rs 50 per person and the castle is open from 9 AM to 6 PM. You can explore the castle architecture, visit the Jagati Patt Temple inside the complex, and have meals at the castle restaurant. Guests with room bookings do not need to pay the entry fee.
The best time to visit Naggar is March to June when the weather is pleasant and the valley is green. October-November is great for apple harvesting season. Winter (December-February) offers snowfall but extreme cold. Monsoon (July-September) should be avoided due to rain and occasional landslides.
Yes, Naggar receives snowfall during December to February. The castle looks stunning covered in snow. However, temperatures drop below freezing during this period, so carry adequate warm clothing. HPTDC provides room heaters but the corridors and common areas can be very cold.
Near Naggar Castle, you can visit the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery (1 km), Gauri Shankar Temple, Tripura Sundari Temple, Jana Waterfall (13 km), Rumsu Village trek (4-5 km), and the Chanderkhani Pass trek to Malana. Apple orchards surround Naggar and are worth exploring during September-October.
Book the front-facing rooms for the best valley views. These are now named River View Suite, Green Field Suite, Her Highness Suite, and Baragarth Fort Suite (earlier numbered 101, 102, 103, and 112). Request these specifically when making your reservation. The balcony views from these rooms overlook the entire Kullu Valley.
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