Prime Day & Hours: Weekends
Suggested Duration: 3 hours
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: Chandigarh, about 310 km away
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Kullu-Manali Airport, about 60 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Manali Bus Stand, about 13 km away
Nestled at the base of Rohtang Pass, Kothi Village in Himachal Pradesh is a peaceful escape located just 15 km from Manali. At an altitude of 2,500 meters, it has long served as a resting point for traders and shepherds traversing the Lahaul-Spiti route. Today, the Kothi Village attracts travellers who are in search of a serene experience away from the regular tourist crowd. Surrounded by steep gorges carved by the Beas River and forests of pine and deodar, the village is also home to a temple dedicated to Goddess Shuwang Chandika, making it one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
Trekkers often begin their journey to Gulaba, Marhi, or Rohtang from here. In winter, Kothi Village transforms into a snowy wonderland, and during the spring and summer, it blooms with wildflowers and clear blue skies.
Its rustic cottages, calm surroundings, and connection to ancient trade routes make Kothi a blend of natural charm and cultural roots, an underrated gem for those exploring beyond Manali’s mainstream offerings.
• Explore Kothi Village, Himachal Pradesh’s alpine meadows, wooden cottages, and snow-capped Himalayan peaks in peaceful seclusion.
• Visit the ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Shuwang Chandika and learn about its local mythological significance.
• Watch winter snow blanket the village in serenity, offering a peaceful escape even when Rohtang is closed.
• Start picturesque hikes from Kothi to Gulaba, Marhi, and Rohtang Pass for alpine adventures.
• Camp beside the Beas River gorge to soak in starlit skies and crisp Himalayan air.
Peak Season (October to June)
Moderate Season (July to September)
Low Season (Late December to February)
Know Before You Go
Set up your tent on a quiet meadow near the roaring Beas River. The sound of water echoing through deep gorges, paired with the sight of snow-peaked ridges, creates a dreamy Himalayan campsite. Perfect for stargazers and solitude seekers wanting to connect with nature far from commercial chaos.
Use Kothi as a base to start gentle hikes toward Gulaba or higher viewpoints near Rohtang. The route is dotted with pine forests, blooming wildflowers (in summer), and panoramic mountain views. Ideal for travellers who enjoy easy treks with big payoffs, especially stunning during sunrise and golden hour.
Tucked inside Kothi is a small but sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Shuwang Chandika. Known locally for its mythological ties and peaceful aura, it’s a quiet spiritual spot to pause, observe the traditional woodwork, and absorb the serenity of village devotion away from touristy noise.
Stay back till dusk to witness one of Kothi’s finest moments, a glowing Himalayan sunset over Rohtang’s distant slopes. The snow reflects warm hues of orange and purple, and the sky turns dramatic within minutes. It’s a natural performance that no lens can fully capture, but your memory will.
Grab a bite at a local dhaba serving piping hot rajma-chawal, siddu, or momos. It’s not just about the food, but the warmth of the villagers, the mountain air, and the unhurried pace. A simple meal here, surrounded by Himalayan silence, often becomes the most memorable part of the trip.
The vicinity to the Kothi village is almost fifteen kilometres from Manali on lever marked as Leh-Manali highway in the region of Himachal Pradesh. It surmounts an altitude of around two thousand five hundred meters, with its geographical position being exactly Gulaba and Rohtang Pass. Along with this, it is a peaceful latitude which functions as home to vast mountains, pine forest, and the river gorge of Beas.
It is deduced that all routes leading to Kothi Village use taxis or motorbikes. These taxis take around 30-40 minutes through the Manali highway to reach their destination. There are also seasonal Buses available for the visitors along with shared jeeps.
You can observe Himalayan peaks standing down as well as stroll amidst floral meadows. The temples, which are placed dien winded toward goddess Chandrika, serve great attraction too, along with the various hiking/ trekking paths present. A few other activities include stillness aides brigades photographing along retreating yourself amid nature while capturing the Beas River gorge.
Yes, Kothi is perfect for both. Day-trippers can enjoy sightseeing and light trekking, while those looking for solitude can stay in or PWD guesthouses. It’s also a good base for treks towards Gulaba, Marhi, or Rohtang, offering a quiet alternative to Manali’s crowd.
In Kothi, there are local eateries and dhabas that serve simple meals and tea. Nevertheless, for greater variety in sustenance, it’s best to stop either prior to heading up or carry snacks. Because services are limited, have sufficient supplies if planning to stay longer or camp overnight.