Naggar Castle

Location: Naggar Village, 20 km from Kullu
Built: Around 1460 AD by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu
Architecture: Combination of stone and wood in traditional Himachali style
Highlights: Museum, heritage hotel, Himalayan views

Naggar Castle is a stunning medieval structure built by the Kullu rulers. Its unique blend of stone and wood architecture represents the Himachali kath-kuni style. Today, it functions as a heritage hotel run by HPTDC, but visitors can explore its corridors, wooden balconies, and art museum. From its terrace, the castle offers panoramic views of the Beas Valley.

Local Experience: Stay overnight in the heritage hotel, enjoy Himachali cuisine at the castle restaurant, or attend local cultural events hosted here.

Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery

Location: Near Naggar Castle
Dedicated to: Nicholas Roerich, Russian artist, philosopher & explorer
Highlights: Paintings, Himalayan landscapes, preserved home

The Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery showcases the works of the legendary Russian painter who settled in Naggar. The museum preserves his residence, studio, and paintings inspired by the Himalayas. Visitors can explore the gallery, gardens, and Roerich’s personal belongings.

Local Experience: Art enthusiasts can dive into Roerich’s Himalayan landscapes, while history lovers can learn about his cultural exchanges with India.

Gauri Shankar Temple

Location: Near Naggar Castle
Dedicated to: Lord Shiva
Built: 11th–12th century
Architecture: Shikhara-style stone temple with carvings

Gauri Shankar Temple is a small yet intricately carved stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its ancient architecture, exquisite stone carvings, and peaceful surroundings. It is one of the best-preserved examples of early stone temples in Himachal.

Local Experience: Visit during morning or evening prayers to witness local devotion and traditional pujas.

Jana Waterfall & Village

Location: 12 km from Naggar
Highlights: Scenic waterfall, traditional Himachali village life
Activities: Short trek, local food, photography

Jana Waterfall is a serene natural attraction surrounded by deodar trees, apple orchards, and terraced fields. The nearby village offers a taste of traditional Himachali lifestyle. Small dhabas serve local dishes like Sidu, Rajma, and Red Rice, giving travelers an authentic food experience.

Local Experience: Trek to the waterfall, interact with villagers, and enjoy local Himachali meals cooked on wood-fire stoves.

Jagatsukh Heritage Walk

Location: Between Naggar & Manali
Highlights: Ancient temples, village houses, scenic trails
Architecture: Old stone and wooden Himachali houses

Jagatsukh is a large village known for its ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Sandhya Devi. The heritage walk allows travelers to explore traditional kath-kuni houses, local markets, and temples while enjoying panoramic views of the valley.

Local Experience: Participate in small village fairs, photography of traditional houses, and cultural exchanges with locals.

Naggar Village Walks

Highlights: Local culture, orchards, wooden houses, small shrines
Best Time: Morning or evening

Naggar village itself is a treasure. Walking through its narrow cobbled streets, one can see wood-carved houses, apple orchards, and small shrines. The peaceful environment is perfect for slow travelers and cultural enthusiasts.

Local Experience: Stay in a homestay, join locals in apple-picking during harvest season, or enjoy tea at a roadside shop.

Bhevi Village

Location: Off Naggar–Manali road
Highlights: Remote village, serene views, cultural charm

Bhevi is a lesser-known village near Naggar, ideal for travelers looking for offbeat and quiet experiences. It is surrounded by terraced fields, dense forests, and traditional homes.

Local Experience: Interact with villagers, enjoy traditional Himachali meals, and experience the untouched beauty of rural Himachal.

Rajgarhi Viewpoint

Location: Near Naggar
Highlights: Panoramic views of Kullu Valley, snow peaks, Beas River

Rajgarhi is a hilltop viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the entire Kullu Valley. It’s a perfect spot for sunrise and sunset photography.

Local Experience: Carry a picnic, enjoy peaceful walks, or combine the viewpoint visit with nearby village treks.

Sharar Village

Highlights: Himachali village culture, wooden houses, scenic views

Sharar is a charming village near Naggar that reflects authentic Himachali lifestyle. It’s an ideal place to explore traditional architecture, village fields, and natural beauty.

Local Experience: Homestay accommodations, traditional Himachali hospitality, and seasonal festivals.

Chanderkhani Pass (Trek Start from Naggar)

Trek Route: Starts from Naggar, leads to Malana Valley
Elevation: 3,660 meters
Highlights: Panoramic views of Pir Panjal & Dhauladhar ranges

Chanderkhani Pass is one of the most beautiful trekking routes in Himachal, starting from Naggar. The trail passes through dense forests, meadows, and mountain ridges. From the pass, trekkers can enjoy views of Deo Tibba, Indrasan, and Parvati Valley peaks.

Local Experience: Stay in Naggar to acclimatize, hire local guides, and enjoy camping under the stars.

Naggar Old Temples

Highlights: Ancient Shiva and Krishna temples, wooden shrines, cultural heritage

Naggar is dotted with ancient temples apart from Gauri Shankar, such as the Tripura Sundari Temple and Krishna Temple, each showcasing Himachali wood carvings and traditional rituals.

Local Experience: Explore during village walks, witness local festivals, and admire the stone & wooden craftsmanship.

Raghupur Fort

Location: Near Jalori Pass (can be linked to Naggar circuit)
Elevation: 3,540 meters
Highlights: Ruins of old fort, meadows, 360° views

Raghupur Fort is a scenic trek near Naggar (accessible from Jalori Pass). Though the fort is in ruins, the area offers vast meadows, wildflowers, and panoramic Himalayan views. It’s an excellent spot for trekkers and photographers.

Local Experience: Trek during spring for blooming rhododendrons, camp near the meadows, and enjoy stargazing.

Travel Tips for Naggar & Villages

• Best Time to Visit: March–June (greenery), September–October (clear skies, festivals), December–Feb (snow in higher villages).

• Stay Options: Heritage hotels (Naggar Castle), homestays in villages, boutique guesthouses.

• Activities: Village walks, trekking, temple visits, cultural experiences, photography.

• Local Food: Sidu, Madra, Rajma, Himachali thali, apple-based desserts.

• Transport: Local buses from Kullu/Manali, taxis, or trekking routes for nearby villages.

Suggested 3-Day Naggar & Villages Itinerary

Day 1: Naggar Castle → Gauri Shankar Temple → Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery → Naggar Village Walks → Rajgarhi Viewpoint

Day 2: Jana Waterfall & Village → Jagatsukh Heritage Walk → Bhevi Village → Sharar Village

Day 3: Chanderkhani Pass Trek start → Naggar Old Temples → Raghupur Fort → Return to Naggar