Explore Kullu Manali Airpor (KUU)t: Gateway To The Himalayan Paradise

Getting to Kullu–Manali Airport (KUU) is easy since it is a well-known domestic airport located at Bhuntar, 11 km from Kullu and 52 km from Manali. Here is a step-by-step guide to reach Kullu–Manali Airport in Himachal Pradesh

Arrive in North India

• Fly into New Delhi at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) or Chandigarh Airport (IXC). These are the main airports for North India. From here, you can either take a domestic flight to Kullu–Manali Airport or travel by road towards Himachal Pradesh.
• Travel to Kullu–Manali Airport from Delhi or Chandigarh, either by a domestic flight or bus/cab. The flight to Kullu may take about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the route. The buses, on the other hand, may take 10 to 12 hours, and shared cabs may take 8 to 9 hours.
• Get from the airport to Kullu or Manali in one of these ways. Get a taxi from outside the terminal: At Kullu–Manali Airport, you can hire a cab from the stand outside the terminal building. It will drop you off in Kullu town or continue to Manali, depending on your booking.

Catch a bus from the nearby road: You can walk or take a short ride to the main road near Bhuntar and get on a local bus towards Kullu or Manali. Although it is cheaper, it can be time-consuming and less comfortable if you are carrying heavy luggage.

You will be in for a treat since Kullu–Manali Airport lets you reach the mountains faster and avoid long hours on the road. However, if you are booking a flight here for the first time, there are a few basic things to know about the airlines and routes from this airport:

At present, Indigo, SpiceJet, Air India, Air India Express, and Alliance Air are the only airlines operating regular passenger flights to and from Kullu–Manali Airport. The airline runs short domestic flights using smaller aircraft that are suitable for the valley, and these flights help you save time when travelling between the plains and the hills.

In the past, airlines like Kingfisher Airlines and Air India Regional operated flights to Kullu–Manali Airport. There were also services by Himalayan Bulls, in collaboration with Deccan Charters, on the Kullu-Chandigarh-Kullu route. These flights have stopped, so you now need to check the current schedule before planning your journey.

Delhi is one of the most popular destinations linked to Kullu–Manali Airport (Bhuntar Airport). Booking a flight from Delhi Airport lets you connect to several domestic and international flights, making it convenient if you plan to continue your trip to other parts of India or abroad.

Another vital city often connected to Kullu–Manali Airport by direct flights or a combination of air and road is Chandigarh. Many travellers prefer this option when they want a shorter overall journey between the plains and the hills.

Overall, the airlines and destinations from Kullu–Manali Airport are limited but useful for travellers heading to or from Himachal Pradesh. No matter which route you choose, make sure to check the latest flight timings and availability before you book your tickets.

The flight route offers beautiful views of valleys and mountains. However, if you are a newbie going on a flight journey to Kullu–Manali Airport(Bhuntar Airport), there are a few basic tips to remember while booking your flights:

• Check flight availability: You need to check the current flight schedule from Delhi or Chandigarh to Kullu–Manali Airport when planning.

• Book tickets in advance: Book flights from Flighsmojo, a trusted flight booking website that also offers a full refund if you choose “Tripshild” and your plan changes. Kullu usually have limited seats. Make sure to book your tickets in advance, especially during summer, winter holidays, and long weekends, to avoid last-minute unavailability and higher fares.

• Weather conditions: The airport is located in a valley, and the weather may change quickly during the day, causing flights to be delayed or rescheduled. It is recommended to keep some buffer time.

• Pack wisely: No matter when you plan your trip, the weather in Kullu can get cooler in the morning and evening, so pack warm clothes as well as a light jacket for the journey.

• Seat preference: If you prefer scenic views, you can book a window seat at the time of ticket purchase or during check-in.

• Travel timing: Most flights arrive during the day. Choose a flight that lands before evening so that you can easily travel to Kullu or Manali.

• Travel contacts: During your trip, schedule changes may occur, so keep your ID, tickets, and phone ready. Also, give your hotel or family your arrival time in case of emergencies.

Using a small domestic airport like Kullu–Manali Airport is a simple experience, as it offers only the essential facilities for travellers visiting Kullu and Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The airport is located in Bhuntar and provides basic services to help passengers travel smoothly, despite its limited size and valley setting.

• Terminal building: This compact airport terminal handles arrivals and departures for domestic flights. The new terminal building was inaugurated in 2008 to improve passenger handling and support airport operations. This airport offers check-in counters for domestic travel, basic waiting areas inside the terminal, simple washroom facilities for passengers, and security checks before entering the departure area.

• Runway and apron area: The runway at Kullu–Manali Airport is located in a deep valley, with surrounding hills rising above the airstrip. The apron space has also been expanded to support ground operations. You can see here a single runway positioned between high valley slopes, weather-dependent aircraft operations, parking space for two aircraft at a time and ground activity managed by trained airport staff.

• Safety and airport surroundings: The airport is located close to the river Beas, which has influenced safety planning over the years.- The airport is located close to the river Beas, which has influenced safety planning over the years. In 1995, flash floods posed a risk to the runway area. You can expect regular inspections of the airport surroundings, safety procedures influenced by river conditions, and caution during seasons with higher water levels

• Parking Zone: Parking at Kullu–Manali Airport (Bhuntar Airport) is arranged to support short-term use before arrival or departure. Since the airport is small, the parking space is limited. Still, it is convenient for travellers who need quick access to the terminal. A small parking area near the terminal offers easy access to the entry gate from the parking zone and is suitable for short-duration parking.

• Basic passenger services: Kullu–Manali Airport offers essential services for simple domestic air travel. These facilities are suitable for the number of passengers using this regional airport It provides assistance from airport staff for boarding and deboarding, basic announcements for flight information, access to taxis and other local transport options outside the terminal.

If you are having a layover or planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh, here are some must-visit places you can explore on a short road trip to discover the hidden beauty of Himachal Pradesh. 

• Kullu Town: One of the closest places to visit after landing at Kullu–Manali Airport, Kullu Town is a popular stop for travellers, so make sure to set aside some time to explore the markets and temples around the main town. During this time, the atmosphere feels pleasant. 

• Bhuntar: The nearest town to the airport, it is perfect for travellers who want a short, simple stopover before heading further into the valley. It is a convenient stop, so you can quickly find small shops and eateries that help you settle in after your flight. 

• Kasol:- Kasol is a scenic village that you can visit after travelling through the Parvati Valley from the airport. It is a popular choice for many visitors, so plan your travel time accordingly, as the route is busy year-round. 

• Manikaran Sahib:- Manikaran Sahib is a well-known pilgrimage site that you can reach after a drive through the valley from the airport. It is an important religious site, so you may want to include it in your itinerary, as the area is visited year-round by travellers.

Staying at comfortable hotels near Kullu Airport is essential since many travellers arrive here before continuing their journey to Kullu or Manali. The duration of your stay near Kullu Airport depends on your travel plans, but no matter how long you stay, it is essential to pre-book your hotel near Kullu–Manali Airport, especially during peak seasons.

• Hotels near Kullu Airport: These are standard accommodation options for travellers arriving at Kullu–Manali Airport. Such hotels are primarily located in and around Bhuntar town. You can expect basic facilities for a night's stay and simple meals. You can expect private rooms or dorms at hotels near Kullu Airport, equipped with comfortable beds, pillows, and blankets, similar to standard rooms. The toilets may be shared or attached. Most of the hotels offer dining areas where one can enjoy a meal on arrival and before departure.

• Lodges:- Lodges are slightly different from hotels; they are smaller with fewer facilities. However, the lodges are available close to the airport road and the nearby market area. You can expect simple facilities with basic beds and comfortable bedding, as well as rooms suitable for a short halt before onward travel. In some lodges, you can find private washrooms with hot water facilities. Simple North Indian food is also provided.

• Basic Hotels in Kullu: There is a wide range of basic hotels, most of which are located in Kullu town, at a lower altitude than Manali. You can expect private rooms with balcony or window views, and easy accessibility to restaurants and other hangout places. The hotels include attached bathrooms and additional amenities such as furniture and Wi-Fi. Overall, these are the type of hotels you can find near the Kullu Airport route. No matter where you choose to stay, make sure to pre-book during peak season.

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This easy Kullu – Manali Airport(Bhuntar Airport), travel guide may help first-time visitors plan a trip to Himachal Pradesh and understand the basic facilities and nearby places linked with this domestic airport. 

You can book flights from Flightsmojo to Kullu–Manali Airport and begin your journey through the valleys, explore the calm surroundings and create simple and pleasant memories from this region