Village Kothi is situated at the base of Rohtang Pass and is among the best offbeat destinations in the paradisical Himachal Pradesh. Perched at more than 2500 metres above sea level, the mighty Beas River flows through the remote village with its pristine waters and charged flow. If you want a quick getaway from Manali’s busy streets, Kothi is the place to visit. You can witness the breathtaking snow-capped peaks, dense forests, wildflowers, Himalayan animals, and tranquil surroundings here. As it is located amidst towering mountains, every corner of the village is a nature lover’s delight and an adventure enthusiast’s dream.
About Village Kothi
Village Kothi has a scenic charm that was once used as a camping destination by explorers and traders going towards the Rohtang Pass. Today, it has become a secret haven for those escaping the crowds of Manali and needing some quiet. The village’s peaceful ambience with the sounds of birds chirping is magical, providing all the creative inspiration a painter, writer, and nature enthusiast may need. It is also a perfect place to enjoy adventure sports and photography and meditate to let go of all your stress.
Must Read: Offbeat Places In Manali
Things To Do At Village Kothi
Village Kothi offers a ton of activities you can do. Here are some of the best ways to spend time in and near Kothi.
Trek And Hike To Chikka
There are ample routes to trek from the village, one of which is Chikka. You will witness the grandeur of the meadows, lush forests, birds chirping, alpine pastures, captivating valleys, and much more. It will be a delightful experience you will never forget. The other treks include Patalsu Peak, Anjani Mahadev, Bhigru Lake, Dashir Lake, and Beas Kund.
Visit The Kothi Temple
Image Credit: Sumita Roy Dutta for Wikimedia Commons
If you visit Village Kothi, you must visit the temple a few kilometres away from the village’s main centre. Bask in the tranquillity of the hidden gem temple that provides some of the best scenes you can capture with your camera. The hilltop temple’s presiding deity is Goddess Mahishasura Mardini, Goddess Durga’s avatar. Pray to the Goddess and spend some time with your loved ones adoring the panoramic views from the temple.
Suggested Read: Trekking Near Manali
Camp at Kothi
When you are on the way to Rohtang Pass, you can camp at the village overnight or stay for at least a few hours to revel in its beauty. The peacefulness of the village and the surrounding nature will just give you a great sense of calm. Rohtang Pass is one of the most loved places in Himachal Pradesh. It provides incredible views of glaciers and mountains and has been used as a famous location in many Bollywood movies.
Discover Kothi’s Local Culture
Experiencing the village’s local culture will be a fantastic experience. Speak to the locals who are so passionate about their heritage and their way of living. If you plan on staying in a homestay, you can immerse yourself in their life and get a new perspective you did not know you needed. The people of the village make their living through agriculture so it can be an enlightening experience to learn about how they do it and their traditional life.
Suggested Read: Trekking Near Dharamshala
Get An Adrenaline-Rush
Kothi Village and the nearby places offer some of the best adventure sports, apart from trekking and hiking. These include a gondola ride, paragliding, quad biking, zorbing, snowmobile rides, skiing, and snowboarding. Many of these are only available during winter when it snows, so make sure you plan your trip accordingly to avoid missing out on the fun. You can rent the required gear, so there is no need to carry extra luggage when coming to Kothi Village!
Visit Nearby Places
You can get to some of the top places from Kothi Village. You can go to Solang Valley, a famous destination for adventure lovers. You can go to the Beas Kund, which is a little over 20 kilometers away and is significant to Hindus. Enjoy the luxurious views from there, which include snow-capped mountain peaks and glaciers. Gulaba is another destination close to the village that is perfect for unwinding. Hampta Pass and Rohtang Pass are the other two destinations you can visit when going to the village.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Sangla
How To Reach Village Kothi
Image Credit: Biswarup Ganguly for Wikimedia Commons
By Road: You can take a direct bus from the Manali bus stand to Kothi Village. If you travel in your private vehicle or have rented a car, you can continue driving from Manali until you reach the village. You can do this by passing through Manali town, crossing the bridge after the bus stand, and taking the road that takes you to Rohtang Pass until you reach the village.
By Flight/Train: The nearest airport to Village Kothi is the Kullu Manali Airport located in Bhuntar. You can hire a prepaid taxi or a cab and reach Kothi Village. As there is no train station in Manali, you must reach Pathankot station and then catch a train to Joginder Nagar. Then hire a taxi or book a cab to reach Kothi Village.
Best Time To Visit Village Kothi
The best time to visit Village Kothi depends on what you want to see and do. If you want to experience snowfall, the best time is from December to January. If you want to visit Kothi and its nearby regions for some peaceful time away from the noise, the best time is from April to June as the temperature is great and comfortable. If you want to visit Kothi on your way to the Rohtang Pass trek, visit anywhere from April-end to mid-October, as it may be closed by the end of October.
Suggested Read: Rohtang Pass In Summer
Tips For Visiting Village Kothi
- Be prepared for sudden temperature changes during the evening as it can get significantly cold.
- Avoid littering anywhere in the village and throw your garbage in a garbage bin to keep the place clean.
- Checking the road conditions is wise, especially if you are planning a trip to Rohtang Pass or Village Kothi.
- Pack clothes according to your time of visit but always carry a jacket as it tends to get cold in the evenings.
- Wear warm socks, waterproof shoes, waterproof gloves, a muffler, a windproof jacket, and heavy woollens during the winter.
- Be respectful of the local culture and show appreciation for a fulfilling trip to the village when possible.
- Plan your itinerary well in advance after thorough research to avoid last-moment disappointment.
Further Read: Adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh
Village Kothi has an alluring charm that you should not miss, and it must be on your trip to Himachal Pradesh! If you plan to visit Manali, you can easily accommodate this tranquil village that will surely be spectacular. Spend some time among the beauty of its natural offerings or get your adrenaline-pumping with adventure sports.
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Cover Image Credit: HussainNellikkal for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Village Kothi
When does it snow in the village?
A It usually snows in December and January.
Where to stay at Kothi Village?
You can stay at a guesthouse, homestay, or budget hotel when you come to Kothi
How far is it from Rohtang Pass?
A The distance between Rohtang Pass and the village is 23 km.
Are the locals friendly?
A The locals are very friendly. They are more than happy to assist you and answer your questions.
Why is Village Kothi famous?
A It is famous for captivating people with its scenic views, friendly locals, and perfect climate
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