In 2025, everyone started looking for information about the Raulane Festival in Himachal Pradesh due to the popularity of Social media videos and travel reels. People started wondering about the masked bride ritual, and out of curiosity, began searching for respectful travel opportunities.
In case you are heading to Kalpa & Kinnaur for the trip in Spring, and want the simplest and most convenient, Raulane has to offer, this guide has everything you need to know about Raulane — timeline, place, safety, and travel guidelines.
What Is the Raulane Festival?
Raulane Festival is an all Spring festivity of Kinnaur, one of its spring customs that developed due to worship, folklore and community traditions of the village. Raulane is not a tourist event, for it’s an activity the villagers of Kinnaur have kept for the songs and dances of their building to themselves.
Here’s the simplest way to understand it:
• Raula and Raulane represent cultural roles linked to village beliefs.
• The ritual symbolises the community’s transition from winter to spring.
• Villagers come together in traditional attire, masks, and instruments.
• It carries spiritual meaning and is an important part of local identity.
For travellers, the festival offers a rare glimpse into pure, untouched Kinnauri culture — but only if experienced respectfully.
When Does Raulane Happen in 2025?
The Raulane Festival occurs in late winter/early spring and more specifically happens sometime after Holi.
There is no straight answer on the date as the festival follows the village’s traditional calendar and not the modern date calendar.
For 2026, expect it to happen sometime during the range of:
Mid March to Early April
If you want to see Raulane, you will have to keep an eye on local operators and homestay or local news pages.
Where is The Festival Celebrated?
In Main Villages
The festival is mainly celebrated in and near:
• Kalpa
• Kothi village
• Saring village
• Smaller hamlets around the Kalpa area
These villages have all celebrated Raulane for many years and have their own, unique versions of the festival.
Nagin Narayan Temple
Another location associated with the Raulane is the Nagin Narayan Temple as it is the location of many important events and ritual dances.
This is also the reason you have to keep quiet and calm.
Can Tourists Attend the Raulane Festival?
Visitors can see Raulane, but remember these very important points:
- It is not a tourist performance.
The festival is not done for tourists for entertainment. It is a sacred village tradition.
- Adults and children can only go and witness the festival if they respect that tradition.
Silence, distance and sensitivity are very important.
- Photography must be done with care.
Make sure to always ask local elders or organisers if photography can be done during parts of the festival.
If you approach it with humility, the crowd is open and friendly.
How to Reach Kalpa & Kinnaur
Please follow the route:
From Delhi
Delhi → Shimla → Rampur → Reckong Peo → Kalpa
The total distance taken is 560 kilometers.
This will take about 14 to 16 hours to accomplish.
From Chandigarh
Chandigarh → Shimla → Rampur → Peo → Kalpa
The total distance taken is 340 kilometers.
This will take about 9 to 11 hours to accomplish.
From Shima
Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Tapri → Peo → Kalpa
The total distance taken is 230 kilometers.
This will take about 9 to 11 hours to accomplish.
ROAD CONDITIONS
Observed from FEB to APR
For this time of year, you can expect:
- Occasional patches of snow at Narkanda
- Automated plowing on roads
- Active landslide zones that require your attention at Kinnaur
- Amazing views of spring foliage
ROUTE SAFETY
If it is done outside of night time, and with a local driver that is accustomed to the Kinnaur roads, it is a very safe route.
Where to Stay in Kalpa During Raulane Festival
Kalpa has a good selection of stays:
• Homestays with local families
• Boutique hotels with mountain views
• Village lodges close to the festival
Many people prefer staying in Kalpa town for the town views and close drives to other villages. They can relax on balconies with views of the Kinner Kailash mountains.
Make sure to book ahead of time — the spring weekends are the busiest.
Best Time to Visit Kalpa & Kinnaur in Spring 2025
Spring is a great time to visit Kalpa.
Weather in March
The mornings are crisp, and afternoons are cool and comfy, with a nice breeze and clear weather.
Snow Conditions
Some remaining snow can be seen on the high slopes, especially in areas like Roghi and Chaka Meadows.
सेब के बगीचे
The blooming season of the apple orchards begins with the March to April time frame. This is a great time for photos.
Visibility
This is the time when Kinner Kailash looks the best. During the sunrise, the images are crystal clear and very sharp.
What to Expect at the Raulane Festival
If you are a tourist and will be observing from a distance, here is what you can usually see:
The Procession
This is a traditional walk done by the villagers in a line.
Traditional Costumes
The locals wear big, colorful Kinnauri costumes, and can be seen with headpieces.
Music
The valley is full of sound from the Drums, and other wooden traditional valley instruments.
Village Gathering
You will see people in the valley from the families, including no doubt the elders and the small children, who chose to participate and observe.
Ritual Dance
The Raula/Raulane role is performed at or near the Nagin Narayan Temple, representing the welcoming of spring.
Remember: You shouldn’t disturb the flow of the ritual.
Tourist Do’s & Don’ts (Very Important)
Do’s
• Keep a distance and observe quietly
• Ask for permission if you want to take pictures
• Make sure to dress modestly (no bright or flashy outfits)
• Step to the side when a procession is passing
• Follow the instructions of the local coordinators and the elders
Don’ts
• Don’t conduct yourself as if it is a performance for tourists
• Do not disrupt a ritual or take selfies
• Don’t handle the costumes, masks, and other props
• Do not block the ways
• Don’t take drones (if they’re not allowed)
Your behaviour will determine the openness of other tourists in the future.
Suggested 3–5 Day Itinerary Around the Festival
Day 1
Shimla → Kalpa (night stay)
Day 2
Visit and Explore Kalpa town, Roghi village, local temples
Day 3
The Festival day (if dates match)
Day 4
Optional: Sangla Valley, Kamru Fort, Chitkul
Day 5
Drive back to Shimla/Delhi/Chandigarh
This plan allows you to enjoy the culture, natural beauty, apple and other orchards, and heritage of the area.
Places to Visit Near Kalpa
When you’re in Kinnaur, make sure you check out:
• Roghi Village for some traditional wooden houses
• Suicide Point for some really breathtaking cliffs
• Kothi Village and the Chandika Devi Temple
• The apple orchards in the surrounding villages
• The many Kinner Kailsash views around Kalpa
These locations enhance your experience in spring.
FAQ’s About the Raulane Festival
Is the festival safe for tourists?
Of course, just be sure to listen to the locals and their directions.
Is photography permitted?
Sometimes, just be sure to ask.
How crowded does it get?
It is a moderate amount of people and is mostly locals. Not as chaotic as other tourist events.
Is there an entry fee?
Nope! It’s a village tradition. Not commercial.
Is there anything you recommend to wear?
Just make sure to wear warm clothes that cover you up, and comfortable shoes.
Suggestions for Booking Your Kalpa-Kinnaur Trip
As 2025 approaches, due to viral videos and trending popularity, we suggest to book your Kalpa-Kinnaur trip:
• 20-30 days in advance from your preferred date of travel
• Book further in advance from your date of travel when flying on a weekend
• Book with trustworthy local companies, preferably with their calendar of popular local festivals.
Good travel packages should have these:
• Overnight accommodation on Kalpa
• Transport arrangements to and from Shimla and Chandigarh
• Transport & entrance to local tourist attractions
• Coordinating festival timing of your trip with scheduled events
अंतिम विचार
The Raulane Festival should not be considered a tourist destination. It provides a genuine insight into the living culture of Kinnaur which is accompanied by the spirit and hospitality of the local population in Kinnaur. It’s a unique festival that is seldom held in the region. It is one of the most enriching experiences gained in Himachel, as a tourist and with the right attitude of patience and curiosity.
The entire region of Kalpa, Kothi, Roghi, Sangla and Chitkul is enchanting in the Spring of 2025 when the orchards are in bloom and the days are warm. It is rewarding to travel to this area in the Spring with the great weather.
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