Nehru Kund
Glacial natural spring 6 km from Manali, Nehru Kund bears the name of Jawaharlal Nehru. Appreciated roadside stop on the route to Rohtang, set within forests and Himalayan peaks.
Nehru Kund is a natural cold water spring located on the Manali to Keylong road, a few kilometres north of Manali, in the Kullu valley (Himachal Pradesh). The spring takes its name from Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, who is said to have drunk from this water during his stays in the region. It emerges at the foot of the mountains and attracts both local pilgrims and passing travellers.
Quick practical information
- Access: on the Manali–Leh national highway (NH-3/NH-21), approximately 6 km north of Manali, near the village of Phalhān
- Entrance: free
- Recommended duration: 15 to 30 minutes, roadside stop
- Transport: accessible by taxi, local bus or motorcycle from Manali
What you'll see
The spring emerges directly from rocky ground and forms a small basin of crystal-clear, glacial water, even in summer. A small sanctuary and a few souvenir stalls border the site. The mountain setting — pine forests and snow-capped peaks in the background — makes the stop pleasant. Wild trout are sometimes visible in the clear waters.
History and context
The spring is associated with Jawaharlal Nehru, who regularly stayed in Manali. According to local tradition, he particularly appreciated this mountain water. The site was named in his honour after his death in 1964. It remains a symbolic point of memory for Indian visitors attached to the country's history.
Highlights of your visit
The spring water
Drinking the water directly from the source is the ritual gesture of this place. It is reputed to be pure and very cold, even in the height of summer. Check local sanitary conditions before consuming it.
The natural setting
The immediate environment — the Beas river below, deodar forests, mountains — offers a welcome moment of calm on the often busy road towards Rohtang or Lahaul.
Photography tips
Morning light is the softest. Frame the spring with the mountains in the background to contextualise the Himalayan landscape. Avoid peak tourist hours (midday in summer) when stalls and crowds clutter the foreground.
Location and access
Nehru Kund is located on the Manali–Keylong road, approximately 6 km from Manali town centre. Taxis and local buses serving Keylong, Kaza or Leh pass by the site. From Manali, allow around twenty minutes by vehicle. Pedestrian access from the road is immediate; the terrain is flat at the stop but the road is sloping.
In the surrounding area
- Hadimba Temple (Dhungri) — 16th-century wooden temple dedicated to the goddess Hadimba, in Manali.
- Vashisht village and hot springs — thermal springs and ancient temple a few kilometres from Manali.
- Rohtang Pass — pass at over 3,900 m altitude, gateway to Lahaul and Spiti.
- Solang Valley — outdoor activities site (skiing in winter, paragliding in summer) northwest of Manali.
Frequently asked questions
It is primarily a roadside stop, ideal if you are heading towards Rohtang Pass or Keylong. It does not warrant a dedicated trip from Manali, but fits naturally into any itinerary heading north.
Traditionally, visitors drink this water which is reputed to be pure. Check with your local travel operator about current sanitary conditions before consuming it.
The site is accessible from May to October, when the road to Rohtang is open. In winter, the road may be closed due to snowfall.
No particular rules. The site is not an actively worshipped place in the strict sense, although a small sanctuary is present. Decent attire is advisable out of respect.
Integrate it into a day trip towards Rohtang Pass or Solang Valley. On the way back, Hadimba Temple and Vashisht hot springs round out the day nicely.
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