Travel to Kasol

Kasol, situated in Himachal Pradesh, has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations for backpackers and explorers looking for a relaxing getaway. This place always finds itself on travellers’ lists, especially for those seeking peace and adventure. The beautiful sights of Parvati Valley will make your Kasol trip more enjoyable, and you will never want to leave this place, as it takes you closer to nature. Kasol is also referred to as mini-Israel due to its high percentage of Israeli tourists. It is the best holiday destination for groups of friends, couples, and those who cherish tranquillity.

The village is known for its cannabis plantations and the stunning views of the adjacent hills teeming with dense Himalayan vegetation. Visiting Tosh, Malana, and experiencing the essential culture and lifestyle of Himachal Pradesh are certainly among the most enjoyable things to do in Kasol. The Parvati River is a personal favourite of mine, as I have spent countless hours here, mesmerized by its crystal-clear water and serene atmosphere. During my trip to Kasol with my colleagues, we searched for a budget-friendly hotel that was near the main market and an excellent café.

MANIKARAN

Now that you have visualized it, this is exactly what Manikaran has offered you. It is a place that is spiritually enlightening and showcases the wonders of nature at its finest. Located in the Parvati Valley and surrounded by the Parvati River, this small town is quite a famous tourist destination and a common stopover. Whether for pilgrims or explorers, this town is sure to capture your fascination. Several legends are associated with the hot springs, which reach temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius. The springs arise from deep fissures in the valley, where water passing through hot rocks beneath the Earth increases its temperature and makes it highly radioactive. Due to these unique properties, water is believed to be a beneficial remedy for people suffering from joint pain and other ailments.

The iconic Shiva sculpture at the Shiva temple is carved out of stone. The structure often gets covered in mist due to the steam from the hot springs, creating a magical atmosphere. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Goddess Parvati lost her favourite gem in the water and was unable to find it amidst the strong current. An infuriated Lord Shiva opened his third eye and performed the Tandava dance. To calm Shiva down, Sheshnag released a spring of hot water, which brought the gem to the surface.

The hot water here can be used to cook rice simply by placing the rice tied in a cloth into the water. The rice, prepared using the hot spring, is also served at the Gurudwara. According to Sikh tradition, it is believed that Guru Nanak Devji visited Manikaran in the 16th century AD. During his visit, he wished to prepare food for the hungry and the needy, but there was no source of fire available. In response, he prayed to God, and the spring was transformed into a hot spring.

PARVATI RIVERBANK

The Parvati River is one of the key highlights in Kasol. The enchanting landscapes of the valley and charming riverside make this place better than the regular. It is surrounded by dense alpine forests and views of the Himalayas, along with quirky and colourful vibes of the local culture, the valley is a sheer delight for all senses. Visit to the river is the most relaxing and rejuvenating experience in kasol.

A cup of tea, a bowl of Maggi, and the roaring sound of the Parvati River create the perfect mountain getaway. I arrived with my colleagues, but as I sat on the rocks, completely absorbed in the beauty of nature, I lost track of the fact that I was with a group. The thunderous sound of the rushing water made my heart skip a beat.

TREKKING

Kasol is a perfect destination for those who are passionate about hiking and adventure. The town and neighbouring areas offer a host of options for adventure activities. There is no dearth of exciting activities to do here. One of the things to do if you want to get up and close to nature is to plan a trek, and it is paramount. With a charming Parvati valley as a backdrop, Kasol attracts backpackers from across the globe.

Trek to Kheerganga – The Kheerganga peak is located at the other end of the Parvati Valley and is a prominent spot for trekkers. Trek through the Pin-Parvati pass, with wide pastureland views and dense forests. There is a Lord Shiva temple with a hot spring at the peak.

Treck to Chalal – Connected by the narrow cable bridge from Kasol, Chalal is rather a quiet destination mostly preferred by nature lovers. It is 7800 feet above sea level.  It is 30 minutes trek away from kasol. Chalal is a beautiful village famous for its trance parties and serene nature. Delight in the jaw-dropping locations while hiking through the woods. The cafes en route Chalal are known for their lip-smacking cuisine and stunning views.

Trek to Malana – The mountaintop where Malana Village is situated can be reached by a challenging uphill trek through difficult terrain. The village is located 22 km from Kasol and is an incredible place to explore. The community living here is extremely orthodox and has a rich history, rituals, and customs, making it an experience to learn about a place so secluded.

CAFE AND MUSIC

If you are a trance music lover, then you will love Kasol. Almost every café and restaurant in Kasol plays continuous trance music. Additionally, Kasol undoubtedly hosts the best trance music in northern India. There is always a crowd of youngsters who love Browny and music. If you enjoy partying, attending a trance event in Kasol should be on your bucket list. The cafés in Kasol are famous, and their atmosphere and freedom always attract tourists. Here are some top-rated cafés in Kasol: Jim Morrison Café, Stone Garden Café, Moon Dance Café, Mama Café, and The Rainbow Café.

EXPLORE VILLAGES

Kasol is a picturesque sight that soothes the eyes. The tiny village surrounding Kasol has a charm unique to itself. One of the best things to do here is to explore the nearby villages, as each one has a quaint atmosphere. Although these towns don’t have monuments or other sightseeing points, the natural beauty that the heart craves is abundant.

One such place is Malana, untouched by commercialization. The village has outstanding Israeli cafes, where you can taste their delectable cuisine. People in Malana village celebrate two major festivals. Malana Fagli is celebrated in the middle of February, while Malana Shaun is celebrated on the 15th of August. 

One of the gems of Kasol is the quaint village of Tosh. With stunning, snow-capped cliff landscapes offering breathtaking views, Tosh is simply unmissable. This is another hippie town in Parvati Valley, known for its camping sites and outdoor activities. Tosh also offers excellent trekking routes that are very scenic as well.

TRAVEL PLAN

Kasol has mild and pleasant weather in the year. But from March to June, you can experience the magical landscape of this place. If you like winters, October to February is the right time to visit. A duration of three to four days is sufficient for an unforgettable trip to Kasol.

How to reach Kasol – There is no direct flight or rail connectivity to kasol. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport or Kullu, which is 31 km away from Kasol. The railway station Joginder Nagar is 145 km away from Kasol. The most convenient and cost-effective way to reach Kasol is by Bus, generally, visitors opt for overnight buses from Delhi or Chandigarh. Visitors can book buses through the RedBus website or application.

Where to stay – The Hillside or The Hosteller kasol are excellent places to stay, and you can book a stay on HostelWorld or Booking.com based on your budget.

Day 1 – After some leisure, Enjoy a visit to Manikaran. Visit the temple and Gurudwara Sahib. Don’t forget to take a holy bath. At natural hot springs and enjoy the Langer feast. Then go for the Chalal trek, a 30-minute trek from Kasol. It is a popular hub for trance parties inside dense forests. The area is covered with Deodar trees makes you feel relaxed.

Day 2 – Have breakfast and leave for Kheerganga; the trek distance is around 8-9 km. Take a dip in the mystical hot spring bath while admiring the snow-clad peaks at an altitude of 13,000 feet. Take a cab back to Kasol and stay there.

Day 3 – After breakfast, leave for Malana, which is 22 km away from Kasol. The trek to this village is about 2 km and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Israeli cafés. Once you’re back in Kasol, spend some time relaxing by the Parvati River.

Day 4 – If you have extra time, you can also visit Tosh village. The Village is about 7900 feet in elevation in the Parvati Valley. Surrounded by mountains.

Taste of Kasol – Momos, kasol’s fan favourite. Thupka watered soupy Tibetan noodle dish. If you are a coffee person, an apple crumble pie from German Bakery at Moon Dance Cafe is the perfect compliment. Rice beer, a glass of Chang or rice beer has little to no alcohol content but is a specialty here. You can try Israeli food – Falafel at Moon Dance Cafe, Borek at Jim Morrison Cafe, and Chicken Laffa at Stone Garden Cafe.

Activities to do – Trekking, Camping, Hot Spring, Whitewater River Rafting, and Biking.