Kasol, situated in Himachal Pradesh, has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations for backpackers and explorers looking for a relaxing gateway. This place always finds itself on travelers’ lists, especially those who are looking for peace and adventure. The beautiful sights of Parvati Valley will make your Kasol trip more blessed that would 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 a group of friends, couples, and those who cherish tranquility.
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 favorite 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 cafe.
MANIKARAN
Well, now that you have picturized it, this is exactly what Manikaran has in stock for you. A place that’s just so spiritually enlightened and exhibits nature wonders at its best. Located in the Parvati Valley, surrounded by the Parvati River, this small town is a quite famous tourist destination and a common halting point. Be it for pilgrims or explorers, this small town would be the kind that would capture your fascination. Several legends bathe in hot springs, which are above 60 degrees. Since it arises from the deep fissures in the valley, the water passing through the hot rocks beneath the Earth increases the water’s temperature and also makes it highly radioactive. Due to its unique properties, the water is believed to be a beneficial cure for people suffering from joint pains and ailments.
The iconical Shiva sculpture at the Shiva temple is carved out of stone. The structure often gets covered in mist because of the steam from the hot springs, creating a magical atmosphere. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Goddess Parvathi lost her favorite gem in the water and was unable to find it amidst the strong current. An infuriated Lord Shiva opened his third eye and danced Tandav. Sheshnag, to calm down Shiva, released a spring of hot water which led the gem to come to the surface.
Hot water here could be used for cooking rice just by leaving the rice tied up in a cloth in the water. The rice, cooked by hot spring, is also served in Gurudawara. According to Sikhs, it is believed that Guru Nanak Devji visited Manikaran in the 16th century AD, and during his visit, he wished to cook food for the hungry and the needy, but there was no fire source. Hence is prayed to God, and the spring was turned into a hot spring.
PARVATI RIVERBANK
River Parvati is one of the major attractions 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 colorful 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 gusting sound of the Parvati River sound like a perfect holiday in the mountains. I came with my colleagues, but as I sat on the rocks, forgetting about my mobile, I forgot that I had come with a group, I was lost in the beauty of nature. The sound of the running was so thunderous that it made me skip a heartbeat.
TREKING
Kasol is one of the best places for adventure and nature lovers. The town and neighboring 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 well-known spot for trekkers. Trek through the Pin-Parvati pass, with wide range 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 terrains. 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 Cafe, and restaurant in Kasol play continuous trance music. In addition, Kasol hosts undoubtedly the best trance music in northern India. Always a crowd of youngsters and they love Browny and music. If you are a party lover, attending a trance party in Kasol should be on your bucket list. Cafes are famous in Kasol, its environment, and freedom always attract tourists. Here are some top-rated Cafes in Kasol – Jim Morrison Cafe, Stone Garden Cafe, Moon Dance Cafe’, Mama Cafe, and The Rainbow Cafe.
EXPLORE VILLAGES
Kasol is a picturesque sight that soothes the eyes. The tiny village that encompasses 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 air about them. Although these towns don’t have monuments or other such sightseeing points, the natural beauty that the heart craves is in abundance.
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 Kasol gems is the quaint Tosh village. With stunning snow-cold mountain landscapes offering a breathtaking view, Tosh is simply unmissable. This is another hippie town of Parvati Valley, which is known for its camping sites and outdoor activities. Tosh also offers excellent trekking routes which 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. For a memorable Kasol trip, 3 to 4 days are enough.
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, 30 minutes 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 mystical hot spring bath admiring the snow-clad peaks at an altitude of 13000 feet. Take a cab to Kasol and stay.
Day 3 – After breakfast, leave for Malana, which is 22 km away from Kasol. The trek to this village is around 2 km and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Israeli cafes. Once you’re back in Kasol, spend some time relaxing in 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 favorite. 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.
Useful Links
Book a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine. It scours websites and airlines worldwide, ensuring no stone is left unturned.
Google Flight is another excellent resource for finding a reasonably priced flight. By entering your nearest airport and typing “anywhere” as the destination, you can view the cheapest flights available from your location.
Book your accommodation by using Hostel World. It is an ideal option for finding cheap and highly-rated hostels for foreign trips.
If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use booking.com. It is a reliable platform for booking accommodations, including guesthouses, hotels, and apartments, at the most affordable rates.
This is also one of my favorites choice for both accommodation and flight bookings, particularly for domestic travel within India.
It’s a zero mark-up Forex travel card. It charges a minimal fixed amount for cash withdrawals from ATMs in other countries. Complimentary airport lounge access is also available. You can apply easily by installing the Niyo Global app.
Travel insurance provides coverage for injury, illness, COVID-19, and theft. It is comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. Travel insurance is compulsory in many countries.
Book a train and bus from Omino for an international trip. It provides all travel options in one place
One of the best places to start looking for cheap rental cars and great deals for international trips.
Redbus offers various bus services such as a chair, sleeper, AC, and non-AC options. Redbus is India’s largest online bus ticketing platform.
