KASOL: GATEWAY TO HIDDEN TREASURE

A trip to heaven !!

TRAVEL

11/4/20244 min read

Discovering the Magic of Kasol

The name of the place itself emits a vibrant energy, and I am sure that anyone who has visited or is planning to visit this place will be filled with surreal gratification. Such is the magic of Kasol! As rightly defined, this is one of the hidden treasures of our country, India.

Kasol is a small hamlet, located 40 km from Kullu and 30 km from Bhuntar, surrounded by natural aesthetics and a serene atmosphere, situated alongside the raging Parbati River, which is why it is also known as Parbati Valley. The beauty of our mountains is reflected in Kasol's ambient temperature of 15-22 degrees Celsius between March and May, although it plummets during the winter months. In fact, one can witness snowfall during December and January. It’s best to avoid visiting Kasol during the harsh monsoons.

Most travel enthusiasts and trekkers are familiar with Kasol as it serves as a base for adventure activities like trekking. There are a number of treks that start from Kasol toward different directions. The most famous ones include the Kheerganga Trek, Tosh Village Trek, and Grahan Trek.

Nature Park, Kasol

Situated in the heart of Kasol, this park is accessible by walking. With a minimal entry fee of ₹10 per person, you can enjoy a variety of flora, beautifully carved pathways along the mountains, and breathtaking views of the Parbati River.

Places to Visit in and Around Kasol

Manikaran Sahib, Manikaran

One of the holy shrines of the Sikhs, located about 4 km uphill from Kasol. Nature lovers can either walk or take a cab to reach Manikaran. This spectacular place is accessible via a hanging bridge and is famous for its natural hot spring, believed to have healing properties.

Grahan Village, Grahan

Located 2 km uphill from Kasol, this village is surrounded by beautiful pine trees, small waterfalls, and a calm atmosphere. The best way to experience it is by trekking.

Tosh Village, Tosh

Located 20 km from Kasol, Tosh is the last village in India accessible by motorable roads. To reach Tosh, get off at Barshaini if traveling by bus, then walk or take a cab.

Chalal Village

This small village, located uphill, requires a trek of 5-6 km from the left of Kasol (as you enter from Kullu). It showcases a vibrant hippie culture, where you can find many people just relaxing.

In addition to these popular spots, there is a tributary of the Parbati River that flows from the right side of Kasol (as you enter from Kullu). You can sit there for hours, absorbing the natural vibes of Kasol. You can also trek toward the mountain peaks, offering breathtaking views of Kheer Ganga, the Pir Panjal, and the Dhauladhar range.

Homestays in Kasol

Memoir Homestay

There are numerous homestays and camping tents available in Kasol. We stayed at a beautiful and cozy homestay located on a slight elevation from the main road, Memoir Homestay.

You need to trek for 10 minutes to reach there, but trust me, it’s worth it. The owner, Mr. Vikas Singh, is a welcoming gentleman, and his team are great hosts who take care of all your needs. You can get their contact details from Google. This is not a sponsored mention but rather my personal experience with Memoir Homestay.

Food and Nightlife in Kasol

When visiting Kasol, you must try their local Rhodendheron wine that is produced locally and is only available in Himachal. This is a wine made from rhodenderon flowers. It has a very unique flavour. Also, other dishes like, Momos and Thukpas are readily available throughout Kasol. Another specialty of Kasol is its Israeli culture, as many Israelis migrated to Kasol in the past. You can find a variety of Israeli cuisine, including pancakes, shawarma, falafel, hummus, and pizzas.

There are plenty of cafes and eateries, but the most famous ones are Blue Moon Cafe and Evergreen Cafe, where you can enjoy delicious food, party, and hang out with friends. The locals are very friendly.