KASOL

Kasol is a hamlet in the district Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, northern India. It is situated in Parvati Valley, on the banks of the Parvati River, on the way between Bhuntar and Manikaran. It is located 30 km from Bhuntar  and 3.5 km from Manikaran. Kasol is the Himalayan hotspot for backpackers. and acts as a base for nearby treks to Malana and Kheerganga. It is called Mini Israel of India due to strong Jewish history and heritage found here.

Kasol is a tourist attraction that is rapidly gaining fame as a very popular hub for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Commonly known as the Amsterdam of India, this quaint little village is resplendent in natural scenic beauty, and is one of the few places in the country that is yet to be ruined by urbanization and commercialization Kasol might seem like a plain, nondescript village from the outside, but it is one of the best places in the country to just sit back and chill in the lap of nature.

With the waters of the Parvati river gurgling along and a stunning view of the snow-capped mountains in the background, taking a stroll along the river is one of the best ways to spend a day in Kasol. With smooth boulders and clean white sand separating the green grass from the frothing sea-green waters of the river, every single bend in the river opens up to a breathtaking panorama of cliffs, pine trees, and gushing waterfalls.

Kasol is famous for its trekking trails, which include treks to Kheerganga, Yanker Pass, Sar Pass, and Pin Parbati Pass. To get a real feel of the culture in these regions, go on a visit to the village of Malana. Located a few kilometres away from Kasol, Malana is a tiny hamlet inhabited by people living in self-imposed isolation. The people of Malana claim themselves to be Aryan descendants, as a result of which they avoid interaction with outsiders. The village has plenty of scenic sights, though, and is often called ‘Little Greece’.

Kasol is inhabited by a huge number of people from Israel, which is clearly discernible from the plenteously available Israeli food, and the street signposts inscribed in Hebrew. Kasol has quite a few streetside cafes which serve delicious food, and the experience of sitting and enjoying a meal amidst the dark green forests and the awe-inspiring mountains make the meal even more enjoyable.

How to reach Kasol from New Delhi

You can either book the private Volvo Buses on redbud or book himachal road transport Volvo from their website (hrtc) himsuta is the name of the Volvo and it's a very comfortable ride. That would drop you at Bhuntar from there you can take a cab or bus to Kasol. Cabs charge 950 and bis is for 45/person.

Best season to visit kasol-

 The prime season to go to Kasol according to tour guides and travel blogs will be somewhere between May - September. In the past few years Kasol has become the most visited places by youngsters as it is a hip and hippie land.

Things to do in Kasol

1.Trek to Kheer Ganga-The trek to Kheer Ganga of emerald green hills is a challenging yet fun, nine kilometer, four-hour climb on narrow and tricky trails, therefore it is not for the faint of heart. Although it is tricky in many aspects, it still stands to be one of the easiest things to do in Kasol and one of the most daring things to do in Kasol as well. Kheer Ganga lies towards the extreme end of Parvati valley, and for the most part of the year, this place will be covered in snow and sparsely covered in other months, still making for a slippery cover and trail for anyone walking or trekking here.

This hill is a magical haven for hippies from all over the world and over the past few years has successfully got in Indians to visit its soil. Once you reach the top of the Kheer Ganga, you will find yourself in the beautiful company of magical clouds, dense and moist due to the weather, pine and apple trees right out of fairy tales and snow-capped mountains that give an almost mesmerizing look to the sky. For the more religious and the fascinated by India folk, there is a beautiful and mystical temple of Lord Siva with hot spring baths here for you to see and enjoy.

Kasol is the best idea for a holiday where you don’t need to do much, simply sit back, relax and let the mountains, pine trees, good food and amazing folk of the place transport you to a whole different world where there is the sound of music in the air from Mother Nature and get a chance to do the exciting things to do in Kasol that have made tourists flock towards the place in excited anticipation. 

2.Tosh and Malana-The smaller version of Kasol, Tosh is a quaint and small locality with a population of a mere 700 people. Unlike Kasol, this small community has a more European influence and is the last place at the end of Parvati Valley. A mere bus ride away, you must pay a visit to Tosh for the beautiful scenery and to tick off your list of places to visit in Kasol. The good food and the unique set of people you will get to meet on your travels here will give you memories for a lifetime! 

There are several foreigners who visit Tosh for its famous produce that has had several people flocking here to have a really good time. This hamlet is extremely cold during the winters and is known for their sudden influx of Israeli and European tourists. If you are looking for something different in the things to do in Kasol, then you should head here.

The other amazing place, Malana is a village few have ventured to, but many have dared to see as well. This is because the place is believed to house descendants of Alexander the Great himself and of course, the world-renowned Malana Cream. A 5-6 hours of trekking from Kasol will take you to this quaint and beautiful village and make you fall in love with anything and everything that it is known for, from its landscapes to the people, although reviews have suggested you shouldn’t get too comfortable there, it is still a wonderful place to visit on your way from Kasol. 

3.Camping-Out of so many amazing activities, one of the sure best things to do in Kasol is to camp in the many amazing places of the Parvati Valley. Green-clad hills with the roaring river passing by at the base make for an amazing backdrop to camp in this beautiful place. 

You can camp by a riverside, or camp at the top of Kheerganga, or in the majestic Magic Valley, or even in the beautiful Tosh Valley, there is no shortage of places to pitch your tent for the night as you sleep looking at the most stars you have ever seen in this pristine and untouched heaven of a valley. Kasol is surely the best time to dust your tent and take it out for a ride.

4.Manikaran Sahib-Situated at a distance of about 6 km from Kasol, Manikaran Sahib is a Gurudwara situated right in the middle of the scourging River Beas. It doesn’t matter what religion you are, this is a definite thing to do in Kasol on your trip there. You can take a dip in the hot springs located by the Gurudwara as it is believed to wash away all sins and wrongdoings, according to the locals.

Although the Gurudwara is currently under renovation due to a natural disaster striking its architecture, it is a must visit if you are in Kasol. The ‘Langar’ in this Gurudwara is definitely worth the time you will spend here as it is simply delicious and cooked within the four walls of the holy place.

5.PSY Trance Festival-A specific genre of trance music, Psychedelic Trance of PSYtrance has many fans in the country, with a lot more pouring in from the rest of the world to enjoy the best of the category in India. The PSYtrance capital of India, Kasol is famous for the craziest and grandest festivals of the genre and hosts many annual festivals in the many offbeat locations all around the valley. 

And the place has never disappointed anyone, be it the fans of these parties and festivals or the first timers arriving here on numerous suggestions and recommendations. And to enjoy the best of these festivals, the best time of the year when the plains are heated up to their maximum, so you can find refuge from the summers and have some good time

Budget to Kasol

lets break down each two and see how you can do your trip planning in the desired budget.

·         Traveling

Considering you are in Delhi now, you have to take a bus to Kullu or Manali and get down at Bhuntar ( a town in Kullu district).

You can opt Volvo that can cost you around 1000–1200 or HRTC buses which are less comfortable but half the price. The cheapest bus that will take you to Bhuntar costs around Rs. 700.

Delhi → Bhuntar = 700

There is good bus connectivity in the area, so you won’t be spending much on travel after reaching there.

Now from Bhuntar to Kasol, you will find regular buses that will charge you a maximum of Rs. 100. (Forgot the exact price but this is the maximum you will be paying)

Bhuntar → Kasol = 100 (maximum)

You must be planning to visit Tosh and Kheerganga. The base point for both these places is Barshaini. You can easily find bus from Kasol to Barshaini (just ask about the timings after reaching there)

Kasol to Barshaini is one hour journey. It  won’t cost you more than Rs.100

Kasol → Barshaini =100 (maximum)

Total Cost: 700+100+100 = 900

Total Round Trip Cost: 1800 (Approx 2000)

·         Staying

You can stay in hostels in Kasol in dormitory where one bed costs as low as 200–300 for a night.

In tosh and Kheerganga too, you can find guesthouses / tents that charges around 300–400 per person per night.

So, Total cost in staying: 300+400+400= 1100 ( This is for 3 night stay- 1 night in Kasol, 1 in Kheerganga and 1 in Tosh)

Total Basic cost for a 3 day trip : 1800 +1100 = approx. 3000

For More Travel Blog Follow us....