Kasol Travel Guide: Everything Nobody Tells You Before You Go

A beautiful village and a must-visit place in the Parvati Valley of Kullu. Kasol is a small village that attracts tourists for the peaceful environment, the village life, and the refreshing environment on the banks of the Parvati River. Most of the pleasant villages, cafes, and camping sites are near the river, which gives you a unique and peaceful vibe of the Valley. Kasol is basically a halt and base station for trekkers and hikers, but now budget travellers, backpackers, nature lovers, and cultural seekers also visit and explore nearby villages and a unique mix of Israeli and Kulluvi culture.

Where is Kasol?

Country: INDIA

Continent: Asia

State: Himachal Pradesh

District: Kullu

City: Manikaran

Bus Station: Bhuntar

Railway Station: Jogindernagar(125km) /Shimla Station(210km)

Airport: Bhuntar Kullu (40km)

Currency: INR Rupees (UPI and Online money transfer also available)

Languages: Kulluvi, Hindi, Pahari, Punjabi, English, Israeli

Ambulance: 108

Police: 100

Note: Do not dispose of Plastic wrappers and water bottles underway. Keep them with you and dispose of them in a proper dustbin.

How to reach Kasol, Kullu?

By AIR:

We have three Airport options, as follows:

1) Kullu (BHUNTAR AIRPORT)

The Bhuntar Airport, Kullu, which is approximately 40 km from Kasol Village.

2) Chandigarh (SHAHEED BHAGAT SINGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT)

The best option is to book flights to Chandigarh Airport, as there are very few flights to Bhuntar Airport and it can be delayed if the weather is not suitable for a flight. So, try to avoid a hectic journey and choose Chandigarh Airport. Then afterwards, hire a Cab/Taxi to Kasol(Kullu).

Chandigarh Airport to Kasol – 290km approx. A journey of a minimum of 07 hrs by road.

3) IGI Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport)

The best Airport with multiple flight options. Once you reach Delhi, book a cab or taxi to Kasol.

For a long journey, my Recommendation is a Volvo for an overnight journey. You can reach the boarding station by Auto and Taxi/Cab.

Delhi to Bhuntar -530 km (12hrs) by road.

From Bhuntar, you have to take a taxi/Cab, a rental bike, or a local Bus.

Online bookings are also available through multiple apps, as well as govrnment registered App.

Best Booking Apps are: Red Bus, HRTC

By Train:

You can book your train up to Jogindernagar Railway Station, which is 125km from the Kasol Village.

Now, from Jogindernagar, you can hire a cab/taxi or Local buses. Sharing cabs and Rental Bikes are also available.

Jogindernagar to Kasol – 125 km (05 hrs) by road.

By Road:

 Book a Volvo ticket for an overnight journey from Delhi Kashmiri Gate (Majnu ka Tilla) Volvo Station to Bhuntar, which is 530km approx. and a 12-hour journey.

Now, the same from Chandigarh: an overnight Volvo journey to Bhuntar, which is 240km approx. and a 07-hour journey.

From Bhuntar Bus Station to Kasol, you have to take ordinary buses; both government and private buses are limited and crowded, so make sure to book seats from the ticket counter, or you can confirm with the conductor.

Either you can book a Cab/Taxi or rent a Cab or Bike for the whole journey. Local, Long-route buses are also available with limited stops.

What is the best time to visit Kasol, Parvati Valley?

The Valley is well-connected and regularly maintained by BRO (Border Road Organisation) 12 months a year for tourists as well as locals, so that you can choose wisely.

The summer season

This season is one of the most appropriate times to visit Parvati Valley. Starting from March to June, when you can enjoy the mesmerising scenic beauty of the riverside valleys and the pleasant weather. You will get a little crowd in peak summer, but you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the peaceful village life.

The Monsoon Season 

Travelers familiar with rainy conditions, starting from July to August. The weather is unpredictable, and you have to face the worst road conditions, even roadblocks and landslides on the route. Every trek route is risky and closed or strictly prohibited.

The Autumn Season

The Regathering, harvesting season of the valley, starting from September to October, the valley is less crowded and the best time to hike nearby villages and understand their culture and lifestyle.

The Winter Season

This season belongs to pro travellers. From November to March, newbies are advised to prepare for limited daylight, cool days, and quite freezing winters in the valley. It’s a great time for long talks and stories, and the most scenic of all times, with the slow life of the valley and villages.

What are the best places near Kasol?

There are many small hikes and riverside trails towards the local villages near Kasol Valley. The most famous is CHALAL Village, which is 2km from the main Kasol Station, and the trek is a small road covered with huge trees and alongside Parvati River.

There are many famous places you can visit and get good hiking and trekking experiences, as follows:

1.  Manikaran Sahib – around 5 km from Kasol. You can hike, arrange a vehicle, hire a cab, or take a local bus. A destination for pilgrims; the natural hot spring is the main attraction of Manikaran, and the langar food is usually cooked in that hot spring. There are specific places where you can take a bath in that hot spring and can also visit the Sikh Gurudwara, Hindu Shiva, and other deities’ temples.
2. Barshaini – around 15km from Kasol. The last motorable vehicle stop and a beautiful village to hang out and prepare yourself for further hikes and walking journeys.
3. Tosh – around 20km from Kasol. A small uphill walk of 5 km from Barshaini with snow-covered mountains and Parvati Glacier view.
4. Malana – around 24km (21km by vehicle up to Jari + 3 km uphill hike) from Kasol. The most famous village of the Valley. The Unique culture and Untouchability rule and totally different democratic rules. They only follow their deities (Jamlu Rishi Ji) rules and regulations. You also need to listen to and strictly follow the rules if you ever visit there.
5. Pulga – around 25km from Kasol. The least visited and remote village in Parvati Valley. The peaceful and best place for hiking and camping for peace-loving communities.

The best Treks in Parvati Valley

Many treks start from Kasol, but the main treks start and end at Kasol, which gives you a brief idea of Parvati Valley are;

Kheerganga Hot Water Spring 

The best trek for people of all age groups. It was a pilgrim route for locals and Hindus and a halt destination for Pin Parvati Pass trekkers. This trek is usually used by shepherds, but know its famous for its natural hot water spring pool, which is closed now because of some religious and other reasons.

The trek starts from Barshaini, and the distance you have to cover is 12km (4-6hrs) uphill journey through small villages.

• Kasol to Barshaini – 20 km(Motorable road)
• Barshaini to Tosh – 5km uphill walk
• Tosh to Kheerganga – 7km moderate hike

Sar Pass Trek

The most popular trek in Kasol. The full exploration of Parvati Valley 5-6 days. The trek starts from Kasol, and you will see amazing places and unseen villages, and mesmerizing scenic nature throughout the trek.

• Kasol to Grahan Village – 8km (4-6hrs) easy trek
• Grahan to  Min Thatch – 8km (4-6hrs) easy trek
• Min Thatch to Nagaru – 8km (4-6hrs)moderate trek
• Nagaru to Sar Pass Summit and cross pass to Biskeri Thach – 8km(6+hrs) moderate trek
• Biskeri Thach to Barshaini – 10km (4-6hrs) moderate trek
• Barshaini to Kasol – 15km (Motorable road)

Where to Stay in Kasol?

 Kasol Paradise Camps And Cafe best camping option in Kasol, as well as in Kullu Manali, with local camp operators with vast knowledge of the valley.

There are lots of options in Kasol. Hotels, Duplexes, Campsites, Homestays, and you can even pitch your own camp. If you’re looking to visit in the season or summertime, the crucial months April to June, then try to book your accommodation as early as possible because you will see a huge crowd and you will have to face limited stay options, and you have fewer choices.

 

Important Tips before you reach there are

• Carry Cash – ATM available, but you will get limited cash or some time out of cash or not working due to signal problems.
• Register yourself with the Forest Department for Long Treks – Like Sar Pass and Pin Parvati Pass
• Always carry a photo ID card with you.
• Respect Local Culture and Environment. Must follow all the rules of the nearby Villages.
• Mobile Connectivity is much better than before.(BSNL, JIO, AIRTEL)
• Weather is unpredictable, so you must carry warm layers and other necessary clothing.
• Medical shops are also available, but try to carry your own medicine.

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