5 best things to do in Kasol
Summer’s hitting hard and monsoon is on the brink of arrival. What else could be a better time to go to the far Himalayas, leaving behind all the daily hassle, and experience the profound calmness and serenity the snow-capped mountains have to offer.
Kasol — a much sought after destination by travel enthusiasts, backpackers, and adventures, is a serene little village in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Nestled beautifully amidst the charming Parvati valley, Kasol is an emerging hub loaded with all the fun-filled activities a nature lover sought for.
The majestic Parvati river, cutting right through the valley, offers a perfect spot to sit back and admire the surreal landscape. Tall standing, conical deodars line up to the mountain peaks; giving a lush green appearance to the entire valley. Abundant of treks and trails keeps one busy for the whole stay at Kasol.
Kasol weather remains mostly cold throughout the year. Summer provides relief to the local residents as they stay mostly disconnected from the rest of the civilization, due to heavy snowfall in winter and the following months. April-June remains the most pleasant time to plan for a trip to Kasol. It is advisable not to visit Kasol during winter months.
Kasol, situated at an altitude of nearly 1600m, is only accessible by road. It is a 30 km ride from Bhuntar, the nearest bus stop, which takes 4 good hours. Deep gorges and steep rocky mountains make the terrain tough to ride. Both private and government buses ply along the route. Tourists travel to Kasol from Delhi, Chandigarh or Manali. Delhi to Kasol is a distance of 520kms. Chandigarh to Kasol is a much shorter distance of 270kms.
Here’s a quick go through on various places to explore and exquisite activities to make your trip to Kasol a lifetime memory.
Kheerganga Trek-
The streets of Kasol are mostly crowded by backpackers and hikers; many of them coming all the way from Europe. Kheerganga is a 12kms long, charismatic trek, starting from Barshaini, a small village 15kms away from Kasol. The stunning view of the Greater Himalayas puts trekking through the tough terrain at ease.
Numerous streams, perennial waterfalls, coniferous forests; one can experience raw nature thriving at it’s best. The last 3–4kms of the trek is a bit of steep climb. But the reward makes the hustle worth it.
Finally, after conquering the tiring trek, the sight of the lush green meadow is totally mesmerizing and picturesque; with snow-capped peaks at the backdrop. One can see a plentiful of camps, tents and huts spread all over; housing drained trekkers with all the hospitality. Kheerganga is also known for it’s natural, hot springs. After the tiring journey, spending some time in the pool releases all the fatigues.
Camping at Kasol
Be it besides the crystal clear water of Parvati river, or amidst the tall towering trees, camping at Kasol is a miss-not adventure. The clear, dark night sky, chilly wind rushing, blazing bonfires; the ambiance provides a refreshing and soulful experience.
Here you can find the most affordable and spellbound campsites in Kasol.
Manikaran
Situated on the banks of Parvati River, Manikaran Sahib is a small town, famous for its hot springs, temples and, gurudwara. It attracts a lot of Hindu and Sikh pilgrims. The history of this holy land is a mystery. Both Hindus and Sikhs have their own beliefs on the existence of the town. Sri Guru Nanak Devji Gurudwara, Kulant Pith and Hot Springs are the major attractions.
Street Shopping
Himachali topis, Himachali jackets, pendants, semi-precious stones, pot-smoking bongs, psychedelic-themed T-shirts; one finds all lined up along the busy streets of Kasol.
Israeli Cuisine
Fondly known as ‘Mini Israel’, Kasol hosts a lot of tourists from Israel. Many are said to have settled there. Catering to their needs, many cafes and hotels at Kasol offer authentic cuisine straight from their home country. Over the years, the place has perfected cuisine to the likeness of the Israeli population. Hummus, Pita, Falafel, Shashlik are some must-try dishes.
Why wait for a perfect time to re-discover yourself? Pack your bags and head to Kasol for a life-changing experience.
