With the rapidly increasing number of backpackers and explorers looking for relaxing getaways in north India, the popularity of Kasol – a picturesque village in Kullu, stretched along river Parvati – has seen a sudden surge in the past five years. It’s on everybody’s checklist and the place hasn’t disappointed any of those who planned a Kasol trip based on feedback from friends; family and serious travel bloggers.
The serene little village is 42 km away from the Bhuntar airport offering a treat for the mind and the soul. It is on the way as you tread towards Manikaran, a holy place for Sikhs best known for its hot water springs. There are abundant treks and mini hikes that take you to tremendously beautiful villages. Not all of them are clustered with luxury stays and world cuisine restaurants, but you’ll be surprised with the warm hospitality of the villagers and locals in the Old and the New Kasol, separated by a small bridge. Peruse the article and then plan your Kasol trip accordingly.
Here’s a quick lowdown on places to explore, cafes to please the belly, and best experiences to indulge in, a complete first timer’s guide to Kasol.
Quick Links To Navigate First Timer’s Guide To Kasol
- About Kasol
- Best Time To Visit Kasol
- Best Places To Visit In Kasol
- Things To Do On Your Kasol Trip
- Indulge In Israeli Food At The Best Cafes In Kasol
- How To Reach Kasol
About Kasol
Kasol is known for its picturesque landscapes and interesting culture. This place always finds itself in traveler’s list, especially those who are looking for peace as well as adventure. The villages and beautiful sights of Parvati Valley will make your Kasol trip blissful so much so that would never want to leave this place, as it will take you closer to nature. There’s so much to absorb in the valleys of Kasol that you can’t get enough.
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Best Time To Visit Kasol
Though Kasol is a year-round destination, the best time to go to Kasol is during the summer months of May and June. However, people also love to visit the destination during the winter months of November to February.
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2 Best Places To Visit In Kasol
Kasol is a small place that can be easily covered on foot. This Kasol travel guide brings to you the list of places that you should visit when in Kasol.
1. Chalal – Explore The Villages And Treks Around Kasol
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There is no dearth of scenic spots in Kasol, which means you’ll definitely come back with a lot of DPs and cover pictures. Your Kasol trip itinerary must include treks and treads to journey some amazing places near Kasol; such as Sar Pass, Yanker Pass, Pin Parvati trek, and Kheer Ganga trek. You might need to travel small distances in a jeep or a cab to reach the starting place. If a tough climb is not your style, take a walk to Chalal, which is just 30 minutes away from Kasol.
For a feel of the rural life in these regions, visit Malana or Tosh. An isolated village 21 km from Kasol, Malana is still untouched by the modern lifestyle. One of the oldest democracies of the world, Malana people claim that they are descendants of Alexander’s army, but the claim is highly debatable. Their descent, however, isn’t what makes this place so popular. It’s the Malana cream – premium hashish which is popular among Israelis, Europeans and Indian youth visiting Kasol. Rules of Malana residents are strict with respect to outsiders, but the village and its beauty are a sight to behold. Rocky terrains with pleasing greenery and rural homes are both charming and peaceful.
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2. Tosh – Enjoy Stunning Views
Image Credits: Atul Shishodia for Wikimedia
Another gorgeous village is Tosh, 18 km from Kasol. The road leading to Tosh is in a bad condition, so hiring a local cab is the best idea for those traveling by their own car. The ride might be bumpy, but for mountain lovers, it is the ultimate place to be at. Just tire yourself a bit more by going uphill to find a decent place to stay in. Some of the common cafes in Kasol that you can choose for fine dining are Pink Floyd Café, Shiva Mountain, Jackie Place Hotel Blue Diamond, Ashwin’s, Olive Garden, Mountain Goat Café and others. From here you can head to a small trek to Kulta glacier – not very beautiful a scene, but worth an easy trek for sure.
The village however offers an unforgettable experience for those who love to unwind in the lap of nature; what’s better than a lazy evening spent gazing at the majestic Himalayas. Apart from its panaromic views and enchanting surroundings, Tosh has a lot of exhilarating activities for adventure lovers, one can explore a plethora of things to do in Tosh. Do not miss the spectacular sunset and sunrise here as you must definitely keep Tosh as a priority in your Kasol itinerary.
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5 Things To Do On Your Kasol Trip
A lot has been written and blogged about the same cliché things to do in Kasol. While not all of them are absolutely useless, there’s a lot more to experience here which this travel guide to Kasol will provide you with.
1. Hiking And Trekking
There’s nothing more serene that walking along lush greenery. Kasol offers multiple exploration options for casual walkers, trekkers and everyone who falls between these two categories. Best people to give you an idea of the difficulty level of each are the locals. You could either get in touch with a local when you visit Kasol, or plan your treks near Kasol in advance.
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2. Israeli Food
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Life’s good with a Shakshouka, a Bureka, and a lemon cake in Kasol. Having covered the best places to visit in Kasol, you’d definitely love to gorge on some amazing Israeli food. If you have not tried the cuisine, this is the place to start. Go one dish at a time and keep repeating the ones you like. Don’t forget the trout! And desserts are mind-blowing; we recommend Hello to the king and Hello to the queen at The Evergreen and the fresh bakes from The German Bakery at Moon Dance.
3. Camping
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Confused about where to stay? Tried camping in Kasol, if you really would like to explore the true nature of Kasol. While there are a few options, but try your luck at the Forest Department tents. Beautifully located beside the fiercely flowing Paravti, they offer one of most gorgeous morning and evening views in the valley. Also, the camps are quite comfortable and neatly maintained. Prices are as low as Rs 150 during the off-season and Rs 300 during the peak summer (May-June).
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4. Enjoy The Serenity
Kasol can be really peaceful. Do what you love the most while you’re still surrounded by the mighty peaks and a powerful river. Kasol is the place to stir up old hobbies that get lost in your urban routine. Read a book, pen a prose, sketch, draw or paint, create a song, dream, ponder or do anything that you love doing, in a spot that makes you peaceful inside.
5. Gaming
If you have a chance to plan your visit, pack that dusty archery set, the almost lost air gun, or that carelessly tucked away badminton set. If you are in a group, play a game of pithu; volleyball at Cottage Cafe; or carom at Jim Morrison Café. It is the best place to enjoy some time with your friends and going back to games, you once loved to play.
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Indulge In Israeli Food At The Best Cafes In Kasol
Left (top to bottom): Buddha Place Cafe; Alpine Guest House Cafe
Right (top to bottom): Jim Morrison Cafe; The Evergreen Cafe; Stone Garden Cafe
If you thought mountains and Malana cream are the only attractions in Kasol, you are wrong. The hippie village offers you abundant options from Israeli, Italian, Chinese and Indian cuisines. Almost all places have Shakshouka, Falafel, Schnitzel, Bourekas, and the desserts at German bakeries are to die for. Some of the popular cafes that must be on ‘check-it-out’ list are:
Stone Garden Café: A 24-hour café with awesome food and ambiance. The average cost for two is approximately ₹600 to ₹700.
Freedom Café: It’s the music and the legacy of ‘freedom cafes’ that keeps it bustling most time of the year. Cost for two is approximately ₹550.
Jim Morrison Café: Great music after a small trek makes it special. Food is all vegetarian though. Cost of meal for two is around ₹650.
Shiva Shanti Café: Terrace seating allows an enchanting view of the valley and the surrounding peaks. Cost for two is approximately ₹250.
The Evergreen Café: Don’t miss the church behind and the great food. The average cost for two is approximately ₹600.
Moon Dance Café: Lovely setting, great food, and an irresistibly good bakery. The average cost for two is around ₹650.
Bhoj Café: One of the oldest cafes in Kasol. It offers a different experience altogether. The average cost for two is approximately ₹500.
Buddha Place: Vibrant music and interiors. Cost for two is approximately ₹600.
The Art Café: Go here for some peace. The average cost for two is approximately ₹600 to ₹700.
Alpine Guest House Café: A scenic café along the fiercely flowing Parvati river.
Cost for two is approximately ₹400 to ₹600.
How To Reach Kasol
Image Credits: Alok Kumar for Wikimedia
Surrounded by mountains from all sides, visiting Kasol is an adventure in itself. There is an airport in Bhuntar, 50 km away and the nearest railway station to Kasol is the Joginder Nagar railway station, 145 km away. However, any which way, Kasol is best reached via road with a thin but solid stretch of road connected from Bhuntar. It takes about 1 and a half hours to reach Kasol from Bhuntar, if there is no traffic.
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Convinced to visit the place? We bet you will have an amazing time there with this first timer’s guide to Kasol. Book a trip with TravelTriangle and have an amazing time with your friends. Kasol is a pretty safe place to travel solo too! So, if you have been thinking for a while to go solo someplace, then start here!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kasol
What are some of the best hotels in Kasol that make sightseeing convenient for first-time visitors?
Some of the best hotels in Kasol that make sightseeing easy for those visiting for the first time are The Himalayan Village. Parvati River Cottage. Hotel Sandhya. Moksha Riverside Cottage. Hotel Royal Palace. Kasol Heights. Brick And Wood Cottages. Hill Crest Kasol.
Which are some of the famous cafes to visit in Kasol?
The food scene in Kasol is definitely something that leaves one craving for more. From a pizza bursting with cheese to the tangy flavours of Lemonade, these cafes serve the finest tastes like Stone Garden Cafe, Buddha Place, Mama Cafe, Moon Dance Cafe, Jim Morrison Cafe, Woodrose Cafe And Camps, The Evergreen Cafe, and Freedom Cafeteria.
What should one keep in mind while planning a trek to Kheerganga?
Keep following things in mind if you want to have an amazing trek to Kheer Ganga and avoid all the unnecessary hassle:
1. There are no ATMs after Kasol. So, dispense cash before you begin the trek. There is a possibility that ATMs in Kasol may be out of cash. make sure you have a back-up.
2. Do not forget to check the weather in Kheer Ganga before beginning your trip. The trail of Kheer Ganga is prone to landslides. So, avoid being there during heavy rainfalls.
3. The trek starts from Bharshaini which can be reached by bus or a shared cab. However, it would be difficult for you to find any early in the morning.
How do I get from Malana to Kasol?
Malana village is located at a distance of 21.5 kilometres from Kasol, which means it will take you around an hour to cover the distance between to destinations. You can do so with ease via car.
How many days are enough for Kasol?
For a memorable Kasol trip, 3 to 4 days are enough. The trip is perfect for those looking for a relaxing getaway in North India with many places to visit in Kasol and around it.
What should I wear in Kasol?
When packing for Kasol, keep some loose T-shirts and pyjamas. Also, comfortable shoes are very important as the place is known for wonderful treks.
How much does a Kasol trip cost?
A 3 to 4 days trip to Kasol will cost somewhere between INR 3,700 to INR 5,000.
Is it safe to travel to Kasol during the monsoon?
Visiting Kasol during the monsoon season can be a bit risky as the region experiences heavy downpour and has the brisk of landslides.
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