Kasol

Kasol is a village in Himachal Pradesh, northern India. It is situated in Parvati Valley, on the banks of the Parvati River, on the way between Bhuntar to Manikaran. It is located 42 km east of Kullu at the height of 1640 meters. Kasol is partitioned into Old Kasol and New Kasol on the either side of the bridge. Kasol is at distance of 5 kilometre from holy place Manikaran..

Kasol has recently transformed into a hub for backpackers, who are attracted to the scenic valley, untouched hills, low population, and good climate throughout the year. Kasol is also a base for Himalayan trekking, to SarPass, Yanker Pass, Pin Parbati Pass and Khiriganga. Most of the trekking is organized by the Youth Hostel of India and the base camp for the Sarpass Trek is at Kasol. Visitors from Israel are common in Kasol and one can see the Hebrew language banners throughout the valley.

The shops in the village of Kasol have western food and clothes. There is only one school which has classes up to 7th grade. The nearest college is in Kullu. The recent inflow of Israeli tourists has triggered mushrooming of restaurants, hotels and shops catering to their needs. Kasol is inhabited mostly by tourists from Israel which is why most of the hoardings are in Hebrew and the Israeli Shakshouka, a dish of poached eggs in tangy tomato gravy along with hummus and pita bread will definitely drown you in its’ rich flavours. The Israelis in India move from Kasol to Paharganj in Delhi to Goa with an elan as if each is in their neighbourhood.

It isn’t clear if the name Parvati valley has anything to do with the manufacture of Hashish or marijuana that is grown in this part of India but the melancholy beauty of the place will leave you wanting for more. Visitors are attracted to the town because of its hospitality, beautiful environs, and wild charas, a hand-made hashish made from the cannabis that is plentiful to the area.Kasol is ideal for a vacation if you want to chill in the lap of nature. The village is an open space by the banks of the Parvati River where one can spend lazy afternoons. The river abounds with trout and is the perfect place for angling. However, permission from forest department is required for trout fishing in the river. Parvati river at Kasol is ideal for white water rafting.

With Parvati river gurgling and the formidable snow-capped mountain lurking from a corner, reading a book in a café by the river would be an interesting thing to do but while in Kasol and not indulging in trekking would reckon the getaway incomplete.

Kasol is a pleasant place to be in for a vacation. Though the place itself is an attraction, you may stroll about amidst its beautiful orchards. Or discover the fresh green of the terraced rice cultivation. If you have the license, you can spend cool lazy afternoons fishing for trout. An angler’s paradise, Kasol is an open space by the banks of the Parvati river. Clean white sands and green grass is what makes it look a dainty beautiful place. All you need is a license and hours can be spent lolling by the side of the stream, trying to hook a catch.

What To See
 

MANIKARAN

From Kasol You can travel to Manikaran, is 5 kms away from Kasol. At 1829 mts. hight, on the right bank of river Parvati, this place is famous for hot sulphur springs revered by both Hindus and Sikhs pilgrims. Thousand, of pilgrims take dip in holy water, there are separate baths for men and women. The water of the spring is also said to have curative value which cures many skin diseases. According to an ancient saying Manikaran is also connected with Lord Shiva and His divine concert Parvati. By road the Manikaran is 45 km from Kullu via Bhunter and 85 km from Manali. Manikaran is also on the way for trek routes to Pulga, Khirganga, and Mantalai. At Khirganga, there are more hot springs with open bathing spaces for men and an enclosure for women. Here, Shiva is said to have meditated for 2,000 years at a stretch. Of great natural beauty, this route finally reaches the Pin Parvati Pass to open into the Sutlej valley in Lahaul-Spiti.

PULGA

 Kasol to Pulga is a challenging trek of 16 km and climb of a nearly 1600 meters on the way the natural beauty and beautiful surroundings will mesmarize you.

KHIRGANGA

The place is well known for its hot springs. Its water contains medicinal property. Another 2 Km from Khirganga lies Mantalai which is a scenic spot.

CHANDRAKHANI PASS

 It lies east of Katrain. After a stiff climb from Kasol, the whole area looks wonderfully striking and colourful when the flowers blossom.

MALANA VILLAGE

Beyond the beautiful Chandra Khani Pass lies an unique village Malana which is famous for its distinct culture and the temple of Jamlu devta.

 

How To Reach

By Air : The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, 30 kms away. 
By Road : You can reach Kasol by road via Kullu, is 42 kms away. There are a number of taxis as well as local buses that ply daily from Kullu.