My bus journey to Kasol – India’s mini Israel – was the most beautiful drive I’ve had so far. It wasn’t a smooth drive as it is located high in the Himalayas. It involved curved roads, lots of stopovers, and limited food and sleep; but was absolutely worth it.
Kasol is a small town located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It sits in the Parvati Valley, on the banks of the Parvati River and is an extremely popular destination with backpackers.
Trekking and more in Kasol
Kasol is also well known for its treks and camping – you must explore the villages here to get a feel of the natural surroundings. If you enjoy tough climbs, walk through the forest to Chalal, which is located at the bank of Parvati river and is just 30 minutes away from Kasol.
This town is also the perfect place to start your trek to Malana and Tosh. During my stay in Kasol, I could only visit Tosh which was about an hour’s drive from Kasol. En route, I passed through Manikaran, which is considered to be a holy place for Hindus and Sikhs, you can stop there if you’d like to visit the Gurudwara.
Also Read: Check Out The Places To Visit In North India In Summer
What about Tosh Village?
Tosh is situated at an altitude of over 7000 feet above sea level. You can explore the village on foot and spend some time with the locals too. The walk through the village is quite pleasant as it goes through lush green fields, and it is largely surrounded by mountains. You can also enjoy a spectacular view of the snow-capped Himalayas.
The Kasol Parvati Festival
I was visiting Kasol in the winter, and for New Years and I happened to be part of one of the best parties in the region – the Parvati Shangri-La Fest. It was hosted by Sky Heaven Cafe in Katagla, a few miles from Kasol. If you enjoy psychedelic music, flea markets, live DJ performances, up-roaring tracks, this is the destination for you.
PRO TIP: You can also attend the festival in the month of June.
Delicious foodie fantasies
While Kasol is the entry point to many beautiful hotspots in and around the region, the town has its own beauty and lots offer. One of my favourites was the delicious food on offer that came from across the world. Here, you can choose from an array of cafes that serve the best in quality dishes from Italian, Chinese, Indian, French and Israeli cuisine. Do not miss the lip-smacking sweet delicacies offered by several German bakeries too.
