"Kasol is a second home for a traveler in India! Green, chill, smoke & lost"

Are you thinking about a getaway with your friends? Are you mad about the serene scenic beauty of nature? Are you crazy to take some amazing shots of serene nature? The answer to all your questions is "A Trip to Kasol". 

If you haven't planned yet, then you are on the right blog. I am going to share with you a complete travel guide and our experiences, along with the tips and measures you should follow.

About Kasol:

Kasol is the very famous hill station in Himachal Pradesh, full of lush greenery and charming beauty, and is the tourist destination for a huge number of visitors for obvious reasons. Kasol is in Kullu district, situated in Parvati Valley, on the way between Bhuntar and Manikaran. It is around 30KM from Bhuntar and 3.4 KM from Manikaran.

Kasol is also known as mini-Israel and the Amsterdam of India because of a great number of foreigners and Israel visitors. They prefer to live here as their home. Don't be surprised if you find more Israelis than Indians here.

Parvati River in Kasol

Culture in Kasol:

Kasol is also famous for its culture and the peace around here. Kasol is very well known for the hippie culture. Also, on religious terms, there is a famous Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib, commonly known for its hot water spring, just near Kasol. You will also find Lord Shiva followers in the mountains and valleys. The nearby Parvati valley and Shiva temple attract the followers.

The adventurous trek, beautiful villages, and the sight of Parvati Valley will make your trip a dreamy and glorious one. Nature feels so good here that you will never want to leave Kasol. The mesmerizing views, beautiful greenery, amazing landscape, phenomenal weather are something which you can't miss in one place.

The mesmerizing view of Kasol with Lush green pine trees and snow-covered Mountains

One more thing, the easy availability of the world-famous Malana cream makes Kasol really popular. This is probably one of the reasons to pull peace searching seekers to come here.

In Kasol, Hemp is grown in the wild

How is the Weather in Kasol?

Throughout the year, Kasol is blessed with tremendous weather and experiences all seasons of the cycle. You will experience pleasant summer and gratifying snowfall in the winters. In every season, Kasol's weather is just amusing.

Monsoon in the Kasol is just a delight. You will find a fantastic landscape, with lush greenery covering the valleys along the Parvati river. The weather is pleasant for the whole year. It's just that the temperature in the winters may reach as below as 0 to -1 degrees.

You can decide which season you like the most or how you want to amuse yourself, snow in the mountains or green lush all around the mountains. It is totally up to you!!

Tip: Try to avoid the monsoon, because the valleys and the places would be slippery. It is not preferred to go on the trek in the rainy season.

Beautiful scenic view in Kasol

What is the Best Time To Visit Kasol?

If you are a first-timer, then the best time to visit Kasol is from March to June. 

During Summers, the temperature will be around 15 degrees, you can chill around and trek. This is one of the reasons, why most Indians prefer summer to visit Kasol. Kasol is crowded during this summer. There will be parties and a chilling and hippie atmosphere during this time.

If you want less crowded and less commercial activity, choose to visit during the post-monsoon period, i.e September to November. There will be greenery and a bit colder.

Monsoon should be avoided, as the area is prone to landslides.

Beautiful Parvati river water level rises in Monsoon

How To Reach Kasol?

There are many ways to reach Kasol, you can pick anyone as per your choice,

1. Airway: Bhuntar is the nearest airport, which is 31 KM away. But be aware that there are limited flights to Bhuntar. The other nearby airport is Chandigarh airport, which is 295KM away. If you are taking this route, you can book a taxi from Bhuntar airport, and within an hour you will reach Kasol.

2. Railway: The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar railway station, which is 144 KM away from Kasol. It will take 4-5 hours to reach Kasol. You can directly book a cab after reaching the station.

There is another way also, take an early morning Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Chandigarh and reach there before 11 AM. After reaching Chandigarh, you can book a taxi or cab and reach Kasol.

3. Roadway: The best way for a Kasol trip is by Road. The distance from Delhi to Kasol is around 565KM. It will take around 12 hours. You will find amazing "Dhabas" on the Delhi-Chandigarh highway one of them is in Murthal "Sukhdev Dhaba". Once you exit Chandigarh, you will enter the greenery land and the hills will accompany you all along, with the music added, your journey will become really happening.

The road condition is also really good. It's definitely a worth-try trip.

Public Transport/Bus:

You will get many overnight buses from ISBT, Delhi to Bhuntar. The Volvo/AC buses are available from the INR 1500.

If you take a direct bus from Chandigarh, it will take around 8 hours to reach Bhuntar. After reaching Bhuntar you can change your bus and take private taxis or bus to Kasol. 

Tip: I would recommend taking a private taxi from Bhuntar to Kasol, as the frequency of the local bus is close to 1 hour.

Kasol Bus Stand

Local Mode of Transport:

The best mode to explore Kasol is defiantly by walking, on foot. You can explore the trek, outing, hikes. Enjoy the quietness and calmness near the bank of the Parvati river. You may find the roads for the vehicles but still, it is highly recommended that walking is the best in every way.

Note: Do not lose the way while moving, anyway, you will find the boards and signs for the way all along. 

Itinerary For Kasol Trip:

Now that you have a basic idea about Kasol, it is easy to plan your trip. Also, I am going to share a high-level itinerary for you, in case you are visiting Kasol for the first time, you can use the below itinerary, which will guide you to plan your trip.

Day 1: Reach Kasol (Delhi to Kasol/ Chandigarh to Kasol/ Bhuntar airport to Kasol)

Day 2: Kasol - Explore and chill around

Day 3: Plan to visit Tosh Village or Chalal Village or Plan for Kheerganga Trek. I have covered a detailed blog on How you can plan your Kheerganga Trek

Day 4: Return back from Kasol to Delhi/Chandigarh/Bhuntar airport)

Somewhere on the way to our Kasol Trip

Where To Stay In Kasol?

You will find many pocket-friendly options to stay in Kasol, Parvati Valley, and nearby villages. Good hostels, small hotels, lounges, or camping services are easily available in Kasol.

If you are traveling with your family, book a hotel before reaching there. there may be chances of houseful. 

You will find many guest houses, luxury hotels if you want a relaxing stay.

Note: Before booking or arriving at the hotel, try to have a look at the reviews. This helps you a lot in deciding which place will be the best for your accommodation.

In Kasol market lane Plenty of budget-friendly options are available for accommodation

What To Do In Kasol?

You will enjoy Kasol when you know, what can be done here. Other than beautiful tremendous nature, Kasol is famous for its commercial attractions. There are following some of the interesting things you can do in Kasol:

1. Kheerganga Trek: 

Kheerganga is at the extreme end of Parvati Valley, mostly covered with snow. This is like magical heaven for all of the tourists who come from all over the World. Once you reach the top of Kheer Ganga, you will see yourself in between beautiful and dense clouds, snow-capped mountains, long pine trees. 

Kheerganga trek is popular because after reaching the top one can enjoy and relax in the natural hot water spring which is also considered very auspicious. The trekking route has lots of interesting spots like Rudra waterfall, Shiva Temple, Pine trees along with an amazing view of flora around.

Please visit Tosh to Kheerganga Trek - A Complete Travel Guide to get a complete guide on Kheerganga Trek.

Kheerganga Trek

2. Visit Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara:

Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is located at about 6KM from Kasol, in the middle of River Beas. In spite of any religion, which you follow, this is a must-visit place if you are on a Kasol trip. There is a very famous natural hot water spring, and it is believed that taking a dip in its auspicious water can remove all the sins.

The "Langar" in this Gurudwara serves delicious food, which is cooked inside its four walls don't forget to try it do some "Seva" for your inner peace. Your visit will definitely be worth it.

Location: Hari Har Ghat, Manikaran road, Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh.

Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara

3. Kasol Party:

There are various music parties in Kasol, which keep happening here. If you love the party and chill culture, then parties at Parvati Valley should be a must to attend. People come here to forget all their worries and sorrows and enjoy the moment. 

Hype Music Festival is one of the most popular events in Kasol. The musical performances, bonfire, trippy decorations, and lighting effects enhance the vibes and makes the festive environment.

Parties usually organized on the other side of the Parvati River

4. Must try Israeli Cuisine:

This can be considered as one of the reasons that Kasol is known as mini -Israeli of India. You definitely cant miss lemon cakes, shakshouka, and another exotic Israeli cuisine.

There are various cafes in the streets of Kasol. You will find a golden chance to enjoy your dining an amazing food and fabulous weather, and long conversations with your loved ones. 

Try desserts in 'Evergreen restaurant and cafe'.

Evergreen Cafe in Kasol

5. Chalal Village:

Chalal is a village that can be addictive, full of chirpy birds and colorful trees. It feels like heaven, walking in the hike of Chalal. It takes around 25 minutes to reach Chalal village by walk. The solitude nature of this village will make you feel out of the world.

Another specialty here is the food, which is very yum. There are many cafes just beside the free-flowing Parvati river. The village is also wallet-friendly. You should not miss visiting this small but amazing village.

Note: Other than the above places there are many other small villages nearby Kasol, which are full of nature and beauty. But for a trip, the above places are must-try places.

On our way to Chalal Village Trek

What is the cost of the Kasol Trip?

This is defiantly a by default question that arises in everyone's mind, 'how much a Kasol trip will cost?'

The answer to this question basically depends on how long the trip is? If you are planning for a 4-5 day trip, the Kasol trip will cost you around 5000-7000, which again depends on where you stay and what you eat.

The main expense is actually traveling. The mode of traveling also plays a major role in the cost of your whole trip.

Tip: Try to plan a Kasol trip in a group, so that the costing could be shared and you can have a good affordable Kasol trip.

Important Points for Kasol Trip:

1. Try to keep some extra cash with you, ATMs are limited and you may not be able to get cash.

2. While going out, Carry your own water bottle and try to fill it up where ever possible. 

3. Try to wear good trekking shoes, if you are planning to go on trekking to avoid any casualty.

4. Try not to throw any plastic garbage in open areas, valleys, and mountains and be a responsible tourist.

5. In Winters, the path is covered in snow and you may not able to travel and it is recommended to avoid going on a trek in winter.

I hope this travel guide helps you in planning your trip to Kasol.

Feel free to share suggestions or feedback if you have any in the comment section. Thank you for reading!! :)