At an elevation of more than 5,000 feet, Kasol is a small town in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Nestled in Parvati Valley, this humble community is often a base camp for hikers and other adventure seekers. Learn more about Kasol so that you can plan a memorable trip.
Hiking Up the Hillsides
Hiking up from Kasol and into the foothills is a favorite pastime for visitors. Certainly, many hiking trails originate in Kasol, such as the Chalal Trek Trail. Here, you hike along the river as well as enjoy the dense forest nearby.
In addition, many other treks take you in and out of Kasol. Because these hiking experiences can range from beginner to advanced, researching the terrain beforehand can help you narrow down the best choice. For example, consider the Sar Pass, Kheerganga or Parvati Pin Pass treks. Each one offers grand views and unique opportunities to see Northern India's nature up close.
Discovering Parvati River
For many travelers, simply sitting by the river is a vacation goal. Reading a book, praying or meditating are common practices here. If you're a fishing fan, plentiful trout swims through the river each year.
Typically, you must register for an angling license before fishing. With the government's permission, you can fish along the river's banks. Avoid walking into the river to preserve its natural flow.
Next, the adventure-seeking visitor might enjoy whitewater rafting. When the river has a strong flow, local companies set up these daily trips. With safety gear, you can sail down the river in a raft or tube, depending on the conditions and the company's supplies. As the river's flow changes, the ride can change from slow to fast in a matter of minutes.
Tasting Local Delicacies
If you're a foodie, Kasol offers a unique mixture of different recipes originating from various cultures. For instance, Kasol is known as "Little Israel" because of its high population of Israeli visitors. In response, several restaurants serve authentic dishes, such as falafel, mushroom soup and chicken schnitzel.
Because the Tibetan culture also thrives here, enjoy thupka or momo soup at another nearby restaurant. In addition, discover Indian staples at Kasol, including dham and egg paranthas. For hiking enthusiasts, taking an egg parantha on a hike can keep you full for many hours. As a filling protein, this egg dish rolls up and travels well. In the end, your stay in Kasol can give you a taste of three cultures within a mile radius.
Seeking Out the Waterfalls
Because Kasol is in a valley, runoff from the surrounding mountains creates natural waterfalls. In fact, two waterfalls are just outside of the main town. Trek up to Manjal and Kasol waterfalls for a spectacular look at the natural erosion and surrounding forest. Because these attractions are close to town, there isn't a lot of hiking involved. For beginners, this nature adventure is safe with the proper footwear.
Planning Your Visit
Typically, the best time to visit Kasol is during spring or fall. In the spring, the snow's runoff creates a healthy river flow for whitewater rafting. Also, the weather is pleasant with plenty of blossoming flowers across the hillsides.
During the fall, the summer monsoons are over and winter's chill hasn't arrived yet. There may be fewer visitors in the fall, too. If you're looking for a serene atmosphere for self-reflection, September and October are ideal times to visit.
Traveling to Kasol
For international visitors, fly to Kullu-Manali airport. Here, you can take a bus or taxi to Kasol. Because Kasol is deep within Parvati Valley, taking roads into the town is the only option.
Alternatively, you can take a train from Joginder Nagar. Afterward, traveling by bus or taxi is still necessary. Indeed, the main benefit of taking public transportation into Kasol is sightseeing. During the drive, you can see the mountains rising upward, the local flora and possibly some wildlife sightings. Once you arrive in Kasol, walking the town is natural for most visitors.
Because of Kasol's close proximity to Kullu, Manikaran and Bhuntar, many visitors extend their vacations to see other towns. Ideally, create an itinerary that fits your comfort level before booking any activities. Whether you want adrenaline-pumping fun or a spiritual retreat, Kasol has many attractions for every personality.
