KASOL: The perfect getaway for the hippy in you

Kasol

Known for its Israeli inhabitants and globetrotters, Kasol is a small village in district Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. It is located on the sidelines of the majestic Parvati River. Despite being small in size, Kasol is flooded with lots of reggae cafes, cheap hostels and you will also find a few desi dhabas at every nook and corner serving traditional Indian food.

Over the past few years, Kasol has become a hub for backpackers and hippies wandering in search of peace and solitude. So if you are someone who wants some alone time away from the fast paced world, then Kasol is just the place you want to visit.

How to reach Kasol

Kasol is located in the midst of the Parvati valley, almost 32 kilometers from Bhuntar. Since the time Kasol started flooding with tourists, it has been well coupled with the rest of the world despite its remote location. So if you are planning a head out to Kasol then there are various options for you to get there

1) BOOK A FLIGHT: The nearest airport to Kasol is the Bhuntar airport, just 32 kilometers to one side. From the airport you can either hire a cab or board an HRTC bus and reach the bohemian village.

Kasol

2) HOP ON A BUS: If you are willing to undergo a tiresome bus journey then you can get on an HRTC bus from Delhi or Chandigarh which ever is nearer to you. Although the journey is enduring and exhausting, you will definitely get to see some beautiful landscapes and mountains on the way, and believe me, you are not going to regret taking this journey.

3) DRIVE YOURSELF: The road to Kasol is a dangerous one and I suggest you to drive yourself only if you have some experience of driving on hilly roads.

Things to do in Kasol

1) EXPLORE NEARBY VILLAGES: Kasol is surrounded by some of the most beautiful and mysterious villages. Once you set foot in Kasol, you cannot miss a chance to visit villages like Tosh, Rasol, Chalal and Malana. These villages are not just a delight for the eye but they offer some of the finest hashish you will ever get to smoke. In fact, Malana produces the finest charas in India (Malana cream). So if you want to alert your consciousness and get high then Malana is just the place for you.

Kasol

2) VISIT  MANIKARAN SAHIB GURUDWARA: Located just 5 kilometers away from Kasol, Manikaran is a small village famous for its hot water springs and the ancient Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara. The doors of the Gurudwara are always open to tourists and they serve appetizing langar as well.

3) SHOPPING: It’s a common practice that people buy souvenirs from places they visit. Well, travelers have a variety of options to choose from when it comes to buying something from Kasol. You can buy the locally made shawls, jackets, or you can go for hand knitted gloves, socks and wallets. If that’s not what you want then there is a variety of reggae stuff like bongs, chillums, blow pipes available to choose from.

4) SAVOUR ISRAELI FOOD: The majority tourists that visit Kasol are of Israeli descent. Because of this, majority of cafes and restaurants in the locality serve mouthwatering Israeli cuisine.

Kasol

5) TREKKING: If you are a wanderer looking for some adventure then treks like Kheerganga and Pin Parvati are just perfect for you. These treks take you through dense forests, open grasslands, majestic mountains and some of the most beautiful landscapes you will ever peer at in your life. Trust me, if you hike on one of these treks, you will have enough pictures for your Instagram profile, if that’s what you are looking for.

Where to stay:

When it comes to spending a night in Kasol, there are various options available to choose from.

Kasol

You can choose to stay in a normal hotel room like most travelers do. But if u want a different kind of an experience then I advise you to stay in one of the many camps located on the banks of the Parvati River.

When to visit:

Although Kasol welcomes tourists throughout the year but temperature falls drastically during winters making it difficult to stay in cold. So the best time to visit is between April and October.

-Sharanpal Singh

Edited by Mrinaal Datt

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