Kasol the mini Israel of India and a hippie’s paradise is 518 km away from the capital, New Delhi. Kasol is a small village in Himachal Pradesh and is situated on the bank of Parvati River. Kasol is an ideal place for relaxation, a party place, a backpacker’s paradise, and a base for various trekking like Sar pass, Yankar pass, Pin Parbati, Kheer Ganga, Tosh, and Malana. There is a bridge in this village dividing it into two parts known as Old Kasol and New Kasol. Visitors from Israel are common in Kasol and one can see the Hebrew language banners throughout the valley.
Another reason which is no more hidden is the world’s best cream produced in the valley and perhaps the wrong reason for a large number of travelers in Parvati Valley.
Parvati Valley
How to get there:
There is no direct bus to Kasol, You need to board a bus to Kullu or Manali and then de-board at Bhuntar, 10km prior to Kullu. Then you need to change one more bus from Bhuntar to Kasol, which is 31 km away. Lots of private buses and local taxies are available from Bhuntar to Kasol. The nearest airport is at Bhuntar. Kasol is at distance of 5 km from Manikaran, a famous Sikh, and Hindu Pilgrim.
Season to visit:
March to July is the best time to go to Kasol as the weather is very pleasant (15-22 Degree Celcius). In winters, i.e., Oct to Feb, the temperature is in between 3 to 10 degrees. So go there depending on the level of cold you can bear. If you have planned for a trek avoid during monsoons as the entire trail will be slippery and could be dangerous.
Accommodation:
You will get many options for stay in kasol. Hotels with valley view, camping on the river banks and home stay as well available here.
Riverside Camping
Relax at the river bed in Alpine Guest House
Food, Restaurant, and Cafe:
Kasol serves the most exclusive gastronomic delight. Due to huge numbers of Israeli settlers in the Parvati Valley, food is flavored largely by mid-western influences. You will get many options to eat here, both western and Indian foods are available here. You can try some Israeli foods like Shakshouka, a dish of poached eggs in tangy tomato gravy along with hummus and pita bread, Falafel, Hummus with Zatar Naan, Bureka, lemon cake. Don’t forget to try Trout.
Jim Morrison Cafe, Evergreen restaurant, Bhoj restaurant, Stone Garden Cafe, Shiv Shanti Cafe, Moon Dance Cafe, German bakery, Shambu momo corner these are a must visit places.
Grilled chicken with falafel @ Evergreen Cafe
View from Evergreen Cafe
Nearby Places:
Manikaran:
5 km from Kasol, Manikaran Sahib, a famous Gurudwara lies on the bank of Parvati river and known for hot water spring, devotees take a dip in this hot water spring and offers prayer to the main shrine. The hot springs in some portion are hot enough to boil rice. The local claims that it is powerful enough that it can heal the diseases of the nasal tract like rheumatism and bronchitis. Langar is always available here. There are also temples of Hindu deities Rama, Krishna, and Vishnu.
Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib
Inside Manikaran Sahib
Naina Bhagwati Temple, Built fully with wood.
Chalal:
Chalal a nearby village, 20 min casual walk from kasol opposite to the Parvati river is a hub for psychedelic parties. Music festivals are often held here and draw a lot of visitors. Many rave parties also being conducted here throughout the year.
Bridge to Chalal
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