Kasol is a village situated on the banks of the Parvati river, at a height
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Kasol is the laid-back base from which several close-by sites can be visited. What begins as a two-day weekend may just end up being a relaxing long week spent here; such is the charm of this tiny hamlet.
Manikaran
Located 5 km away from Kasol, this lovely village offers a maze of small streets, lined with wooden houses and colourful façades. It is a pilgrimage centre for both Hindus and Sikhs and the hot spring inside the Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is considered auspicious. The gurudwara itself is a huge, impressive structure located on the bank of the river, with colourful flags everywhere and a constant crowd. The structure was built to commemorate Guru Nanak’s visit to Manikaran.
The aforementioned hot spring is claimed by residents of the village (with some pride) to have curative powers and is so hot that rice can be cooked in it! Also in town are shrines dedicated to Krishna, Rama and Vishnu.
Sar Pass Trek
This trek starts from Kasol and is composed of six villages: Grahan, Padri, Ratapani, Nagaru, Biskeri and Bhandak Thatch. The path leads through a lush green forest, with beautiful waterfalls on the way. The vegetation is dense and various birds can be seen and heard along the way.
Khir Ganga
To start this hike, you first need to take a local bus till Barshaini. From there, it is an 11-km walk till Khir Ganga, a trek that is at once physically challenging and refreshing. After the climb, you are rewarded with the opportunity to bathe in the hot spring, which is accessible from the end of April to the end of October every year.
Tosh
Tosh is a village of much scenic beauty, and is ideal for those seeking peace and calm. The locals are mostly farmers, who cultivate apples and hashish, the main source of income here. The temple of Jamdagni Rishi at the centre of the village is on the banks of Tosh Nallah.
From Barshaini, you can go through Kalga, a steep uphill climb lasting about 20 minutes, or Pulga (30-40 mins). It takes 1 1/2 hours from Pulga to Tosh.
WHERE TO STAY AND EAT
In Kasol
Hotel Sandhya Kasol (Tel: 01902-273745, Cell: 09218525695; Tariff: ₹3,300-5,500) is a luxurious property with a restaurant, bar and coffee shop. Hotel Green Valley (Tel: 273869; Tariff: ₹1,000-3,500) has large bedrooms. Alpine Guest House (Tel: 273710; Tariff: ₹800-4,000) has spacious rooms and serves multicuisine meals.
Close by, in Dhoonkhara village, lies the beautiful Himalayan Village (Tel: 276266, Cell: 098050-72712; Tariff: ₹7,600-10,600) with six cottages and two machans.
In Grahan
Krishna Guesthouse is a wooden house with a view on the snow peaks and offers three bedrooms. And it is only ₹100 per night.
In Manikaran
Sharma Sadan Guesthouse (Tel: 01902-273703; Tariff: ₹250-350) has clean rooms and a restaurant. Fateh Paying Guesthouse (Cell: 09816894968; Tariff: ₹300) with five rooms is more like a homestay.
In Khir Ganga
This tiny place has several campsites and a couple of restaurants.
In Tosh
Hotel Hilltop (Cell: 09816380515; Tariff: ₹300-800) is a budget hotel. It has cosy rooms and the restaurant serves international cuisine.
When to go End-April to end-October. In the other months, stay at Kasol is possible but the snow and temperature will make it tough to trek and camp Location Kasol is a hill station 42 kms east of Kullu Air Nearest airport: Bhuntar Rail Nearest rail: Kalka
Barshaini
Himachal Pradesh
Kasol
