Parvati Valley in the Himachal Pradesh district of Kullu is renowned for its psychedelic trance festivals, hippy cafés, and its quality hash, which is illegal in India and is frequented by young Indian people and foreign travelers. The landscape is also amazing. It has large peaks in the Himalayas, lush forests, shimmering streams, and cascades that are all unprepared for trekking, hiking, and climbing ground.
Take advantage of your trip by visiting the nice 60 F or so in March through June, October, and November. Avoid the monsoon season, as there are regular landslides, from July to September. Comfortable hotels, hostels, guesthouses in all price ranges are available for accommodation. Make sure you bring enough money as in remote areas of the valley, except Kasol and Manikaran, you do not have ATMs. Power cuts are a normal occurrence, so the power bank and the torch are to be transported.
It’s not that hard to get to this Himalayan Valley in Northern India. In around one hour, you’ll be in Kasol by taxi to the Kullu-Manali Airport in Bhuntar. You can also get by train here. Joginder Nagar is the nearest railway station. Take a bus or hire a Parvati Valley cab from there. However, the easiest way to get to the valley is by boarding a Volvo bus from Delhi to Manali and landing in Bhuntar. Take another bus or cab from there to your desired Parvati Valley destination.
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The highlights to visit in the Parvati Valley are described here:
1. Kasol
Kasol is located on the banks of the Parvati River, with a well-established reputation as a relaxed hippie hub with frequent live music cafes and festivals. It is particularly common with Israelis who now live in the area. The village is fittingly referred to as the “Indian Mini Israel.” Enjoy local delicious food like Israeli food in the cafes.
There are various walks around the town, offering phenomenal views of the natural scenery, if you feel active and up for an Adventure. Explore the surrounding villages if you’re looking for a gentle ramble.
2. Grahan
Up above the famous Kasol is the relatively quiet village of Grahan, surrounded by traditional wooden houses that are in full harmony with the natural scenery. Only by walking from Kasol is the village available. It takes approximately four hours and welcoming locals are glad to show off their surroundings. In the center of the town is the deity’s historical temple; make sure that before entering the town the local people get permission. Furthermore, the Grahan food is one of the best gastronomic experiences in the valley prepared with local ingredients.
3. Chalal
The picturesque village of Chalal is a 30-minute walk from the village of Kasol via a cable suspension bridge across the Parvati River and through the lush pine forests. However, this hamlet has more to do than the dramatic arrival. A visit is assured between May and October.
There are well-known trance parties; the most important one here is the Magica Festival in the early summer. Birdwatchers, campers, and nature lovers favor the village on calmer days. Also, if you would like to take a look at your trip here, you have a small bric-a-brac store. Plus, you will be invited to walk in several beautiful little cafés.
4. Rasol
Rasol is known for its untouched natural beauty and the locally made Rasol Cream hash. Visitors can relax in nature, walk along the local paths, and if they choose, take the tour. A three- to four-hour uphill walk from Chalal to the alpine woods, rivulets, and rhododendron trees is the journey to get there.
5. Tosh
Tosh is located on a hill near Kasol, at a height of 7900 feet. You may have a tough, or fast, trip to this village; lovers walk up to the village but from Kasol taxis are available which will bring you to the village in about an hour. Walk on the green pastures and apple groves and enjoy Indian and Israeli food, birdwatching and hippie cafés. Naturally, activity is on the agenda as well with several scenic walking routes in the nearby mountains.
6. Kuala
Kuala is the best place to go if you’re looking for a calmer and equally wonderful alternative to a more busy Tosh. The walk from Tosh is just two miles. The first part is pretty straightforward, but after passing the river Tosh, the way climbs steeply and from there, it is a difficult uphill walk. You can easily spend a day or two trekking in the Budhavan Forest, explore the plantations of Apple Trees, cool off in the rustic café, or relax on the banks, surrounded by peace and quiet.
7. Manikaran
Manikaran is about 2.5 miles east of Kasol, easily reached by bus. Manikaran provides spiritual attractions, in addition to breathtaking views of the Harinder Mountains and short nearby treks to satisfy your needs. Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib, a Sikh worship house renowned for its rich mineral springs and longer is one of the most touristy (community meal). The Shiva Temple is a must-see as is the Lord Ram Chandraji Temple and the wooden Naina Bhagwati Mandir from the 17th century.
8. Kheerganga
From Barshaini, approximately 10 miles from Kasol, you can reach Kheerganga via a relatively moderate and beautiful four to five-hour trek. You can take a taxi or a bus from Kasol to Barshaini. From Barshaini you can go along calm rivers in a trek to Kheerganga, through thick forests and old villages. You can also find a quiet waterfall to rest and relax. Not only are you awarded an etheric view of the surrounding countryside when you get there but you can also immerse yourself in the natural hot springs on the summit. Men and women have different pools.
