Kasol: A backpacker’s dream destination
If you have to choose one place for solo travel and backpacking, then there is nothing better than Kasol. Kasol is also a great starting point for many great destinations that are unique in many ways.
Kasol has become world-famous for its great natural beauty and sometimes it is also known for its hippie culture with its laid-back vibe. Sometimes many people associate cannabis culture with Kasol and believe that it is the only reason to travel here. However, this is rather unfair as you can easily overlook the many features of Kasol.
Kasol is a tranquil destination that is a perfect escape from the city’s pollution and anxiety-inducing culture. That is the reason Kasol is an important addition to all popular Kullu-Manali holiday packages.
Kasol is a small village which is situated close to Manikaran. Kasol is popularly known as the ‘Mini Israel’ because of the large number of Israeli tourists visiting here. Among all the international tourists, Israeli tourists are among the largest crowd of people you can see in Kasol.
Every year there are hundreds of backpackers visiting places like Manali, Kullu, Dharamshala, and other destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Among the best backpacker destinations, you can find many offbeat places around the hamlet of Kasol.
9 Best Places You Should Be Visiting In Kasol
There are a great many places to visit in Kasol that you can consider before traveling. Once you are ready to make plans for your Kasol vacay, the following list of destinations can help you make your trip and a great one.
We have listed some of the best destinations which are suited mostly for backpackers and solo travelers. This is because of the culture of Kasol which is not exactly suited for family trips. However, we still have included some places where you can take your family on a vacation in Kasol.
So, let’s start with our list of the finest places to visit in Kasol
1. Tosh Village
Tosh is one of the best destinations in Kasol that you can visit. Tosh village is one of the most visited destinations by international tourists because of its breathtaking beauty and gorgeous views.
Tosh is located at a distance of around 20 kilometers from Kasol and it is situated at the height of 2400 meters. You can easily find Israeli food available in the local cafés and restaurants. Tosh is a backpacker’s favorite destination.
Although you might not find Tosh village in the popular Himachal holiday packages, with the increasing popularity of this place more and more people have shown interest in Tosh.
Tourist activities: Trekking, Photography, and Nature walks.
Suggested Read: Trekking in Himachal Pradesh
2. Tirthan Valley
Among the many tourist attractions in Kasol, the Tirthan valley is very popular among tourists. The Tirthan valley is very popular for Trout fishing and people visiting Tirthan enjoy feasting on this delicious fish. The valley is also popularly called the ‘Trout Fish Valley’.
Tirthan valley is included in the Great Himalayan National Park and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is very carefully preserved.
Tirthan valley is located around 60 kilometers away from the Kasol and is considered one of the best offbeat places around the hamlet of Kasol. One of the best features of the valley is the beautiful wooden architecture of the local houses. It is truly a beautiful place to be where nature is at its best.
Tourist activities: Hiking and Photography
Suggested Read: Honeymoon Destinations in North India
3. Parvati Valley
Trekking through the beautiful Parvati Valley is one of the best things to do in Kasol as a backpacker or a solo traveler. You can also experience the beauty of the Parvati river that flows through the valley.
The Parvati river is a great source of nourishment for the residents of the Parvati valley. The river is also among the most popular attractions of the Parvati valley. You can relax with your friends near the river bank or walking beside it. It is one of the simplest and most beautiful experiences one can have.
Tourist activities: Hiking and Photography
Suggested Read: Adventure Places in India
4. Manikaran
Manikaran is around 6 kilometers away from Kasol and it is a popular destination that is included in almost all Himachal holiday packages. Manikaran is a family-friendly destination that is also considered a place for pilgrimage.
People of both Hindu and Sikh faith have made Manikaran an important place for offering their prayers. Two famous shrines in Manikaran include the Manikaran Gurudwara and the Shiva Temple. Manikaran Gurudwara is also popular among people of both Hindu and Sikh faiths.
One of the major attractions of Manikaran is the hot springs that you can enjoy as a traveler. There are places where you can take a dip in the hot springs which are believed to contain medicinal properties. Also, visiting the Shiva temple in Manikaran during the Shivratri is one of the most popular experiences for tourists.
Tourist activities: Dip in the hot springs, Eating ‘langar’ at Gurudwara, and Sightseeing.
Suggested Read: Places to visit in Shimla
5. Kheerganga
Those seeking to have a little adventure in Kasol can consider trekking to Kheerganga. The Kheerganga trek is one of the most doable treks for regular travelers. It is also one of the best things to do in Kasol-Kullu Manali.
Anyone can make plans for your Kasol vacay and end up not seeing the beauty of Kasol. Kheerganga village is one of the most beautiful sights to experience while you are in Kasol. If you are traveling with your family, you can also consider trekking to Kheerganga to make your trip truly memorable.
Kheerganga is the last village in the Parvati valley where you can start your trek through the Pin-Parvati pass. You can also find great local food and affordable accommodation around the village.
Tourist activities: Photography, Trekking, and dipping in Hot springs.
Suggested Read: Things to do in Manali
6. Naggar Village
The Naggar village is among the best secret destinations in Himachal Pradesh. You can hear about backpackers visiting places like Naggar village which are remote and relatively untouched by modern technology.
You might not find Naggar village in the popular Kullu-Manali holiday packages sold by the tour operators. But you can do some of your research and make plans to take a trip to this gorgeous village. It might take around 2 hours of journey to reach the Naggar village from Kasol.
You will find beautiful waterfalls and scenic views of the majestic mountain range surrounding Kasol. Visiting the local Gauri Shankar Temple and the famous castle of Naggar can be quite an experience. One of the most unique features of the Naggar town is its architecture which is based on wooden and rock-based structures.
Tourist activities: Visiting local temples and Nature walks.
Suggested Read: Solo Trip to Himachal
7. Kalga Village
Kalga is beautiful and a small village in the Parvati valley. If you are a backpacker, then Kalga is a great offbeat destination to visit. People trekking through the Parvati valley find this small village to be a tranquil destination to stop by. Although it is a much lesser-known place, it is also one of the finest places to visit in Kasol.
It is most likely that you will not find this destination as part of any Shimla-Kullu-Manali tour package but you can always ask a tour operator to make arrangements for you if you want to avoid any hassle for travel planning. If you wish to escape the city’s noise and need a digital detox, then Kalga is a great place to be in.
The Kalga village has a very down-to-earth vibe with some of the most amazing surroundings of mountain background and apple trees. Many people on their way to Kheerganga Trek come across Kalga village and treat it as a base camp for their journey.
Tourists activities: Photography, Hiking, and Relaxing
Suggested Read: Famous Cuisine of Himachal Pradesh
8. Malana Village
The village of Malana is probably one of the most intriguing and infamous destinations around Kasol. Malana village is a very ancient village and the villagers are believed to be the descendants of the Greeks who were left in India during the time of Alexander.
Malana is an isolated village and it has its laws and rules. Situated in the Parvati valley, this village has become a tourist attraction in Kasol because it being a world-famous hashish producer.
Malana is an interesting place to visit near Kasol however, there are a few things you need to remember before visiting Malana. The village of Malana prohibits anyone outside of their community to touch the buildings of the people. So, it is against their local laws to touch any of the village property or even the people there.
Tourist activities: Hiking and socializing with the Villagers.
Suggested Read: Things to do in Leh-Ladakh
9. Kullu
Kullu is situated at a distance of around 50 kilometers from Kasol and it is a great place to visit near Kasol. Kullu is an overall perfect destination for all types of travelers. People traveling with their families can find plenty of places to enjoy the food and shopping for local products. It is one of the best sightseeing spots near Kasol popular for its traditional architecture and cultural practices.
Kullu is probably one of the best places you should be visiting in and around Kasol. Kullu has many sightseeing opportunities for tourists. You can find historical temples, beautiful rivers, and many other places of interest to make your vacation a memorable experience.
Tourist activities: Visiting Raghunath Temple and Rupi Palace, Trekking to Parasher & Bhrigu Lake, Paragliding, Camping, Adventure sports, Shopping, and Sightseeing.
Suggested Read: Mesmerizing Places to visit in Dharamshala
Conclusion
If you do enough research and make proper plans, then there are many places to visit in Kasol that suits your traveling needs. If you wish the planning to be taken care of in a defined budget, then it is probably best to book a suitable Shimla-Kullu-Manali tour package that has multiple destinations included in it.
Kasol is a beautiful destination that offers a natural setting and is great for escaping the city’s pollution and noise. The best way to experience Kasol is to avoid any digital gadgets and simply allow yourself to relax in the lap of nature.
As a backpacker, you can always find places to see in Kasol. Many international tourists travel like a backpacker and explore small villages hidden away in the valleys. This is probably the best way to experience Kasol as the beauty of this place is in its simplicity. It is best to keep things simple and enjoy the simple laid-back lifestyle of the Kasol. Keeping your expectations to the minimum and experiencing things as they come by is a great way to experience the beauty of Kasol.
If you are new to Himachal Pradesh, it is important to respect the local culture and traditions. For example, the village of Malana has a very different culture compared to the rest of the country. It is important that you adhere to the local laws and not create any conflict with the locals.
Suggested Read: Rohtang Pass
Best Time To travel:
The best time to travel to Kasol is during the summer months starting from March until June. During these months, the weather is quite pleasant and you can find nature at its best. The flowers are blooming and the valleys are rich with life. You will not be disappointed in terms of finding great pictures to capture.
The winter months starting December until February are also good if you are someone who loves to experience the snowfall or snow-covered mountains. The winter season has a different flavor in terms of experiencing Kasol. You can find way fewer tourists during the winter season. And the people who love to avoid the tourist crowds can visit Kasol during the winters.
Transportation:
If you want to save a lot of transportation time, traveling by air would be the best idea. The nearest airport to Kasol is the Kullu Manali Airport which is around 30 kilometers away from the town of Kasol. You can easily find flights connecting all the major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.
If you are traveling by train, then the nearest railway station is the Joginder Nagar railway station which is roughly around 150 kilometers away from Kasol. You might have to take a cab and then travel further into Kasol.
