Why visiting Tosh village is on everyone's wishlist?
The village of Tosh is situated at the height of around 2400 meters above sea level in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh. Tourism plays an essential part in contributing to the local economy. Many local people are either engaged in various tourism-related activities or engaged in various agricultural occupations.
Another unique feature of Tosh Village is the architecture of the houses. These houses are totally made out of wood and they have a very unique style of building these houses. Most homestay options available in the village are these traditional houses made out of wood and stone. For international tourists, it is quite an interesting experience to spend time in these houses.
This beautiful village is located near the famous river of Parvati with the background of beautiful mountain peaks and lush green valleys. Tosh village is easily accessible by road and is well connected with all the major towns of Himachal Pradesh.
In recent years, Tosh village has become a famous international tourist destination with a large number of Israeli tourists visiting every year. The village is full of tourist attractions spread out near the village of Tosh. From trekking trails to temples, there are plenty of things to do in Tosh.
The people of the village are very friendly and their culture is very unique compared to the rest of the villages in Himachal Pradesh. The traditional rituals and cultural festivals of this village are very exciting to watch for the tourists.
With the rising trend of the popularity of Tosh Village the tour operators are extensively promoting Tosh village as part of their Himachal tour packages. For some couples, it is also an ideal destination to spend their honeymoon. It is quite common to find some Himachal honeymoon tour package with Tosh Village and Tosh Valley as their main attraction.
6 Best Things to do in Tosh
Visit to Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara
As far as tourist activities are concerned, it depends a lot on the tourist’s preference on whether he/she wants to trek or shop or visit temples. The following list of top 5 activities is some of the most exciting things to do in Tosh.
Kheerganga Trek
Kheerganga Trek, Tosh Village (image source; Wikimedia Commons)
The Kheerganga Trek is one of the most popular treks in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It attracts travelers and adventure seekers from all around the world to this exciting adventure. The Kheerganga Trek is undoubtedly one of the most exciting things to do in Tosh.
This trekking destination is situated in the beautiful Parvati Valley with a pristine beautiful view of the majestic mountains in the background. For the trekkers, the Parvati valley area is trekker’s heaven. This trekking trail attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world making it one of the most magnetizing tourist spots.
The best time to experience this trek is during the summer season when the valley is most beautiful to look at. The weather during this time is very pleasant for trekking. During the trek, you come across various hot springs and waterfalls. This trek makes Parvati valley one of the most famous tourist spots in Tosh.
Also Read: Rohtang Pass
Visit Malana Village
Entrance to Malana Village, Himachal Pradesh (image source; Wikimedia Commons)
The village of Malana is a controversial destination as well as the most famous tourist spots in Tosh. The reason for Malana being controversial is because of the agricultural practice of growing Marijuana crops. Because of this, many tourists visit this place.
Another unique feature about this village is that cultural practices here are very different than any other village in India. The villages consider themselves as the descendants of Alexander the Great. It is said that the Greek soldiers who invaded India in ancient times, settled here and raised their own families by mixing with the local people. Because of this belief, the villagers here prohibit any outsider to touch them or their houses.
This village has its own set of rules and laws which are outside the constitution of India. Because of their unique culture and their use of marijuana, it fascinates the tourists coming from all over the world.
It is also one of the oldest villages in Himachal Pradesh and it is also very beautiful. Malana village is located in the Kasol area and is around 40 kilometers away from Tosh. The steep trek to this village is around 4 kilometers long and it is one of the most popular and best things to do in and around Tosh.
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Visit to Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara
Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, Himachal Pradesh (image source; Wikimedia Commons)
The Sikh temple of Manikaran Sahib is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Sikhs. People who belong to the Hindu faith also consider Manikaran Sahib as an important religious site for pilgrimage. This temple attracts thousands of people of faith every year from all over India.
A visit to this temple is one of the best spiritual things to do in Tosh. Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is also an important addition to Himachal tour packages offered by the travel agencies.
Manikaran Sahib is located along the famous Parvati River. To visit this place is a spiritual experience worth having. The most unique feature of this Sikh temple is that it is built around the hot springs. These hot springs are available for bathing and for cooking food as well.
The devotees believe that these hot springs have healing powers and can rejuvenate the body. Bathing in these hot springs is also considered as one of the most spiritual things to do in Tosh.
Also Read: Solang Valley
Jamdagni Temple
Tosh Village, location of Jamdagni Mandir (image source; Wikimedia Commons)
Known as Tosh Mandir by the local people, this destination is religiously important for the local people. The unique feature about this temple is that is it made of wood in the old architectural style.
Tosh Mandir is situated in the village of Tosh and it is dedicated to the local deity called ‘Rishi Jamdagni’. The temple is open only during certain days in a year when traditional rituals are practiced by the locals.
The temple does not house any idol except a picture of the deity which is the only thing accessible to the tourists. Although the significance of this temple is not known to the people outside the village, the faith of the locals makes this site a special and revered place in Tosh Village.
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Eating Out
The Café’s and restaurants in Tosh village have a variety of Indian and Israeli cuisines. Israeli food options such as Hummus and Falafel are some of the most famous dishes tourists love. A large number of Israeli tourists visiting Tosh makes this place very popular for trying out Israeli cuisine.
The Cafés in Tosh valley are very well kept with a warm and welcoming ambiance to them. Indian dishes are also very popular here among the local tourists who love to try out Aaloo Paranthas and Thaali.
The Cafés here are regularly hosting musical events and performances which makes them the most magnetizing tourist spots during the tourist season. Eating out is an adventure on its own and for many travelers, it is one of the best things to do in Tosh village. The village has the feeling of the prevailing hippie lifestyle among international tourists.
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Shopping
Because of the large number of international tourists visiting Tosh village, there are many shops here dedicated to the selling of the local souvenirs and art. The local shops also sell many varieties of traditional Himachali clothing.
Many locally made handicrafts are particularly popular among international travelers. Exploring the local shopping areas and surfing through the many varieties of art and sculptures is one of the most popular and best things to do in Tosh village for the tourists.
Tosh Village and the area of Tosh Valley is a gorgeous location to spend a relaxing vacation. There are many great things to do in Tosh as long as you are willing to explore the area. From hiking to exploring the valley, Tosh village is full of opportunities to make your vacation perfect.
The best time to visit the beautiful destination of Tosh Village is in the Summer season when the valley is blooming with colors and greenery. During the Winters, there are not many tourists visiting this destination. During this time, people visit to avoid crowds and to enjoy the snow-covered landscapes.
Tosh valley area is a beautiful tourist destination on its own and the neighboring areas of Kullu Valley and Kasol make this destination worth exploring. Many tour operators are working towards establishing some adventure sports activities in this area. However, due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic situation, the efforts have been stalled.
In the coming years, Tosh Village and neighboring destinations are expected to grow in popularity even more. Because of the use of Social Media by the tour agencies, many Himachal tour packages are being promoted online. Also, young travelers have been posting their photos online which generated a surge in interest for the Tosh village area.
With the expansion of tourism in this area, you can expect many great things to do in Tosh in the coming years. Eco-tourism is among one of the top initiatives being taken by the Himachal Tourism department to improve this travel destination and optimize it according to international standards. Sustainable waste management and preservation of the environment are some of the areas where several projects are being planned.