Kasol is a village situated on the banks of the Parvati river, at a height of 1,640 metres. The beautiful valley and the surrounding pristine hills enjoy pleasant weather throughout the year. It is also the starting point for many treks. Over the years, it has earned itself the interesting moniker of Himachal Pradesh’s ‘Mini-Israel’ as many Israelis visit Kasol after their mandatory military training. Because of this, almost all signage in Kasol is in Hindi as well as Hebrew.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
From Kasol, you have the option of visiting several other nearby picturesque destinations. A short weekend getaway to the hills may just turn into a relaxing week-long vacation.
Manikaran
Located 5km away from Kasol, this village is a maze of small streets lined with colourfully painted wooden houses. It is an important pilgrimage centre for both Hindus and Sikhs. The Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is an impressive structure that was built to commemmorate Guru Nanak Dev’s visit to this village. The hot spring inside the gurudwara is considered therapeutic.
Trek to Khir Ganga
This 11-km trek is no walk in the park. After the difficult climb, you can reward yourself with a bath in the hot spring which is accessible from the end of April to the end of October every year.
Tosh
Tosh is the perfect destination if you’re looking for peace and solitude. 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.
WHERE TO STAY AND EAT
In Kasol
Hotel Sandhya Kasol (Tel: 01902-273745, Cell: 09218525695; Tariff: ₹3,700–6,200) has a restaurant, bar and coffee shop. Hotel Green Valley (Tel: 273869, Cell: 09816078989; Tariff: ₹2,500–5,500) has large bedrooms. The cheapest ones have shared bathrooms. Alpine Guest House (Tel: 273710; Tariff: ₹1,200–2,500) has spacious rooms.
In Manikaran
Sharma Sadan Guesthouse (Tel: 01902-273703, Cell: 09816073703; Tariff: ₹400–1,000) has clean rooms with bathrooms and a restaurant. Fateh Paying Guesthouse (Cell: 09816894968, Tariff: ₹300) with five rooms is more like a family retreat. Shivalik Hotel (Tel: 273817; Tariff: ₹2,400–4,800) near the gurudwara has 25 rooms.
In Khir Ganga
Khir Ganga only has two-three basic accommodations, but a large choice of campsites and a couple of restaurants.
In Tosh
Hotel Hilltop (Cell: 09816380515; Tariff: ₹700–1,000) is a budget hotel with cosy rooms. It serves international cuisine.
THE INFORMATION
When to go April to June, September to October
Tourist Office
HPTDC, Dhalpur, Kullu, Tel: 01902-222349, W hptdc.nic.in, STD code 01902
GETTING THERE
Air Nearest airport: Bhuntar (35km/ 1.5hr). The taxi fare from Manikaran-Kasoli is approximately ₹3000
Road Bus An HPTDC Volvo AC bus leaves Delhi’s ISBT Kashmere Gate 7pm, reaching Manali by 9.30am. Hire a taxi from the Manali Taxi Stand (Tel: 01902-252450/ 120)