A small village in Himachal situated along the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol is a tourist attraction that is rapidly gaining fame as a very popular hub for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Commonly known as the Amsterdam of India, this quaint little village is resplendent in natural scenic beauty, and is one of the few places in the country that is yet to be ruined by urbanization and commercialization. Situated between the towns of Bhuntar and Manikaran, Kasol might seem like a plain, nondescript village from the outside, but it is one of the best places in the country to just sit back and chill in the lap of nature.

With the waters of the Parvati river gurgling along and a stunning view of the snow-capped mountains in the background, taking a stroll along the river is one of the best ways to spend a day in Kasol. With smooth boulders and clean white sand separating the green grass from the frothing sea-green waters of the river, every single bend in the river opens up to a breathtaking panorama of cliffs, pine trees, and gushing waterfalls.

Kasol is famous for its trekking trails, which include treks to Kheerganga, Yanker Pass, Sar Pass, and Pin Parbati Pass. To get a real feel of the culture in these regions, go on a visit to the village of Malana. Located a few kilometres away from Kasol, Malana is a tiny hamlet inhabited by people living in self-imposed isolation. The people of Malana claim themselves to be Aryan descendants, as a result of which they avoid interaction with outsiders. The village has plenty of scenic sights, though, and is often called ‘Little Greece’.

Kasol is inhabited by a huge number of people from Israel, which is clearly discernible from the plenteously available Israeli food, and the street signposts inscribed in Hebrew. Kasol has quite a few streetside cafes which serve delicious food, and the experience of sitting and enjoying a meal amidst the dark green forests and the awe-inspiring mountains make the meal even more enjoyable.

Kasol has a flea market that sells a variety of items, so you can pick up trinkets, souvenirs, pendants, and even semi-precious stones to take back home for family and friends.

Kheerganga Trek

Kheer Ganga (3050 meters) lies at the extreme end of Parvati valley and the last inhibited village while trekking to pin valley via Pin-Parvati pass. Kheerganga’s panoramic skies and vast greenery are a much-needed delight to the trekker’s eyes and especially the tired legs. It is a holy place with a hot water spring, a small temple of Lord Shiva and a bathing tank. It makes a rare combination for any trekker to bath in hot spring water when everything is covered by snow.

Tosh

Popular for its cannabis plantations, the tranquil village of Tosh is just another example of the unparalleled natural beauty that himachal Pradesh holds within its bounds. Located at the far end of Parvati Valley, Tosh is untouched by modernisation and fast-paced life. With its gradual terrain and the waters of river Parvati flowing through its bosom, the Tosh Kasol trek is the go-to expedition for all adrenaline junkies. The hippie culture and otherworldly vibe of this village will surely transport you to another world.

Tosh has scattered villages across the lush green hills juxtaposed against snow-dusted peaks. Here you can experience the bounty of nature in all its glory, combined with some indigenous as well as exotic experiences. This destination is quite often thronged by visitors from other countries, and you can interact with them and experience their cuisine at local eateries as well.

Tosh has become quite popular in recent years due to its proximity to the famous hippie town -kasol. It is popular among backpackers who are looking for an escape from the humdrum of their chaotic life. People often throng here to practice yoga and meditation in the clean, fresh air and peaceful surroundings. It is mostly visited by backpackers from Isreal and Europe. One of the first things that hit you when you enter Tosh is the distinct smell of marijuana. Tosh is most famous for the trek route here,kheerganga being the most popular. With every step you take into this quaint village called Tosh, you feel more in love with this city of hash and trance!

Parvati River

The soothing Parvati River flows through the Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh and is an indispensable part of this gorgeous region. The thundering river originates from the Man Talai Glacier, flowing north through Parvati Valley and eventually flowing into the Beas River near Kulu. Though not really a place to visit, Parvati River is definitely a top attraction in Kasol. The sight of the frothy river meandering through the imposing snow-dusted mountains renders an unexplainable peace to the soul. Since the flow is too dangerous to allow any adventure activities, you can simply sit on the rocks by the Parvati River and be mesmerised by the rumbling sounds, leaving behind the din of daily, if not for ever, at least for some time.

Malana

Isolated from the rest of the world lies a solitary village in Malana Nala, which is a side valley of the Parvati Valley. Known as Malana or the Malana Village, it is located in the Kullu district. Widely known for its strong culture and religious beliefs, with various sentiments embedded in the past, it is a place meant for people who seek spiritual guidance. This place is also apt for all adventure lovers since the route to Malana is famous for trekking.

The temples in Malana – the Jamadagni Temple and the Shrine of Renuka Devi – serve as major attractions of the village. Built closely to each other, they are well known for the worship of various gods and goddesses which are highly respected by the locals, and a lot of care is taken with respect to its preservation. The trekking route to Malana is adorned with lush deodar vegetation along with a slight view of the Malana Dam that energises people from time to time.

Pin Parvati Pass

Pin Parvati Pass serves as a perfect destination for the trekkers seeking challenging adventure. It is one of an amazing Trans Himalayan trek that will not only leave spellbound by its beauty but also gushing with adrenaline with the challenges it throws at you.

With a fascinating trail of approximately 110 km, the thrill it presents is almost unending. The Pin Parvati Pass Trekking trail is not really well defined but get worse during the monsoon season. The track within the thick forests of Great Himalayan National Park is also a big challenge even for an experienced trekker. Crossing the Parvati River and its various tributaries can be a bit excruciating and so does traversing the high altitude fissures. However, no matter what number of challenges it presents, the Pin Parvati Pass trek is exhilarating enough to make it one of the most sought after Himalayan Pass trek at high altitudes.

Sar Pass Trek

Endowed with diverse terrain and rich in nature’s beauty, Sar Pass Trek is a perfect trek destination for beginners. Steeped in great beauty, the trail passes through thick forests, lush green meadows, rustic villages, and snow clad mountains gracing the backdrop.

Offering a range of experiences for trekkers, Sar Pass Trek, nestled in the perfect lands of Parvati Valley, is full of excitement and adventure. The trek commences from Kasol, a paradise for the trek lovers from all around the globe. The city is beautiful and offers all kinds of accommodation from budget hotels to high-end places and lots of delicious food serving restaurants. If you are looking for something thrilling yet easy, Sar Pass Trek is an ideal destination to begin your trek expedition.

Manikaran Sahib

Located at a distance of 4km from Kasol in the Parvati Valley along the banks of river Parvati in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, Manikaran is known as a famous pilgrimage destination for both Sikhs and Hindus. A good number of temples, Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib and hot springs forms the religious pattern of the place and attract several people.

There are three hot springs where one can take a bath, one being inside the Gurudwara itself and the other two being privatised by the guesthouses. Different sections for men and women are made at the bathing place. The water in these springs contains sulphur which ais capable of curing diseases. The hot springs again have religious and spiritual beliefs connected to it. The water is hot enough to prepare food by directly placing the vessels and is served as langar.

Kheerganga Waterfall

Kheerganga is a tiny village and an important trekking point near Kasol in Himachal Pradesh. Kheerganga Waterfalls is a small stream of cascading water from the rocky hills on the side, en route to Kheerganga. The splendid waterfalls gurgle down in the backdrop of beautiful green hills and lush greenery and is a popular stopping point of the famous Kheerganga trek