Important Details
About Kasol
Kasol is situated deep in the Parvati Valley. It has overtime emerged as a getaway for the Hippie crowd all across India and the world. The once quaint hill station is now full of people backpacking around Himachal Pradesh and wanting an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily routine.The markets of Kasol offer things which are not available in the regular markets acround the country starting from things made out of hemp to glass bongs and a whole array of rastafarian clothing line.People from all across the world can be found here. A major chunk of the foreign tourists being from Israel. Which is visible as the local Cafes and shops have signboards with Hebrew written on it. The culinary theme of the valley is also influenced a lot by the Israeli cuisine.
How to reach Kasol
Kasol lies in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh which is famous for it’s greenery and natural resources which are relatively abundant here than other districts of Himachal. One can reach Kasol from the Delhi Side or from the Manali side there is only one road which leads to Kasol and it passes through Bhuntar which is between Mandi and Manali. The road till Bhuntar is part of the national highway and the road leading to Parvati valley follows the Parvati river all along.
Delhi to Kasol Bus
There are private as well as government buses available for Delhi to Kasol. HRTCHP buses ply from ISBT Kashmere Gate all the time the cheapest one at 750 INR and the Volvo prices at 1100 INR.For the most part you would find that very less buses have Bhuntar as their final stop, most buses ply from Delhi to Manali and sice bhuntar is between delhi and manali you get down at bhuntar.However if you find that you are not getting a bus that directly goes to Bhuntar,Then you might as well take a bus to Mandi.You will find a lot of buses plying from Mandi to Bhuntar/Kullu.Then from Bhuntar you will have a multitude of buses plying to Kasol. The time table of the buses plying from ISBT Kashmere gate is as follows:
Chandigarh to Kasol Bus
Chandigarh has two bus terminals and more often than not if you happen to take a bus to Chandigarh from Delhi and plan to reach Bhuntar you might have to change the bus terminal.The frequency of buses plying from Chandigarh to Bhuntar is quite high and there should be no trouble finding a seat in peak time also.There is one bus that runs directly to Manikaran from Chandigarh so if you are able to catch it you will directly reach Kasol and save both your time and money.
Bhuntar to Kasol Bus
There are a lot of buses between Bhuntar and Kasol all the way till Barsheini. The buses charge upto 80 INR till Kasol bus stand and 50INR more till Barsheini via Manikaran.Now a lot of buses are privately run,however the service of HRTC is also pretty good in the Valley.The road conditions are not the best as there are constant landslides and tree falls on this route. So if you have a delay don’t get excited, it’s all a part of the life here. Taxis are also available between Bhuntar to Kasol for the most part of the time and they charge 600 INR for Kasol to Bhuntar.
You can also trek near the village if you ask the villagers for permission and pay the owner of the land a little sum of money.You can also talk about using toilet and outsourcing food from them.
Cafes in Kasol
Kasol has definitely emerged as one of the topdogs of Café culture after Manali in the state of Himachal Pradesh. There are all kinds of Cafes in Kasol depending upon your budget.
Moondance Café: It is located right in the middle of the market near the Kasol bus stand and has a very take it easy vibe to it. It has both indoor and outdoor seating areas and an attached Bakery with it. The menu is quite exquisite and continental here. Nutella banana pancake is a must try here.
Buddha Palace Café
Evergreen Café
Little Italy Café
Bhoj Café
Sunshine Café
Hotels in Kasol
Highland-Chojh-595-098052 25732
Mahi Home Stay-choj village-899
Whoopers Hostel Katagla 700
Nomads Hostel Chojh-700
Shopping in Kasol
As I mentioned earlier Kasol is somewhat a paradise for women as you get to buy so many different things all around Kasol Market that it will literally blow your minds away.The Hippie clothing available in Kasol is one of the most sought after thongs in the market as a lot of tourists in Parvati Valley in general flaunt Hippie clothing and it adds to the vibe of the place.Among other things are dreamcatchers available.I have seen all kinds of dreamcatchers but the ones available in Kasol are better than the others both quality wise and aesthetically.Different fancy stones,crystals,handpainted Neon Posters are among other things tyou can buy there.
Bike Rentals in Kasol
Riding a Bike in the mountains is one the most liberating things one can do and if it so happens to be a Royal Enfield then nothing better.Bike rentals are available in Kasol and Bhuntar both but I would suggest you to get one from Kasol as you can perhaps ride it to Barsheini or Tosh and return it the same day at Kasol and continue with your journey across the valley.
Dealers.Once you reach Kasol you will find quite a few shops here and there and you can close the deal on the spot.
Pulsar/Avenger : 1000INR
Scooty : 800INR
RE Classic350 : 1300INR
RE Himalyan : 1600INR
Documents required : License for two wheeler and Aadhar/PAN
Temperature in Kasol
Kasol is a hill station located at a height of 5185 feet so it get cold in Kasol in Summer time a tshirt works fine in daytime however you might need a sweater at night. Temperature in Kasol varies from anywhere from 20 Celsius in daytime and 10Celsius at night during summers
.Winters get chilly and heavy winter wear is required in night time.If you time it right with the western disturbances you might as well witness snowfall in Kasol.
Treks around Kasol
Kasol is the basecamp for a lot of treks in Parvati Valley.
All treks which are doable from Kasol are listed below
Grahan
Rasol
Katagla
Chalal
Choj
Chanderkhaini Pass
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All villages of Parvati Valley
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