Important Details
About Chalal
Challal is a small village situated on the right bank of the Parvati river and right next to the now-famous Hippie town of Kasol. Challal is famous for its proximity to Kasol, and is a go-to location for short treks to almost every tourist who comes to Kasol. The once quaint village is now full of people backpacking around Himachal Pradesh and wanting an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily routine. Challal is preferred for it being amidst the forest; in midst of all the flora and fauna. Challal has now developed into a tourist-friendly location with few shops, cafes, and campsites scattered across the forest. All travel in Chalal has to be on foot as no vehicular movement is possible. It also falls in between the transit to two other villages of Parvati Valley, namely Rasol and Katagla.
How to reach Chalal
Kasol to Chalal
The Kasol to Chalal trek is a short one. You only have to cross a bridge, which is located 20 meters to the left of Kasol Bus stand, an alleyway on the left that will lead you to a clearing where the bridge to Chalal is visible. The current metal truss bridge used to be a shaky suspension bridge in the early days. After crossing the bridge, the marked trail takes you towards Chalal village on your left. If you continue on the trail for 20 or so minutes, you will see small homestays and campsites.
Chalal to Rasol
The trek to Rasol passes through Chalal and it takes approximately 3 hours to reach the village of Rasol, the trail to Rasol can be identified easily as it is frequently marked throughout the trek. However, if you feel lost during your hike, ask the campsite owners in Chalal for directions. The trail to Rasol from Chalal is steep at certain places, however, it is doable even for rookies.
Chalal to Katagla
The trek from Kasol to Katagla passes through Chalal. I’ll tell you the easiest way to reach Katagla from Chalal, follow the river. The route to Katagla goes along the Parvati river, and it takes around 40 minutes to reach Katagla from Chalal and is full of natural flora and fauna.
Homestays in Chalal
There are a lot of options available in homestay options in Chalal. Around 15 minutes on the trail, you will find a green-colored guest house, they play psytrance in the evening and within 5 minutes from that guest house, you will find a campsite by the river which is run by local villagers. There are multiple options for staying in Chalal as the village opens up within 10 minutes, the real Challal village however starts only after a small stream crossing. Homestays are plenty and all kind of options are available at Chalal be it long stay or short and fairly cheap too.
Best Time to visit Chalal
There is no best time to visit Chalal. You see Chalal is a crazy place and it’s always buzzing with some event or the other. So you will find a plethora of cafes and the chill attitude in this village is something you will have to go and experience for yourself.
Chalal Temperature
The temperature of Chalal stays pleasant throughout the year because it is completely covered by forest on all sides and no vehicular movement troubles your peace. The temperature varies between 15-8 C from day to night in the winters and 30-25 C in summers.
Psy Parties in Chalal
Chalal over the years has become the hub for Psychedelic parties in the Parvati Valley due to its remote location. The drop and pop nature of these parties demand a place that serves as a quiet location. The parties take place deep inside the forests of Chalal and loud Psy music can be heard all across the valley. A lot of foreigners take part in such parties. However, due to crackdown by local administration and annoyed villagers, the parties take place further deep inside the forest.
Where to Eat
There are not a lot of options available in Chalal in terms of eating and you will have to come to Kasol or go further ahead to Katagla to grab a bite.However there are a few pop up shops on the way which provide things like biscuits and chips.There are camps too where you will get egg and bread with tea maybe.It is always a good idea to carry light snacks with you when going to the forest.Do remember to bring your waste with you.
Winter in Chalal
The winter season sets in from the month of november and the entire terrain dries up gradually and in late december you might see snow in Chalal if you happen to be in the valley when a western disturbance hits it.The snow usually melts by the next day and snowfall takes place at night for the most part.
Treks around Chalal
Katagla:Katagla is a village situated 40 minutes away from Chalal and not many people know about it.It is emerging as a substitute to Kasol. Katagla also has lucrative stay options.
Rasol:The trek to Rasol from Chalal takes 3 hours and is a fairly easy trek apart from a few steep sections,Rasol is situated at the same height as Malana and is famous for Hashish.
FAQ's
How much does a Chalal Trip Cost?
The cheapest trip to Chalal would cost somewhere up to 3000.If you are coming with a group of friends it will cast even lesser.
Snowfall in Chalal?
There is no fixed pattern of snowfall in Chalal. Snowfall takes place in late December ,if any.Usually melts in 24 hours.
How to reach Chalal from Kasol?
You just have to cross a bridge over the Parvati river to reach Chalal
Who can do Kasol to Chalal trek?
Anybody can do the trek, it is not even a trek.It can be considered a walk.
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All villages of Parvati Valley
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