Kasol - Mini Isreal

After a 16 hour roller coaster bus ride from Delhi’s ISBT we land in a place full of tourists. Dreadlocks, blonde hair, faded tattoos; hair full of plates or lulus, loose warm clothes is a very common sight at Kasol. I does’nt really feel like India. The Isreali population makes up majority of these travellers; hence Kasol is also called Mini Isreal.

Kasol is one place where it’s cool to do absolutely nothing. Everybody is on their own trip; Infact the air of Kasol is so different that the flies seemed to be high too. Seriously! They used to wander around and sit on us and even after we jerked ourselves they did not move.

Kasol has beauty and nature’s wonder in abundance in vary many forms, the gurgling river Parvati can be heard throughout the village and the beautiful Himachali weather in the forest surrounding the village makes it quite a tourist attraction. Somehow this place has not gained much popularity amongst Indians. To cater to the foreign clientele a number of cafes, bakeries and the sort have opened up in the village. German Bakeries are a common sight and the Cinnamon Rolls are worth dying for. ‘Ginger Lemon Honey Tea’ had become an obsession. Wooden oven pizzas, falafels and burrekas take up a lot more space on the menu than the Indian cuisine.

The best place to eat at Kasol according to me would be Evergreen. It’s bang opposite the Jewish Church, surrounded by trees ( on the way to manikaran ). The ambience is beautiful and calm, the candle light dinner adds to the atmosphere.

Evergreen Restaurant

Kasol, is the most commercialised village compared to the other villages in Parvati Valley. There are shops on both sides of the road selling clothes, bags, accessories, chillums, bongs, and souvenirs.

Accommodation is Kasol is not an issue; there are tons of hotels that offer you rooms, and their prices range from 100 to 500 rs per day. (Yes, that cheap). I suggest spending very little on accommodation, since, 1. You are barely going to stay in that room and 2. There are honestly better things to spend on. We stayed at the Gungun hotel – Quite a basic room, but it had a marvellous view. One room was shared among 3 of us and we only paid 100rs for the room. Weehee. :D

Kasol has also gained much popularity for it serves as the base camp for many wonderful treks like Pin Parvati Pass, Kheer ganga, Sar Pass and Yanker Pass.

And what adds to its beauty is the river that flows alongside at an incredible pace. You can sit by this river for hours and lose yourself in the collage of sounds.

The Parvati River

Kasol is not just a place, it’s an experience. An experience that no one should miss. So, if you want a vacation that’s cheap, carefree and beautiful, Kasol is the place to be.

Things to do at Kasol ...