Tosh, Parvati Valley - Fall off the map

So, the same day we came down from Rashol, we made plans to go to Tosh. Our bodies were sore for sure, but for what I had heard about the place, I just couldn’t wait to get there. So, after taking a bus from Kasol to Barsheni which is the last stop on the bus route to Parvati Valley, we walked for around 90 minutes, crossed a bridge and then rubbed our eyes and pinched ourselves to check if we’re dreaming.

We were in a place full of greenery, encircled by snow-capped mountain peaks on almost all the sides. To add to how cold it already was, it started drizzling. (Yes, one can never trust the mountain weather) We went looking for a place and put up at this really fancy place called ‘Pink Floyd’.

It gets dark at Tosh really early, and I don’t think anyone can survive there at nights without a heater. I used a candle while sitting out, star gazing.  :/

Fun Fact: This speck of a settlement doesn’t feature on any tourist maps or bus routes. Entertainment options are few; what you do get is pure, unadulterated acres of green, snowy peaks on the horizon and streams snaking their way alongside you. The Tosh River running through the valley below hums, whooshes and roars at will, breaking the silence so common to these parts. No connectivity, low electricity, limited accessibility—if you’re in Tosh, you’ve fallen off the map!

The occupation of the people here is mainly farming and animal husbandry. Hashish is grown here in plenty; it is their main source of income. There is a beautiful temple of Jamdagni Rishi at the centre of the village that has a long verandah from where you can see the snow caped mountains. But it was shut. It is apparently only open from January to February.

Tosh is an almost isolated small village at a height of 2700 M with around 650 people, there is no body seen outside after sunset – Pin drop silence.  So, we spend the night at the warm Pink Floyd Restaurant playing cards and shared ghost stories. The owners contributed too. We finally decided to go to our respective rooms and doze off.

We left for the breathtaking Kheerganga the next day. 

Rashol, Magic Rashol

Imagine sitting on a verandah with a cup of hot chocolate in your hands and gazing at Snow-capped Mountains for hours with not a sound around. Pin drop silence, silence that cannot be found anywhere except the mountains!!! There is no better sight than that. There is nothing else you would want to do.

Rashol is an 8km climb from Kasol at a 70 degree ascent. Along the path are natural watering holes and scenic spots to catch your breath. You see magnificent mountains laden with coniferous trees and a blue sky emblazoned with blinding white clouds.

That's me drinking from the natural spring

However, the trek is far from easy for unhealthy city-bred people like us. After about three hours of panting, sweating, climbing, sitting and drinking the most delicious and the most pure water ever we finally reach Rashol. It is a beautiful village, with beautiful people and has the best view. We stayed at Dola Cafe. And I absolutely loved the place since the cafe has a brilliant location that directly faces the snow caped Himalayas. And do you know how much we paid for all of this? Rs 50.  

The 10,000 ft high selfie. haha

Dola Cafe, Rashol

My experience at Rashol was beautiful. I spend most of my time watching the seven hills at a distance with a snow-capped monolith, and asking myself what could get better than this. It is peaceful, indeed.

The amazing people I met at Rashol