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. 

Parvati Valley

With a desperate need to escape the Mumbai heat, I planned to make a trip to The Parvati Valley at Himachal Pradesh. We took the Firozpur Express to New Delhi and boarded the bus to Bhuntar . From Bhuntar we went to Kasol. It took us around 16 hours from ISBT in New Delhi to get there.

After the long bumpy ride, steep turns dozing off for hours and getting frustrated of the journey some peace came to us as we drove in Himachal. The beautiful scenery and pleasant weather took away all our frustration and idleness of being tied down to our uncomfortable bus seat. We travelled from Bhuntar to Kasol during sunrise; I kid you not it was therapy to my eyes.

On our way from Delhi to Kasol

Parvati Valley is located in the lap of Himalayas, and is a recluse to backpackers from around the world. Mountains clad in a hundred shades of greens and browns and a plethora of activities keep calling travellers back for more than one visit. Moreover, the valley caters to a variety of travellers owing to the many treks, trails and adventure activities as well as the pilgrimages that are nested inside the valley. Situated in Himachal, the valley starts from the confluence of river Parvati with Beas and runs eastward through a steep-side from Bhuntar, 6km ahead of which lies Kullu.

The other striking feature of Parvati is the river which hurls itself down the mountains at an incredible pace. You can sit by this river for hours and lose yourself in the collage of sounds.

Parvati River

Parvati Valley has recently transformed into a hub for backpackers, who are attracted to the scenic valley, untouched hills, low budget travel and great climate. It is a base for many known treks in the area, to Sar Pass, Yanker Pass, ManTalai, Pin Parbati Pass and KheerGanga; Many hikes as well to the new age 'tourist' villages - Vashisht, Kasol, Naggar, Malana, Chalaal, Rashol, Tosh, Kalga and Pulga.

We visited Kasol – Mini Isreal, Tosh, Manikaran and hiked upto Kheerganga and Rashol. ( Click on the places to see more about them )

   

It was indeed one of my best trips in India. Parvati Valley is truly a Backpackers Paradise. A place that is nothing but journey of indulging your senses, the Parvati valley is truly divine in its beauty. A place with small population, cold mountains and warm hearts Parvati Valley is a town which will forever be etched in my mind for its beauty and simplicity.