If you like to be surrounded by an alpine forest and escape the city chaos, you are in absolute luck! Kasol is one of the most beautiful villages in the Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, and there are endless ways to spend unforgettable trips. It is located 36 km from Bhuntar and 3.5 km from Manikaran Sahib. The village offers stunning natural beauty and is a gateway to numerous Himalayan treks. With a rich blend of local culture and a hint of Israeli influence, Kasol promises an experience like no other. Here are some of the best things to do in Kasol for a weekend escape!
Kasol – mini Israeli of India
Situated between Bhuntar and Manikaran (a holy place for Sikhs), Kasol is home to hippies and solo travellers who love to explore the serenity within their budget. With the increasing number of Israelis, Kasol has become a mini Israel of India.
Kasol is a picturesque village and tourist destination located in the lower Himalayas region of the northwestern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The spectacular mountains and lush surrounding valleys offer visitors a welcome relief from India’s overcrowded cities’ heat, noise, and chaos. Kasol has an incredible array of exciting things to do, see and experience that will excite any traveller.
Kasol Travel Itineraries:
If you only come for one or two days, exploring all the different places around town would be best. You can start off by spending the day walking around in the old town centre and eventually make your way to the Parvati River that passes through Kasol.
Hike down a trail along the river to Chalal or continue further up to Choj village. If you stay a little longer, you could easily spend all day checking out all of the different places around town and then head off on a trek. A few great options include Manikaran Sahib, Tosh, Kalga, Kheerganga, Malana, Grahan, and Rasol, which will lead you to the scenic view.
3-4 Days Itinerary for Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
We have planned a quick Itinerary for the Kasol Trip. You can adjust the places according to your choice & timeline, but we recommend following the itinerary below if your trip is just for 3-4 days (long weekend).
| Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization Arrival in Kasol: Check into a guesthouse or riverside camp. Kasol Village Walk: Explore the main market and shop for handicrafts. Evening: Relax by the Parvati River and dine at a local cafe to sample Himachali cuisine. | Day 3: Adventure Day Full Day: Set out for the Kheerganga Trek. This day-long trek rewards you with natural hot springs and breathtaking mountain views. (For those not trekking, consider exploring nearby villages like Tosh or Malana.) Night: Camp at the top if you’re up for it, or return to Kasol for a restful sleep. |
| Day 2: Trekking and Exploration Morning: Begin your trek to Chalal. Enjoy the serene forest views and the sound of the river. Afternoon: Return to Kasol and have lunch. Evening: Visit Manikaran’s hot springs and historic Gurudwara. | Day 4: Leisure and Departure Morning: Participate in a riverside yoga or meditation session. Afternoon: Relax at a cafe, enjoy the views, or shop for souvenirs. Evening: Prepare for departure or extend your stay to explore more of what the Parvati Valley has to offer. |
In this blog post, we will explore some fun things to do in Kasol, ranging from exploring its many Buddhist caves to trekking through beautiful landscapes.
1. Buddhist Caves
Kasol has an incredible array of Buddhist caves scattered throughout the surrounding wooded areas. Just a short hike from town or the Baba ashram, you can enter into an ancient world where the locals still practice Buddhism in modern times.
Some of the caves have been damaged over the centuries, but there are still several places with incredible paintings and statues. These are all open to the public, and you can get all your questions answered by one of the monks, who will guide you through each site.
2. Parvati River
The Parvati River is one of the main features that bring people to this region because it is a popular place for rafting and kayaking in the summer. The river is a tributary of the Beas River and passes through the town centre. The river passes through many beautiful valleys, often creating small waterfalls that create exciting scenery.
3. Monastery on the Hill
The monastery at Kasol, known as Tso Kar, stands high on a hill overlooking much of the town, making it an incredible sight to see during sunrise and sunset. During summer, several festivals include live music, dancing, and Buddha statues to burn as offerings.
4. Hiking
There are plenty of trails that head into the mountains surrounding Kasol, and it is easy to find your way to beautiful waterfalls, small villages, and more. There are also several lovely walks through the town itself, including a trail along the river that will lead you to a Tibetan refugee village. The Kheerganga trek is one of the best treks around the Parvati River that you do all around the year.
5. Tibetan Refugee Village
At the end of the river hike, there is an area where locals have built houses for displaced Tibetans who have been living in tents for decades. Many monks, nuns, and laypeople practice their beliefs here and support the community by working at small shops and restaurants around Kasol.
6. Road to Manikaran
The road that leads to Manikaran is accessible by any car and can be used by skis in the wintertime. It is a great way to experience Himachal Pradesh’s beauty without adding too much weight to the vehicle. After spending a night in Kasol, it is also possible to hike early in the morning up to Manikaran and become part of some beautiful sunrise scenes as you approach from the opposite direction.
7. Trekking
Kasol has several trekking options that are open for year-round use and offer amazing views of the town, nearby mountains, and villages such as Malana, Tosh, and Rassol. The hikes are strenuous and will take several days to complete, but the locals have used them for generations. If you want to explore more of the local culture or learn more about the local Sikhs and Buddhists, then a trip to Kasol can be an incredible experience.
8. Yoga
The hot springs in Kasol have been used for years by locals who have tried to keep them as natural as possible with tiny pollutants or pollutants added. The hot springs are now open for all visitors and can be marvelled at during the warmer seasons when they are flowing. Getting a soak in these gushing hot springs during wintertime is still possible, but swimming is not advised because of freezing water temperatures.
9. A walk-in local village
Kasol is surrounded by beautiful small villages which are home to many locals. There is plenty of opportunity for sightseeing, and it can be an excellent way to make friends and understand the local culture better. You can also pay a small fee to get a tour from one of the locals who will point out important places such as homes of famous Tibetan translators and temples used for meditation.
10. Hot Springs
As we mentioned before, Kasol is full of hot springs, and it is possible to use them all year round. The mainsprings are located on the side of town near a small temple, but there are many more out in the hills around Kasol, where locals have been using them for generations.
11. Festivals in Kasol
In wintertime, there are various festivals and religious programs all across the town, but most of them take place in a small palace which is located on the side of town where hot springs are. These programs can include Buddha Kalachakra Puja, Lord Buddha’s Birthday, and Guru’s holy birthdays, which attract many people to join and participate in these programs, making it more exciting. Kasol Music Festival always tops the list, though!
12. Kheerganga trek
Trekking is an important activity to try in Kasol, as it leads you to beautiful peaks with breathtaking views. People often visit the mountains, especially for trekking, and Kasol is famous for the Kheerganga trek. There are numerous treks that this place offers, but Kheerganga introduces you to the beautiful flowing Parvati River and some hidden villages of Parvati Valley.
How to reach Kasol:
- By air – Kasol is directly accessible via flight. The nearest airport is KULLU MANALI AIRPORT, also known as BHUNTAR AIRPORT. Kasol is approx. 32 km from Bhuntar airport, and you can easily hire a local cab or taxi to reach your destination.
- By train – Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Kasol at a distance of 144 km. Local taxis and cabs are readily available for pick-up and drop-off facilities.
- By road – the bus is the most preferred mode of travelling for Kasol. Take an overnight Volvo bus to Kasol, which will drop you in Bhuntar. You can take a local bus or taxi at your convenience to reach the main Kasol village. It is 512 km from Delhi. You can book a bus ticket to Kasol via zingbus and get started with your adventure trip.
- Local transport – it is best to commute with the local vehicle when you want to visit the places within the village. It gives you an entirely different experience of interacting with localities and knowing their culture closely.
Plan Your Safe Journey With Zingbus
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Book your Delhi to Kasol bus ticket with zingbus and get up to 50% off on your booking. You can easily book your bus by visiting the website – https://www.zingbus.com/ or downloading our app, as per your time convenience and travel anywhere in India.
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