Day 1: Arrival in Kasol and Local Exploration
Distance: Approx. 30 km from Bhuntar (1-2 hours drive) or 5-6 hours from Manali.
Route: Bhuntar → Kasol
Morning:
Arrive in Bhuntar, the nearest town with a bus station and the Kullu Manali Airport. From Bhuntar, take a taxi or shared jeep (approx. 30 km, 1 hour) to Kasol.
Check into your hotel or guesthouse in Kasol, which is known for its backpacker-friendly vibe and beautiful surroundings.
Afternoon:
Explore the Kasol Market, a bustling hub for tourists. The market has a distinct Israeli influence, with many cafes serving Israeli dishes like Shakshuka, Falafel, and Hummus.
Walk along the Parvati River, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty. You can sit by the river and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the valley.
Evening:
Visit Manikaran Sahib (5 km from Kasol), a famous Gurudwara and hot spring. Spend some time exploring the holy site, bathing in the healing hot springs and enjoying the spiritual vibe.
Overnight: Stay in Kasol.
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Day 2: Kasol to Barsheni, Tosh Village
Distance: Kasol → Barsheni (20 km, approx. 1 hour), Barsheni → Tosh (3-4 km, 2-3 hours trek or 30 minutes by jeep)
Morning:
After breakfast, take a jeep or taxi from Kasol to Barsheni (approximately 1 hour drive, 20 km). Barsheni is the base for treks to Tosh, Kheerganga, and Pulga.
Upon arrival at Barsheni, enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You can either start your trek to Tosh (about 3-4 km) or take a jeep ride directly to Tosh.
Afternoon:
Trek to Tosh Village (about 2-3 hours of walking) or take a jeep ride if you’re not up for trekking. Tosh is a beautiful village situated at an altitude of 2,400 meters with stunning views of snow-capped peaks.
Explore Tosh Village, known for its traditional wooden houses, vibrant cafes, and stunning landscape. This village is a popular spot for backpackers and trekkers.
Evening:
Take a short walk to the Tosh Waterfall, located just outside the village (1-2 km). The waterfall is surrounded by lush forests and is a great spot for relaxation and photography.
Enjoy a cozy evening in one of the local cafes or guesthouses with a bonfire and view of the mountains.
Overnight: Stay in Tosh.
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Day 3: Tosh to Kalga and Pulga
Distance: Tosh → Kalga (3-4 km, 1 hour trek), Kalga → Pulga (2-3 km, 1 hour trek)
Morning:
After breakfast, head to Kalga Village, located about 3-4 km from Tosh. Kalga is a quieter, picturesque village offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Explore the Kalga Village: Walk through narrow lanes surrounded by traditional Himachali houses. The village offers a peaceful environment, perfect for nature lovers.
Afternoon:
Continue your short trek from Kalga to Pulga Village, located about 2-3 km away. Pulga is even more secluded than Tosh, offering a serene environment with beautiful vistas of the Parvati Valley.
Spend some time relaxing and exploring Pulga, which is known for its tranquility and natural beauty. You can take walks around the village, interact with the locals, or relax by the river.
Evening:
Enjoy a sunset over the valley from one of the viewpoints around Pulga or Kalga.
Return to Tosh for an overnight stay or stay in Pulga if you prefer to experience a more offbeat, rural setting.
Overnight: Stay in Tosh or Pulga.
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Day 4: Tosh to Barsheni and Return to Kasol
Distance: Tosh → Barsheni (3-4 km, trek or jeep), Barsheni → Kasol (20 km, 1 hour by jeep)
Morning:
After breakfast, start your descent from Tosh or Pulga back to Barsheni. You can either trek back (3-4 km) or take a jeep.
Afternoon:
Once you reach Barsheni, take a jeep back to Kasol (20 km, approx. 1 hour). Enjoy the scenic drive back, passing through lush greenery and small villages.
Upon arrival in Kasol, you can spend some more time exploring the Kasol Market or relax by the Parvati River.
Evening:
If you haven’t already, enjoy a meal in one of the riverside cafes in Kasol. You can also visit the Parvati River one last time to enjoy the serene surroundings before departure.
Overnight: Stay in Kasol.
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Day 5: Departure from Kasol
Morning:
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in Kasol.
You can do a bit of last-minute shopping at the Kasol Market, picking up some local souvenirs, handicrafts, or herbal products.
Departure: Take a taxi or shared jeep to Bhuntar (30 km, 1 hour) for your onward journey. If you’re continuing to Manali or another destination, you can take a bus or taxi from Bhuntar.
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Key Attractions in Kasol, Manikaran, Barsheni, Tosh, Kalga, and Pulga:
1. Kasol Market: Explore the vibrant market with cafes, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
2. Manikaran Sahib: A holy site with hot springs and a Gurudwara offering spiritual vibes.
3. Tosh Village: Known for its stunning mountain views, cafes, and trekking routes.
4. Tosh Waterfall: A peaceful waterfall located just outside Tosh village.
5. Kalga Village: A serene, offbeat village offering traditional houses and beautiful landscapes.
6. Pulga Village: A quiet and secluded village known for its natural beauty and traditional culture.
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Additional Tips for the Kasol Trip:
1. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is from March to June and September to November. Winter (December to February) can be quite cold, especially at higher altitudes.
2. Packing Tips: Carry warm clothes (especially for Tosh, Kalga, and Pulga), comfortable trekking shoes, a jacket, sunscreen, and a hat.
3. Accommodation: There are plenty of guesthouses, homestays, and hotels in Kasol, Tosh, Kalga, and Pulga. Kasol is a popular base with a range of options, while the villages offer more rustic, peaceful stays.
4. Transportation: You can use taxis or shared jeeps to travel between Kasol, Barsheni, Tosh, Kalga, and Pulga. For a more immersive experience, some trekking is required between the villages.
5. Connectivity: Kasol has good mobile network coverage, but the villages (Tosh, Kalga, Pulga) may have limited signal.
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This 5-day Kasol trip by road provides an in-depth experience of the Parvati Valley with opportunities for trekking, village exploration, and relaxation in nature. From the bustling town of Kasol to the tranquil villages of Tosh, Kalga, and Pulga, this itinerary offers a mix of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty.
