Some places make you feel like home, insist on your soul to stay and extend your trip. Parvati valley is such a place located in the mighty Himalayas where you fall in love with mother nature and get lost yourself in the wilderness. This treasure is situated at the Himachal Pradesh state of India. Originating from Mantalai glacier just below Pin Parvati, the Parvati river flows to the west and merges with the Beas river at Bhuntar. On her way, it slides through the Himalayas which form a beautiful valley known as Parvati Valley. Ice-capped mountains, adventurous trekking trails, milky waterfalls, Icy snows, and green lush nature in the valley surely inspire the backpacker in you.
The Parvati Valley is not just a place. But it constitutes of different beautiful small villages, mountains, and lands where people live happily. Most of these villages are located in the middle of mountains where you need to trek through the forests, cover the steep paths, and cross the rivers. Some places are not accessible to mobile networks and the internet which makes you totally disconnect from the busy outer world. This valley often called Goa of north India because of its unique hippy culture. People mostly from Israel and other foreign countries come and do stay here. Israeli culture in Parvati valley is well known and originated for ages. Almost all signage here is filled with Hebrew, Hindi, and English. Due to the mixed culture its a paradise for foodies to explore a variety of yummy foods and bakes apart from Indian traditional cuisines. Often rave parties and village festivals give you a lively vibe when you visit here. Villagers here are caring and most welcoming. The valley is safe and well suited for solo travelers.
Places to visit in Parvati Valley
Kasol is paradise among backpackers which filled with lush green forests and picturesque beauty. This little Israel in Parvati valley is a prominent town that is more accessible to transport, hospitality, and other facilities. You can shop handicrafts, artworks, utensils, and other daily goods from Kasol flea market. Kasol is famous for its psytrance culture. Chalal is a small village that is 10 minutes walk from Kasol where you can go for a fancy walk along the side of the Parvati river. Grahan is magical which is 5-6 hours trek worth trek from Kasol, totally isolated and quiet hidden from outside and makes you connect with mother nature.
Malana which is 1 hour by road and then a 15 min trek from Kasol, famous for its Malana cream which made from cannabis plants, regarded as high purity and one of the best hash you get in the world. The unique and beautiful culture and lifestyle of villagers in Malana are well known and it is totally different from other places in India (now you cant stay night in Malana due to new rules and regulations). Kheerganga is famous for its beautiful trail and camping which you need to take a 5-6 hour trek from Barshaini(20 km from Kasol). Trails to the famous Spiti valley and Pin Parvati usually go through Kheerganga. Natural hot water spring is one of the major attractions here. Tosh is near to Kheerganga located far end of the valley which is 20 km from Kasol offers you stay in the village which got hotels and restaurants having good vibes. Kutla Village is a hidden treasure in the valley nurture with forests and mountains which is around 2-3 hours trek from Tosh.
Manikaran is a pilgrimage center for Hindus and Sikhs which is famous for its hot water spring. Kalga, Pulga (located near Barshaini ) and Rasol villages are the other major attraction in Parvati valley to stay, wander, and get lost in nature. Grahan and Kutla are the hidden gems among these places which are less explored and not crowded.
Check the video of Parvati Valley made by DudeExplore for more !!
Where to stay?
Hostels, hotels, and guest houses are easily available throughout the valley. If you got a tent, you can pitch it anywhere. Villagers will give you shelters to stay when you visit there at very cheap prices. Food is limited in some places which are far from the town. Don’t expect cozy bedrooms with attached bathrooms at the top of the Himalayan mountains. You may get a guest house, small room, tents, or mattress to stay which is different from each village. All you need to do expect less, adjust the lifestyle, search your soul, explore nature, and stay happy, and have fun with friends you got there.
When to visit?
Parvati valley is beautiful even in summer, monsoon, and winter. But it’s better to visit during the summer. That is the march to June. Temperature won’t drop below 15 degrees during summer and its an ideal time to visit this place to explore the wilderness. The roads and paths to the valley are not predictable during Monsoon and winter.
Landslide and snowfall happen anytime which may block the journey towards the valley. The monsoon usually happens from June to September and winter from October to late February. Valley gives you different unique vibes in both summer and winter.
How to get there?
Kasol is the main town in Parvati valley where proper access to transport and other facilities. Kullu is the nearest airport located around 40 km from Kasol. Due to limited operation in Kullu, Delhi and Chandigarh airports are the other option. It takes 10-14 hours(You can travel night) from Delhi or Chandigarh to reach here. It’s better to board the bus from Delhi or Chandigarh. You can book either online or direct. These buses usually go to Manali and you need to get down at Bhuntar. From Bhuntar, you can rent a cab or take a bus which is available in each one hour to Kasol. It takes around 30 km to reach Kasol Joginder Nagar railway station which is around 15 km from Kasol is the nearest railway station if you have a plan to travel by train. You can rent a taxi or take a bus from there to Bhuntar or Kasol. You need to stick with Delhi-Chandigarh-Manali if you want to travel by car or bike. Bhuntar is the place to take a diversion to Kasol.
Keep extra cash with you.ATM is limited two or three, but swiping services available with extra charges. Prepare a proper itinerary and keep trekking wears when you head to this adventure.
Happy Exploring !!