Places To Visit In Kasol | Hidden Gems You Must Explore

Kasol is another feather to the laurel of Himachal Pradesh tourism. Nestled in Parvati Valley, this Kullu district hamlet is known for offering a mixed bag of experience. Snow-capped Himalayan Mountains, rivers, quaint coffee shops, lakes, and the most vibrant nightlife! Kasol is a winter wonderland we all want to visit.

For the young at heart, Kasol is also a stoner’s paradise. It has many cannabis plantations. However, the beauty of the hamlet at 1580 meters altitude is enough for you to be in a trance.

Further, in Kasol, you can be the best solo traveler or travel with friends for the New Year party. You only need to pick the right places to visit in Kasol.

Places To Visit In Kasol | Himachal Pradesh Travel Guide

Kasol is the Amsterdam of India because of its natural abundance and pleasant weather. Further, it harbors a hippie culture that many connect with some people instantly.

Do you know that Kasol is also called “Mini Israel of India?” Kasol and its nearby villages have many quaint cafes run by the Israelis. You will also notice some Israeli flags in many places in Kasol.

Chalal is another nearby destination here (a short trek away from Kasol), where Israelis have made a home away from home. Like Chalal, Kasol and its neighbors have many hidden gems, and you must know how impressive they are.

Do you know that the Great Himalayan National Park in Kasol is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

1. Chalal – Mini Israel of India

Best time to visit: April to June

Less than 2 Km away from Kasol stands Chalal, a hidden gem in Himachal Pradesh. Also, if you are planning a Himachal Pradesh tour within a budget, Chalal will be your go-to destination.

Less populated and quaint, Chalal impressed me with its quietness. For me, who always seeks solitude even amidst the largest crowd, Chalal was a blessing. I am happy that I did not make a move directly to Tosh Valley from Kasol.

Further, as I walked through the suspension bridge on the Parvati River, my legs shook, but my heart was filled with joy. The dense pine forest stood there like a mother saying you can make it even after a shaky start while crossing the bridge.

Once you reach Chalal, you can camp or stay at a riverside hotel or homestay. The villagers here are modest and welcoming. Further, at the Israeli cafes of Chalal, you will find the best shakshuka, hummus, pita bread, and falafel.

Well-fed and rested, you can now take a walk along the Parvati River, enjoy the mountain vistas, and listen to the charming chirps of birds. Who needs a score when nature has so much to offer at one of these most serene places to visit in Kasol?

Why Have Israelis Made Their Home In Kasol And Chalal?

Is it only sex, alcohol, and drugs that bring so many Israelis to Kasol and Chalal? The Israelis have just not settled here. They have invested considerably in building restaurants, reggae bars, tattoo parlors, and body-piercing parlors.

A lot of youngsters start residing here after completing their military training back home. Now, is it Charas, the local cannabis, or the allure of leading a worry-free life that leads them here? The beauty of a full moon night here is intense enough to leave your home forever, and I am not exaggerating a bit.

You don’t need a single puff, and the stunning beauty of the place can make tears roll down your cheeks. Or, you can dance away your stress, swaying to the local tunes by the bonfire.

So, the Israelis have chosen Kasol and Chalal to create a carefree lifestyle in the mountains. It is their new Tel Aviv-Yafo. They have made their homes in the heart of the hills here, which is the ultimate reality.

2. Katagla – Best For Solo Trip In kasol

Best time to visit: March to June

You know there is something magical in those nothing-to-do moments. You must be present at the moment and soak in the energy.
What can be more fascinating if something like this happens against the most beautiful backdrop of nature? This is Katagla for me.

Just 3 Km away from Kasol is a wonderful hub of apple orchards and wooden houses. The Katagla village had my heart with its quaint appeal and its minimal crowd.

I was just happy to be at Katagla and will surely come back soon for a solo trip here. Trust me! You can never have enough of the Parvati River Katagla. It shows you the power of silence or quietness.

Also, with just the chirping of birds and mountain breezes as your companion, you can relish in tranquility here.

3. Rasol – The Village Of Punjee Game

Best time to visit – November to December

I feel bad that I missed Rasol last time, and whenever I visit Himachal Pradesh the next time, Rasol will be on my itinerary. Rasol is at an elevation of 3048 meters, and it has very few residents.

People love spinning wool and playing Punjee here. Punjee is a localized version of the game of chess. Four players take part in this game, and they throw bamboo pieces to decide how many places the coins can move.

4. Pulga – The Land Of Fairy Forest

Best time to visit – May to June

Located at a 2210-meter altitude, Pulga is 20 Km away from Kasol. It has apple orchards, quaint wooden homestays, and dense deodar forests.

The dense deodar forest here is also known as the Fairy Forest. In addition, the wooden bridges, vistas of the Himalayan snow-capped mountains, and river valleys here make it a place of ethereal natural beauty.

5. Malana – The Village Of “Ask Before You Touch”

Best time to visit – May to August

Malana is an ancient and pristine town 19 km from Kasol. Nestled between the Chanderkhani and Deo Tibba mountains, Malana, one of the most pristine places to visit in Kasol, promotes a culture where you cannot touch a person or their property without consent.

Now, that is a struggle for any traveler who is tactile. In fact, when I visited a shop, the shopkeeper asked me to keep the money on the counter. Similarly, he kept the product on the counter to avoid physical contact.

Further, for the best psychedelic trip, don’t forget to try Malana cream here.

6. Tosh – The Hub Of Cannabis Fields

Best time to visit: April to June, September to November, December to February

Tosh is a small village 20 km from Kasol. At 2400 meters altitude, the village by the Tosh River is a pristine place.

You are transported to a different era when you enter the village. Before that, the Kasol to Tosh trek will usher in the most immersive experience. It was difficult for me to walk on the terrain as River Parvati was flowing through the lap of the terrain.

Nevertheless, every moment of the trek is worth it. Along with the best natural vistas, Tosh offers you the best encounter with the hippie lifestyle. Knowing about their beliefs and lifestyles is enriching and interesting.

And what do you want about the fun thing in Tosh? It has the best cannabis plantations. So, Tosh is the ideal place for scoring, trekking, or just being immersed in the natural beauty.

Also, if you are a religious soul, visit the Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, famous for its association with Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is said that he visited this site in the Parvati Valley on his way to the Himalayas in the 16th century. Don’t forget to take a bath in the hot springs here for a fulfilling experience.

Did You Know?
Tosh was once a crucial trading route between India and Tibet.

Bring Out The Foodie In You At Tosh

Tosh, one of the best places to visit in Kasol, is a beautiful village where you can engage with the local communities as you seek refuge in homestays. Their festivities and cultural performances speak of a different way of living.

Further, food is at the center of the local culture at Tosh. You must not miss delicacies like chickpea curry (Chana Madra), Thukpa, momos, steamed bread or Siddu and Dham or the festive meals.