Kasol

Kasol is a vibrant hill station in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh in the Parvati valley and is often called the Mini Israel due to the high number of tourists from that country. On checking out, it looked like a slightly offbeat non-commercial destination and at the same time lively with a number of cafes and restaurants. Along with that great natural beauty with snow-capped mountains and the rumbling of the flowing Parvati river. We had little hesitation to target this for spring. With the bitter cold gone and the heat of the summer yet to set in, it would be the ideal time to go. The forecasts clearly told us that the winter jacket would be a necessity.

We landed in Chandigarh, stayed for a day and set-off for a potential eight hour journey towards Kasol. As we set-off we were welcomed by great roads with occasional patches of construction causing minimal inconvenience. This made the drive enjoyable and soon we entered Himachal and drove up the mountains. The skies cleared up and we had to stop for some nice views. We stopped by for lunch and after passing through Sundar Nagar we were on to Mandi, from where we joined by the beautiful Beas river.

This was an iconic viewpoint and I remembered getting down over here during our previous visit as well in 2008. And so were a lot of others. The drive now would be along with Beas river. We noticed that a tunnel is being constructed so very soon the traffic would be going into that making the journey to Kullu district a lot quicker. Just that one might miss some of the best view that we experienced.

We soon crossed Kullu as we approached dusk and took the road to the right towards Kasol while going forward would take us to Manali. Our chauffer was cooperative enough as he stopped at a roadside shop when we viewed the first snow peaks, as the Parvati river flowed by. Kasol was just an hour away and we could afford to have some tea and pakodas here.

The tea was done, the jackets were on and we were well and truly in the hill station mode. Soon we were at the Moksha Riverside Hotel in Kasol. Kasol seemed to be packed. We passed a number of campsites and hotels and all seem to be fully booked. We had our booking at the Moksha only for two nights while we planned to stay for three nights at Kasol. Booking for the third night seem to be top priority right now. Our hotel was top class and comfortable in every way with a restaurant and the river flowing by. The only disadvantage was that it was fifteen minute walk from the town Centre. Taxis operate here till late so that was sorted out by the hotel staff. We were provided a few numbers and surely one of them would be at our service. The person who came with the cab was Ankur and he would be of immense help for the next three days. We went to the town Centre and had dinner at one of the restaurants there. Kasol is a great place to do some local shopping and we marked the shops and stuffs that we intended to buy. The shops were open till 9-30.

Moksha Riverside Hotel 

As the morning set in the next day, the riverside hotel provided some great views (one of them being the first picture in this blog).

We enjoyed these views post breakfast and would be doing that for both mornings that we stayed.

Chalal Village Trek

After basking in the great views in the gorgeous sunny weather we decided to venture out. The forecast was great for the day. One of things to do here is the Chalal Village trek. It is a light trek, a walk to the village along with riverside. The walk was a bit difficult and at times risky due to the surface which was full of rocks and boulders. That was due to the construction of a proper path which was in progress. We averted the dangers of twisting our ankle and marched on. The river was rumbling at its best and so were the peaks watching us. The path was lined with several small shacks serving the delicious Maggi and other snacks. We walked all the way to the village and on return had our favourite Maggi

Tosh Village

With the Chalal Village trek done, what next, we thought. We decided on a visit to Tosh Village around one hour away. We checked at the authorized taxi stand at the town centre where they had fixed rates for every destination. Tosh and back would cost us INR 2000, time limited to four hours. Just that the taxi would only go up to the start of the village, after that one needs to walk inside the village. We were perfectly fine as we just needed a drive. The drive started off amazingly, through Manikaran valley and up the slope, with snow-capped mountains all around. It started raining a bit but visibility was still good and at every corner we were treated to a stunning view.

We reached Tosh Village in an hour. It was at an altitude several feet higher than Kasol and hence colder. Added to that, the drizzle and the wind chill, we were loving every minute of it. The road to the village was in shambles. They were rebuilding it. It made little sense to even venture a walk inside the village. We found a tiny shack and decided to do what was best. That was to sip hot tea. The lady at the shack was warm and courteous. She was from Nepal and comes to Himachal post the winter. Lot of people who passed by greeted her in the local language. And most importantly she served us the most amazing tea. And worth a mention that even in this remote place, we could pay through UPI.

The evening was spent in the lovely market place with lots to see and desire to buy lot of local stuff. Dinner was once again at the town center. This time we went for Panjtara which had the punchline “Where the Party Never Ends”. Indeed it did not seem to. This was a bar and restaurant and with amazing live music performed by a certain Tanushree. She crooned to some of our favourite numbers and entertained the audience to the fullest. A large young crowd enjoying in thoroughly till late night.

Hotel Hillside

The day started with the customary mesmerizing views from the hotel. The mountains, the river and the blue sky. Today there was serious rain forecast from afternoon onwards so we needed to get going. Most importantly we had to move hotels. We booked ourselves at the Hotel Hillside, away from the river and up the slope. Our friendly cab chauffer Ankur arranged for the move. This was an old-school hotel with none of the luxuries. Looked like a hotel used by trekkers and backpackers. Case in point was that there were no air conditioners so we had to rent a heater for 300 a night. Throwback to the old days.

Away from the river where most of the activities were focused, the hotel gave us some different views of the place. A short walk in their backyard shows us the hills.

Off Limits Cafe 

Today was supposed to all about café visits. Research showed us Off Limits café by the riverside. I would say its a must-visit. It was on the bank opposite to the trek which we did the day before. Under the sun, overlooking the river and the white mountain peak, one could only wish we could sit there forever, with a book in hand.

How about this for a view while having Maggi in the cold!!

Nature Park Kasol

Along the river, just ahead of the market and before the café, there is a cute looking Nature Park. As we decided on our next activity, we thought of giving it a shot. It was a very well maintained place and it gave you the chance to go down the steps and dip your foot in the river waters. It charges a modest entry fee.

Malana Village

The clouds gathered and we wondered our next activity. After the highly fruitful visit to Tosh Village the day before, we decided to go another drive to a village which is not more than one hour away. On searching we located Malana Village which looked to fit the bill. So we followed the same steps and were on a taxi towards Malana. It looked to be a masterstoke and a dream choice. While it was cloudy and hence hazy the route looked beautiful to start with. Pine trees with full greenery, we wondered how it would look on a clear day.

However, as we progressed further, the roads deteriorated to an unbearable extent that we felt it would be wise to turn back. The altitude was high and the mountains looking like giants. It was sure an intimidating sight. The roads and the rain gave us with no other option. There was little disappointment though as while returning we located a cafe in the middle of nowhere which was well and truly out of this world. We had loads of time in hand because of the aborted trip and we had a great meal at Baari Cafe. I would say another must-visit place.

This was our last evening at Kasol. So it had to be dedicated to shopping. We purchased several local stuff with the Himachali cap being my most prized possession.

As we set-off for our next destination Palampur on the last day, the heavens opened up and clouds completely swallowed the snow-capped peaks. We thanked the heavens for delaying the rain for a day which enabled us to get some great views. Even though the clouds gave us one more great view.

And how about this view for a farewell breakfast?