Welcome to Kasol, a place known for its rambunctious party scenes and undiscovered crevices of nature settled amidst the resplendent Parvati Valley. Attracting a neverending beeline of backpackers and mountain lovers all-year round, Kasol is a dearly beloved destination in Himachal Pradesh. During a visit, you can experience the eccentric Bohemian vibe and hippie culture of Kasol with its unique flea markets, vibrant cafe scene, and copious nature trails.

The charming Parvati Valley is a much-loved destination among nature lovers. Its magnetism lies in its cornucopia of captivating villages and breathtaking landscapes. A getaway here is all about immersive experiences featuring a rich heritage, unique culture & customs, unspoiled greenery, and inimitable experiences.

Get set, and go to Kasol for an experience that will leave you spellbound. And if you’re looking to make it more special, then our Zostel Kasol (Katagla) has you covered.

Camping in Kasol

Guide to Parvati Valley

For the best experience in Parvati Valley, be sure to refer to our curated guide, designed with the help of local experts. Find our detailed guide here.

Best time to visit

The duration between October to June is the perfect time to visit Kasol, as the weather is pleasant during this period.

• Best time for hikes and treks - March to May
• Best time to experience snow - October to February. Kasol during winters is a sight to behold, as the entire village puts on a white veil across its expanse, giving it a magical glow.

Hikes Near Kasol

Home to numerous picturesque villages and tranquil hiking trails, a getaway to Kasol is incomplete without rejuvenating hikes across its lesser-known outskirts. Enrich your adventure with offbeat explorations begetting you an unforgettable experience that promises to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Among the places to visit near Kasol, you can explore:

Chalal Village- Experience the stunning beauty of Chalal Village, located just a short 30-minute hike from Kasol. During your visit, the magnificent views of snow-capped mountains and the lush pine foliage will imprint on your eyes. Exuding an irresistible old-world charm, Chalal Village is among the renowned party spots in the Parvati Valley.

Check out these cafes in Chalal-

• Cafe 9 Chalal
• Freedom Cafe
• Shiva Cafe

The stunning Chalal Village

Manikaran- At Manikaran, you can experience an unparalleled sense of serenity and culture. Manikaran is the perfect place to channel your inner spirituality with a visit to nearby religious landmarks. Additionally, check out the famous hot springs and unique ‘hot caves’ noted for their rejuvenating capabilities. A ~1 hr hike will take you from Kasol to Manikaran. Alternatively, you can also take a ~15-min drive from Kasol.

A glimpse of Manikaran Village featuring the Parvati River

Choj Village- If you’re a nature enthusiast seeking a peaceful mountain retreat, then Choj is where you need to be. This charming chalet of Parvati Valley is just a 30-minute picturesque hike away from Kasol. An excursion to this side of the valley will treat you to the magnificent beauty of untouched nature.

Check out these cafes in Choj-

• Chojh Inn
• Chill Out Cafe
• DK’s Kitchen

Day trips from Kasol

For a relaxing experience, you can go on short day trips from Kasol. Some known and some relatively uncharted villages in the vicinity offer the perfect avenue for day trips. These excursions are sure to enrich your mountain escape during your next visit. Here are some places to start you off:

Rasol- The name rhyming with Kasol, Rasol is a small village tucked away in the lush Himalayan foothills. A strenuous but rewarding ~3.5 hr hike will lead you to this village, starting from Kasol. A scenic trail comprising lush environs, splendid valley scenes, splashing bursts of streams, and unpredictable terrain awaits you on this hike.

Check out these cafes in Rasol-

• Om Cafe
• Monty’s guest house

Tosh- One of the most prominent spots in the region, Tosh is an energetic village attracting numerous travellers to its doorstep. It houses a number of vibrant cafes like the Pink Floyd Cafe, which is considered among the best in the region. Another small village in the vicinity, Kutla Village, can also be explored during a visit. To arrive at Tosh, you can drive for ~20 min or take a hike of ~1.5 hr to Tosh Village from Barshaini.

Check out these cafes in Tosh-

• Pink Floyd Cafe
• Shivaay Cafe

View from Tosh Village

Pulga, Tulga, & Kalga- This trio of villages offer a unique hiking experience, as the three can be easily covered in a single hike. You only need to take a ~1 hr hike to Pulga Village from Barshaini. From Pulga, the other two are within walking distance. While you’re here, explore the uncharted area to uncover the small streams and waterfalls, and visit the lovely orchards. During the snowy season, the trio offers an unmatched snow experience.

Soul Kitchen is a must-visit cafe here, located at the top of the Kalga-Pulga Stairway.

Treks Near Kasol

The Parvati Valley is packed with trekking trails, where you’ll be acquainted with one-of-a-kind experiences comprising offbeat hamlets and wondrous natural phenomena. Here are two well-known treks in the region that you can try:

Grahan Village Trek- Explore the rustic and laid-back charm of Grahan Village, which is a beginner-friendly trek. The trek kickstarts from the Old Kasol Bridge and ends at Grahan Village. It is an 8 km trek (~3-4 hr) one-way. Travellers can also take a shortcut route by hailing a cab for the first 5 km of the trek. The remainder 3 km of the trail, however, is steep and can be challenging for first-timers.

The Old Kasol Bridge is just a short 15-min drive from Zostel Kasol (Katagla).

Cab Fare for the first 5 km to Grahan (from Old Kasol Bridge):

Shared cab: INR 200-300

Private cab: INR 1000

Sunrise in Grahan Village

Kheerganga Trek- The Kasol to Kheerganga trek is a popular trail among travellers during Summer. Starting from Barshaini, it is a beginner-friendly 12-14 km trek (5-7 hr) one-way. Throughout the route, you’ll be met with sights like the Rudarnaag waterfall, and other shallow waterfalls, while the Parvati river will accompany you parallelly. At the summit, you’ll be met with a gorgeous valley view, green and serene meadows, and the famous Kheerganga hot spring.

Mountain view from Kheerganga Trek

Cafes in Kasol

Among many other things, Kasol is home to a plethora of cafes and restaurants where you can try a vibrant range of delicacies. Here are some cafes recommendations for you to start:

Evergreen Cafe- This cafe is one of the best spots to try Israeli cuisine in Kasol. Try some Israeli specialities, pizzas, lasagne, and Turkish Kebabs.

Jim Morrison Cafe- Known for its eccentric and artsy atmos, Jim Morrison Cafe serves delicious Indian, Italian, Mexican, and Israeli cuisine.

Little Italy Kasol- Among the most popular haunts in Kasol, Little Italy serves a multi-cuisine fare, especially wood-oven pizzas, along with some tasty cocktails.

Moon Dance Cafe & German Bakery- This is the perfect place to treat yourself to some freshly baked desserts, including waffles, crepes, and pancakes, served with some strong coffee to wash it down.

The Rainbow Cafe- Close to the Kasol Market, the Rainbow Cafe bids an eccentric and colourful decor. They serve a multi-cuisine fare along with live music and bonfire in the evenings.

Off Limits Coffee Kasol- A popular cafe in the area, Off Limits Coffee serves a wide variety of beverages and dishes, with a special Hemp-based menu.

Riverview Cafe- This cafe is known to serve delicious meals with the unique experience of enjoying a meal right beside the crashing Parvati River. Travellers can enjoy a range of continental selections here.

Pink Floyd Cafe- Believed to be among the best cafes in Parvati Valley, Pink Floyd Cafe serves a diverse menu to its visitors in Tosh Village. Greeting people with its eccentric decor and vibe, a short and scenic hike will lead you up to the cafe.

Soul Kitchen- This special cafe in Kalga serves numerous dishes, including desserts, alongside a gorgeous view. They also offer locally gathered herbs and essences.

Shopping in Kasol

The main road in Kasol, leading to Manikaran and Tosh, is lined up with colourful flea shops and cafes. But here, we will talk about one of the best things to do in Kasol, which is how to go on a shopping spree in Kasol. The shops here are usually run by locals, selling goods made of hemp, hip pyjamas, jewellery made of gemstones, and souvenir made of marble or granite.

A bit about Zostel Kasol (Katagla)

Zostel is now in Kasol with the same old Zostel spirit and vibe. Covered by dense pines, with a backdrop of towering mountains, our newest hostel invites you to the enchanting Parvati Valley. To make your stay all the more social, the hostel features happening dorms, while the spacious private rooms are perfect for travellers seeking an intimate stay. For digital nomads, the rooftop area is perfect for chilling, working, and trying delicious food, making it one of the best stays in Kasol.

Check out Zostel Kasol (Katagla) here.

The Facade of Zostel Kasol (Katagla)

Common Room of Zostel Kasol (Katagla)

How to reach Zostel Kasol (Katagla)

From Delhi: ~516 km (~11 hr); Drive towards Manali via the Chandigarh-Manali route. Reach Bhunter and navigate to Shani Mandir Katagla. Zostel Kasol (Katagla) is just 850 m from here.

From Chandigarh Railway Station: ~292 km (~7.5 hr); Take a direct cab (~6000-8000 INR) towards Zostel Kasol (Katagla).

From Bhuntar Airport: 28.6 km (~1 hr); Take a direct cab (~1500 INR) towards Zostel Kasol (Katagla).

And that’s all about your Kasol trip, folks! Make your way here to realise your dream mountain adventures featuring treks, hikes, and everything nice. The beguiling vista, enthralling landscape, one-of-a-kind culture, and magnificent gastronomical experiences will mark your getaway here.

As for your stay, you can count on Zostel Kasol (Katagla) to take care of that.

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