kasol

Kasol, like many other Himalayan destinations, haunts you and invites you again and again. The dense pinewood-covered forests with little villages tucked in cosy corners make the topography all the more exciting and is well-complimented by the fierce flow of the Parvati accompanying you from Bhuntar.

Here you have the option of renting a river-side hotel where the windows and balconies open up to the mountains and the view of River Parvati mesmerises you with its beauty and the excellent apple pies, pastas, hummus and trout fish flies are a decadent treat to your palate. There is plenty to see around here. Aimless strolling across any one of the suspended looping bridges would take you to small country cottages inhabited by locals, who will delight you with their warm hospitality.

A few kilometers away from Kasol, the small village of Malana, Himachal Pradesh is a pleasure to visit. Well known for its cultivation of the famous malana cream, the village has its own unique rules and regulations. The trek to Malana offers spectacular views of the majestic mountains covered in snow and the gently flowing Parvati River. The trek takes about 5 to 6 hours from Kasol and isn't difficult to undertake. Perfect for a one day trip, the village certainly takes you away from the chaos of modern life.

The Parvati Valley in Kasol is a photographer's paradise. The dense pinewood-covered forests with little villages tucked in cosy corners, the fierce flow of the Parvati and the winding roads that dip and then suddenly elevated to great heights offers many picture-perfect panoramas. The summers are mild and the winters are very cold. The Parvati Valley is the base camp for several treks such as those to the Sarpass, Yanker Pass, Pin Parbati Pass and Kheer Ganga.

Kasol has a pretty flea market which is lined with shops that offer a world of things under the sun- beautiful pendants, semi precious stones, hippie Bob Marley t-shirts, snuggly woolens and little trinkets, the market has them all. Brush up your bargaining skills before you head to this market to get the best of deals.