Have you ever wondered how great it would be to experience winter in the Himalayas, where as far as you can see is snow covered mountains meeting serene valleys? If you are looking for an offbeat winter destination that offers not just views but adventure and peace then Kasol is calling you. Located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, this place in winter turns into a polar bear city between December and February and attracts a lot of travellers who just want to escape the usual touristy places and get lost in nature’s silence. Let us take you through why you should plan a trip to Kasol in winter, what to expect and how to plan your budget trip.
Kasol is a paradise for those who want to find themselves, those who want to climb heights or those who want to experience the peace in mountains. Explore Kasol the fullest with Kasol Tour Packages, a budget friendly way to discover places like this.
Well there might be a long list to try thing in Kasol but here are a few of them that you should include in your trip -
20 km from Kasol, Tosh is a beautiful village that gets a white cover in winters. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, perfect for trekkers or people who want to spend some quiet time in mountains.
Though a bit challenging due to snow covered paths, Kheerganga Trek in winters is pure magic. The reward at the top is a hot spring where you can soak in the warmth and enjoy the views of Parvati Valley. This Kasol Kheerganga Trek is perfect blend of adventure and thrill that will make your trip more memorable.
The Parvati River flows through Kasol and a peaceful walk along its banks in winters is a soulful experience. You’ll be surrounded by the silence of the mountains, only broken by the river and occasional bird sounds.
Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is a spiritual and historical place which also has hot springs. Kasol to Manikaran distance is just 4.3 km so this is a must visit place.
Explore Kasol and Manikaran together with Kasol Manikaran Tour Package and have a delightful escape into the lap of Himalayas that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, spirituality adventure and cultural immersion.
With a very diverse culture Kasol has amazing cafés. Whether you want to try local Himachali food or are in the mood for Israeli food like hummus and pita, you have plenty of options. Don’t forget to try local trout fish which is a specialty here.
Trek to Malana Village is like stepping into a time machine. Malana is famous for its unique culture and beliefs. If you are in Kasol, you must visit Malana. Though it gets difficult to access in winters due to snow, the peace and cultural richness is worth the effort.
If you are an adventure junkie, camping by the river with bonfire is the best thing Kasol has to offer. Imagine sleeping under the stars with snow all around and warming yourself by the fire.
There are several festivals in Kasol like summer Hill Festival and Indrasan Festival that are held every year. To immerse into the hippie and bohemian culture of Kasol you can enjoy at these festivals.
When you plan to visit Kasol in winters, the cost will vary depending on your mode of transport, accommodation and activities. But here’s a rough idea for expenses:
Travel Costs
Well there are many ways to reach Kasol, like if you plan to go by Bus then you might be choosing the cheapest option. A Kasol Trip from Delhi by bus might take you around 11 to 12 hours is is better to take an overnight bus from Delhi or Chandigarh to Bhuntar. From there you can take a local bus or taxi to Kasol.
If you wish to go by Car so you can go by your own vehicle or hire a cab from nearby cities for which you will have to pay around 4000 to 6000 rupees for a one way trip. You can also choose other options like train and Flight. The nearest Railway station to Kasol is Joginder Nagar Railway station whereas the nearest airport is Bhuntar. These might be a little costly option but might be great if you are planning a Solo Trip to Kasol.
Accommodation
For accommodation you can some of best places to stay in Kasol like Hostels. There are many budget hostel in Kasol that usually ranges from ₹500 to 1000 per night. Other than if you are looking for an adventurous stay you can book a campsite that will cost you around ₹600-1500 per night including food.
If travelling with family, or if you want extra comfort then you can always go with Hotels. You can book Mid-range hotels and guesthouses that might cost you around ₹1500 to 3000 per night.
Food
Meals at local cafes can cost between ₹200 - 500 per meal depending on the cuisine and café. ₹500 to ₹1000 per day should be enough for your food. Other than this street food is always a saviour!
Activities and Sightseeing
For activities it might depend according to the time limit and the type of activity you are choosing. Treks: Guided treks to Kheerganga or Tosh will cost between ₹1,000-₹2,000, including food and camping. Entry to Hot Springs and Manikaran Sahib is Free though donations are expected at religious places. Sightseeing usually do not require fees and if it does it might not require more than 50 to 100 rupees.
We know that planning a trip can be little confusing but to give you solutions is what we are here for. This might not be the exact idea of how you plan this trip but here is a small Kasol Trip Itinerary for you–
Day 0 – Travel from Delhi (or any other respective places) by overnight journey.
Day 1- By morning you can check into your hostel/campsite/hotel and relax for a while. Start your day with a tasty himachali breakfast and then the place. After this go for shopping at Hippie markets in Kasol, try different cuisines and indulge in culture. By evening return and rest for next day.
Day 2- Plan a trekking adventure for today! Start an early trek to Tosh or Kheerganga. If you are not fan of this adventure then you can go for a peaceful walk alongside the peaceful Parvati Valley. By evening have delicious dinner and explore the night life of Kasol. Attend parties or visit a night café.
Day 3 – have simple plans for this day. Visit Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara and take dip in Hot water springs, the therapeutic water. Relax there for a while and then have lunch at Lungar there only. On your way back to your stay place buy some souvenir and pack for your overnight journey to home.
A winter trip to Kasol is a perfect mix of adventure, nature and peace. Whether you want to trek through snow relax in cafes or simply enjoy the solitude of a small mountain village Kasol has something for everyone. And the best part you can plan a budget friendly destination so solo travellers and groups can both enjoy it. Explore one of the best Hill station in Himachal and make some unforgettable memories!
So, are you ready to experience the magic of Kasol in winter?