Kasol, we have all heard of it mostly as the Weed capital of India 😉 Isn’t it?
In reality, Kasol is a hamlet which means a small settlement of humans in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It’s famously known as a backpacking location for solo travellers, groups, and less for family trips. Usually, families and honeymooners move to Manali, whereas backpackers and the young crowd explore both or stay in Kasol and explore all the nearby offbeat locations. Read ahead to know the 7 Must-Visit Places to explore in Kasol.
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Before we start on the Top 7 Places to visit in Kasol. Here are the best routes and modes of transport to reach Kasol from different points.
How to reach Kasol from Delhi?
One can take an overnight bus that takes about 11-12 hours and reach Kasol. There are daily buses -starting from Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate ISBT. Most of them are semi-sleeper Volvo buses and drops you off at Buntar. From Buntar there are local buses to Kasol that takes about 1-2 hours.
This blog will list the Top 7 places to visit in Kasol without much travel or hassle and can be easily covered in 1-2 days depending on how hectic or leisure you prefer.
How to reach Kasol from Chandigarh?
From Chandigarh, you can take local HRCTC buses or semi-sleeper Volvo buses that take about 7-8 hours. Similarly, even these buses stop at the Buntar bus stand from which you need to change into another local bus. That will take an additional 1-2 hours to reach Kasol.
How to reach Kasol from Buntar?
One can reach Buntar either through bus, road or through the air. The closest airport for Kasol is in Buntar. From the airport, you can take a bus or a taxi and reach Kasol which is just about 31 km. From the Buntar bus stop, almost every hour a bus leaves for Manikaran. Take the same bus as Kasol is about 3.5 KM before Manikaran where one can easily get off and explore.
There are multiple places to trek, explore, activities to do, or just stay in nature’s lap.
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Here are the Top 7 Places to Visit in Kasol that you can explore in a day or two depending on how hectic or leisure your travel plan is.
1. Gurudwara Sahib Manikaran:
From Kasol, take a bus to Manikaran which is about 3.5 Kms or go for a long walk. Once you reach the Manikaran Bus stop, the Gurudwara Sahib is just about 5 mins walk away. You can pay your respects at this Sikh Pilgrimage. Once you enter in, you need to remove your shoes, wash your hands and enter in. There is the Gurudwara where one can sit and feel close to the almighty. Hear the Paat or just sit in silence. Next to the Gurudwara is the place for Langar, where one can eat food and tea made by the locals free of cost. You can also opt for community service here, give charity and there is an option to stay too. At Manikaran Gurudwara everything is free from Parking, lodging, boarding, and even the scrumptious food that’s made using the hot water springs.
Time to explore: 2-3 Hours
Entry: Free
2. Hot spring at Manikaran:
Once you are at the Manikaran Gurudwara, don’t miss out on the hot springs. The hot springs in and around the Gurudwara are used by the visitors to take a dip. There are proper bath facilities created at the Gurudwara to do so. The food cooked at the Gurudwara also uses the same water. The hot spring water is known to have traces of metals like Sulphur and Uranium. These have healing properties. The steams visible here are because the cold and hot water meets here.
Time to explore: 1-2 Hours
Entry: Free
3. Parvati River:
A walk by the Parvati river is one of the best activities to do. The landscape around is scenic and warming. A stroll here makes one relax and rejuvenate. One can just sit on a big rock or near the river and dip their feet in the cold water to feel the chills. Trust me keeping your legs for 10 seconds is also a victory. But it certainly is an experience worth trying for.
Unfortunately, some parts of the river are now littered, with tourists who drink and leave bottles of beers, water, leftover chips packets, etc and spoiling it. Do stop, if you see anyone, and always carry a separate bag in your handbag for leftovers to not add to this stupidity.
Time to explore: 2-3 Hours
Entry: Free
4. Nature Park Kasol:
This new addition is worth giving a try. The Nature Park in Kasol has a mesmerizing view of nature. Once you enter in there are swings and slides and a proper garden for kids to enjoy as well as adults to enjoy the swing. Further, ahead there is a huge green space where you can chill, enjoy or just sit around. Further ahead there is a spot to enjoy the Parvati River and dip your feet and relax. There are also wooden houses made on the tree for visitors to enjoy. Kasol Nature Park is best for people who like to walk around nature and appreciate the wonders.
Time to explore: 2-3 Hours
Entry: INR 20 per adult
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5. Camping in Kasol:
There are many camping options located nearby which one can explore for a one-day stay at least. The camps are all around the Parvati River, giving a chance for people to live near nature and like old days. You can find single camp, couple camp, and huge house kind camps too. One can book for their camping experience directly in Kasol or online, as there are various listings of the same. Make sure you don’t choose something extremely far as that would increase commute and hassle of travel if you don’t have your own vehicle.
Time to explore: 1-2 day
Entry: Starts with 900 INR
6. Street Shopping:
Just like Rishikesh, Kasol has proper Street Shopping where one can find Harem Pants, Woolen clothes, Jute bags, Jewelry, Wool, artifacts, gloves, caps and so much more. If you have forgotten to pack anything, don’t worry you’ll get it all here. Some stores have a fixed rate, while many need to be bargained for if you don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket.
Time to explore: 2-3 Hours
Entry: Free
7. Eateries:
Kasol has eateries all around, whether you are looking for Cafes, Restaurants, Bars, Bakeries, Street momos, Maggie, hot chocolate, or chai. You can get anything and everything. They’re famous for serving authentic Israeli cuisine. Don’t forget to taste the same, order cautiously as the portion size for authentic Israeli dish is huge than the normal items and is more filling.
You can find a detailed list of places to eat, what to expect coming up here soon.
Time to explore: 2-3 Hours
Entry: Free
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These are the 7 Must-Visit Places to explore in Kasol. You can plan this as per your itinerary and comfort level. I took a good 2 days to explore these and enjoy my time here. Do let me know which is your favourite or if I should be adding any more places on this list.
For places to trek or explore the offbeat locations in and around Kasol, please click here
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I relived my Kasol visit by reading this!
I had visited kasol many years ago with my family and had a great time during my visit. your post has remind me those amazing memories. would love to visit this beautiful place once again in future.
This post made me nostalgic. I have been to Manikaran 25 years ago and it was the same. But I hadn’t been to Kasol. Wish I had known about it then. Is the road to Manikaran. still very narrow or widened now?
Can Understand, not sure of how it was 10 years ago, but its decent, not very narrow not really huge, something decent, but filled with curves and turns
Camping is a great option in Kasol and gurudwara sahib Manikaran is such a peaceful place.
Couldn’t agree more
I have never been to Himachal Pradesh for any near by places. But this is a kind of place I like to visit. Writing it down in my bucket list.
That’s superb
Kasol has always been in my bucket list. I so wanna see Parvati river in its glory. WOuld like to visit it really soon.
Definitely should
The hot spring looks amazing. The place looks quite captivating and fun to explore. Hope to plan a vacay there soon. Thanks for sharing.
Its a place you fall in love with, definitely try
Had not heard of the place Kasol. Looks so beautiful, will definitely add this to my must visit places. I agree that we need to be more responsible and not litter beautiful rivers and other tourist places.
Totally agree, you definitely should try the place
I have heard a lot about Kasol from my dad, but never got a chance to visit, this post makes me more curious to visit soon!!
You definitely should visit Kasol atleast ones
Heard a lot about kasol. But thanks for. Sharing the list.. Hot Springs and the eateries definitely interest me to take a trip sooner
You definitely should
That’s great to know
Kasol looks a great place to rejuvenate oneself and get immersed in nature. Your blogpost is very detailed and gives us a good impression of the place.
Glad it can be of help
It’s a lovely place
Reading this made me want to plan a quick holiday as I’ve been desperately wishing for one. KASOL is a fabulous place to be and many of my friends have been there. Time to plan a holiday I guess.
You definitely should give it a try
Just go for one