Best Places to Visit in Parvati Valley - The Land of Wanderlust

Parvati Valley is fondly called the “Goa of the north” and rightly so! It’s definitely one of the most exciting places to visit in this part of the country. Located in the mountain state of India “Himachal Pradesh”- Parvati Valley is a paradise for nature lovers. Dense forest, dazzling Parvati river water, snow-capped mountain, cosy camping sites and hippie culture are some of the highlights of this place.

The history of Parvati Valley is as fascinating as its present. According to the legends, Lord Shiva meditated in the valley for 3000 years and when he opened his eyes after these many years, he was awestruck by the beautiful surrounding and picturesque landscape. He named the valley after his companion- Parvati.

Over the years, tourists from different parts of the country have visited here to soak in nature’s beauty and experience divine surroundings. During your trip to Parvati Valley, you can find several offbeat places in Himachal that are hidden gems along with popular ones.

So, if you are a sucker for curvy mountain roads, long deodar trees lined perfectly on the sides and majestic views of hilly landscapes, then Parvati Valley is a must-visit place for you. Here’s the rundown of the places to visit in Parvati Valley:

Kasol

Kasol is the hippie centre of Parvati Valley, which is located on the banks of the Parvati River. You can find several backpackers enjoying their time in this picturesque hill station. Live music, a cosy café, and narrow mountain trails sum up the vibe of this quaint little village in the Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh.

During your visit to this place, you can go on mini hikes, as there is an abundance of trekking paths in Kasol, Parvati Valley that are beginner-friendly. Besides this, there are plenty of camping sites in and around the area where you can stay at night and enjoy a view of the starry sky, the sound of river water gushing through a rocky bed, and a cool hilly breeze.

Also, do not forget to sit in the cafes in Kasol to try some local as well as international cuisine. Shakshouka, falafel, and Tibetan momos can be found in almost all the cafes at this place. Delicious cakes from German bakeries are also a must-try. There are plenty of accommodation options in this village, as the place welcomes tens of thousands of tourists every year.

Chalal

As you pass Kasol and cross the Parvati River through a cable suspension bridge, you will be greeted by long pine trees and thundering clouds in the small village called Chalal. If you are in search of a place that is yet to be explored by mainstream tourists, Chalal is the place to be. The pathway to this village is as picturesque as it sounds. A rocky path, the roaring sound of the river, and dense valleys all around are what you can expect.

Once you enter the village, you can spot several signposts for homestays, hotels, camping sites, and small restaurants. So, feel free to choose your accommodation as per your liking. You can spend your time here trekking on the narrow trails that lead to various locations, soaking in the good vibes while sipping a cup of tea with momos, or conversing with locals about the evolution of this place. Other than this, Chalal is famous for its trance party- a phenomenal festival in the early summers. In other seasons, birdwatching, camping, and trekking are some of the things to do in Chalal.

Rasol

Rasol is yet another pristine beauty that you must include in your Himachal Pradesh tour package. The journey to this cute little village is quite dramatic, as it involves trekking through the rocky terrain in Parvati Valley. It is a 3–4-hour uphill trek from Chalal that makes the journey adventurous and beautiful. Here, you can have a relaxing vacation away from the disturbing sound of city traffic.

There are plenty of homestays in Rasol that offer unbelievably low rates per night. These places have delicious food that you can indulge in during your entire stay. Rasol has quaint surroundings and marvellous spots all around. So, your social media pictures are sorted for the coming months. You can also go near the waterfall and trekking points to make the most of your vacation.

Kheerganga Trek

Kheerganga is one of the most famous treks in the Parvati Valley. It is a moderate trek from Barshaini that takes 4-5 hours to cover. The entire journey is a dream for nature lovers and trekkers. You will cross a dense green forest, travel alongside a mountain river, and leave behind a few old villages to reach your destination. You will also encounter waterfalls during your trek, where you can take a break and admire nature's beauty. As you reach the destination, enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view of the ethereal landscape of Parvati Valley and take a dip in the natural hot spring, which is called Parvati Kund in Kheerganga.

Make sure to visit a nearby Shiva temple and cave to align your soul and experience divine energy. It's recommended to cover the entire trek in a day, as overnight camping is not allowed these days. However, you can take a stop at nearby villages to get a glimpse of village life and its beauty. There are many small dhabas at the top that serve momos, Maggie, tea and coffee to make your journey even more rewarding.

Tosh

Tosh is one of the best places to visit in Parvati Valley which is located at the far end. If you are someone who does not want to trek but enjoys a laid-back vacation, then Tosh is the right place for you. Regular taxi services are available from Kasol to reach this splendid village in Himachal Pradesh. However, trekkers also like to visit this place as it also has an arduous trekking trail.

Here, you can walk in the apple field, click pictures, encounter different species of birds and visit a hippie café to eat some Tibetan and Israeli food. There are several places to stay in Tosh. So, you can plan an overnight stay or a one-day travel at your convenience.

Manikaran

Manikaran is yet another beautiful place in Parvati Valley that is hard to miss. It is located at a distance of 2.5 kilometres from Kasol and has easy connectivity with buses, taxis and private cars. The place has huge spiritual significance and welcomes a huge influx of tourists.

Sikh and Hindu devotees visit Manikaran to pay their regards in Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib and the adjacent Shiva temple. When you visit this place, you will be mesmerized by nature’s splendour. You will have to cross a small bridge over the torrential river water to enter the holy premises. Other than this, you can take a dip in the mineral-rich hot water spring and eat langar in the Gurudwara to complete your trip. Manikaran also has a small market where you can buy Prasad, artefacts and dry fruits to take back home.

Malana

If you are an avid explorer and want to visit a place that has a secluded culture, then Malana village is a must-visit. Locals in this place have a distinctive language and culture and believe they are descended from Alexander the Great. It’s fascinating to witness the local culture and practices. The village is full of greenery and a striking riverside path. You can see several backpackers here. To reach this place, hire a cab to Malana Gate, from where you can stroll around the area and have a relaxing time.

Parvati Valley is the epitome of beauty and houses several villages that have different vibes and cultures. Every place is picturesque and has an abundance of greenery that will liven up your soul.