Top Places to Visit in Kasol for Backpackers and Travellers

There lies a small hill station about 26 kilometres from Kullu, on the way to the pilgrim town of Manikaran, where nature has showered its blessings. Kasol, more commonly known as mini Israel due to the high percentage of Israeli tourists here, is the Himalayan hotspot for backpackers and a base for treks to Malana and Kheerganga. One of India’s most popular backpacker visiting places, Kasol presents a number of tourists opportunities apart from various trekking trails and awe-inspiring views.

Known for its lush green forests, picturesque beauty and mini tourist destinations, Kasol is the perfect destination to go backpacking with your friends and spend a wonderful time stargazing, trekking, enjoying flavoursome food and experiencing some heartfelt humanity. When in Kasol, do not forget to absorb the tranquility of mountains, camping beside a serene river and making a lifetime of memories. Sights of snow-capped Himalayan mountains can be easily spotted through some of the easiest trekking trails, and the crystal-clear skies and rivers make for amazing stories. Whether you are looking for some uninterrupted time through a range of thrill-packed adventure options in the Himalayas, or just want to enjoy the scenic vibes and the dynamic parties, the places to see in Kasol will surely leave you mesmerised.

Places to see in Kasol for backpackers

Kasol presents itself as an excellent option for all kinds of visitors. For a laid-back vacation, you can spend your days here walking by the river stream, shopping for vibrant clothes from the flea markets and taking easy strolls through the woods. But if you are looking for some adventure-packed activities, Kasol has a lot up its sleeves for you. Let us take you through some of the best places you should be visiting in Kasol on your Kasol tour package.

Kheer Ganga Trek

The trek to Kheer Ganga is filled with excitement, challenges and non-stop fun. A four-hour climb, covering more than 9 km through narrow and tricky trails, the Kheer Ganga trek is one of the best places to see in Kasol, that too in the company of magical clouds, dense trees and snow-capped mountains. There is also a little temple of Lord Shiva with hot spring baths. Many hippies have made this place their home and honestly, the view at first glance really makes you reconsider your life choices!

Visit Tosh

Located at a height of 2400 meters, Tosh is known as a traditional village that is visited by thousands of tourists every year. A great sightseeing spot in Kasol, Tosh is home to spectacular views of hills that adorn themselves with local vegetation and cannabis plantations. You can experience the rich Himalayan culture here and enjoy the traditional food. You will find a lot of famous cafes and little homestays in Tosh that serve a variety of Israeli cuisine.

Manikaran

The religious lot of tourists visiting Kasol can come to this spiritual place for a calm and soothing experience. One of the many places to visit in Kasol, Manikaran Sahib is a Gurudwara here that is believed to have been visited by Guru Nanak Dev, making it the most respected place to visit near Kasol. The site’s location is scenic with mountains in the backdrop and a fierce river flowing underneath, and there is also a hot water spring here.

A walk along the Parvati River

Another one of the top places to visit in Kasol, the Parvati River offers a mesmerizing view of the lovely Parvati Valley and the neighbouring forests on both sides. The tall pine trees line your path along the riverbed. To get through to the other side of the river, a rickety old wooden bridge is needed to be crossed which, in itself, is a thrill of sorts. 

Israeli Food

Kasol is heaven for great Israeli food which is as common as the places to visit in Kasol. Streetside cafes serve excellent authentic Israeli food and is a must-try for every tourist that visits Kasol. Not too fancy, the eateries here provide a simple yet delicious cuisine and the whole experience of eating out, with stunning views and fresh air that take it to the next level. 

Shopping

Like any other tourist place, shopping in Kasol is also very common. Stroll to the local flea market to pick souvenirs, semi-precious stones, pendants and other trinkets, fancy clothes, traditional woollen clothes, etc at relatively low prices. Flea markets are common with a touch of Himalayan culture.

Taste Rice Beer

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Kasol, tasting rice beer is a crazy activity that backpackers come running for. Locally known as Chang, rice beer has no alcohol in it but is a refreshing drink that is prepared locally in Kasol. Ask around at any local shop or even your hotel reception and you will be guided to the nearest hotspot for a bottle of the famous rice beer.

Camping

A great way to enjoy nature sightseeing in Kasol is by camping. There are multiple camp-worthy locations in Kasol where you will have an amazing experience surrounded by the green landscape and mountainous terrain with rivers passing by at the base. Make a bonfire, wherever admissible, and you have the perfect friends-night-out activity for your group.

Chalal Trek

A must-do activity when in Kasol, Chalal trek offers a relaxed and productive opportunity to spend time for those not looking to exhaust themselves with long, adventurous treks. Rather, the Chalal trek is just 30 minutes away from Kasol and houses a few small cafes which are perfect to spend the lazy afternoon. Breathtaking views of the scenic location come complementary and so do photography sessions. The sheer tranquility of this place, the free-flowing river, tall dense forests and the chilly fresh air makes you forget everything.

Malana

You can also head to Malana, one of the few interesting villages in Himachal Pradesh. The people here claim it to be the world’s oldest democracy and have cut themselves from the world as there are no motorable roads here. Instead, there’s a challenging climb that people need to take to reach Malana. However, once you reach here, you will find an ancient village that is located on side of Parvati Valley and enjoys its supremacy. The village is surrounded by the amazing Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani mountains, completely isolated in itself, and is the perfect place to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle. All this makes it a top place to visit near Kasol.

Best Time to Visit Kasol

Although Kasol experiences pleasant weather throughout the year, the best time to visit Kasol is from March to May when the cool wind is biting your cheeks while you are out taking a stroll. Nature is at its best during this time and you can even camp outdoors by a serene river and gaze at stars in the clear night sky all night long. The vegetation here is also active during this time and you will see a variety of flora and fauna that will make you smile. Many of the treks are also only possible during the summer months. You might witness heavy snowfall during the winter months from October to February and end up spending your day in the hotel, but the experience will be worth it.

A Budget Backpacking Trip to Kasol

Kasol is highly popular among backpackers and travellers because a trip here can be organised on a very low budget while covering all the best places to visit in Kasol. You can easily reach Kasol from Delhi through a bus ride that will not cost more than 700/800 bucks, including the bus ride from Bhuntar to Kasol. Hotels can be skipped for outdoor stays and camps which again cost very little and then there are a number of low budget eateries available in Kasol. With beautiful Kasol tourist places and places to visit near Kasol, it truly is an unforgettable, magical experience.