Kasol
"A Mini Israel"
Kasol is situated in parvati valley on the banks of parvati river in Kullu at a height of about 1640 mtrs. District of Himachal. It is located around 31 km from Bhuntar and about 5 km from Manikaran. This place is good for adventures and nature lovers in Himachal. This village is nothing much except the nature beauty, it is not very far from Manali . Tourists who wanted to explore different destinations can explore this place as well. Israeli Immigrants colony is here, one can found different cultures, different languages speaking here. Most of the population is Israeli due to which this region is also called “The Mini Israel of India”.
If someone is interested in knowing the Israel culture this is the best place for them to explore. There are lot of trekking option is available in kasol one can go with that. There are lot of hangout options is available here like cafes, for night life there are some restaurants where you can get drinks but option is limited. The Himachal Police is on alert during nights. Hence, they raid such areas. There are cafes which operate till midnight.
Connectivity
By Air: Bhuntar Airport located near Kullu is the nearest airport to the village about 31 kms away. It is well connected to Delhi, Shimla and Pathankot. Cabs/Taxis are available from Airport.
By Rail: Pathankot is the nearest Railway Station at a distance of almost 150 Km. Chandigarh is another option about 310 Km away. Cabs/Taxis are available from Railway Station.
By Road: The HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) runs regular buses from neighbouring states of Delhi, Haryana and Punjab.
Seasons:
Summer (March - June) The temperatures rarely dropping below 15 degrees Celcius. It is the best time for trekkers.
Monsoon (July - September) Monsoon season receives moderate to heavy rainfall, this season is not best for visit.
Winter (October - February) winter season is extremely chilly temperature. Most of the roads are blocked due to the freezing cold and frequent snowfall.
Foods
One can find northern cuisine here, being a hub of Israel some of the cafes provide liquor. Shakshouka is one of the mouthwatering dishes of the place consisting of poached eggs dipped in tangy tomato curry served with hummus and pita bread.
Restaurants
Bhoj Restaurant
Shanti Café
XXL Café
Evergreen Restaurant
Attractions
Kheerganga Trek
Kheer ganga is situated around 3050 mtrs at the extreme end of parvati valley. This is a holy place with a small temple of Lord Shiva and hot spring water, bathing tank is also available. Along the way dhabas are available for food, guest houses ,camping option is also available for trekkers. For trekkers approx. distance is about 26 km., easy and starting point is Tosh. Best time for trekking is in the month of May- June and from September – October.
Trekking and Rock Climbing
Kasol is famous for its forest treks, and multiple varieties of adventure sports. The most famous trekking route here is the Kasol Kheer Ganga trek, which is amazing. There is a belief that Lord Shiva meditated here for 3000 years. The trek begins from a place called Bersheni from where you need to trek up to Kheerganga. The trek is about 12 kilometers in distance.Another thrilling experience is Rock climbing, the difficulty level is medium to high so make prepare yourself according to this.
Parvati River
One can enjoy river rafting , fishing can relax here . For fishing one need to take a special permission. It is also the best place for angling.
Tosh
Tosh is located at the far end of Parvati Valley. This place is mostly visited by backpackers from Israel and Europe, it is also famous among trekkers. Tosh is about 24 km from Kasol, gorgeous green place is set all around with pine trees, popular for cannabis plantations.
Malana
Malana village is almost 21 km from Kasol , it is famous for malana cream and a quality of hash cultivation.Those who are interested in trekking, adventurous activities it is a must to go place for them. This village is situated by the side of Malana river which is also named as Malana Nala. This is the place where democracy is best follwed with all well- organized parliamentary system as per the guidance of their deity Jamlu Rishi. There is a belief that Jamlu was worshipped during the pre-Aryan times. Team spirit is not only reflecting in culture but it is also reflecting in houses as well, in malana houses are either two-three storied and specific name was given to them and purpose assigned to them.
Manikaran Gurudwara
This Gurudwara is situated at a distance of about 15 minutes from Kasol, lies on the banks of parvati river.It is also famous for hot spring water and Geothermal Energy Plant is set up on the experimental basis.
Rasol
It is situated at an altitude of about 10,000 feet above the sea level. It is a small village around 75 houses. It has a unique living standards, every second person is spinning wool due to which it has got the name of Magic Valley of Himachal .From Kasol it just take 3-4 hours around time. Chalal is the best place for hiking in Rasol. This village has Jamdagini Rishi which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu if you enter the premises of this temple then you will be fined around 2000 indian rupees.
Stargazing
Night beauty of kasol is amazing you will fall in love. Malana, Kalga, Tosh, and Pulga are the perfect places for gazing at shooting stars. On a clear night you might catch a glimpse of 2 or 3 shooting stars. The best location is Kheerganga Valley for shooting stars. Throughout the year you can visit here.
