Kasol Valley is a stunning valley located in a charming village within the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Located in the Parvati Valley, next to the Parvati River. Famous for its charming scenery and laid-back atmosphere, Kasol has emerged as a top choice for backpackers and hikers. There are numerous hikes at a beginner level. These hikes are suitable for anyone looking to begin their trekking journey.
Here are some entry-level hikes that I have taken.
- Kheerganga (9842 ft.)
- Rasol village (10000 ft.)
- Grahan Village (8000 ft.)
- Tosh Kutla (8900 ft.)
- Bun Buni Pass (11000 ft.)
- Bhandak Thatch (9640 ft.)
Kheerganga Trek
Kheerganga Trek: Considered as one of the most scenic treks in Himachal Pradesh is the Kheerganga trek. Journey begin at Barsheni Village.
Path: Chandigarh to Bhuntar, then to Kasol, and finally to Bharsheni.
Transport is not a problem. Bus transportation from Chandigarh to Bhuntar is available regularly. Next, there are local buses that can take you to Kasol, Manikaran, and Barsheni.
My initial trek in Parvati Valley was to Kheerganga.
Hike to Kheerganga
- Hiking Distance: 9 kilometers
- Elevation: 3000 mt.
- Location: Kullu District
- Region: Himachal Pradesh
- Optimal Period: April to June and September to October.
- Directions: Take the route from Chandigarh to Bhuntar, then head towards Kasol and finally reach Bharsheni Village.
- Duration of the hike: 1-2 days.
The Kheerganga Trek can be completed in a single day starting from Barsheni. Suitable for those new to the activity. If you are with your friends as a group, there is no need to hire a guide for this trek. If you are hiking alone, make sure to either hire a guide or connect with other individuals also participating in the trek. The duration of the Kheerganga trek from Barsheni typically ranges from 3 to 5 hours, depending on your pace. Kheerganga offers camps for visitors. It is simple to rent a camp that fits your budget.
I hiked to Kheerganga twice. On both occasions, the experience was truly incredible.
Tosh Kutla
- Hiking Distance: 2.5 kilometers
- Elevation: 8900 feet.
- Location: Kullu District
- Region: Himachal Pradesh
- Directions: Chandigarh to Bhuntar to Kasol to Bharsheni to Tosh
- Duration of the hike: 1 day.
The hike from the village of Tosh to Kutla is truly incredible. I visited Kutla in January. The area is completely blanketed in snow, and it appears absolutely amazing during that period. A brief walk to the village is only 2.5 kilometers away from Tosh. You are allowed to remain in Kutla. Accommodation choices can be found in Kutla Village. If you are hiking alone, make sure to either hire a guide or trek alongside locals to ensure a safe arrival at Kutla Village.
Hiking adventure in Rasol
- Hiking Distance: 7 kilometers
- Elevation: 10000 ft.
- Location: Kullu District
- Region: Himachal Pradesh
- Directions: Chandigarh-Bhuntar-Kasol
- Duration of the hike: 1-2 days.
Rasol Village stands out as a picturesque village in Parvati Valley. If you have already hiked to Kheerganga, you can consider doing the Rasol Trek. Parvati valley is a tranquil and Hidden gem. The journey commences at Kasol, crossing the Chalal Bridge. The trek offers stunning views. During this trek, only my cousin and I were on the trail. I noticed a small number of hikers in the Rasol villages. It will require approximately 4-5 hours to arrive at Rasol village.
Village of Grahan Trek
- Hiking Distance: 9 kilometers
- Elevation: 8000 ft.
- Location: Kullu District
- Region: Himachal Pradesh
- Directions: Chandigarh-Bhuntar-Kasol
- Duration of the hike: 1-2 days.
Grahan, located in the Parvati Valley, is a picturesque village. Simple trek from the village of Kasol. I completed this trek on two separate occasions, and the experience was truly incredible. Accommodation in Grahan village is easily accessible after a 3-4 hour hike from Kasol. The initial 5-6 km of the journey consists of simple walks; following this, there is an increase in altitude. Shared jeeps from Kasol can also be taken for the first 5–6 km, saving time compared to hiking from Kasol.
Bun Buni Pass
- Hiking Distance: 10 kilometers
- Elevation: 11000 ft.
- Location: Kullu District
- Region: Himachal Pradesh
- Directions: Chandigarh-Bhuntar-Kasol-Barsheni
- Duration of the hike: 2-3 days.
Bun Buni Pass ranks among the most stunning treks in the Parvati Valley. With an altitude of approximately 11000 ft., reaching the pass proves to be a difficult challenge for hikers. In general, the trek from crossing the pass to reaching Kheerganga is of moderate difficulty. A mandatory alternate route to Kheerganga is possible within a two-day trek from Bharsheni. The distance of the trek is approximately 10 km away from Kalga village. One option is to spend a day in Kalga village before beginning your trek the following day to adjust to the altitude.
Bhandak Thatch
- Hiking Distance: 5 kilometers
- Elevation: 9640 ft.
- Location: Kullu District
- Region: Himachal Pradesh
- Directions: Chandigarh-Bhuntar-Kasol-Barsheni-Pulga
- Duration of the hike: 1-2 days.
Bhandak Thatch is a concealed treasure in Parvati Valley. An essential hike for those who appreciate nature. The journey kicks off at Pulga village and continues along a stunning path all the way to Bhandak Thatch. Approximately 5–6 kilometers is the distance of the trek. There is a beautiful meadow on the top. You have the option to camp with your gear or trek during the daytime. Based on yours exclusively. My night in Bhandak was incredibly beautiful.
These are fantastic, simple-to-moderate hikes in Parvati Valley. If you enjoy nature and hiking, you will definitely enjoy these pathways. I suggest doing these hikes with your trekking buddies, a local guide, o a reputable trekking group as safety is crucial in these paths.
Instructions for Trekking in Himalayas.
- Do check weather condtions before you are going for the trek.
- Physcial & mental fitness is required for any of treks.
- When trekking solo- Hire guide or join any authroised Trekking organization or join any other Trekkers.
- Trekking shoes are must for Himalayas treks.
