This was my first trip post my cancer treatment with my pahadi gang. Treatment wasn’t over yet, it was still going on when I decided to take a break and seek what I needed the most. Peace amongst the chaos.
For me this was ‘The trip’ of the year 2017. After going through so much stress both mentaly and physically all I needed was some peace with my best buddies. We plan our trips a year in advance .. I mean not the entire trip but atleast the location. Kasol was already decided a year back when we four were in Dharamshala. We are working people and four of us being free at the same time in itself is a huge task but nevertheless we all agreed to November. Kasol didn’t need much of planning as its very well accessible but yes we did check on few nearby locations and treks and the best cafes that should not be missed etc. Kasol to me and I am sure many of us would agree is backpackers paradise.Enjoying hippie vibes, tasting Israeli food (its all known as mini Israel), the beautiful valley, sitting near parvati river banks enjoying its melodious sound and gazing at the sky, hiking ..its a small hamlet of paradise.
I keep myself engaged by watching all travel related series and tv shows. I stumbled upon a show where they were showing this amazingly beautiful wooden cottage surrounded by moutains and on the banks of Tirthan river called Raju’s Cottage (Tirthan Valley). I quickly googled the distance and checked if we could do this with Kasol. Its 3-4hrs drive from Mandi. So just like that we got Raju’s cottage included in our plan. The only regret I have about this trip is that we didn’t stay for long at Raju’s.
We had our private vehicle and finding the place on google wasn’t so difficult. Upon checking the directions with local people in Mandi we headed towards our trips most exciting phase. The scenery changed dramatically before our eyes. Passing through the lush green forests and bountiful vegetation was a treat to watch.This region is a true paradise for nature lovers, the ultimate destination for peace lovers, wanderers and uplifting.
But why Rajus Cottage? Bcoz this place has everything that you need. If you are someone looking for peace, solitude, calmness, break from the hustle-bustle, chit-chats, bonfires, nature walks midst green cover, musical river flowing besides, etc.. then you got the place right. A short visit to this tranquil place can do wonders to rejuvenate yourself and can help you refresh the magic present in you. Raju ji is a pioneer in hospitality and the homely service and the care you get over here is just too good to be real. They treat you not like customers but like their own family. They serve you food with such love and generosity. I can go on and on about their hospitality.
Another reason why I liked this place so much is also because of the trolley ride that I had seen on the show. Yes you need to take a short trolley ride to cross the river and reach the cottage. It is super thrilling and exciting. You can even hike if the flow of the river allows you to do so.
There is a lot you can do around the cottage. Trekking, Fishing, Mountain biking and Camping. They have all the equipment’s and gears available which you can rent. They also arrange for all the permits if required for hikes and fishing. I truly applaud to the dedication and efforts put in by Raju ji and his sons to continue offering this enriching experiences to tourist.
You need to pre- plan in advance as this place is fully booked most of the time. There is no online reservation.. you just have to call Raju ji and ,confirm your dates.
One advice that I would like to give is .. please travel light. This place is divided in blocks and some cottages are at a distance where you need to hike. Ofcourse they do help you with your luggage but its just not fair to them. This is one place where I would like to go again and again.
Thank you Varun bhaiyya, Lata Didi and Raju ji for this lovely experience.
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