Where to Stay in Kasol, Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Hi, having acquired a property in Kasol, our trips to that beautiful valley have become more frequent than before. Being locals practically now, we share our inputs for the benefit of fellow travellers here.....1. Kasol town is getting too crowded and is headed for the same sad destiny as that of Manali and Simla. There are issues with parking, with garbage disposal and such like matters. Even though the town retains its charm because of its natural beauty and a vibrant crowd, you may not like to stay inside the town for long. Room rents have also gone up because of an ever tilting demand-supply ratios over past two years. A better option, therefore, would be to stay'around' Kasol and walk around the area, including Kasol town, instead of plonking yourself inside the town.

2. When we look at the options 'around' Kasol, there are some distinct segments.

(a) Ahead of Kasol (towards Manikaran)..... there is virtually nothing once you leave the town and travel for half a Km or so towards Manikaran. The only place that offers guesthouse accommodation is the Village Choj that is across the river. You will have to get down at NHPC complex, around a Km after Kasol, walk over the footbridge to reach the place. Rs 300-500 per head per room (300 for longer stays) is the rate now in 2016. And some basic facilities are available. BUT the village itself is notorious for drug mafia activities (Unfortunately, marijuana, as we all know, is one of the USPs of Parvati Valley). So, the place is best avoided.

(b) Short of Kasol, along the road and this side of the river, most of the accommodations, like Himalayan Village (high end) and Parvati Kuteer are expensive for budget travellers. Parvati Woods Camps is the latest and newest addition to the properties at a place called Suma Ropa (4 Kms short of Kasol). Three sizes of tents cost from 1000 to 3000 or so. For groups, they also offer packages including stay and food. Various activities being offered include bon fire, trekking, air rifle shooting, rock climbing and cycling. Ajit is the manager (+919882110469) and reservations are handled by Ansul (09805767073).

Parvati Woods Cottage has a variety of rooms from 500 per head to 5000. They also have bonfires and offer basic home cooked food. There is also a hotel, Hotel Anupam, on the main road.

(c) Now, across the river. There is no motorable road that runs over Parvati River in and around Kasol and that is why the area on the other side is peaceful and serene. The area across can be divided into two parts - first is an area of Village Chalal (bang opposite Kasol). Himalayan Camp is run by local people. The tented camp offers basic food and basic accommodation but the location is too good. One has to walk for a Km or so reach the place. Charges range from 300 to 500 per head per day for accommodation but he allows as many people in one tent as possible. Again, a reference of mine will get you some discount. There are other properties like Chalal Cafe, Shiva Cafe, Shanti Cafe, Greenpark Cafe, Maya Cafe and Guru Cafe. All these are cafe patronised by Israelis and accommodation is very basic. Stress is on 'Shiva's Regal' rather than Chivas Regal and associated brands. Many of these places also involve long walks though the area is beautiful to walk through.

The second chunk of the area, and the one that we would rate higher than Chalal is to the West, i.e., across the river but short of Kasol. It is roughly opposite Parvati Kuteer. The area is calledKatagla. The access is through a footbridge over the river. White House is the biggest of all in the area but has a concrete building, is patronised by Israelis and their attempts to create a pool inside the property has run into a legal hassle.

(d) For those seeking adventure and some real backpacking, Tosh - a village ahead of Barshaini and Manikaran- offers some good options. Anshul and Prakul have a property there too. The area is frequented by foreigners more than their Indian counterparts, though. Kasol is a place that is one of the trendiest niches in HP today. Because of road issues, the area remains beautiful and less cluttered, barring Kasol town, i.e.,. If you are heading for any of the properties listed above, please make sure to book in advance. BTW, all these properties remain open even during winters! That is another incentive to re-visit such places once you have been there during summers. BUT remember, these places offer you peace and tranquillity to unwind and break free from the stress at least for a while. There is a personal touch of hospitality and guys will take you out on treks if you so desire. If, however, you are looking for luxury or hotel like services or even if you are a TV addict, you may look-see somewhere else. This point needs to be absorbed before you pick up your phone to dial a number!

This post was originally published on Staying options around Kasol in Himachal Pradesh