The Parvati Valley is one of Himachal’s most beautiful — and most talked-about — side valleys. From Bhuntar the road follows the rushing Parvati river through pine and deodar forest to Kasol, a village of guesthouses, cafés and bakeries that has become famous among backpackers; many menus and signs are in Hebrew, thanks to the large number of Israeli travellers who have come here since the 1990s.
Beyond Kasol lies the pilgrimage town of Manikaran, with its gurdwara and hot springs, then the villages of Barshaini, Tosh and Kalga and the trail to Kheerganga’s open-air hot pool. It is a valley for slow travel: walks between villages, riverside afternoons and a trek or two.
Top things to do in Kasol & Parvati Valley
Kasol and Chalal
Browse the market and cafés of Kasol, then cross the bridge and follow the riverside path (about 30 minutes) to Chalal, a quieter village of guesthouses among the pines.
Manikaran Sahib
Four kilometres up the valley, Manikaran is sacred to both Sikhs and Hindus. The gurdwara runs a free langar (community kitchen) where rice and lentils are cooked in the naturally boiling springs, and there are hot baths and the Ram temple beside the river.
Kheerganga trek
From Barshaini, a trail of around 12 km climbs through forest and past the Rudra Nag waterfall to the meadow of Kheerganga at about 2,950 m, with a hot spring pool and views up the valley. Many trekkers stay overnight; camping rules change from year to year, so check locally.
Tosh and Kalga
Short walks from the road head at Barshaini lead to the traditional wooden villages of Kalga and Pulga (in orchards) and to Tosh, high on the hillside facing snow peaks.
Malana
The isolated village of Malana, in a side valley, has its own ancient council and strict rules forbidding visitors from touching buildings or people. If you visit, stay on the path, follow instructions and never photograph where asked not to.
How to get to Kasol & Parvati Valley
- From Delhi: overnight buses to Bhuntar (about 11–13 hours), then a local bus or taxi for the last 30 km to Kasol (around an hour). Some private buses run direct to Kasol in season.
- From Manali: about 75 km, 2.5–3 hours by taxi or change buses at Bhuntar. A Kasol & Manikaran day trip from Manali is the easiest way to see it quickly.
- By air: Bhuntar (Kullu) airport is at the mouth of the valley, about 30 km from Kasol.
Insider tips
- Cannabis is illegal in India, including in the Parvati Valley; police checks are frequent and penalties severe.
- Tell your guesthouse where you are walking, and do not hike alone to remote villages or high trails — the valley has a history of lost trekkers.
- Kasol’s ATMs sometimes run dry in peak season; bring enough cash from Bhuntar or Kullu.
- The monsoon (July–August) brings landslides and swollen rivers; the 2023 floods badly damaged roads here, so check conditions before travelling.
- Dress modestly and cover your head inside the Manikaran gurdwara.
Tours that include Kasol & Parvati Valley
These guided trips cover Kasol & Parvati Valley or combine easily with a visit:
Day trip Kasol and Manikaran Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Manali
A relaxed day in the Parvati Valley without the bus connections: drive down the Kullu valley to Bhuntar, then up the Parvati river to Kasol for a stroll and lunch, and on to Manikaran, where steam rises from hot springs beside a busy Sikh gurdwara and Hindu temples.
- Pine forests and riverside cafés of Kasol
- Manikaran Sahib gurdwara and its hot springs
- Scenic drive up the Parvati Valley via Bhuntar
Multi-day tour From Delhi: 4-Day Manali Tour with Transport
A straightforward package that takes the hassle out of the long road from Delhi: transport both ways plus sightseeing around Manali, including Hadimba temple, Vashisht, Old Manali and a day up in Solang Valley.
- Return transport between Delhi and Manali
- Manali sightseeing and Solang Valley
- Time to explore Old Manali and Vashisht
