Kasol
Silence, Cedar, and the Parvati River.
Welcome to Kasol.
Known as "Mini Israel of India," Kasol is a tiny village on the banks of the Parvati River in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh. What was once a quiet Himachali hamlet has become a global backpacker magnet — drawing digital nomads, trekkers, and seekers of solitude from across the world. The cedar forests are impossibly tall, the river is loud and cold, and the pace of life is exactly as slow as you need it to be. There's no rush here. Just mountains, chai, and the sound of water.
Where to Sleep in Kasol.
Riverside Homes · Kasol
Riverside Living in the Valley.
Perfectly positioned by the Parvati River, YOLO Homes Kasol blends vibrant communal spaces with quiet nooks. The ultimate base for digital nomads, trekkers, and those chasing solitude.
- Riverside location on the Parvati
- Quiet reading nooks + communal spaces
- Kheerganga & Chalal trek starting point
- Café, bonfire & community events
What Makes Kasol Special.
Mini Israel of India
Kasol has attracted a significant Israeli traveller community since the early 2000s. Hebrew signs dot the village, Israeli cafés serve shakshuka and hummus alongside dal makhani, and the fusion of Indian and Middle Eastern culture gives Kasol its uniquely cosmopolitan mountain-village vibe.
Parvati Valley Magic
The Parvati Valley is one of the most mystical places in the Himalayas. Named after the Hindu goddess Parvati, the valley runs from Bhuntar to the glacial source of the Parvati River. It's home to ancient villages like Malana, Tosh, and Kheerganga — each with its own distinct character and story.
Cedar Forests & River
Kasol sits in a dense forest of Himalayan cedar (deodar) — trees so tall and straight they feel like cathedral columns. The Parvati River runs right through the village, its milky-blue glacial water rushing over smooth boulders. The riverside is Kasol's living room.
How to Reach Kasol.
Bhuntar Airport
The nearest airport is just 30km (1 hour) from Kasol — one of the closest airport-to-destination ratios in the Himalayas. Daily flights from Delhi and Chandigarh connect to Bhuntar. Taxis are readily available at the airport.
From Delhi / Chandigarh
Overnight Volvo buses run from Delhi (520km, ~13 hours) and Chandigarh (310km, ~10 hours) to Bhuntar or Kasol directly. HRTC government buses and private operators like Red Bus offer multiple departures daily.
Self Drive
From Delhi, take NH1 to Chandigarh, then NH21 through Mandi to Bhuntar, and turn into the Parvati Valley. The last 30km from Bhuntar to Kasol is a narrow valley road along the Parvati River — beautiful but requires patience.
Best Time to Visit.
March — May
The valley wakes up from winter. Rhododendrons bloom crimson, apple orchards burst into blossom, and temperatures sit between 10–25°C. The best window for trekking — Kheerganga and Rasol trails are at their prettiest.
June — September
Heavy rains make the valley impossibly green but some treks close due to landslide risk. This is the quietest season — ideal for writers, artists, and remote workers who want Kasol all to themselves. The river roars.
October — February
Crisp clear skies in autumn (Oct–Nov) give way to snowfall in December–February. Temperatures drop to -2°C but the valley looks magical under snow. Cafés have bonfires, and the pace is its slowest and most peaceful.
Things to Do Near Kasol.
Kheerganga
A legendary 12km trek through forests and waterfalls to natural hot springs at 2,960m. Camp under the stars and soak in sulphur pools overlooking the Parvati Valley. One of the best overnight treks in India.
Chalal
A 30-minute riverside walk from Kasol leads to Chalal — the "Magic Village." Tiny cafés perch on the hillside, music drifts through the pines, and the pace is even slower than Kasol. A gentle introduction to valley culture.
Malana
One of the oldest democracies in the world, Malana is a remote village with its own parliament, laws, and customs. The village claims descent from Alexander the Great's soldiers. Visitors cannot touch anything — observe only.
Rasol
A steep 3-hour trek from Kasol to the hilltop village of Rasol at 2,900m. The views of the Parvati Valley from the top are amongst the most breathtaking in the Himalayas. Stay overnight in a village guesthouse.
Manikaran Sahib
A major Sikh and Hindu pilgrimage site just 5km from Kasol. Famous for its natural hot springs where water boils at the surface. The Gurudwara serves free langar (community meals) to thousands daily.
Tosh
Perched at 2,400m at the edge of the Parvati Valley, Tosh offers the most dramatic views in the region. Snow-capped peaks, terraced farms, and cozy guesthouses with wood fires. The end of the road — literally.