Kasol is a small town, just 4 km before Manikaran, located in the Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh. This hidden gem of a place is often referred to as the mini Israel due to the large number of tourists from Israel who frequent this place. This used to be a small village like other villages in Himachal Pradesh. Over the years it gained popularity among travelers for its natural beauty. With more and more hotels and homestays that have opened up and tourism booming here, it is now becoming a mini Manali. Whether you are looking for a peaceful escape from the city or an adventure activity like camping, trekking or white river rafting, Kasol has something for everyone.
I have been to Kasol several times and enjoyed my stay. I have also gone on a few trekking expeditions, like the Kheerganga and Sar Pass Trek. Based on my experience, here is a brief article on how to come to Kasol, the modes of transportation available, the staying options, and the must-see attractions and things to do in Kasol.
Delhi to Kasol Drive
It takes approximately 12 hours to drive from Delhi to Kasol to cover a distance of 535 km if you are driving your vehicle. The route is Delhi to Chandigarh, Roopnagar, Kiratpur Sahib, Swarghat, Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi and Bhuntar. From Bhuntar instead of going towards Kullu or Manali, you have to turn right towards the source of Parvati river. The distance from Bhuntar to Kasol is only 25 km. Though driving in Himachal is a bit tiring passing through picturesque places, and stopping anywhere on the road to enjoy the beautiful sceneries makes it worthwhile. If you are travelling from Chandigarh the distance from there to Kasol is 330 km approx.
Delhi to Kasol Bus Journey
If driving your own vehicle is not your cup of tea, there are several modes of transportation. The most popular mode of transportation is travel by bus. A few flights also connect Delhi to Kullu. Another option is hiring a taxi, which I usually don’t prefer for such a long journey.
Buses
Travel to Himachal by bus is the most preferred way simply for the reasons that roads are excellent and buses are easily available for travel anywhere in Himachal Pradesh. If you are coming from Delhi you can take the HRTC bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, New Delhi. There are a host of private operators as well and most of the buses are bound for Manali; you can get down at Bhuntar and from there take another local bus for Kasol. Ticket booking is easily done through apps like Redbus or Intrcity which is also easy. HRTC bus can also be booked from these apps as well as the hrtc website. The journey takes about 12-14 hours but keep in mind that the roads can be winding and the bus journey can be quite tiring.
Flights
The quickest way to reach Kasol from Delhi is by taking a flight to Bhuntar airport and from there either take a taxi or bus to reach Kasol. The number of flights is limited and a bit costly as well.
Hotels in Kasol
Kasol has a variety of variety of options to choose from as far as finding the right place to stay in Kasol is concerned. There are scores of hotels in Kasol besides guest houses and homestays. This can be searched and booked from apps like Goibibo or Yatra for a suitable hotel room that suits your budget. Kasol also offers you the option of staying in tents, which is unique. This way camping on the banks of the Parvati river can be enjoyed like never before.
Kasol Weather
Kasol is known for its pleasant weather, making it a popular destination for visitors all year round. However, Kasol weather can be quite unpredictable, as one moment there is full sunshine and the next moment it starts drizzling.
The temperature in Kasol ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius during summer, making it a great time to visit during this period. Summer months last May to September. During winters which last from November to February, the temperature in Kasol drops quite low to sub-zero. Regardless of whatever the season is, it is always advisable to pack warm clothing like a jacket or sweater when coming to hill stations like Kasol.