Trekking from Kasol: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
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While looking over photos from my journey to Kasol where I
did some of the amazing treks (Rasol and Kheerganga ), I was struck
by how little information there is about the trek on the web and in travel
blogs.
This is an attempt to put together a step-by-step guide on
trekking to Rasol and Kheerganga on your own.
Rasol's Bio
Rasol, a beautiful town in the centre of Parvati Valley, is
reached after a 3-4 hour climb from Kasol. Chalal, which also serves as the
base for Rasol, is 30 minutes from Kasol. Feel relaxed as you are met by
majestic mountains, flowing river sounds, bird tweeting, and great expanses of
Marijuana farms. Marijuana production is, by the way, a major source of income
for the Rasol locals. Rasol is also known for its trance and psychedelic
parties, in addition to weed growing.
The beginning
In our comfy AC Volvo buses from Delhi, we arrive in Kasol.
We arrived at Bhuntar late in the afternoon after an overnight bus travel and
substantial delay caused by high traffic of Sikh disciples heading to
Manikaran. We couldn't begin the hike that day, so we chose to spend the night
in Kasol. We drove straight to our destination the next morning after filling
our bellies and picking up some treats from the German Bakery. The journey to
Chalal village takes roughly half an hour. When you cross the Parvati River's
suspension bridge, you are catapulted to a parallel realm that will steal your
breath away at every turn. In the village of Chalal, about 20 minutes into the
walk, you enter a lovely Alpine woodland known as the Mystic Forest.
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Chalal to RasoL
From Chalal, the trail splits into two directions: one
follows the river to Katagla, and the other follows a stream up the mountain to
Rasol.
The entire journey to Rasol is so enthralling that you'll
forget about getting to your goal and instead prefer to get lost in the
tranquilly of the lush, green mountains.
The fresh scent of marijuana plants refreshes your soul time
after time, making your walk a one-of-a-kind experience. It's no surprise that
the Parvati Valley is known as "A Stoner's Paradise."
After roughly 4 hours of ascending through the woods, you
begin to notice microscopic evidence of civilization. Rasol village has a small
population, with only about 100 dwellings in the region. The kind and welcoming
"pahadis" will gladly assist you in selecting a suitable lodging and
provide delectable home-cooked meals.
The abundance of "Do Not Touch" or "Do Not
Enter" signboards on the majority of doors and entrances, however,
intrigued me the most. Later, after asking around, I learned from a local that
the natives are very strict when it comes to their homes and places of worship.
Outsiders are absolutely forbidden from entering due to the widespread notion
that any stranger would taint the sacredness of their sacred sites.
As my travels neared their climax, I understood how much the
entire voyage to Rasol had to offer. It is a highly overwhelming experience,
from challenging your own endurance and stamina while trekking through the
beautiful Himalayan vegetation to mingling with a completely unknown society.
The Most Popular Kasol Escape is Kheerganga.
Kheerganga is said to be the mythical valley where Lord
Shiva meditated for thousands of years, and it is one of the most difficult
treks in the Himalayan region. The journey to Kheerganga, an amazing Himalayan
hideaway at 9700 feet, may be done by two different routes: Rurdanag and Kalga
– Pulga. Both of these routes take a detour around Barshaini.
The trip's breathtaking natural beauty has remained
untouched by the forces of materialism, and is only complemented by the locals'
simple way of life.
Getting to Bhuntar: The trip to the start of the walk
can be divided into two parts, the first of which is getting to Bhuntar.
Bhuntar has an airport, making it easy to get there by air, however getting
there by vehicle or bus from Delhi takes 14 hours.
Bhuntar to Barshaini: In the second phase, you go
from Bhuntar to Barshaini. You can either take a turbulent bus ride or a taxi
to get to Barshaini. Kasol is a good place to stop on your trip to Barshiani.
Kasol is another jewel along the path, serving as the starting point for a
number of hikes.
Kheerganga Trekking Routes:
Take a right at the bridge and trek up to Kalga
settlement.There is an alternative trek path to Kheerganga from Kalga, albeit
it does join the main route halfway through. This walking path to Kheerganga
runs through dense trees, so it's easy to get lost. Because most people are
unaware of this route, it is frequented by only a few hikers.
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Kheerganga can be reached from Tosh village through a
separate trail. Near the town of Nakthan, it connects with Route No. 1.
Tourists that spend the night in Tosh and wish to trek the next morning use
this path. Near Tosh village, the Tosh nallah or Tosh river flows through,
joining the Parvati river near Pulga.
On the way to Kheerganga, I took Route No. 2, and on the way
back, I took Route No. 1.On the walk, there is a little Shiva shrine. Lord
Shiva is reported to have meditated for thousands of years in Parvati Valley. A
pool with hot spring water is located at the highest point. Parvati Kund is the
name of the place. Beautiful pine forests, gushing waterfalls, and views you've
never seen before may be found all along the hike paths. Cafes and dhabas can
be found along both routes for refreshments.
The only place to stay in Kheerganga is at Kheerganga
Camping. However, you must bring your own camping supplies and set up your tent
in a convenient location in the meadow.
There used to be many chadar tents and dhabas that provided
lodging, but the authorities dismantled them in 2018 due to littering. Imagine
that certain residents of Kheerganga built brick and cement structures. All of
these were eventually required to be removed to protect the area's environment.
However, as is customary in most localities, not all
structures were demolished completely. You are welcome to stay at such dhabas
if they are still open when you arrive.
Even in the summer, it can get rather cold in Kheerganga,
thus bringing strong woollens is recommended. In Barshaini, Kalga, and Tosh,
mobile networks are operational. Although Kheerganga has BSNL service, it is
best to make crucial calls before starting the walk. Water is supplied at
dhabas along the way, and the location of waterfalls is also marked on the walk
route (to fill the water bottles.)
The restaurant proprietors in Kheerganga certainly want you
to buy their bottled water, however there is a small natural spring in Ashram.The
restaurant owners in Kheerganga would undoubtedly try to get you to buy their
bottled water, although Ashram has a little natural spring. No one will notice
if you find it and fill your water bottles in secret.
Kheerganga has grown in popularity to the point where a
small supermarket has opened there, with a good selection of vital products and
packaged eatables. Chocolate pastries and other breads are also available from
a small bakery. It is recommended that you bring a power bank with you to
recharge your electrical gadgets. Because ATMs in Parvati Valley are not always
available, it is best to carry cash or withdraw from Bhuntar/Kasol. Try to
bring as little weight in your backpack as possible, and leave the rest in
Barshaini/Tosh/Kalga or the guesthouse where you are staying.
The following is a rough estimate of the costs of a trek to
Kheerganga: Volvo tickets from Delhi to Bhuntar and back are priced at Rs.
2000 (click here to check tickets). 200/- (to and fro) from Bhuntar to Barshaini. 800 per day for a stay in
Kheerganga(per person) (or other settlements). Food is prohibitively expensive,
costing Rs. 500 per day.
So, for a two-to-three-day excursion, expect to spend around
5000 to 7000 Rupees. Though it is always advisable to carry some extra cash .
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