Monday, October 27, 2014

Backpacking to Kasol - Challal - Choj


Kasol is a small town located in the Parvati Valley of Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh, India. 
Situated at the heart of Parvati Valley, Kasol is an offbeat retreat for backpackers. Although the nearby villages of Kasol is quaint, Kasol has sufficient modern amenities such as travel agents, internet cafe and restaurants. 
Reaching Kasol : By  flight or bus to Bhuntar.  Regular bus plies to Bhuntar from Chandigarh/Delhi which takes approximately 7-8 hours from Chandigarh and 13 hours from Delhi.
From Bhuntar bus plies every 30 minutes to Kasol.  
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Reached Kasol on the morning of 18th October, 2014 with all excitement to explore the Parvati Valley. Upon arrival in Kasol, we were startled to find touts didn't approached for hotels which is usually common in any tourist place in India. Moving on towards Manikaran for 200 meters to find an inexpensive stay we found a beautiful place, Himalayan Guest House, owned by a local family. 
Our senses evoked as soon as we opened the balcony door. The view of the Himalayas, the ripple of the Parvati River as it hopped over the stones, the chirping of the birds; everything was so calm and serene. Soon we got fresh and had our breakfast in Moonlight Cafe/German Bakery and set out to explore the Parvati Valley.




Himalayan Guest House, Kasol
 Himalayan Guest House



Approach road for Himalayan Guest House



View outside room - Himalayan Guest House- Kasol

View from our room





Toast with Peanut Butter and Coffee

Choj

Choj is a hamlet, situated at 10 minutes walk from Kasol. 

Towards Manikaran



Bridge connecting Manikaran Road and Choj village. 


Challal


After exploring Choj, we headed towards Challal. The trail to Challal takes about 30-40 minutes. Travellers and locals can be found on the way and  human inhabitation is sporadic. The terrain is rugged and it is advisable to walk at a medium pace.  
Challal is a sleepy village with few cafes. The villagers are heart warming to talk with and they are always full of ideas to make backpacker's journey comfortable.   
An alluring thing that I found among the natives of the valley is that they are happy in their own terms. Right from a child to an old man everyone seemed quite joyous and their face resounded happiness. Perhaps their understanding of comfort and luxury is far more deeper because their comfort is to share a smile and luxury is to make a backpacker's journey comfortable. 

Bridge connecting Kasol and Challal
After crossing Parvati River
Road to Challal

A traditional house on the way to Challal


Parvati River

On the way to Challal

A village lady of Challal


Kids posing from their school ! 


In the village I meet the same kid  from the previous photograph and I gave him a Cadbury Dairy Milk. 


Barn


Interior of Challal


After roaming around the village for sometime and striking conversations with the locals we had our lunch in Freedom Cafe and headed back to our room in Kasol. 
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12 comments:

  1. Syed Luice IslamOctober 29, 2014 at 3:47 AM

    Great Arnab !
    Your words and pics refresh the moments spent with Parvati .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownOctober 29, 2014 at 12:56 PM

      Thanks Luice ! Glad that my post refreshed your memory.

      Delete
  2. Random VariablesOctober 29, 2014 at 1:00 PM

    Travelers Delight!!! Beautifully workout post with some great snaps...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rondip BorthakurOctober 30, 2014 at 3:29 PM

    Well phrased babu, pics alone tell the story

    ReplyDelete
  4. hirokjyoti pathakNovember 11, 2014 at 1:01 AM

    so many memories from parvati been refreshed..been there thrice..the last being on oct 2013...looking at the photos..i feel that i was there just yesterday..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 4, 2015 at 11:58 AM

      Happy that the photos refreshed your memories.

      Delete
  5. UnknownFebruary 19, 2015 at 10:42 PM

    Hi great narration and pics!!!..I am planning a back packing trip to Kasol this May. Was searching for a cheap decent acco. and found yr blog..What was the rate for Himalayan Guest House?..Please write to me directions for reaching there. Also, is there any cyber cafe in vicinity to this guest house as I will have to work online for few hours as taking quite a long break from office. Please guide me. Thanks in advance. Regards.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 4, 2015 at 11:55 AM

      Hello Seeker ! Thanks :)
      The rate for Himalayan Guest House is pretty cheap, Rs 300 per night per room. ( Do negotiate.) The bed is pretty big. Two or three people can easily can be accommodated. Once you are at Kasol Bus Stop you need to walk towards Manikaran. Walking down the road for about 300 metres towards right (towards left look for Kasol Camps) there is small road going up hill. There is a sign post for Jim Morrison Cafe. (you can find the cafe in Google maps). So this guest house is just beside that cafe.
      Yes, there are few cyber cafes in the vicinity, so you need not be worried about that.
      Please ask for any further clarifications. Thanks !

      Delete
  6. AnonymousMay 7, 2015 at 2:22 PM

    Hi Arnab
    would you have a contact number for Himalayan Guest House? Planning a trip in June and Alpine seems booked.

    Also, how far is it from the main Kasol area and while I know its cheap etc, how would you rate the amenities, cleanliness and security of the place?

    Thanks in advance! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownJune 18, 2015 at 4:36 PM

    Hi Arnab,

    Good Write up, it helped me more to head for my trip for sure. I am planning a trip at the end of june, so if you can help me with the contact detail of Himalayan Guest house at Chavi.sirohi@gmail.com or if u can suggest us some good Place to stay but cheap with Best view.. i'll be glad for all ur help... Thank you

    ReplyDelete

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