Sit by the Parvati river
The river runs right through Kasol, fast and blue-green. Find a big rock, sit down and just listen to the water. Early morning and sunset are the best times.
Things to Do in Kasol: Walks, Villages, Cafes & Treks
River walks, nearby villages, cafes and treks in Kasol, with time and effort for each.
Kasol at a glance
What can you do in Kasol?
Kasol is a small village on the bank of the Parvati river, about 30 km from Bhuntar airport. It is famous for its pine forests, riverside cafes and easy walks. Most people come here to slow down, sit by the river and explore the small villages around it.
Below are the best things to do in Kasol, sorted from easy to hard. We have added how long each one takes and how tiring it is, so you can pick what suits you.
The valley road
Kasol sits in the middle of the Parvati valley
One road runs up the valley along the river. Most places you will visit are on this road, before or after Kasol.
Bhuntar0 km
JariMalana turn
Kasol30 km
Manikaran+4 km
Barshaini+16 km
Tosh · Kalganear Barshaini
Kheergangatrek from Barshaini
Distances are by road and are a rough guide.
Things to do in Kasol village
All on foot, no car neededTry the cafes
Kasol is known for its small cafes with river views. Many serve Israeli food like shakshuka and falafel, along with Indian, Italian and Tibetan dishes. Try a slow lunch in one of them.
Walk the Kasol market
The main street has small shops selling woollen caps, bags, silver jewellery and Himachali shawls. Prices are not fixed, so ask a little lower.
Walk in the pine forest
Tall pine trees cover the hills around Kasol. Short paths start right behind the village and are good for a quiet morning walk.
Short walks and village treks
Start from Kasol on footThese walks take you to small villages where cars cannot go. Wear good shoes and carry water.
Chalal village
Cross the hanging bridge over the river and walk through the pine forest for about 30 minutes. Chalal is quieter than Kasol, with a few cafes and guest houses by the water.
Rasol village
From Chalal, a steep path goes up to Rasol, a small village high on the hill. The climb is tiring, but the valley views from the top are worth it.
Grahan village
This trek starts near the Kasol bridge and follows a stream through the forest to the old village of Grahan. Grahan has no mobile signal and does not allow alcohol.
A local guide for the treks
For Rasol and Grahan, paths can split and there are few signs. A local guide costs little and makes the walk much easier. Ask at your hotel.
Day trips from Kasol
By car or local busGo up the valley road and you reach hot springs, wooden villages and snow views. Each trip can be done in half a day or a full day.
Manikaran Sahib
Just 4 km from Kasol, Manikaran has a big Gurudwara and an old Shiva temple. Hot water comes out of the ground here, and the langar food is cooked in it. You can also take a dip in the hot water baths.
Tosh village
Tosh is a village of wooden houses at the end of the valley road. It has wide views of snow mountains and a lovely waterfall. In winter, it often has snow when Kasol does not.
Kalga and Pulga
Two quiet villages near Barshaini, full of apple trees and old wooden homes. Short, pretty walks connect them. Many people stay here the night before the Kheerganga trek.
Malana village
Malana is one of the oldest villages in Himachal, with its own rules. Outsiders cannot stay in the village and must not touch the houses, temples or people. Go with a local guide and respect every rule.
The big one: Kheerganga trek
For fit walkersThe Kheerganga trek is the most famous trek near Kasol. It starts at Barshaini and goes up about 12 km through forest and waterfalls to a wide open hilltop with a hot water pool. It takes 4 to 6 hours to go up.
Important: Since July 2024, the forest department does not allow camping at Kheerganga. It is now a day trek. You go up in the morning and come back down the same day.
Read our full Kheerganga trek guide for the route, timings and what to carry.
Sample plan
Two easy days in Kasol
Day 1 · Kasol and Chalal
- Morning walk by the river and breakfast at a cafe
- Cross the bridge and walk to Chalal
- Lunch by the water in Chalal
- Evening walk in the Kasol market
Day 2 · Up the valley
- Drive to Tosh early for clear mountain views
- Stop at Kalga or Pulga for a short walk
- On the way back, visit Manikaran Sahib
- Try the hot water and have langar before returning
Want hotels, a cab and this plan ready-made? See our Kasol tour package, or the Manali Kasol Manikaran tour to add Manali.
Good to know
Do's and don'ts in Kasol
✅ Do
- Carry cash. ATMs often run out in the busy season.
- Carry a warm jacket, even in summer. Nights are cold.
- Wear shoes with good grip for the walks.
- Keep your rubbish with you and throw it in a bin.
- Tell your family before you go to villages with no signal.
❌ Don't
- Don't go into the river. The water is very cold and fast.
- Don't walk on forest trails after dark.
- Don't touch anything in Malana village.
- Don't plan to camp at Kheerganga at night.
- Don't play loud music near temples and villages.
Planning the dates? Read our guides on the best time to visit Kasol and how to reach Kasol.
FAQs
Kasol: your questions answered
What are the best things to do in Kasol?
Walk along the Parvati river, go to Chalal village over the hanging bridge, sit in the riverside cafes, see the hot springs at Manikaran Sahib, and take a day trip to Tosh or Kalga. Fit people can also do the Kheerganga trek.
How many days do I need in Kasol?
Two days are enough for Kasol, Chalal, Manikaran and Tosh. Add one more day if you want to do the Kheerganga trek.
Is Kasol good for families?
Yes. Families enjoy the river walks, Manikaran Sahib, the easy walk to Chalal and the drive to Tosh. Stay at a quiet hotel a little away from the main market.
Can I swim in the Parvati river?
No. The water is very cold and the current is much stronger than it looks. Sit on the rocks and enjoy the view, but do not go into the water.
Can we stay at Kheerganga at night?
No. Since July 2024 the forest department does not allow camping at Kheerganga. You can go up and come back the same day, and stay the night at Barshaini, Kalga or Nakthan.
Is there an ATM in Kasol?
There are one or two ATMs in Kasol, but they often run out of cash in the busy season. Carry some cash with you, as many small cafes and shops do not take cards.
Plan your Kasol trip with us
Tell us your dates and what you like: cafes, villages or treks. We will plan the days, the hotel and a cab from Chandigarh, Delhi or Manali.