Are you looking for the perfect adventure to take during your time in Kasol? Look no further! Kasol is the ideal spot in India for hiking and trekking, with a variety of trails ranging from easy to difficult, short or long.
In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and extraordinary treks in the Parvati Valley, so grab your trekking gear and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Kasol Overview: Trekkers' Paradise
Welcome to Kasol, the paradise of trekkers! From visiting mysterious villages to scaling glorious mountain peaks, there are plenty of spectacular treks in Kasol. Whether you're looking for an easy one-day hike or a multi-day trek that includes high mountain passes and stunning views, these trails promise an unforgettable journey through the Himalayas.
Let's take a look at some of the options:
For the strong headed - Bunbuni Pass Trek
Are you ready for a real adventure? Then make your way onto the Bunbuni Pass trek! This difficult trek takes you through a combination of mountainous terrain, juniper forests and meadows.
After arriving in Kasol, you stay a day for acclimatization and head to kheerganga the next morning. It is advisable to camp for two nights in Kheerganga and then make your way to Bunbuni Pass for better stamina and strength. It’s an uphill climb reaching your destination at —the highest point on this trek at 10.987ft.!
It is advisable to carry high end camping and trekking gear to camp overnight at this stunning pass of Parvati Valley. Along with views of thick alpine forests and grassy meadows, be prepared to be met with some snow if you're trekking in winter or early spring.
The vibrant - Animal Pass Trek
Are you looking for something with a moderate difficulty level? If yes, then the Animal Pass Trail is perfect for you!
The Animal Pass Trek is a 6-day long trek that starts from Kutla Village in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh. This trek is a lesser-known and offbeat trail that takes you through the picturesque Tosh Valley, all the way up to the stunning Animal Pass. You'll cross several streams and waterfalls and walk through lush green meadows and grasslands. The trail is steep in some parts and requires a bit of scrambling, but it's not too difficult. The trek is around 22 km long and takes around 6-7 days to complete.
The best time to do the Animal Pass Trek is from June to September, during the monsoon season. The valley comes alive with greenery, and the streams and waterfalls are at their fullest. The weather is pleasant, but you need to be prepared for rain. The Animal Pass Trek is a moderate level trek, but it requires prior trekking experience.
The highest point of the trek is the Animal Pass, which is located at an altitude of 4560 m above sea level. This makes the trek quite challenging, as altitude sickness can be a concern. It's essential to acclimatize properly and stay hydrated throughout the trek. In all, Animal Pass Trek is an offbeat and challenging trek that's perfect for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its stunning scenery and breathtaking views, it's definitely a trek worth doing.
The Thrilling - Sargi Top Trek
When you’re ready for something much more challenging, Sargi Top Trek is just the ticket. This trek is an arduous yet satisfying journey into the beauty of Parvati Valley. Traversing through Lapasa Village near Manikaran, this less treaded trek offers one of the most challenging yet picturesque valley views. The entire Kasol valley is viewable and it is astounding at night to watch the town lights under the sky full of stars. It is also known as the habitat of bears; so we take only groups for this particular trek but trust me, nothing beats the adrenaline rush of having to see the waterfalls where bears bathe!
This 5-day trek is suitable for experienced trekkers and covers a distance of roughly 20 km. Keep in mind that while this trek isn't technically very difficult, it can be long and arduous so make sure you have appropriate equipment such as proper shoes and warm clothing for when you reach high altitudes on the route. A good level of fitness is also recommended prior to embarking on this trek.
For Seasoned Trekkers - Pin Parvati Pass
On this trek, you’ll first climb over the 13,050 ft Pin Parvati Pass, which gives you views of the high-altitude Himalayan mountains. It will be an amazing sight as you reach the top and stand against a backdrop of snow-clad peaks! You can expect to spot some wildlife like snow leopards and blue sheep too.
Experienced trekkers who are well-versed with the challenges of Himalayan terrain, altitude, and acclimatization will find the Pin Parvati Pass trek an ideal choice due to its lengthy distance, demanding terrain, and steep elevation gains. If you are a regular Himalayan trekker seeking a new challenge, this trek should be on your list.
The ideal time to embark on this trek is between June and September, which is unique as it is one of the few Himalayan treks that can be completed during the monsoon season. This offers trekkers a glimpse into the lush monsoon landscapes of the region, making the experience even more remarkable. For further information on the trek, including the route map, itinerary, temperature chart, photographs, and videos, please stay on this page.
For Beginners - Bijli Mahadev, Kutla, Grahan
For the ones just starting out on the trail; these treks are the best to explore with its easy terrains and picturesque landscapes. You will easily find locals and access to food alongwith stays in Grahan and Kutla. You could camp by the night in Bijli Mahadev (which happens to be one of our favorite day hikes of this valley).
Tips for Trekking Safely in Kasol Valley
Trekking safely in Kasol Valley is an important aspect, given the remote locations and potential hazards you can encounter. So if you want to enjoy your trek, here are some safety tips for trekking in Kasol Valley:
Start early - It's a lot easier to ascend a mountain when there is still plenty of daylight. Plus, most trails are open from 8am to 5pm, so it's best to start your journey by 7am or 8am at the latest. Early mornings are also cooler, making it more comfortable for trekkers.
Local guides - Having a local guide on board is essential even for shorter hikes, as they possess unparalleled knowledge of the area that even seasoned trekkers may not have. By hiring a local guide, not only do you support their livelihood, but you also gain invaluable insights into the local culture, history, and geography of the region.
Wear proper clothing and footwear - It's important to dress warmly when you're heading out into the wild. Make sure you have layers that you can take off when it becomes too warm — Rapid dry T-shirts and thermals are a must-have if you're trekking for more than a day. Also, invest in quality hiking shoes as they provide good traction and also protect your feet from sharp rocks or other hazards that could be encountered while hiking.
Have the right gear - Before going on any kind of hike or trek, make sure you have all the necessary gear such as a first-aid kit including bandages, antiseptic cream, painkillers etc., flashlights with spare batteries, sunscreen etc.
Whether you’re an experienced trekker or just starting out, Kasol is the perfect place to come and explore the lush forests and snow-capped peaks of the Parvati Valley. So come and discover the magic of Kasol and explore the spectacular treks that this region has to offer.
At BnB Adventures; we provide you with tailored itineraries for all levels across different treks of Kasol, so don't hesitate to contact us if you're looking to embark on an exciting journey!