I didn’t expect to like Kasol as much as I did. I thought it’d be too “scene,” too full of loud travelers and overpriced cafés. But it’s actually a lot more balanced. Somehow, it’s great for families and for that “I-need-to-disappear-for-a-while” kind of solo trip.

How to Get There

You’ll need to get to Bhuntar first, that’s where all buses and Volvos from Delhi or Chandigarh drop you off. From there, it’s around 30 km to Kasol, about an hour’s drive. You can grab a taxi right outside the bus stop (pricey but easy) or wait for a local bus (cheap and kind of fun if you like wild roads). The road winds up next to the Parvati River, and the views really start to hit you once you pass Jari. Forests get denser, air gets cooler and you’ll feel it.

What to Do

Not gonna lie, Kasol isn’t about ticking off sights. It’s more of a vibe place. You sit, you walk, you eat, you stare at the river and think about quitting your job. That kind of place.

That said:

• Walk along the river, there's a narrow trail that starts near Moon Dance Café, super peaceful early morning.

• Check out the bridge to Chalal, a tiny village across the river, feels like a whole other world just 15 mins away.

• Eat everything, the cafés are actually really good. Try the shakshuka at Evergreen or just get momos from a random stall.

• Visit Manikaran, just 4 km away, and it’s such a weird cool experience. Steam everywhere, religious chants, boiling water next to a freezing river.

For the Curious

• There’s a big Israeli influence here, menus, music, signs, even conversations. Some locals speak Hebrew better than Hindi, no joke.

• Kasol got its “hippie” rep back in the 90s and early 2000s, and though it’s more mainstream now, that energy still lingers in the air.

• The river is cold all year, but people still sit with their feet in it. I did it once and instantly regretted it but also didn’t. You’ll get it.

Good to Know

• Best time? April to June or September to November. Monsoon can be a bit messy and winters get icy.

• ATMs exist but aren’t always working,bring cash.

• Mobile signal is decent, but can randomly vanish. Airtel worked better than Jio for me.

• Be respectful. Yes, it’s chill, but locals are getting a bit tired of people treating it like a party zone.

• You don’t need to pack much, but bring layers. It gets cold at night, even in summer.