If you’re visiting the Kullu region in Himachal Pradesh, make sure not to miss Parvati Valley. Here are some tips if you’re on your way there!
You can choose to go by bus, car or bike and drive all the way up to the pilgrims place 1) Manikaran. From here you can easily reach the other places around: 2) Kasol at one end, a very popular tourist place 6km from Manikaran, and 3) Kalgha, Pulga, Tulgha and 4) Tosh on the other side, at the end of the valley.
From these places you can also start the famous 5) Kheerganga Trek. On the way back we planned to visit 6) Malana, but unfortunately, we missed the exit!
#1 Try out a natural spring in holy place Manikaran
Here are 6 activities you could consider if you are paying a visit to Manikaran. Enjoy!
#2 Camping in Kasol
Just a few tips if you’re spending time in Kasol in Parvati Valley.
#3 Visit the smaller villages Kalgha, Pulga & Tulgha
From Manikaran you can also easily reach other, smaller and less touristic villages higher up in the valley.
You go to Barshaini (or Basheni) the last motorable point; from there you can reach Kalgha, Pulga or Tulgha by foot.
#4 Start the Kheerganga Trek from Kalgha
If you’re looking for a 1 day hike through the forest with Himalaya views and a hotspring to relax in at the end, you should consider this trek to the holy place Kheerganga.
One of the best of Parvati Valley, we heard and found out.
#5 Get higher in Tosh
One of the Parvati Valley hotspots must be Tosh. Despite not having a motorable road in the village,there’s a vibe of traditional and contemporary at the same time.
The town is also called ‘little Amsterdam’ for an obvious reason..
#6 Visit the ancient village Malana
Unfortunately we weren’t able to make it, but if you have the time pay a visit to this special place isolated from the rest of the world.
Situated in the Manana Nala, a side valley of the Parvati Valley, Malana is an ancient and one of the last solitairy towns of India. It only opened to tourists 2 decades ago.
Because of this isolation, the village has its own lifestyle and social structure and people are strict in following their customs.
#6 Tips in Parvati Valley – shortlist to screenshot
- Visit Manikaran
- stroll around town, sleep at a local homestay
- have a shared meal at the Sikh Temple Gurudwara Singh (or Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara), go to the Teerathraj Shri Manikaran Temple
- bath in one of the hotsprings
- hike from Manikaran to Kasol
- Check out Kasol
- Visit The Nature Park & have a picnic
- Plan a camping trip
- Go shopping or try one of the many restaurants
- Discover Kalgha, Pulga, Tulga
- Get higher in Tosh
- Hike to Kheerganga
- Do the one hour Kheerganga Trek, visit the Shiva temple & have a dip in the hotspring
- Spend the night camping at the mountain
- Take 2 different routes on the way up there and back
- Drive up to Malana (in Manala Nala, a side valley) and discover their distinct lifestyle, social structure & customs
Tips @breuhuys
Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh 175105, India
Breuhuys 