A Travel Guide To The Hippie’s Paradise - Parvati Valley
Parvati Valley is located in Himachal Pradesh and lies around popular tourist attractions. The picturesque valley is well-known for its outdoor pursuits and hangout spots for backpackers. The well-known charas (hashish), parties, and spiritual experiences attract hippie tourists.
Along the way, numerous tributaries merge into the Parvati River to create breathtaking cascading waterfalls. While taking part in river rafting, camping, and trekking, visitors are greeted with a clear view of the Himalayan Alps. Young tourists from India and other nations come to Parvati Valley for many reasons—they want to unwind and enjoy the peace that snow-capped mountains offer.
Most-Liked Destinations Of Parvati Valley
If you like winding mountain roads, long deodar trees lining the sides, and stunning views of hilly landscapes, Parvati Valley is a must-visit spot. The following is a list of things to do in Parvati Valley:
1. Kasol
Kasol, a popular tourist destination, is also called the "Amsterdam of India." It is gradually establishing itself as a significant hub for trekkers, travellers, and nature enthusiasts. It is one of the most excellent places in the country to kick back and unwind while admiring the backdrop of snow-covered mountains, pine trees, and a peaceful river in the valley. It is within a short distance from the holy town of Manikaran and 23 kilometres from Bhuntar.
2. Malana
One isolated community cut off from the rest of the world lives in Malana Nala, a small valley in the Parvati Valley. It is located in the Kullu region and is known as Malana or the Malana Village. Due to its well-known, robust religious and cultural traditions, and historical linkages to various emotions, it is a destination for individuals seeking spiritual guidance. This area is perfect for all adventure enthusiasts as the route to Malana is well-known for trekking.
3. Tosh
Another example of Himachal Pradesh's unmatched natural beauty is the peaceful village of Tosh, which is well-known for its cannabis farms. At the other end of Parvati Valley, in Tosh, urbanisation and a fast-paced way of life had no impact. Due to its challenging terrain and the river Parvati's constant flow through its heart, the Tosh Kasol trek is the favourite trip for all thrill seekers. The hippie lifestyle and bizarre ambience will take you to another planet.
4. Manikaran
The famous Hindu and Sikh pilgrimage site of Manikaran lies in the Himachal Pradesh district of Kullu, 4 kilometres from Kasol, on the banks of the Parvati River. The various temples, Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib, and hot springs draw pilgrims and tourists.
Three hot springs are available for bathing; one is inside the Gurudwara, while the private guesthouses own the other two. Men's and women's sections of the bathing area are separated. The sulphur in the water from these springs can treat illnesses.
5. Pulga
Pulga lies in the Parvati Valley, three miles from Barshaini. Pulga is known for its scenic splendour and wooden homestays. Thick deodar trees, waterfalls, and apple orchards surround the village. Pulga is one of three tiny settlements close to Barshaini, with Kalga and Tulga, and is 2,210 metres above sea level. It is a refuge for people who love being outside.
The deep deodar forest, also known as Fairy Forest, offers beautiful views of the magnificent snow-capped Himalayan mountains and the lush green Parvati Valley, waterfalls and wooden bridges, even though it is not very populated.
6. Kheerganga
Kheer Ganga (3050 metres), which lies at the far end of Parvati Valley, is the final impenetrable place on the Pin-Parvati pass trek to Pin Valley. Trekkers' eyes are glad to see the blue skies and lush greenery of Kheerganga. It is a holy place with a hot spring, a small Shiva temple, and a swimming area. Any hiker would find it unusual to take a hot spring bath while everything is covered in snow.
7. Kalga
The Parvati Valley is home to the small Himachal Pradesh village of Kalga or Kalgha, which lies on a hill covered in forest at 8200 feet. Apple farming and animal husbandry are the two main sectors of Kalga. On the grounds of their old wooden homes, several people run homestays and cafés as an additional source of income. The houses in the community are surrounded by stone fencing to prevent the animals from escaping.
8. Chalal
While Kasol is the most well-known of the Parvati Valley's villages, one can truly appreciate the tranquility of the enchanted state of Himachal Pradesh by travelling a little further from there to the Chalal village. The popular tourist attraction of Kasol is 30 minutes walk away from Chalal, which is situated at the height of about 5300 feet and has preserved a lot of its old-world mountain hamlet charm.
Located in the breathtaking Parvati Valley of the Himalayas, this beautiful town has acquired the nickname "Isreal of Himachal Pradesh" with good reason. It has a magnificent view of snow-capped mountains and towering pine trees.
9. Grahan
Grahan village in the Parvati Valley, which is 2,300 metres above sea level and also known as the Spiritual Village, is one of Himachal Pradesh's less popular tourist locations.
The village is well known for growing apples, potatoes, and even hashish. It has a small population and few homes. It has lush deodar trees, cascading waterfalls, a lovely river, and stunning vistas of the high peaks, especially at sunset, and is only accessible by foot. Although a few hotels and restaurants provide Israeli food, visitors are unlikely to find mobile service in this area.
10. Rasol
Beautiful Rasol, a settlement in the Parvati Valley of the Himalayas, is a hidden gem. It takes between two and four hours to travel to Rasol from Kasol (approximately three to four hours). Malana, a well-known town, is close to Rasol. The journey's beginning point is Chalal. Visitors are greeted by an endless expanse of beautiful vegetation when they arrive in Rasol, which boasts between 75 and 100 wooden dwellings.
Experience The Local Cuisine Of Parvati Valley
Besides the beautiful landscapes, parties and cafes, Parvati Valley is also a place to try the local cuisine.
1. Siddu
Siddu is a tasty bread in northern India's Parvati Valley. Its ingredients are wheat flour as the basis and lentils, veggies, or nuts as the fillings.
Wheat flour, water, and oil or ghee are mixed to create the dough for Siddu. Little balls of dough are formed, flattened flat, and then filled. The packed balls are fried on the griddle until crispy and brown.
Siddu is good for breakfast or a snack with chutney or pickles. It is a delectable way to start the day or satisfy your hunger. Visit Parvati Valley and try the bread made there.
2. Madara
Madra is the name of a dish from the Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Ingredients include rice, yoghurt, and chickpeas.
It is made by soaking and cooking chickpeas until they are mushy. Cumin, coriander, ginger, and garam masala are added to the yoghurt. The mixture is cooked until it becomes creamy.
Madra is a winter dish. It occasionally comes with a multi-course meal served on a dish known as a Himachali thali. Try this delectable regional dish if you're in the Parvati Valley.
3. Bhagjery
Bhagjery is the name of a dessert from the Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is prepared and served at festivals using wheat, sugar, and ghee.
Combine flour, sugar, and ghee to make bhagjery. The dough is formed into little balls and pressed flat. Deep-fried circles that are crisp and golden.
Bhagjery is a sweet, delectable dessert. It's a well-liked snack or dessert for events and festivals. Come to Parvati Valley and indulge in this speciality.
4. Kullu Trout
Himachal Pradesh's Parvati Valley is well known for its Kullu trout. The abundance of streams and rivers in the Parvati Valley contributes to the popularity of freshwater fish cuisine. Kullu trout can be grilled, roasted, or fried.
Before being grilled, Kullu fish is marinated in cumin, coriander, ginger, and garlic.
Kullu fish provides a fantastic meal or lunch. It is served with salad or vegetables, bread, and rice. In Parvati Valley, try this fish dish.
5. Red Rice
There is red rice with a nutty taste available. The germ and bran layers, containing most nutrients, are still present because it is whole-grain rice. Red rice is healthier than white rice.
India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Thailand grow red rice. In India's Himalayas, red rice is frequently grown. It is prepared in these locations as puddings, salads, and rice bowls.
Crimson rice is a delicacy found in the Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is a tasty, healthy native grain.
6. Thukpa
Tukpa is the name of a well-liked Tibetan noodle soup served in the Parvati Valley of India. A warming, tasty winter lunch is served.
To prepare thukpa, bring water to a boil with cumin, coriander, ginger, and garlic. The broth is then cooked with noodles, veggies, meat, or tofu until everything is soft.
Pickles or chutney are served with the main meal, thukpa. Visit Parvati Valley and indulge in this mouthwatering local delicacy.
Want To Know When To Visit Parvati Valley
The summer months of March to June and the months following the monsoon of October to February are the ideal times to visit Parvati Valley. The best time to visit Parvati Valley and adjacent towns like Kasol, Malana, Manikaran, and Tosh is in the summer. The weather is ideal for taking long walks under a clear blue sky, making it the finest place for campers and hikers.
The post-monsoon season is a great time to travel to the Himalayas if you want to do it in the winter. It is advisable to continue with care as roads may be obstructed and impassable due to recent rain or imminent snowfall.
How To Reach Parvati Valley
Excellent road connections connect the Parvati Valley to well-known Himachal Pradesh sites and important North Indian cities. The closest city to these places is Bhuntar. Bhuntar is 6 kilometres from Kasol. From Bhuntar, one can use local buses or private/shared cabs to reach Kasol, Manikaran, or Tosh.
By Road
1. By Your Vehicle
Many domestic tourists travel in their vehicles because it is easier to manoeuvre around the tiny hamlets of Himachal at one's own pace and time. It is suggested that only skilled drivers should travel through the treacherous terrain of Himachal.
2. By Air
Kullu Manali Airport and Chandigarh International Airport are the two airports closest to Parvati Valley. Even though such flights are pricey, they significantly reduce travel time to 1.5 hours. To go to Parvati Valley from there, take a local bus or a private or shared taxi.
Final Words
Get lost in the beautiful valley of Himachal Pradesh. Explore the unseen and hidden gems of Parvati Valley. The valley offers you beautiful views of the mesmerising mountains. For your next vacation, Parvati Valley is a must-visit place.
