Kasol & Kheerganga
Kasol is a small village at 1,640m in the Parvati Valley, 76 km from Manali and 40 km from Bhuntar. It has become the de facto backpacker hub of Himachal Pradesh — known for its cafe scene, easy accessibility, and as the starting point for some excellent treks.
The main reason to visit is Kheerganga: a 12 km trek from Barshaini (15 km past Kasol) that ends at a natural hot spring pool at 2,960m surrounded by Himalayan forest. The combination of a full-day trek and a soak in hot water at altitude is genuinely satisfying.
Highlights
- ✓Kheerganga hot spring pool: warm, communal, sitting at the edge of a meadow at 2,960m
- ✓Kasol cafes: laid-back Israeli-influenced food scene (hummus, shakshuka, strong coffee, wood-fired bread)
- ✓Parvati River: turquoise glacial water running through the valley
- ✓Grahan and Tosh villages: quieter alternatives to Kasol for those wanting something more local
- ✓The Kheerganga trail: passes through dense forest, open meadows, and a waterfall midway
Kasol vs staying somewhere quieter
Kasol itself is now quite crowded and commercialised during peak months (May, June, October). If you want the Parvati Valley experience without the scene, consider staying in Grahan village (a 30-minute uphill walk from Kasol) or Tosh (further up the valley, small village, very different vibe). Both have basic guesthouses. Manikaran, 5 km from Kasol, has hot springs of its own and a significant Gurudwara — worth a 2-hour stop.
The Kheerganga trek
Start from Barshaini (the road ends here; take a jeep from Kasol). The trail follows the Parvati River upstream through forest, gaining altitude steadily. At roughly the halfway point, a waterfall comes into view — a good rest spot. The final section opens onto a meadow, and the hot spring is at the far end. Camping is available at Kheerganga — tents and basic food. The spring itself is a communal pool; swimwear is polite. Return the same way or continue up to Pin Parvati Pass (for experienced trekkers only).
Manikaran while you are there
Manikaran (5 km from Kasol) is worth a stop. It has one of the most impressive natural hot springs in Himachal — so hot that the Gurudwara cooks langar (community meal) in the spring water. The Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib is a significant pilgrimage site for Sikhs. There is a small bathing facility using the spring water. The temple complex is busy but the spring itself is remarkable — you can see it bubbling out of the ground near the river.
Getting there
- →From Manali: ~76 km via Bhuntar on NH3, takes 2–2.5 hours — taxi ₹1,800–2,500 one way
- →Local bus: Manali → Bhuntar (~1.5 hrs, ₹80), then Bhuntar → Kasol (~1 hr, ₹50)
- →For Kheerganga: take a shared jeep or taxi from Kasol to Barshaini (15 km, ₹100 shared / ₹500 private), then the 12 km trek begins
- →Trek time to Kheerganga: 5–6 hours one way, strenuous in places
Best for
- ·Backpackers and long-stay travellers
- ·Trekkers wanting a hot spring reward at the end
- ·Food travellers (Kasol cafe scene is genuinely good)
- ·Those extending a Manali trip with a Parvati Valley detour
Local tip
Kheerganga requires a full day — budget an overnight stay in Kasol.