Parvati Valley

Best Traveler Hangout Destination in Himachal

Parvati Valley is the ideal place for a vacation if you want to chill in the lap of nature. Running northeast from Bhuntar towards Lahaul and Spiti, the Parvati Valley is a well-established traveler hangout. The attractions of the valley are peaceful scenery, the hot springs at Manikaran and a plentiful supply of wild charas (marijuana), with all the risks that this entails. There are some excellent treks in the area, but solo trekking is not recommended. The often-precipitous valley road climbs past a side valley leading to the village of Malana and through the backpackers’ heaven of Kasol where Western travelers congregate to sample the local “charas” or hashish which is ubiquitous throughout the valley.        From here, the road passes through the Sikh and Hindu pilgrimage town of Manikaran and terminates at Pulga, where the construction of the Parvati Hydel Project, a hydroelectric dam, dominates the landscape. From Pulga, the footpath climbs to a temple and small dhaba at a waterfall called Rudra-Nag, apparently after its resemblance of a water snake. Beyond Rudra-Nag, the trail ascends further through thick pine forests to the spiritual site of Khirganga, a meadow at 2960m where Shiva is said to have meditated for 3000 years. The hot springs at Khirganga are extremely important for Hindu and Sikh pilgrims as well as many others who believe the waters have sacred healing properties.

Places Of Interest In Parvati Valley

Jari: About halfway along the Parvati Valley, Jari is the quietest of the traveller hangouts in the valley. There are some friendly guesthouses and the village is the starting point for treks to Malana – a sprawl of wood and stone houses with its own unique caste system and parliament. Visitors must wait on the outskirts of the village to be invited in and it is forbidden to touch any of the villagers or their belongings (there’s a Rs 1000 fine if you break this rule). The walk is about 17km in each direction and the village has a few basic guesthouses for overnight stays.

Manikaran: This place is famous for hot sulphur springs revered by both Hindus and Sikhs pilgrims. Thousand, of pilgrims take dip in holy water. The water of the spring is also said to have curative value which cures many skin diseases. According to an ancient saying Manikaran is also connected with Lord Shiva and His divine concert Parvati.

Kasol: is the main traveler HQ in the Parvati Valley. It’s like Vashisht or Old Manali but more so, with dozens of reggae bars, traveller restaurants, internet cafés, and body-piercing studios and cheap guesthouses. You’ll either love it or loathe it. The nicest places to stay are in Old Kasol on the Bhuntar side of the bridge; most of the amenities are in New Kasol on the Manikaran side.

How to Reach

By Air: The closest airport is at Bhuntar. The airport is well connected to Kullu and Delhi. Chandigarh Airport is also a good option.

By Rail: Jogindernagar is the nearest railhead to the valley.

By Road: Buses from Manali to destinations outside the Kullu Valley arrive in Kullu about 1½ hours after departure.

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