How to go Kasol from Delhi.

Delhi to Parvati Valley -

a 7-day trip guide.

guide map of the Parvati Valley.

Also known as the Amsterdam of India for multiple reasons; it is scenic, unpolluted, venturesome and also happens to be home to some of the best quality marijuana the world. 

The Parvati Valley circuit is the perfect place to experience and explore the offbeat paths; thanks to its numerous hiking trails. 

 You ought to escape the summer heat and find some time for yourself in cooler regions of the country; experience Israeli cuisine here with high-quality hashish and its products.

Hey, I am Karun. I have traveled and managed trips to Parvati Valley for 2 years in a row and now I am sharing my own experience on "how you can travel and explore Parvati Valley". 

Please read it till the last point.

Getting to Delhi.

CP, Delhi

The first step is to reach New Delhi. New Delhi is the base camp for any destination you travel in the North if traveling from different regions of the country. Ignore if you're a Delhite.

The best way to travel is by Rail if you are on a budget or solo trip, ticket price ranges between 600 to 800 from any of the metropolitan cities, like Bombay. You can also board a flight if you are on a tight schedule.

Getting to Bhuntar.

Aerial view of Bhuntar

Once you reach Delhi, take a local bus or board a metro to ISBT Kashmere Gate. Try reaching ISBT Kashmere Gate before 6 PM and board the earliest bus to Bhuntar as most of the buses are usually late and most probably you don't have the time to waste.

Cost:

HRTC buses will cost you up to 550 to 650 rupees while private buses and Volvo's will cost you around 800-1500 rupees per ticket if you book 
through the RedBus app.


Highlights:
Bhuntar is the basecamp for Parvati Valley. It has a bus depot, an airport, fruit market, fast food shops, and peddlers trying to sell you Nepali hash 

Kasol(Day 1).

panoramic view of Kasol

Once you reach Bhuntar, look for a local bus to Kasol which usually takes up to 5-10 minutes. It will cost you about 35-40 rupees and a 1.5-hour long bus journey to get there. In total, you will have to travel 520km; the total distance between Kasol to Delhi.


Suggestions:
You can spend your night at any hotel or dorm at Kasol or trek to the nearest village like Chalal, Rasol, Choj. Kasol is now more of a hill station than a hippy paradise.

You can try the famous Bhoj, Shiva mama or Jim Morrison cafe. 
It only takes 2-3 hours to explore every aspect of Kasol.

Budget:

A heavy lunch is a must after traveling for almost 14 hrs. It will cost you around 200-250 rupees. The room price ranges from 650-2k rupees as per your preference.

It costs 600-850 per person, including 1-day stay and a 3-time meal.

Highlights:

Kasol is a hippy market. You can buy hash balls, jewelry, fancy clothes, and other products like rolling sheets, bongs, etc.

Choj (Day 1)(optional, if you stay at Kasol)

2 km away from Kasol, this small village of 200 people is connected by a suspension bridge. Spending night here is comparatively better than spending a night at Kasol. It offers you a scenic view of photography, a better view of the sky at night and can be a base camp for your 7-days trip.

Suggestions:
Choj has many accommodation plans for the visitors at comparatively less price than Kasol. You can go camping near the Parvati river, book a room in a hotel or accommodate in a homestay.

Budget:
It will cost you up to 600-800 for a room on quad sharing basis and dinner will cost you up to 150 per veg. thali.  It will cost 350-500 rupees per person for one day including stay and a 2-time meal.

Highlights:
You can spend the whole night around the bonfire playing guitar or rest and wake up early in the morning to experience the sunrise at Choj with a cup of coffee or a joint 'if you smoke'. After that, go for a walk to experience the beautiful waterfall merging in the Parvati river and marijuana plantation.

If you are on a budget trip with your friends, ask anyone about the Bebu homestay or Bebu bhai. 

                                                  Tip    

On the way to Manikaran Sahib Ji

You can also visit Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib, which is 30 minutes walk away from Choj/Kasol. Plus point is: shared taxis are also available from here if you are traveling solo. It will cost you 150-200 rupees per person for a ride till Varshaini from where you can start your trek to Kheerganga at the earliest.

Kheerganga(Day 2&3)

Period.

Carry only important stuff that you will need for another 3- days during the trek and leave the rest of the luggage at the homestay. There is no need to carry the unnecessary load with you as it will only ruin your experience. 
You can pick your luggage later on your way back to Bhuntar.

Suggestions:
It will take you up to 1 hour to reach Varshaini and the bus fare is around 
30-35 rupees.
You can borrow/buy trekking boots, wooden sticks, and other important stuff here.

Famous for its scenic view, the last inhabited village is home to many waterfalls, animals, a hot water spring and Shiva itself.

The trek will take up to 6 hours, in case of beginners; and around 4-5 hours, in case of experts; having many beautiful as well as dangerous turns and stops on its way.

Budget:

There are many cafes in this small village.
My personal favorite is Ice&Fire, as it is the oldest cafe in the village and the food quality is good.

You can stay in a tent for 2 for  400-500 rupees per night or in the cafe's hall for 100 rupees. 

Highlights:

2 days are enough for you to spend without your phones and you can also checkout villages nearby such as Nakthan, Pulga, Kalga, and Tulga.

Hot water spring, sunrise, pearl white horses and sunset are the main attractions here.

Tosh (Day 4)

Tosh in April.

Suggestions:

From Varshaini, you can trek or take a cab for another 3 kilometers to get here.

After reaching to Tosh, you are left with ample time to explore, eat, smoke, learn, befriend another group, and rest. You can check out cafes like the Eye Sky, Boom Shiva and the best of all, Pinki Didi Cafe. 


Budget:
A room on quad sharing will cost you somewhere around 1000 rupees in season and 800 in the off-season. Per person cost for 1-day stay including a 3-time meal is somewhere around 500-650.

Highlights:
Tosh's Waterfall, Pinki Didi Cafe, and trek to Kutla are the main tourist attractions.

Chalal (Day 5)

Chalal Village 

Suggestions:

Early in the morning, after having your breakfast, move back to Varshaini and take a local bus to Choj again. This step is optional if you carried all your stuff to Kheerganga along.

Chalal is a beautiful village famous for its PSY vibes, 45 minutes away if you trek from Kasol and 30 minutes away if you trek from Choj.

Budget:

Homestays and cafes are available from 100-200 rupees per person if you are traveling on a budget. Per person cost for a 1-day stay and a 3-time meal is somewhere around 400-500.

Highlights:
Won't reveal what it's famous for,  you would love to experience it yourself rather than reading it here. 

Ask for Ajju bhai if you need any assistance with anything.

Garahan (Day 6&7)

Garahan Village in early October

The final and the second most beautiful trek to the least traveled village of the Parvati Valley.

Suggestions:
You can carry or leave unwanted stuff at Chalal where you stayed.

The trek will take up to 6 hours if you are a beginner and 5 hours if you are an expert. The last 500 meters of this trek is difficult.

Budget:
You can accommodate yourselves at any homestay; they all have a similar price range from 500-600 rupees. Per person cost for a 1-day stay and 3-time meal is somewhere between 450-600.

Highlights:
Travel to the Pulgi village which is connected by wooden planks, visit Garahan's waterfall. 

 Surprising..isn't it? A whole week's trip under your budget!!

 I'm sure you'd love the places for its weather, picturesque views, serenity and most importantly, natives. So, go ahead and explore beyond the mainstream places and you'd be contented like never before. Have an adventurous and safe trip!!!

 Also, do write your experience in the comments section or

anything which could be added up further.

 Enjoy the trippy trip, guys :)

Best places to visit in June-July in India

10 Spellbinding places to visit in

June-July in India

India - home to various awestruck heritages, observes millions of tourists from around the world as well as native Indians, every year, who visit here in the search of peace and adventure; and to experience the variety of cultures and traditions- mingling in with different communities.

This blog describes the renowned as well as hidden treasures within India which still needs to be explored through the eye of an intrigued traveler

1)  Ladakh:

Every biker’s thrilling destination  

Click Courtesy: Unknown

Located at the northern head of India,
Ladakh possesses majestic mountains,

beautiful lakes, soothing weather and
most importantly the sweet-hearted

natives- which adds this place to
the list of dream destinations of many.

Places to visit:

Zanskar, Pangong Tsa Lake, Khardung-la pass,
Spituk Gompa, and other local villages with
a breathtaking view.

Things to do:

One can do many things while visiting Ladakh.
You can watch the Llamas
perform colorful Chhams,
spot a snow leopard at the Hemis National Park,
ride a double-humped Bactrian camel or ride a
bike up to the Khardung-La Pass,
Meditate in the silence of the high mountains while breathing fresh air,
unlike Delhi.

How To Reach:

By Air: You can reach to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee, Leh via a flight  

By train: You have to reach Jammu Tawi railway station which is
700kms from Ladakh   

“Not at all recommended if you are with the family”   

Ideal for: Road trip, Trekking, People who wish to discover the
mystery of the magnetic hill  

Weather: Ideally the weather ranges from 5-28 degrees.

"Pro Tip: Carry extra food and snacks with you"

2) Lonavala, Maharashtra:
a hill station in the west

click courtesy: unknown

Located on the western side of India,

this hill station is close to a metropolitan city like

Mumbai and Pune. Frequented by all sorts of people

like hikers, trekkers, and families. Lonavala is one o

the best places to be visited in the season of monsoon.

Places to visit:

Lonavala is home to many lakes, waterfalls, a
lush green mountains.

One can visit Kune falls, Lonavala Lake, Bushi Dam.

Things to do:

Nature provides the best kind of therapy to anyone who wants to take a break from a hectic day-to-day lifestyle

You can trek to Tikona Fort, which takes up to 1 day. Adventure seekers can enjoy bungee jumping at Della  Adventure Park.

How to Reach:

By Air: The nearest airport is at Lohegaon, Pune and from there you can hire a cab

By train: You can book train tickets to Lonavala
directly from anywhere within India

Ideal for: Relaxing stay with family, youngsters seeking adventure

3) Coorg, Karnataka:

the land of Emeralds landscapes

Abbey Falls
Click Courtesy- Unknown

A quaint hill station in Karnataka, Coorg is an amazing tourist destination as it looks paradisaical in the season of monsoon. One can enjoy amazing lush green mountains and valley views.

Places to visit:
Brahamagiri peak, Dubare elephant camp, Nagarhole national park, Iruppu falls, Chettali, Raja’s seat, and Cauvery Nisargadhama are the main tourist attractions.

Things to do:
Head to the Mandalpatti viewpoint, enjoy the Abbey falls and also try the local/traditional food.

How to reach:

By Rail: Nearest railway station in Mysore railway station which is about 120kms away from Coorg

By Air: The Nearest airport is Mysore Int. Airport (120kms away from Coorg)

Ideal for: Peace and Quietude, preferable for the newlywed couple and older people

Weather: Temperature might fall as low as 13 degrees.

“Pro tip: Book your tickets in advance as July is the beginning of tourist season in Coorg”

4) Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh:

explore the unexplored

Click Courtesy- Unknown

This offbeat place in India is the crown of the
North-East. Considered as one of the best places
with agreeable weather throughout the year-by
many explorers and travel bloggers.

Many people define this place as the land of honest,
friendly and spiritual people.

Places to visit:
Talley-valley wildlife sanctuary, Meghna cave temple i
one of its kind, Mideyfamous for its blue pines

Things to do:
Observe and capture the green patches and rice fields
through the lenses, communicate and l
about the people of Apa Tani tribe

How to reach:

By Air: The nearest airport is at Jorhat, Assam
(approximately a 100kms drive away from Ziro).

By Train: The nearest railway station is Naharalagun
which is also a 100kms drive away from Ziro.

Either way, you will have to hire a personal cab to reach Ziro.

Weather: Weather is pleasant throughout the year, just like the people
you’ll meet on your trip.

“Pro tip: Mind the distance you have to cover from the airport/railway
station to Ziro if you are traveling with family”

5) Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra-
The Only Monsoon Spot

after the rain effect
click courtesy- unknown

Malshej Ghat -the hill station in Sahaydri ranges,
is your perfect escapade from the scorching heat.
Famous as a monsoon spot, people take a trip here
as soon as the first showers take place. If you reside in Mumbai
and looking for day trips, then consider Malshej Ghat. Loaded with
many waterfalls and greenery, Malshej Ghat offers you splendid views
of the valleys and calm lakes.

Places to visit:
Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, Harishchandragad fort trek,
Ajoba Hill Fort; the center of the city for shopping.

Things to do: 
There is a whole range of activities that you can perform
like hiking, camping, bird-watching or enjoying an idle stay in the
resorts nearby with your family.

How to reach:

By Air: Mumbai is the nearest airport

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kalyan, 85 km.

Ideal for: Adventure activities, nature walk and joyful getaways with family

Weather: 27 – 35 degrees Celsius

“Pro Tip: The only way to reach Malshej Ghat is by road. Hire a taxi or rent a car/bike”

6) Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh-
A handpicked history

Click courtesy- unknown

Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh is a small village that
blends religious and historical significance with

beautiful surrounding areas; it houses various
sacred temples and historical sites in its demesne.

This state ranks 2nd out of 22 must-visit places in Andhra Pradesh.

Places to visit:

Peta Anjanyeswami temple, the new Shirdi Sai Baba Temple;
The Kondareddy Buruz, protected by the Ancient Monuments
Preservation Act is also a popular place among tourists.
Besides, one can explore many other interesting places nearby.

Things to do: Primarily, people visit Kurnool for spiritual purposes, historic researches
and capturing the architectural marvels built thousands of years ago.

How to reach:

By Air: There are no regular flights to Kurnool, though the nearest airport is
Rajiv Gandhi international airport.

By Rail: You can rail tickets directly to Kurnool from anywhere within India

Ideal for: Aged people looking for peace and spirituality, Vloggers exploring the unexplored.

Weather: temperature may vary between 30-42 degrees Celsius.

“Pro Tip: You might feel acidic at times because the local food is quite spicy”

7) Kheerganga, Himachal Pradesh:

Shiva’s own land

Lies at the end of Parvati valley; Kheerganga's panoramic skies and
vast greenery is a much-needed
a delight to the trekker's eyes.

It is a holy place with a hot water spring, a temple of Lord Shiva
loaded with stories related to
Lord Shiva’s family. It's the last inhabited village in Parvati Valley.

Places to visit:
There are many cafes you can visit once you reach your
destination, Kheerganga’s waterfall.

Things to do:
On your way back from Kheerganga, you can visit Kalga,
Pulga or Tulga -some of the villages offering breath-taking views.
Bathe in the holy spring water at the top of the village;
trek to pin valley via Pin-Parvati pass

How to Reach:

By Air: The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, you can take state bus to
reach Varshaini (base camp for Kheerganga)

By Train: Train is not as feasible for this trip as flights or buses

By Bus: You can board a bus from anywhere in the northern part of
India to reach Bhuntar and, from there, you can travel by local bus to
reach Varshaini.

Ideal for: People planning for solo trips, group of friends, stoners.

Weather: Max. temperature can reach up to 14-degree Celsius.

“Pro Tip: Your Patience is your reputation. Villagers are very honest and
humble people.

real unedited pictures

real unedited picture

   




  


8) Garahan:

         the silent village of Parvati Valley

Garahan in April
click courtesy: @razorcalhn

Less crowded than the villages nearby like Kasol and Kheerganga, 

this quaint little village is famous for its scenery, 

panoramic skies at night accompanied by beautiful flowers tops the list of places to discover in India.

Mobile phones don't work here, so you don't have to worry about anyone spoiling your vacation.

Places to visit:

Pulgi, a small village 500 mtr. away from Garahan connected by wooden planks provides you the best view of chivved mountains covered in snow from the month of

July to February.

Grahan's waterfall is one of its kind, you can sit there on rocks fallen off from the mountains in complete silence experiencing and exploring the beauty of nature.

Things to do:

You can experience different constellations at night with your friends while sitting around a bonfire.

Communicate and learn about the culture and beliefs of the villagers, they are helping and friendly.

How to reach:

By Air: The nearest airport is at Bhuntar and from there you have to take 

a bus to Kasol from where you can start your trek to Garahan.

By Bus: You can take a Volvo up to Bhuntar and from there you have to take

 a local bus to Kasol from where you can start your trek.

Ideal for: Youngsters seeking peace, people searching for unexplored villages in Parvati Valley.

Weather: Ideally the temperature ranges between 3-15 degrees Celsius.

"Pro Tip: Carry a first aid kit and necessary items while trekking, 'your trek duration depends on your backpack' "

9) Uttarkashi:

a pious and venturesome paradise

Click Courtesy- unknown

Considered to be the most picturesque town of Uttarakhand, this place is a one-stop destination for people seeking peace as well as those mighty mountaineers who come looking for great treks all the way. 
Located on the banks of Bhagirathi amidst the fur, pine and deodar forests, Uttarkashi connects you to the majestic Himalayas; offering peace and wisdom which is incomparable.

Places to visit :                                                       

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, on the banks of Bhagirathi to seek the blessings of God.

Barsu Village offers beautiful scenes and is a starting point of the trek to Dyara Bugyal

Maneri Dam is again a picturesque place due to the fascinating scenery around.

Sangam Chhati which leads you to a beautiful trek to the settlement Bhebra.

Things to do:

If you're searching for some peace, then Uttarkashi is one of the sure shot places to discover it. Once in Uttarkashi, don't skip visiting Gangotri and Yamnotri Dham to seek God's blessings.

Trek to Gomukh, which is the birthplace of river Ganges, commencing at Uttarkashi.
A mountaineer would fall for this place due to the provision of a variety of activities such as rock climbing, rappelling, trekking, etc.

How to Reach 

 By Air: Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, which is 160kms away from Uttarkashi. One can hire a taxi from the airport to Uttarkashi is readily available.

By Train: Rishikesh railway station, 143kms away from     Uttarkashi, stands to be the nearest. Taxis from there are available to Uttarkashi. 

By Road: Uttarkashi is well-connected with roads and one can reach there from taxis which are available from all major destinations like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun in Uttarakhand.

Ideal for:  It attracts all kinds of tourists due to its irreplaceable beauty and variability of activities. One can plan a trip with family if they wish to find peace and solace in the temples of Uttarkashi and enjoy its scenic views.
It is an ideal place for trekkers, so, youngsters can plan a trip with their friends to enjoy their adventurous vacation.  

Weather 
The temperature ranges from 15degrees to 30degrees making it one of the best places to visit during summer to save oneself from scratching heat.

10)Bhandardara:

a hidden gem in Maharashtra

 Umbrella falls
click courtesy- unknown

Packed with waterfalls, lakes, hills, temples, and forts, Bhandardara makes it to the list of offbeat and worthy places to travel in India. Shelter to a rich variety of flora and fauna, this hidden treasure in Maharashtra brings along lots of travelers seeking to explore something unique.

Places to Visit:

Bhandardara Lake

Scenic waterfalls like Umbrella falls and Randha falls

Magnificent Alang, Madan and Kulang hills

Wilson Dam on Pravara river which houses Umbrella falls beneath(though visible mainly in monsoon when the doors of the dam are opened)
1000-year-old sculpted Amruteshwar temple
Kalsubai temple situated atop Mount Kalsubai which is the tallest peak in Maharashtra.
Ratangad and Harishchandragad forts which seem to be trekker's delight.

Things to Do:
It's a perfect spot for a family getaway where they can enjoy picnic besides Umbrella falls; and embrace the beauty of the view of Mount Kalsubai, known to be the highest peak of Sahyadri region.
Boating at Arthur lake adds to another list of tourist favorites.
Intrigued travelers can find rejoice by exploring 200year old forts, and those looking for almighty's blessings can find solace at the Amruteshwar and Kalsubai Temples.

How to Reach 
 By Air: There is no direct flight to Bhandardara, the nearest airport being the Mumbai airport which is some 165kms away. Bhandardara is well connected by road and could be reached by a private taxi or state transport bus from there on.

By Train: Lgatpuri, situated on Mumbai-Nashik Rail Route, 45kms away from Bhandardara, is the nearest. One has to board a private taxi or state transport bus(ST Bus) from there.

By Road: It is well connected by roads, and it makes this mode most convenient for traveling.

Ideal For: 
Summer getaways with families

Weather 
The temperature ranges from 24 degrees to 33 degrees and the onset of the monsoon season enhances the beauty of the place furthermore.

With so many destinations at hand, having such variability in weather, activities, and resources, you're sure to find your dream vacation place. So, it's time to ask your friends or family to pack their bags along or to head on for an adventurous solo trip to explore the best places in India during summer; and quench your thirst for a fabulous trip you've been longing for.

Happy vacationing!!!!