5 treks to villages in Himachal Pradesh

Himalayan villages are not only famed for breathtaking views of the mountains and gushing sounds of the rivers but also for the simple and unfussy life of people in the villages. Spend a day or two in these villages while you are here, just to soak in the vibe and learn more about the lifestyle of these villagers. A night halt in Tosh would not cost you more than 700 bucks and in Kasol, you have options galore as there are many budget and luxurious accommodation options. Camping options are also available in Parvati Valley, Kasol and Malana.



Tosh
If your idea of holidaying is lazing around in green pastures with a camera in hand, savouring local home-made delicacies and chatting with a bunch of shawl makers sitting in a group; easing off as the day passes; and sink into the silence of the place as the sun sets, then Tosh is the place for you. While you may not call it a completely off-the-beaten-track kind of a village, it still has its charm intact. Owing to its popularity in recent times, Tosh has found its place in the checklist of every backpacker, which has led to opening of numerous homestays and guesthouses in the area. The village is spread over 10 km and is easily walkable. Your trail will take you through apple orchards and hashish plantations, which is the main source of income here. It is recommended to spend at least a night here, witness the freshness of the morning and eat breakfast while alluring the beauty of the mountains, the stream and the valley.

How to reach:
It’s a bumpy ride from Manali to Barshaini and traffic is annoying during weekends. From here, Tosh is just a 3 km trek, which takes 45-50 minutes (for beginners). Options for shared cabs are also available from Barshaini. Soon, the 3 km stretch up to Tosh from Barshaini is also going to become motorable, as construction work is in progress.



Malana

Malana is like mecca for hippies and backpackers looking for solitude. Since last few years, it is on the checklist of adventurers and nature lovers for all the good reasons. It’s a tiny village in the state of Himachal Pradesh, resting on a remote plateau, at 8701 ft above sea level. It offers surreal view of the snow-capped mountains in the Parvati Valley and the torrential Malana River. Malana, arguably, is the source of some of the best and the costliest varieties of hashish. This village has its own customs and traditions and resolute faith in the residing deity Jamblu Devta.

How to reach:

You can reach Malana after a 10-hour trek from Parvati Valley (Manikaran) that passes through Rashol Pass. Moreover, you can reach Malana from Nagar, passing through Chanderkhani Pass, which would take approximately two days. Jari is the nearest village from Malana.

Travel tip:

-Do not touch the villagers or their belongings
-Do not try to make videos
-Do not try to enter their temples
-Do not burn wood in the forests of Malana


Kasol
Resting on the banks of River Parvati, Kasol is just 42 km away from Bhuntar Airport and lies on the way to Manikaran, a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs. Steeped in classy riverside cafes, cheap guesthouses, bars and bakeries, Kasol is a hub for hippie backpackers and is densely populated with Israeli travellers who stay there for months and can be found chilling in many of the hotels in the region. Kasol is the starting point of numerous hikes and treks, including Kheerganga, Pin Parvati Pass, Yanker Pass, and Sar Pass, besides others. Soak in the vibe of the place by staying here for 2-3 days; visit nearby villages, interact with locales and try local food. It’s a beautiful place to bring out the artist in you; just relax and let the nature do its work.

Travel tip:
Try visiting nearby villages, just plan an early morning stroll across Chalal and Katagla villages.



Parvati Valley
As you move a little south of Kullu, you’d see River Parvati flowing violently beside you, chasing you at every turn and finally merging into River Beas at Bhuntar. The beautiful Parvati Valley stretches up to the awe-inspiring hot springs at Manikaran and north-northwest of the region. A hub for backpackers, this village is renowned for weed (charas), growing wildly in the fields, and dreadlocked Israeli travellers, and cafes that give a different vibe to the place. There are numerous of guesthouses and camping options in the region along with numerous food options. Moreover, it is a jumping-off site for many treks, including Pin-Parvati Pass and Chandrakhani Pass. Travel tip: If you are staying in Manali and planning a day trip to Parvati Valley, start as early as 3 am in the morning. The traffic is worse during weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly.


Kheerganga
A trek of 14 km from Tosh will take you to Kheerganga, one of the best kept secrets of the Himalayas. On your way, you’ll cross many waterfalls and bridges, the picturesque views of which will be etched in your memory forever. The tremendous flow of the river sometimes sends shivers down your spine, you almost tend to quit but there is something in that route that keeps you glued and encourages you to reach your destination.

Take a bath in hotwater spring when you reach there and relax, it’s an experience of a lifetime!

How to reach:
Kheerganga is a 14 km trek from Tosh. From Bhuntar Airport, it takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach Tosh, assuming there is no traffic.