The Kasol (and Chalal) Diaries

Kasol, the most popular stop in the parvati valley (and the easiest access to the world's best charas) can be a little disappointing. Especially when one has to through one of the narrowest-steepest roads to reach there. Hugely commercialized and very populated on the weekends, owing to its nearness to Punjab. The weather too was a bit disappointing, very similar to that of Delhi.

( It is the small villages near it, like Chalal or Kalsong, which will turn out to be worth the journey.)

Stay in Kasol: We stayed at the very popular Alpine Resort, good rooms and washrooms, just near the river (Rs.650/ 800). Ideal if you are in Kasol for a short trip. The place is quite popular with the families too, thus can be a little weird with small kids running around you all the time while you are trying to smoke up. Food can easily be skipped at this place. (Would stay there again for the good looking wooden rooms and clean spacious washrooms)

The  River at Parvathi Valley

Valley view from the Alpine

View from one of the rooms, Alpine Resort, Kasol

We have all heard the folklore that how the valley is being taken over by Israelis and how the most commonly used language is Hebrew. Well it is true to a lot of extent. But beyond this fact the valley has nothing interesting to offer. Oh no, it has, the best charas in the world, the reason Israelis are making Kasol and nearby villages their home. But then it is not one of my weakest points.

Marijuana plant which grows on every nook and corner of the valley, The catch is not the plant but the rub

We went in the season when the fields were being nurtured for the upcoming season's harvest. Burning of the leftover crop. Thus could not see the rubbing process. The ideal time to witness this process would be in the late winters. This is when you should go and become the part of the trade :p

Kasol

German Bakery, Moon Dance Cafe, Kasol

 The waffles were good and so were the cinnamon rolls

The Kasol Market Road

Shops in Kasol

 What is any backpacker destination without the machines

Sleeping Beauti

.....and the (cliche') flea market area. Be it Pushkar, Manali, Hampi or Kasol, the flea street have no more frills left for the seasoned traveler (or tourist..)

Shops in Kasol at night

An interesting find was the the Israeli Chruch at the end of the market. Though the people were not very welcoming, on a little insistence we were allowed to see the ceremony/ prayer meeting going on. No photography allowed. Spot this place on the left side at the end of Kasol Market. Its interesting to meet a rabbi in real.

The Israeli Chruch

 The best place to eat is without a doubt is the Evergreen cafe. It is nicely tucked among the trees and is bang opposite the Church. The candle light dinner in the their garden makes for the perfect ambiance. The mountains around you ( and the pot around you ...).... Its something you will remember for years

Evergreen Cafe, Kasol

Evergreen Bhojanalaya, Kasol

Chalal was a 30 minute casual walk from Kasol after crossing the (scary) bridge. (how scared am I always !!)

The village still hasn't lost its old-mountain-village-where-people-are-so-pretty-and-simple charm. Whats interesting is the undercurrent of these villages. All just looks calm. It is in these small villages that the real trade happens (no no , not the THE real trade, that happens much deeper inside. I didnot have the time to find out) Any kid here can roll a better joint than you. Most can rub the charas while just talking to you. Who knows that the sadhu aka the indian-hippie sitting next to you might be a charas lord.

There are enough options to stay in the village. Just walk up to the village and pick the one with your preferred view (aka where you would like to smoke up). We liked the view from Freedom Cafe (every Freedom cafe at every backpacker town is good ... its like they are one big chain). Though the food at this one was not good, the charas definitely was !

The Chalal Bridge

En route Chalal

Chalal

Freedom Cafe, Chalal

Chalal

Chalal

Chalal

Weaving a shawl at the house

Chalal

What more can be done ? Hmmm ... Trek to other villages near by, Visit Manikaran Sahib (you do not want to be stoned when you go there), Visit the 'festivals' happening nearby (one was Shiva Squad at the time we went) and if more days left ( and more adventurous than me), check the timing for the Kheer ganga trek.