Pulga is a hidden gem in Parvati Valley, a region in Himachal Pradesh that is famous for its stunning landscapes, hippie culture, and adventure activities. Pulga is a small village that is tucked away in the mountains, surrounded by lush green forests, apple farms, and waterfalls. Pulga is a perfect destination for those who are looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating getaway, away from the crowds and noise of the city.
Pulga is not a typical tourist spot, as it is accessible only on foot, and has limited amenities and facilities. However, this is what makes Pulga so special and unique, as it offers a chance to experience the authentic and traditional lifestyle of the villagers, who live in wooden houses and rely on nature for their daily needs. Pulga is also a hotspot for backpackers, who come here to enjoy the hippie vibe, the delicious food, and the friendly locals.
If you are planning to visit Pulga, here are some of the things you need to know and do to make the most of your trip.
How to Reach Pulga
Pulga is located about 3 km from Barshaini, which is the last motorable point in Parvati Valley. To reach Barshaini, you can take a bus, train, flight, or car from Delhi, Chandigarh, or any other major city. The nearest airport is in Bhuntar, which is about 50 km from Barshaini. The nearest railway station is in Joginder Nagar, which is about 125 km from Barshaini. You can also drive to Barshaini via Manali or Kullu, which are about 80 km and 40 km away respectively.
From Barshaini, you have to trek to Pulga, which takes about an hour. The trek is easy and scenic, as you cross wooden bridges, waterfalls, and apple farms on the way. You can also hire a guide or a porter to help you with your luggage and show you the route. The cost of hiring a guide or a porter is around Rs. 200-300.
The best time to start the trek is in the morning, as the weather is pleasant and the views are clear. Make sure to carry enough water, snacks, and warm clothes, as there are no shops or stalls on the way. Also, wear comfortable shoes and avoid carrying heavy bags, as the trek can be tiring and slippery at some places.
Where to Stay in Pulga
One of the highlights of visiting Pulga is staying in the wooden house stays, which are the traditional and unique houses of the villagers. These houses are made of wood and stone, and have a rustic and cozy charm. They are low on amenities, but high on experience, as they offer a glimpse into the local culture and hospitality. There are many wooden house stays in Pulga, which cater to different budgets and preferences. Some of the best ones are:
Fairy Forest Cafe and Homestay: This is one of the most popular and oldest house stays in Pulga, which is located near the entrance of the fairy forest. It has a cafe that serves delicious food and drinks, and a homestay that has clean and comfortable rooms with balconies and views of the mountains. The cost of staying here is around Rs. 500-700 per night.
Boom Shankar Cafe and Homestay: This is another famous and lively house stay in Pulga, which is located near the main square of the village. It has a cafe that has a hippie vibe and a homestay that has spacious and colorful rooms with attached bathrooms and hot water. The cost of staying here is around Rs. 800-1000 per night.
Shiva Shakti Cafe and Homestay: This is a relatively new and quiet house stay in Pulga, which is located near the apple farms. It has a cafe that serves organic and fresh food and a homestay that has cozy and wooden rooms with common bathrooms and bonfire facilities. The cost of staying here is around Rs. 400-600 per night.
What to Do in Pulga
Pulga is a place where you can do a lot of things, or nothing at all, depending on your mood and interest. Here are some of the best things to do in Pulga:
Trekking and Hiking:
Pulga is an excellent place for hiking, as it has many trails and paths that lead to different places and viewpoints. One of the most popular and rewarding treks is to the fairy forest, which is a dense forest of deodar trees, where you can wander and relax in the lap of nature. The trek to the fairy forest takes about 30 minutes from the village, and offers stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and the valley. You can also trek to other nearby villages, such as Kalga and Tulga, which are similar to Pulga, but have their own charm and vibe.
Plucking Apples:
Pulga is known for its apple farms, which are abundant and beautiful during the harvest season, which is from August to October. You can visit the apple farms and pluck apples with the permission of the owners, who are usually friendly and generous. You can also buy fresh and organic apples from them at a reasonable price. Plucking apples is a fun and satisfying activity, especially for kids and families, who can enjoy the taste and freshness of the fruits.
Trying Nutella Milk:
Pulga is famous for its Nutella milk, which is a delicious and addictive drink that is made of milk, Nutella, and ice. You can find Nutella milk in almost every cafe and house stay in Pulga, and it is a must-try for anyone who loves chocolate and milk. Nutella milk is a perfect drink for any time of the day, as it is refreshing and energizing. You can also try other variants of Nutella milk, such as Nutella coffee, Nutella shake, and Nutella banana.
Relaxing in the Hippie Cafes:
Pulga is a hotspot for backpackers, who come here to enjoy the hippie vibe, the music, and the company of fellow travellers. There are many cafes in Pulga, which have a hippie vibe and a cozy atmosphere, where you can chill, chat, read, play games, or listen to music. Some of the best cafes in Pulga are Fairy Forest Cafe, Boom Shankar Cafe, Shiva Shakti Cafe, and Pink Floyd Cafe. These cafes serve a variety of food and drinks, such as pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, momos, thukpas, teas, coffees, juices, and beers. You can also find some local delicacies, such as siddu, aloo paratha, and rajma chawal.
Interesting Facts about Pulga
Pulga is not only a beautiful and peaceful place, but also a fascinating and quirky one. Here are some of the interesting facts about Pulga that will make you love it even more:
Every kid in Pulga knows how to use a Hula hoop: This is a fun fact that will surprise and delight you, as you see the kids of Pulga playing with hula hoops with ease and grace. The kids of Pulga learn how to use hula hoops from a young age, as it is a common and popular toy in the village. It is a pleasing sight to watch the kids hula hooping, as they smile and laugh with joy.
Groceries are transported through a ropeway: This is a unique and innovative fact that will impress and inspire you, as you see how the villagers of Pulga manage their daily needs with the help of a ropeway. The ropeway is a system of cables and pulleys, that connects Pulga with Barshaini, and transports groceries and other essentials to the village. The ropeway was built by the local authorities, as a solution to the problem of accessibility and convenience. The ropeway is also used by some adventurous travellers, who want to experience the thrill of flying over the valley.
Pulga has a rich history and culture: This is an informative and intriguing fact that will educate and enlighten you, as you learn about the history and culture of Pulga and its people. Pulga is an ancient village, that dates back to the 16th century, when it was founded by a saint named Pulakeshwar. Pulga is also a sacred place, as it is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who are worshipped by the villagers. Pulga has a vibrant and diverse culture, that reflects the influence of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, as well as the local traditions and customs.
Best Time to Visit Pulga
Pulga is a year-round destination, as it has something to offer in every season. However, the best time to visit Pulga depends on your preference and purpose. Here is a guide on the weather, seasons, festivals, and events in Pulga, that will help you plan your trip.
Spring (March to May):
This is the best time to visit Pulga if you want to enjoy the pleasant and sunny weather, the blooming flowers, and the fresh fruits. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C, and the sky is clear and blue. You can trek, hike, camp, and picnic in the fairy forest, the apple farms, and the waterfalls. You can also witness the festival of Holi, which is celebrated with colors and joy in March.
Summer (June to August):
This is the best time to visit Pulga if you want to escape the heat and humidity of the plains, and enjoy the cool and refreshing breeze, the greenery, and the waterfalls. The temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C, and the sky is cloudy and rainy. You can relax, meditate, and rejuvenate in the wooden house stays, the hippie cafes, and the fairy forest. You can also witness the festival of Janmashtami, which is celebrated with devotion and dance in August.
Autumn (September to November):
This is the best time to visit Pulga if you want to enjoy the harvest season, the apple picking, and the colorful foliage. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C, and the sky is clear and crisp. You can pluck apples, try Nutella milk, and explore the village and its culture. You can also witness the festival of Dussehra, which is celebrated with bonfires and fireworks in October.
Winter (December to February):
This is the best time to visit Pulga if you want to experience the snowfall, the winter sports, and the cozy atmosphere. The temperature ranges from 0°C to 10°C, and the sky is snowy and foggy. You can trek, ski, snowboard, and sled in the fairy forest, the mountains, and the valley. You can also witness the festival of Lohri, which is celebrated with music and food in January.
Pulga is a hidden gem in Parvati Valley, that offers a serene and scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Pulga is a place where you can experience the authentic and traditional lifestyle of the villagers, who live in wooden houses and rely on nature for their daily needs. Pulga is also a place where you can enjoy the hippie vibe, the delicious food, and the friendly locals, who will make you feel at home.
Pulga is a place where you can do a lot of things, or nothing at all, depending on your mood and interest. You can trek, hike, camp, and picnic in the fairy forest, the apple farms, and the waterfalls. You can pluck apples, try Nutella milk, and relax in the hippie cafes. You can also learn some interesting and quirky facts about Pulga, such as the hula hoop skills of the kids, the ropeway system for groceries, and the history and culture of the village.
Pulga is a place where you can visit in any season, as it has something to offer in every season. You can enjoy the pleasant and sunny weather in spring, the cool and refreshing breeze in summer, the harvest season and the colorful foliage in autumn, and the snowfall and the winter sports in winter. You can also witness the festivals and events that are celebrated in Pulga, such as Holi, Janmashtami, Dussehra, and Lohri.
Pulga is a place that will make you fall in love with it, and will make you want to come back again and again. If you are looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating getaway, away from the crowds and noise of the city, then Pulga is the perfect destination for you.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Pulga today, and discover the hidden gem in Parvati Valley. Thank you for reading this article, and we hope to see you soon in Pulga.
