Kasol- My Mystic Land!

I have been a travelling soul since a kid, thanks to my adventurous parents! This year my bucket list is filled with a lot of destinations.
The first and foremost one on the list was Kasol. A small village situated amidst the lush green Parvati valley in Himachal Pradesh,India. You can always find more details via Google but it may not satisfy you as much.

Fun fact: it's situated 42km east of Kullu and at the height of 1640m!

Well, my journey to this mystic land was simply power packed! Never have I ever felt so relieved and free. It all began with a massive heartbreak and new friendships. I needed it. I had to let go of things that hurt. I had to flee to a land where I find peace. And I very well found it!

As we caught a Volvo bus to Bhuntar city (31.2km away from Kasol) I had decided leave all my stress behind. The journey from Delhi to Bhuntar took us almost 12hours which was tiring but fun! Tagging along with some friends is a good idea, especially when you're not strong enough to be alone. Yes, I too wasn't strong, but my friends kept me sane the whole time!
We reached Bhuntar city around 7am and were welcomed by strangers with smiles. Oh how helpful they were! They guided us till the bus stop, got on board with us and shared information about what all should we do during our stay. With only two females on the bus, one being me, I had no strange vibes from anyone. Safe! I thought to myself & indeed I was!
The bus journey from Bhuntar to Kasol takes almost 2 hours with the most beautiful view I have ever encountered! River Parvati sings along, gushing through the lush green valley while snow covered peaks at a distance keeps coming closer! The weather was perfect as clouds covered the sky and mountains as a matter of fact! Damn! How I miss that feeling! The drive was so tranquil... Old school Bollywood music and this drive nailed it! What a great start! Right!?
We were more than half way through when we had hit a landslide zone. We had to wait almost 2hours for the officials to clear the road. Me and my friends were absolutely restless. We just had to reach Kasol! So were were suggested to take a hike to the village from there.
What a great decision it was!!!
We crossed a river stream, danced along with some ladies who too were waiting for the road to clear on the other side, clicked pictures and finally pit stopped at a restaurant for some breakfast. Let me tell you, the food here is way more expensive than you'd imagine especially for budget travellers like me. But, what the hell, we were starving! So we ate. By the time we finished, it poured cats and dogs! To kill time we sang a few songs, beat boxed and entertained everyone who came in for shelter. What a lovely morning it was.
Once the rain stopped, we continued our hike. 5kms Kasol, 3km Kasol, 2km Kasol and bam! We reached! Entering this village gave me goosebumps even though we went off season. The weather was simply perfect I would say *wink*
The open roads, the sound of river Parvati from a close distance, the burning of herbs and the pouring clouds. What else could we have asked for?
From there we had to hike up to our rooms in Thakur Cottage, which is built at a height from the road that leads to Manikaran. 200 per person per night, wow! The trip just kept getting better! The lady there allotted is our rooms and guess what! Snow covered mountains were at our service for the perfect room view!
Exhausted, we decided to take a power nap but eventually woke up in the evening skipping our lunch time. So we decided to have some Maggie. The famous fast food you'll find on the hills! We raced back down and explored the village. Although it got dark, the village still looked beautiful. Shops covered with dream catchers (Yes! I love them) bags, and other items that covers the hippie lifestyle!
After satisfying our growling stomach we decided to visit river Parvati as she was so close by, although we stopped at a tea stall close to the river bed for some bonfire as it was getting chilly. Sipping on some coffee, singing around the bonfire and getting along with strangers, that's when I noticed myself smiling for no reason. Yes, I was happy! Happy after the bitterness someone left behind in my heart.
We then moved to the river side and lot some herbs to calm our senses. It wasn't a bad idea. The land is know for its herbs after all.
Now, since the rains stopped and clouds gone, I could finally see the star lit sky! MAJESTICALLY BEAUTIFUL! (I love the sky, I don't know why) I didn't want to leave but we had to for we had to rest as we were planning for a trek to Malana the next day. And so we marched back, packed some food and trekked back to our rooms.

"This is where I belong, among the stars, amidst the lush green mountains... No love lost!" I inked my thoughts in my diary and fell asleep. That's how perfect my day one was!