Three gems of Parvati Valley - Kasol,Tosh, Kalga

This trip was totally out of the itinerary I prepared initially. It was supposed to be my next solo trip but was accompanied by friend for first two days . We booked our tickets from Red Bus from Delhi to Kasol. The other option is taking Himachal roadways bus from Kashmere Gate delhi to bhuntar and from bhuntar to kasol

Day 1

Reached kasol after 15 hrs of journey. I have accommodated my stay at Backpackesr's nest about 2 kms from kasol main market. We started to trek towards our hostel. The scenic beauty around the trek was breathtaking. Tall pine trees across river parvati , fresh air, small and steep treks, cute bridges and maggie I am all done to live my rest if life here. Coming out of my imaginary world we were finally at hostel. Quite chilled out hostel with three amazing dogs and heart of the hostel "RAJU BHAIYA" who makes finger licking food and best GANJHE ka halwa. That was their breakfast ritual everyday.

We planned for a local stroll that evening and explored more of small treks and local market. So for all weed and hash fans here you can find amazing stuff in the market - crusher, boong, flavoured papers, roch and stuff but make sure you ask them for a sample. Most of them are adulterated with stuff like mehandi (HEENA), agerbatti (incense sticks). Food here is not that expensive I personally liked one restaurant named CHINA TOWN in the main market with a good view of valley and vegetarian food.

Day 2

Next day we got up bit early and had Ganjhe ka halwa in breakfast and seriously it started working after an hour. We felt it more while moving towards Manikaran in a bus about 4 kam form kasol. You can find bus towards Manikaran after every half an hour. These all are private buses.

Manikaran is famous for two major stories one- Lord Shiva and Parvati stayed for almost 1000 years and one day she lost one of her Mani. It is said that Shesh Nag took that mani away and seeing this Shiva got angry and performed tandav and then Nag hissed giving rise to the hot springs. That's the reason why this place is famous for hot springs. The water in these hot springs are quite hot enough to prepare food and it said that it can also cure diseases. You will also find hindu temples here. The other story According to Sikhs, the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Ji came here in 1574 during the third Udasi along with his follower Bhai Mardana. Mardana felt hungry but there was no food so he was sent by Guru Nanak Ji to collect food for Langar. People donated flour to make Rotis. Despite having the ingredients they were unable to cook food because of unavailability of water. As directed by Guruji Mardana picked up a stone and a hot water spring appeared in which the rotis floated at first. Nanak Ji advised him to pray to God that if these chapatis float back he will donate one of them in his name and to his astonishment the chapatis not only floated but turned into edible stuff. Since then it is believed that if you donate something there in the name of god you are likely to get the lost items back. This Gurudwara is also mentioned in the 'Twelfth Guru Khalsa' by Giani Gian Sikh which makes it more pure and significant for its disciples. There more few more temples of goddess here.

we both planned for a tattoo but unfortunately it was a bluff and that tattoo faded within a week. If you see this shop next time there don't trust them . Headed back to kasol as my friend had to leave that day.

Day 3 and 4