Kasol, the backpacker paradise of Himachal is home to many treks. Located in the Parvati valley of Himachal, Kasol is famous for its hippie culture, vibrant night life, delicious Israeli food and adventurous treks. From easy and short treks like Rasol, Malana, Kheerganga, and Rudranga to long and difficult treks like Pin Parvati Pass and Chandrakhani pass, there are many treks around Kasol. So, if you’re planning to visit Kasol then you must check out our handpicked list of 10 best treks near Kasol that every adventure lover should do –
Best Short or One Day Treks Near Kasol
1. Rasol
- Staring Point – Chalal
- Difficulty Level – Easy, ideal for beginners
- Duration – 3 to 4 hours
- Total Distance – 4 KM
- Maximum Altitude – 10,000 Feet
- Best time to visit – April to December
Situated 3 to 4 hours away from Chalal, Rasol is a beautiful remote village near Kasol. This trek is perfect for those who looking for a remote village away from urbanization. The whole 4 KM (one sided) is a blend of easy and steep trails that traverse through the thick pine forest, high mountain peaks and tall marijuana plants. For night stays there are few guesthouses and homestays that can charge anywhere between 200 to 500 per night. If you start early morning then you can also come back to Kasol before night.
2. Grahan
- Starting Point – Kasol
- Difficulty Level – Easy, Perfect for beginners
- Duration – 4 to 5 hours
- Total Distance – 8 KM
- Maximum altitude – 7700 Feet
- Best time to visit – April to December
Grahan is another hidden village in Parvati Valley that is famous for its raw beauty, thick pine forest and amazing view of surrounding mountains. It is one of the most beautiful and easy treks near Kasol. The first few km (4 to 5 KM) can be cover by bike and after that, you need to take a 3 KM trek to reach the top. The trek is well marked with arrows and boards so don’t worry about the path. If you want then you can also spend a night in Grahan as well.
3. Kalga
- Starting Point – Barshaini
- Difficulty Level – Easy, Ideal for Beginners
- Duration – Half an hour
- Total Distance – 3 to 4 KM
- Maximum Altitude – 7480 Feet
- Best time to visit – March to May and September to November
Kalga is one of the most beautiful and popular villages in Parvati valley. The splendid surrounding beauty of this village attracts trekkers who like to explore hidden natural paradise. The tranquil surroundings of this place help to get the solitude that every traveler craves. There are few homestays where you can spend a night at an affordable price.
The trail is well marked and easy to trek even if you’re trekking for the first time. Along with Kalga don’t forget to explore the nearby villages Pulga and Tulga villages. All three villages are associated together so you can explore with ease. The trail is well marked for both Pulga and Tulga.
4. Malana
- Starting Point – Malana Gate
- Difficulty Level – Easy, ideal for beginners
- Duration – 1 to 2 hours
- Total Distance – 5 KM
- Maximum Altitude – 10,000 Feet
- Best time to visit – May to August
Located 19 KM from Kasol, Malana is one of the most famous villages in Parvati Valley. Malana is known for its weird rules that attract trekkers; you cannot touch anything or any person otherwise you need to pay a heavy fine and the people of Malana consider themselves the descendants of soldiers of Alexander. Apart from weird rules, the rustic charm and old rich culture of this place will excite you.
The trek of Malana starts from the Malana gate or Malana taxi stand. From there you need to hike around 5 KM to reach the village. The trail is well marked and easy to trek. And to reach the Malana gate you need to reach Jari from Kasol and then take a cab or taxi to Malana gate.
5. Kheerganga Trek
- Starting Point – Barshaini
- Difficulty Level – Easy, Perfect for beginners
- Duration – 1 to 2 days
- Total Distance – 12 KM
- Maximum Altitude – 9670 feet
- Best time to visit – April to November
Kheerganga is one of the best treks for beginners. The total distance of 24 KM (including up and down) can easily be covered in a single day or you can also do night camping at the top. The trek is famous for its natural hot water spring.
The trail passes through the dense forests of pine, waterfalls, streams and amazing view of the valley. The whole path is well marked with signboards & arrow, also there you’ll find lots of people on the trail so you’ll not face any difficulty while finding the right path. If you’re in Kasol, then don’t forget to visit the Kheerganga trek.
The trek can be done without any expert.
6. Rudranag Trek
- Starting Point – Barshaini or Pulga
- Difficulty Level – Easy, Perfect for beginners
- Duration – 1 to 2 days
- Total Distance – 6 KM (one side)
- Maximum Altitude – 7513 feet
- Best time to visit – April to November
Located on the way of Kheerganga trek, Rudranag is another beautiful trek near Kasol. It is a perfect trek for beginners even if you don’t have any prior trekking experience. The trek is famous for the Rudranag waterfall and Rudranag temple. Many trekkers stay at the campsite of Rudranag before heading towards the Kheerganga trek.
7. Buddhaban
- Starting Point – Tosh
- Difficulty Level – Easy, Perfect for beginners
- Duration – 3 to 4 hours
- Total Distance – 8 KM
- Maximum Altitude – 8940 Feet
- Best time to visit – March to June
Located around half an hour trek away for Kutla, Buddhaban is a beautiful trekking spot near Kasol. Buddhaban serves as the base point for some of the famous treks in Himachal including Animal Pass Trek and Spiti trek. The raw beauty of Kutla village, dense forest of deodar trees, amazing view of Tosh river and surrounding apple orchards are the main highlights of this trek. It is a perfect place for camping near Kasol.
Best Long Treks Around Kasol
8. Sar Pass Trek
- Starting Point – Kasol
- Difficulty Level – Easy to Moderate – Perfect For Beginners
- Duration – 5 Days
- Total Distance – 48 KM
- Maximum Altitude – 13779 Feet
- Best time to visit – May to October
Located at an altitude of 13779 feet above sea level, Sar Pass is a perfect trek for beginners. The meaning of Sar in the local language is Lake and while crossing the pass there is a small lake and that’s why it is named Sar Pass Trek.
The trek attracts large number of young tourists who are eager to feel the excitement while staying in different camps. The trek traverse through different types of terrain including lush green meadows, dense pine forests, snow-capped mountains and hidden villages. After reaching the top you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of snow-capped peaks and tosh valley.
9. Pin Parvati Pass
- Starting Point – Barshaini
- Difficulty Level – Very Difficult, It can be done only under the supervision of experts with porters and if you’re extremely fit.
- Duration – 10 to 11 Days
- Total Distance – Around 110 KM
- Maximum Altitude – 17400 Feet
- Best time to visit – July to September
Pin Parvati Pass is one of the most challenging and risky treks in India. The trek starts from Parvati valley ends in Pin Valley of Spiti hence it is named Pin Parvati Pass. Mantalai Lake is one of the highlights of this trek which is the source of the Parvati river. The trek is famous for its splendid natural beauty with amazing landscapes, lush green meadows, snow-covered mountains, glaciers, dense alpine forests, adventurous trails and wild blossoming flowers.
Due to high altitude and risky trails, this trek is not meant for beginners or intermediates trekkers even expert has to prepare for months before taking this trek. If you’re extremely fit and have done enough treks above 13000 feet then you can go for this trek. An expert along with porters would be needed to complete this trek safely.
10. Chandrakhani Pass Trek
- Starting Point – Naggar
- Difficulty Level – Easy to Moderate – Perfect for beginners
- Duration – 4 Days
- Total Distance – 25 KM
- Maximum Altitude – 12030 Feet
- Best time to visit – June to October (Summer Season)
Chandrakhani pass is one of the most beautiful treks in India. The trek is blessed with lush green grasslands, jaw-dropping views, dense forest of cedar, high mountain peaks and amazing natural beauty. At the top, you’ll have amazing views of different mountain ranges; Deo Tibba range in the west, Pir Panjal range in the north and Parvati range in the east.
This pass act as the bridge between Kullu and Parvati Valley.
Along with natural beauty, this trek is known for its religious beliefs. The region around the Chandrakhani pass is known as the valley of gods. According to the legends, the local deity of Kullu, Jamlu was carrying the basket full of gods and due to heavy winds the basket got dropped, all the gods were blown from the basket and took the form of peaks; Pir Panjal, Deo Tibba and Parbati.