Kasol, a hamlet situated in the river Parvati river valley is truly a nature’s wonder.The scenic natural beauty in the Parvati Valley, is a well known place for nature lovers.
However, the serene location, and easy accessibility has made Kasol quite popular, especially among people of Chandigarh and Delhi.
It has become a popular weekend destination for them. Hence it tends to stay crowded during weekends and during peak season.
So, why not opt for a quieter destination?
If you are looking for spending time in calm places, there are plenty of options around Kasol.
Kasol and its surrounding areas offer several off-beat locations that are still relatively untouched.
These hidden gems provide a more intimate experience with nature, perfect for those looking to explore the lesser-known side of Himachal Pradesh.
Let’s take a deep dive into seven such destinations where you can truly disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself.
8 Best Off-Beat Places Near Kasol
1. Chalal Village
When the chaos of Kasol’s main market feels a bit too much, Chalal offers the perfect escape.
Just reach Kasol, and then it’s just a 30 minutes walk across a suspension bridge over the Parvati river.
The serene 30 minutes walk by the Parvati river is soothing itself, surrounded by pine trees, with the sound of the river makes you part of nature.
As the closest off-beat location to Kasol, this little hamlet has become a popular spot for backpackers, hence you will have no shortage of finding accommodation to stay here. The village has hotels, resorts, and homestays starting from as low as INR 500, which depends upon the season.
Distance from Kasol: 3 km, 1-2 hrs walk
Ways to reach: Trek
2. Rasol
If you think Kasol is too commercialised, Rasol is the perfect antidote. Rasol, the less known cousin of Kasol is just a short trek away from Kasol.
Rasol is a remote village that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trek itself isn’t too difficult, but it’s enough to make you feel like you’ve earned the incredible views at the top.
What makes Rasol special is its raw, unfiltered beauty. The village has around 100 houses and is perfect to get disconnected with the outer world and get close to nature, and experience the local Himachal.
The village has a decent number of homestays, and guest houses.
Distance from Kasol: 4 km, 2-3 hours
Ways to reach: Trek
3. Grahan Village
If you’re up for a little adventure and a trek that’s slightly more challenging, Grahan is the place to be.
The 10 km hike from Kasol to Grahan will take you through forests, across rivers, and up steep hills. But trust me, the effort is worth it.
The hike can take up to 4 hours depending on your pace. The trail starts off pretty flat with a slight incline, winding through the woods.
After a bit, you’ll come across a dhaba selling water and snacks. Here, you can choose between two routes. One is a slightly shorter route of about 2 km that will take you all the way to the village, but it’s quite steeper. The other one is about 3 km with a slightly easier incline.
Grahan is still relatively unknown to the average tourist, which means fewer people, more peace, and pristine nature.
The village itself is picturesque, with stone houses and narrow paths that seem straight out of a storybook. The people are welcoming, and the homestays offer delicious local food (I still can’t get over the fresh parathas and chai I had there).
Grahan’s simplicity is what makes it special. There’s no hurry here, no strict schedules to follow. Time slows down, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty around you. Plus, the trek back down feels like a reward in itself, with those same stunning views accompanying you all the way.
Pro Tip: Always carry some extra snacks and water when trekking to Grahan. There aren’t many shops along the way, and you’ll thank yourself when you need a quick energy boost halfway through.
Distance from Kasol: 10 km
Ways to reach: Trek
4. Malana
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to visit a village where you are not allowed to touch any locals or their belongings, and follow strict rules?
Seems to have come straight out of a storybook, right?
I am talking about Malana, a unique Himalayan hamlet sitting at an altitude of about 8,700 feet. Known as one of the oldest democracies in the world, Malana is tucked away in the beautiful Parvati Valley, attracting visitors for its stunning landscapes, untouched trekking trails, and yes, its infamous hashish, “Malana Cream.”
To reach Malana from Kasol, you can take a cab and go via Jari village. It will take around 1.5 hours to reach the Malana gate from there you need to trek for 1.5 hours to reach Malan village.
If you are fit enough, you can trek directly from Kasol. The trail goes through Chalal and Rasol village. It can take up to 6 hours to reach.
Distance from Kasol: 20 Km
Ways to reach: Trek, Taxi to Malana Gate and trek to Malana
5. Tosh
Okay, Tosh may not be as “off-beat” as some of the other spots on this list, but it’s still less crowded than Kasol, and it has a charm that’s hard to resist. Located at the far end of the Parvati Valley, Tosh is known for its bohemian vibe and stunning views of snow-capped peaks.
Reaching Tosh is pretty straightforward but comes with a bit of adventure. First, you’ll need to get to Barshaini, which is the last motorable point in the Parvati Valley. From Kasol, you can take a local bus or hire a taxi to Barshaini, which is about a 45-minute drive.
Once you reach Barshaini, you will have two options.
If you’re up for a short trek, it’s around 3 km from Barshaini to Tosh, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour, again it depends on your stamina. The trail is scenic, with beautiful views all around.
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can take a shared taxi or a private one straight to Tosh. The ride is a bit bumpy due to the hilly roads, but it’s a quicker way to reach the village. Either way, the journey is part of the experience!
Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with colourful houses, and the freshest mountain air you can imagine.
Tosh is the kind of place where you can spend hours doing nothing, just sitting in a café, sipping chai, and watching the clouds drift over the mountains.
For me, Tosh feels like a creative retreat. Whether you’re an artist, writer, or photographer, Tosh will leave you feeling inspired.
Distance from Kasol: 25 km
Ways to Reach: Taxi or Bus till Barshaini/Tosh or trek from Barshaini to Tosh
5. Pulga Village
Pulga is often referred to as the “Fairy Forest” for a reason, for offering a 360 degree view of the forest.
Surrounded by thick pine forests and hills, it looks like something out of a picture. The village is peaceful, with wooden houses and a few small cafes where you can relax and enjoy the calm.
To reach Pulga, you’ll first go to Barshaini, then it’s a short 3 km trek to the village. The walk is considerably easy, and takes about an hour to complete. Once you arrive at the village, the fresh mountain air and beautiful views make it all worth it.
Distance from Kasol: 20 km
Ways to reach: Bus/ Taxi to Barshaini and Trek
6. Kalga Village
Just like Pulga, Kalga is another hidden gem in the valley. It’s a small village that has slowly started attracting travellers looking for peace and solitude.
The village is a little more rustic compared to others, but it has a certain charm that’s hard to describe.
The ways to reach Kalga is almost same as Pulga reach Barshaini, you’ll cross a bridge over the Parvati River and take a short trek of about 1 km uphill to Kalga. The trek is easy and takes around 20-30 minutes.
Kalga is ideal if you want to spend a few days doing absolutely nothing. Bring a book, write your heart out, or simply lose yourself in the landscape.
7. Kheerganga
You can’t talk about off-beat locations near Kasol without mentioning Kheerganga. While it’s becoming more known among trekkers, Kheerganga still retains that off-beat charm, especially for those looking to combine adventure with a spiritual experience. The trek to Kheerganga is a journey in itself, with stunning waterfalls, dense forests, and panoramic views that keep you company along the way.
The trek usually takes about 4-6 hours depending on your pace, but every step is worth it once you reach the summit. I was lucky enough to complete my first solo trek here with ease.
At the top, you’ll find natural hot springs, you can now take a shower with the warm hot spring water. Legend has it that Lord Shiva and Parvati meditated here for thousands of years, which adds to the mystical aura of the place.
For spiritual seekers, Kheerganga is not just a trek; it’s a pilgrimage. The energy of the place is palpable, and whether you’re meditating by the hot springs or simply sitting on a rock, taking in the views, there’s a sense of calm that’s hard to describe but easy to feel.
Pro Tip: Make sure you carry proper trekking shoes and a light jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable. And if possible, try to start early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the trek in solitude.
Distance from Kasol: 35 km
Ways to reach: Bus/ Taxi to Barshaini and Trek
Wrapping Up: Kasol’s Hidden Treasures Await
Kasol is known for its hippie vibe and chilled-out cafes, but there’s so much more to explore in that area, beyond the tourist-heavy areas. These off-beat gems in and around Kasol offer a mix of adventure, peace, and an authentic connection with nature that’s hard to find in more popular destinations.
Each of these places Chalal, Rasol, Grahan, Tosh, Pulga, Kalga, and Kheerganga has its own unique charm. Whether it’s the tranquillity of Chalal, the bohemian vibes of Tosh, or the spiritual energy of Kheerganga, there’s something for everyone.
For me, these places aren’t just destinations; they’re experiences. They’re where I go to disconnect from the world and reconnect with myself. Whether I’m writing, taking photographs, or simply spending a lazy day in silence, these off-beat locations near Kasol have a special place in my heart, and I hope they’ll find a place in yours too.
So the next time you’re in Kasol, step off the beaten path and explore these hidden gems. You never know what magical experiences are waiting for you just around the corner.
About Author
Prosenjit Banerjee is a digital marketer. He likes exploring new places and enjoys pursuing hobbies of photography, vlogging and blogging. When it comes to entertainment, he prefers watching sitcoms, watching movies of the rom-com, sci-fi, fantasy genres. He is also an avid fan of soccer end enjoys playing it on his play station.
