Behind the wheel & Contributor

Kasol & Manikaran

The drive to Kasol was long, but the beauty of the Parvati river like displelled every inch of tiredness, the beauty enhancing your senses more and more.....A pic enroute







Kasol a Mini-Isreal as many Israelis visit Kasol after their mandatory military training in Himachal. A small village, in the banks of Parvati valley, it is differentiated to Old Kasol and New Kasol by a bridge. Kasol is also a base for trekking to Sar Pass, Yanker Pass, Pin Parbati etc. When the weather is ideal, there are abundant treks and mini hikes that take you to striking and scenic villages such as Chalaal with a short trek of about half an hour or Pulga village, Tosh (temple of Jamdagni Rishi) and Khiriganga(a 11-km trek). The weather at this time was awesome, the chill was yet to come. The hotel room was good, the service although a bit delayed.

Hotel Sandhya


Morning took a walk around the small town, the cafes were just opening up, but the sun waas out bright and shining. Lots of foreigners around, and noteworthy is the Isreli and German bakeries...Lots of woollen items to pick from, from mittens to caps and gloves, socks, sling bags etc.





We drive to Manikaran, which is just 5 kms away, it is surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Harinder Mountains. Located on the banks of river Parvati, Pine and Deodhar forests make up the entire area, Gurudwara Sahib, temples and the famed sulphur hot water springs can be visited here.



The Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is an impressive structure that was built to commemmorate Guru Nanak Dev's visit to this village. The hot spring inside the gurudwara is considered therapeutic. Gurudwara langar was awesome. It is a fact that the rice is cooked in the hot water from the spring. You have to take off your footwear and cover your head in respect before entering the holy Gurudwara. It would be wise to carry a convenient piece of clothing to cover your head. Had langar for breakfast here, parking is available. Not much rush at this time.

















The hot water springs have a different bath area for men and women, where one can bath and change. There is an open pool too. There is a rocky cave inside the gurudwara where the rocks are heated and one can lie down to soak the heat, just like having a sauna.

Do try the 'Turquoise Kasol' and 'The Evergreen' for a taste of Israeli food. Our lunch and dinner was here and the food was good.

Evergreen Cafe