Kasol

State :  Himachal Pradesh 
Temperature : 8°C - 25°C (Summers) 0°C - 11°C (Winters) 
Altitude: 1720 mts 

Best Season :
Mid-March - mid-April; mid-September - mid-November. May and June could be hot months in this area and December-January are unbearably cold.

Kasol is a village situated in Parvati Valley, on the banks of the Parvati River, on the way between Bhuntar to Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh, northern India. It is located 42 km east of Kullu at the height of 1640 meters. Kasol is partitioned into Old Kasol and New Kasol on the either side of the bridge.


On first sight, anyone would simply traverse through Kasol. It is only after some time is invested in exploring it, that one realizes how beautiful and picture perfect it is. The population here is balanced equally between local Himachalis and foreign settlers. If one questions the presence of blonde toddlers on the village streets mingling with their Indian buddies, the story of old time angrezi (foreigner) settlers will be narrated.

Kasol has recently transformed into a hub for backpackers, who are attracted to the scenic valley, untouched hills, low population, and great climate throughout the year. Kasol is also a base for Trekking in Himalaya in the area, to SarPass, Yanker Pass, Pin Parbati Pass and Khiriganga. Most of the Trekking is Organized by Youth Hostel of India and the Base Camp For the Sarpass Trek is at Kasol. Some Psychedelic Trance parties are also common in Kasol, due to the heavy rush of the visitors.

Visitors from Israel are common in Kasol and One can see the Hebrew language Banners through out the Valley.

The Himalayan Trekking from Kasol Base Camp is famous for its location beside the freezing ice melted waters of Mighty river Parvati.One of the experience of Trekking Training at Kasol YHAI Base Camp is briefly written with Pictures here.
The shops in the village of Kasol have western food and clothes. There is only one school which has classes up to 7th grade. The nearest college is in Kullu. People in the village also grow a few vegetables and sell it. There are many restaurants on the both sides of the main road of Kasol along with Foreign Money Exchange. The nearest ATM is within 25 km at Jhari while all other facilities are available at Bhuntar (40 km). Plenty of guest houses and hotels are available at quite cheap tariffs. Bhuntar is the nearest airport which also has a couple of banks and ATM centres.

Needless to say, the river is icy cold but not enough of a restriction to wandering horses that pass through each morning, sounding their approach through the woods.

Cooking in the wild is always enjoyable but if the palate is hungry for pampering, then options of pancakes and apple-pies are easily available from the German Bakery in the village. And of course, the Indian Dhaba cuisine is unbeatable - nothing beats the stuffed aloo paratha (potato baked within flat bread) and hot chai (tea) with the mist drifting past, literally sniffing in the delicious aromas.

You can indulge in walking. Journey down the forest, climb the hills, chase off to Manikaran on the trekkers track - through streams and rocky paths, wide enough to take only one foot at a time. Just remember to step aside courteously, as large herds of sheep file past, casting secretive looks towards all those who don't look like them!

It would be an understatement to say that time comes to a standstill. Spend a week or a lifetime and go back craving for more. Kasol is not just an ordinary village. It’s not just another getaway from the heat zones. It’s an experience and the sole way to enjoy is to experience it! 

Attractions
Kasol is a pleasant place to be in for a vacation. Though the place itself is an attraction, you may stroll about amidst its beautiful orchards. Or discover the fresh green of the terraced rice cultivation. If you have the license, you can spend cool lazy afternoons fishing for trout. An angler’s paradise, Kasol is an open space by the banks of the Parvati river. Clean white sands and green grass is what makes it look a dainty beautiful place. All you need is a license and hours can be spent lolling by the side of the stream, trying to hook a catch.

Quick Getaways
You can travel to Manikaran, 45 kms away from Kasol, which is famous for its hot sulphur springs. There are separate baths for men and women. Another quick getaway is Chhalal, a quiet, pretty village that is at a distance of only a 20-minute from Kasol.

Getting There & Away
By Air : The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, 30 kms away. 
By Road : You can reach Kasol by road via Kullu, is 42 kms away. There are a number of taxis as well as local buses that ply daily from Kullu.

Hotels
www.hotelgreenvalleykasol.com
www.thehimalayanvillage.in
www.sandhyapalace.com/sandhya_kasol.html

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasol,
http://indiandiscovery.com/himachal-tourism/kasol.html