About Kasol & Manikaran Tour
Kasol and Manikaran are two of the most popular destinations in the Parvati Valley, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and unique culture. Located about 75 km from Manali (2.5-3 hours drive), this full-day tour takes you through scenic mountain roads along the Beas and Parvati rivers, passing through Kullu town and beautiful pine forests.
Kasol is often called "Mini Israel" of India due to its large Israeli tourist population and hippie culture. The village is famous for its laid-back vibe, riverside cafes serving international cuisine, trance music, and backpacker-friendly atmosphere. Manikaran, just 4 km from Kasol, is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Sikhs and Hindus, known for its natural hot water springs that reach temperatures of 80°C. The Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib is a major attraction where langar (free community meal) is served to thousands daily.
🚗 Tour Overview
This is a full-day round trip tour covering Manali → Kullu → Bhuntar → Kasol → Manikaran and back. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Parvati Valley, opportunities to explore hippie cafes, visit sacred sites, bathe in hot springs, and enjoy the peaceful riverside ambiance.
Kasol - Hippie Paradise
Location: Parvati Valley, on banks of Parvati River
Altitude: 1,640 meters (5,380 feet)
Famous For: Israeli cafes, hippie culture, trance parties, riverside walks, budget backpacker hostels, shopping for Himachali handicrafts, and relaxed mountain vibe. Gateway to popular treks like Kheerganga, Tosh, and Malana. Known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere where travelers from around the world gather.
Manikaran - Sacred Hot Springs
Location: 4 km from Kasol along Parvati River
Religious Significance: Important for both Sikhs and Hindus
Hot Springs: Natural geothermal springs at 80-85°C temperature. Believed to have healing properties for various ailments. Devotees cook rice and dal in these boiling springs! The Gurudwara uses hot spring water for langar preparation. Free bathing areas separated for men and women. The sulfur-rich water is said to cure skin diseases and joint pain.
Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib
Established: 1940s (modern building constructed)
Significance: Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited here in the 16th century. Legend says when his disciple couldn't find a vessel to cook food, the hot springs miraculously appeared to cook meals. The Gurudwara serves free langar to 5,000+ people daily. Beautiful architecture with marble flooring, hot water running underneath. Everyone welcome regardless of religion. Must cover head and remove shoes before entering.
Detailed Itinerary (Flexible)
This is a suggested timeline. Timing can be adjusted based on your preferences and how long you want to spend at each location.
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8:00 AM
Pickup from Manali
Our driver picks you up from your hotel in Manali (Mall Road, Old Manali, Vashisht). Begin scenic drive towards Kasol via Kullu Valley. Pass through Patlikuhl, enjoy views of Beas River and apple orchards.
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9:00 AM
Drive Through Kullu Town
Pass through Kullu town (optional brief stop if needed). Cross the confluence where Beas and Parvati rivers meet. Continue journey along scenic mountain roads with pine forests and valley views.
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10:00 AM
Bhuntar to Parvati Valley Entry
Pass Bhuntar (where Kullu Airport is located). Enter Parvati Valley road. Stunning views of Parvati River flowing alongside. Mountain scenery becomes more dramatic with waterfalls and terraced fields.
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11:00 AM
Arrive in Kasol Village
Reach Kasol. Park vehicle and walk to riverside. Explore the main market street lined with Israeli cafes, German bakeries, souvenir shops. Walk along Parvati River on wooden bridges. Visit Kasol bridge for photos. Soak in the laid-back hippie vibe with international music playing from cafes.
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12:30 PM
Lunch at Kasol Cafe
Enjoy lunch at one of Kasol's famous cafes (on your own). Try Israeli dishes like hummus, falafel, shakshuka, or Italian pasta, wood-fired pizza. Many vegetarian and vegan options available. Meals cost ₹200-500 per person. Popular cafes: Evergreen, Moon Dance, Jim Morrison, German Bakery.
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1:30 PM
Drive to Manikaran (4 KM)
Short 10-minute drive from Kasol to Manikaran. Road follows Parvati River with stunning gorge views. Arrive at Manikaran parking. Walk through narrow market lanes to reach the main Gurudwara complex.
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2:00 PM
Explore Manikaran Gurudwara & Hot Springs
Visit Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib. Witness devotees cooking food in hot springs. Take bath in natural hot water pools (separate for men and women - bring towel and soap). Feel hot water running under marble floors. Attend langar if you wish (free prasad meal). Visit nearby Shiva temple and Ram temple. Explore hot spring sources where steam rises from rocks. Total time: 2-3 hours.
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4:30 PM
Optional: Chalal Village Trek (If Time Permits)
If interested and time available, cross suspension bridge from Kasol to reach Chalal village (20-30 minute easy walk). Peaceful hamlet with fewer tourists, beautiful forest trails, small cafes. Otherwise, spend more time shopping in Kasol market or relaxing by the river.
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5:30 PM
Return Journey to Manali
Start return drive to Manali. Enjoy sunset views over Parvati and Kullu valleys. Arrive back in Manali by 7:30-8:00 PM. Drop at your hotel. Tour concludes with wonderful memories of Kasol's hippie culture and Manikaran's spiritual healing.
Places to Visit in Kasol & Manikaran
Kasol Bridge & Riverside
Type: Natural Attraction
Wooden bridge over crystal-clear Parvati River. Perfect spot for photos with mountains in background. Walk along riverbank, sit on rocks, listen to flowing water. Many travelers spend hours here just soaking in peace. Popular spot for sunset views.
Israeli Cafes & Market
Type: Cultural Experience
Main street lined with cafes serving Israeli, Italian, Continental food. German bakeries with fresh breads and cakes. Shops selling Himachali shawls, Tibetan jewelry, dream catchers, hippie clothes. Laid-back atmosphere with reggae and trance music. Perfect for cafe hopping.
Hot Spring Bathing
Type: Natural Spa
Take therapeutic bath in 80°C natural hot springs at Manikaran. Separate bathing areas for men and women inside Gurudwara complex. Free entry. Water believed to cure skin diseases, joint pains, arthritis. Bring towel, soap, and change of clothes. Refreshing experience after cold mountain weather.
Gurudwara Langar
Type: Spiritual & Culinary
Partake in free community meal (langar) served at the Gurudwara. Simple but delicious food: dal, sabzi, roti, rice, kheer - all cooked using hot spring water! Served to 5,000+ people daily regardless of caste, creed, religion. Experience the spirit of seva (selfless service). Sit on floor and eat with devotees.
Shiva & Ram Temples
Type: Religious Sites
Visit ancient Hindu temples near the Gurudwara. Lord Shiva temple built over hot springs with stone Shivling. Ram temple with beautiful architecture. According to legend, Pandavas from Mahabharata visited this place. Peaceful atmosphere with incense and temple bells. Free entry.
Chalal Village (Optional)
Type: Hidden Gem
Cross suspension bridge and trek 20 minutes to Chalal village. Lesser-known, more peaceful than Kasol. Beautiful pine forest trails, small cafes with valley views, traditional Himachali houses. Good for short walks and escaping crowds. Return the same way - easy trek suitable for all ages.
Activities & Experiences
Things you can do during the tour (most are free or low-cost):
Photography
Best Spots: Kasol bridge, Parvati River banks, mountain backdrops, hippie cafes, Manikaran Gurudwara's golden dome, hot spring steam rising from rocks. Excellent opportunities for landscape, portrait, and cultural photography. Golden hour (sunset) provides magical lighting.
Shopping
What to Buy: Himachali woolen shawls, Tibetan singing bowls, dream catchers, hemp products, local honey, handmade soaps, incense, spiritual books, tie-dye clothes, jewelry. Bargain for better prices. Many shops accept card payments. Good quality Kullu shawls available at reasonable rates.
Cafe Hopping
Popular Cafes: Evergreen Cafe (Israeli food), Moon Dance Cafe (rooftop views), German Bakery (breads & pastries), Jim Morrison Cafe (music themed), Little Italy (pizzas). Try hummus platter, shakshuka, apple strudel, cappuccino. Many cafes have wifi. Great ambiance to relax for hours.
Riverside Meditation
Experience: Find peaceful spot along Parvati River. Sit on rocks, listen to flowing water, practice meditation or yoga. Many travelers come to Kasol specifically for spiritual rejuvenation. Sunrise and sunset times are magical. Helps disconnect from city stress and connect with nature's energy.
Live Music at Cafes
Vibe: Many Kasol cafes play live trance, reggae, and psychedelic music in evenings. Some have open mic nights, jam sessions. International travelers play guitars, djembes. Create a bohemian atmosphere unique to Kasol. Perfect way to meet fellow backpackers and share travel stories.
Nature Walks
Trails: Easy walks along Parvati River trail, forest paths with pine and deodar trees, village roads with local interactions. Chalal bridge crossing offers adventure. Spot birds, wildflowers, butterflies. Fresh mountain air and scenic beauty make every step enjoyable. Suitable for families and elderly.
Taxi Fare & Pricing
All-inclusive round-trip taxi fares from Manali to Kasol & Manikaran. Package includes pickup, full day tour, driver waiting charges, fuel, and parking.
| Car Type | Capacity | Full Day Tour | Extra Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Swift Dzire, Etios) | 4 Passengers | ₹3,500 | ₹250/hr |
| SUV (Innova Crysta, Ertiga) | 6-7 Passengers | ₹4,500 | ₹350/hr |
| Tempo Traveller | 12 Passengers | ₹5,500 | ₹500/hr |
📌 What's Included
- Round-trip taxi from your Manali hotel to Kasol & Manikaran
- Full day package (9-10 hours)
- Experienced driver familiar with Parvati Valley routes
- All fuel charges and toll taxes
- Parking fees at Kasol and Manikaran
- Driver allowance and waiting charges
- Flexible stops and itinerary adjustments
- Clean and well-maintained vehicle
⚠️ Not Included (Pay Separately)
- Entry fees: Manikaran Gurudwara and hot springs are FREE. No entry charges anywhere
- Meals: Lunch and snacks at Kasol cafes/restaurants (₹200-500 per person)
- Shopping: Souvenirs, handicrafts, woolen items
- Chalal trek guide: If you want local guide (₹300-500)
- Personal expenses: Towels for hot spring bath, tips, photos
- Activities: River rafting (if attempting), camping gear rental
Best Time to Visit Kasol & Manikaran
Kasol and Manikaran are accessible year-round, but each season offers different experiences.
March - June (Summer)
Best SeasonTemp: 15-30°C (pleasant weather)
Highlights: Perfect weather for exploration. Kasol cafes fully operational. River flow is moderate and beautiful. All trekking trails open (Kheerganga, Tosh). Hot springs most enjoyable. Peak tourist season with vibrant atmosphere. Best for families and first-time visitors. Accommodation easily available.
July - September (Monsoon)
Avoid If PossibleTemp: 15-25°C (humid, rainy)
Highlights: Heavy rainfall, landslide risks on mountain roads. Parvati River flows dangerously high. Some cafes may be closed. However, lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, good discounts on hotels. Hot springs still operational. Not ideal but doable if you don't mind rain. Carry raincoat and extra clothes.
October - November (Autumn)
ExcellentTemp: 10-20°C (cool and crisp)
Highlights: Post-monsoon clarity, crystal clear skies. Excellent mountain views. Pleasant weather for sightseeing. October particularly beautiful with golden autumn colors. Fewer crowds than summer. Good time for photography. Cafes less crowded so better service. Roads in good condition after monsoon repair work.
December - February (Winter)
Snow LoversTemp: 0-10°C (very cold, some snow)
Highlights: Cold weather, occasional snowfall at higher altitudes. Hot springs extremely popular and comfortable in freezing weather. Many cafes closed or limited operation. Fewer tourists - very peaceful. Best for those seeking solitude. Carry heavy woolens. Roads may be icy in early morning. Unique winter charm with snow-capped peaks visible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, absolutely! One full day is perfect to explore both places comfortably. You'll have 3-4 hours at Kasol for cafes, riverside walks, shopping, and 2-3 hours at Manikaran for Gurudwara visit and hot springs. The tour is designed to cover highlights without rushing. If you want extensive trekking or multi-day stays, consider a separate trip.
Yes, completely safe. The hot springs at Manikaran have been used for bathing for centuries. Temperature is controlled in bathing areas (not the extreme 80°C). Separate facilities for men and women ensure privacy. Thousands bathe daily without issues. The sulfur-rich water is actually therapeutic. Just avoid if you have heart conditions or high blood pressure.
Essential items: Towel, soap/shampoo, change of clothes (including undergarments), plastic bag for wet clothes. Optional: flip-flops/slippers for walking. The Gurudwara provides basic facilities but no towels or toiletries. Changing rooms available inside. Many travelers forget to carry these and miss the hot spring experience!
Absolutely safe. Kasol has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with tourists from worldwide. Solo female travelers are very common. Local people are friendly and used to tourism. Families with children also enjoy safely. Manikaran being a religious site is extremely safe. As with anywhere, use normal precautions - don't venture into isolated areas alone at night, keep valuables secure.
Definitely yes! Most Israeli dishes are vegetarian - hummus, falafel, pita bread, shakshuka (eggs), Israeli salad, tahini. Many cafes also offer vegan options. Italian cafes have vegetarian pizzas and pastas. Plus regular Indian vegetarian food is always available. Kasol caters excellently to vegetarian and vegan diets. Even pure vegetarians have plenty of choices.
Yes, it's mandatory. Both men and women must cover their heads before entering the Gurudwara complex. Free cloth scarves are available at the entrance if you don't have your own. Also, remove shoes and wash feet at the entrance pool. Socks allowed inside. Modest clothing recommended (no shorts, sleeveless tops). These are basic Sikh traditions - respectful observance appreciated.
Limited but available. BSNL works best with decent 4G in Kasol main market. Jio has improved but still patchy. Airtel works in some areas. Most cafes offer WiFi (password available with order). It's not as strong as cities but sufficient for basic communication, social media. Good excuse for digital detox! Inform family before leaving Manali about limited connectivity.
Possible but challenging in one day. Tosh is 30 km from Kasol (1.5 hours) and Malana requires trekking from Jari. Covering these with Kasol-Manikaran makes the day too rushed. Better to do Kasol-Manikaran as day trip, and if interested, plan separate overnight trip to Tosh/Malana. However, if you specifically want to visit, inform us while booking and we can customize with extra charges for extended hours.
Roads are generally good but winding. Manali to Bhuntar is smooth NH3 highway. Bhuntar to Kasol has some curves but well-maintained. Mountain roads have hairpin bends. If you're prone to motion sickness, take preventive tablet before journey, sit in front seat, avoid heavy breakfast, keep window open for fresh air. Most people manage fine. The scenic beauty makes any discomfort worthwhile!
ATMs: Yes, 2-3 ATMs in Kasol (SBI, PNB) but often run out of cash during peak season. Best to carry sufficient cash from Manali. Many cafes accept cards/UPI but not all. Medical: Small primary health center and few pharmacies available. For serious emergencies, need to return to Kullu or Manali. Carry basic first-aid and regular medications with you.
Important Travel Tips
Best Starting Time: We recommend 8:00 AM departure from Manali to avoid traffic and make most of daylight. This gives you relaxed exploration time and return before dark.
Dress Code: Casual comfortable clothes for Kasol. Modest clothing for Manikaran Gurudwara (no shorts, cover shoulders). Carry warm jacket as valley can get windy. Comfortable walking shoes essential.
Cash & Cards: Carry sufficient cash (₹2000-3000 per person) as many small shops don't accept cards. Kasol cafes mostly accept cards/UPI but not guaranteed.
Food & Water: Try local Himachali cuisine and Israeli specialties. Carry water bottle. Avoid street food if you have sensitive stomach. Most restaurants maintain good hygiene standards.
Respect Local Culture: Kasol has cosmopolitan vibe but remember it's still a small village. Manikaran is sacred pilgrimage site. Be respectful in behavior and photography. Ask permission before photographing locals.
Environmental Responsibility: Kasol faces plastic pollution issues. Avoid single-use plastics, carry reusable bags/bottles. Don't litter near river or anywhere. Help keep the valley clean for future visitors.