Parvati Valley | An Introduction To The Mountains
Hosted by Vagabond Experiences
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All About It
Welcome to Back-Pack-Go!
We're going to the hills. We hope you leave the city version of you behind.
Let us give you a little idea of how we at Vagabond Experiences do group trips. First of all, we don’t do ‘tour operators’. Every group will be accompanied by an 'Experience Manager' (AKA. EM). EMs are trained to do one job; help you have a comfortable, safe, and fulfilling experience.
Through the ages, the mountains have been a getaway for many a traveller. But, this valley holds a special place amidst them. Parvati is home to many small villages, some ancient cultures, and an abundance of natural beauty. Honestly speaking, a lifetime might not be enough to explore everything that this beautiful place has to offer. But think of this trip as a carefully curated and relaxed introduction.
Location: Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh (Kalga, Pulga, Tosh, Kasol, Chalal)
Upcoming Batches:
- 8th-13th March (3 holidays: 8th Saturday, 9th Sunday, 13th Holi)
- 10th-15th April (4 holidays: 10th Mahavir Jayanti, 12th Saturday, 13th Sunday, 14th Ambedkar Jayanti)
Meeting point: New Delhi | ISBT Kashmiri Gate at 5:30 pm sharp
Highlights
- Waterfall trail through the mysterious Fairy Forest
- Explore the multicultural and bustling Kasol market
- Wander through the tiny hamlets of Tosh, Pulga, and Chalal
- Gorge on some delicious langar at the Manikaran Gurudwara
What will we do ?
Day 1: The Mountains Are Calling
Our journey begins in the National Capital. Assemble at ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi at 5:30 pm. Board a bus to Kasol. Goodbye traffic, goodbye families, and probably (hopefully), goodbye cellphone reception for a while.
Travel: 12-13 hrs bus journey (Delhi > Kasol)
Day 2: The Heart of The Valley
We reach Bhuntar/Kasol early the next morning and switch into taxis to get to Kalga, a hilltop village nestled in the heart of Parvati Valley. Settle into our homestay for the day. Take the rest of the day to explore the beautiful woodside hamlet.
Travel: 1-1.5 hrs taxi journey (Kasol > Kalga)
Day 3: Hum Bhi Hai Tosh Main
A visit to the neighbouring village of Tosh is on the agenda for the day. Tosh is one of the popular hamlets in this neck of the woods. Explore the cute cafes and gorgeous views of the Parvati Mountain Range. We spend the day in Tosh and head back to our homestay for a chill night under the stars.
Travel: 30 minutes taxi journey (Kalga > Tosh)
Day 4: Of Fairies and Forests
We are going into the misty mountainside forest!
A short hike away from Kalga is its sister village, Pulga. This village is a gateway to one of the most beautiful places in the valley. Known locally as a ‘Fairy Forest’, this pine forest is the perfect place to commune with nature. This is where you can find a tree, rock or branch to sit on and find some peace. For the adventurous, one of the trails through the forest also leads to a calming and almost private waterfall. This is one of our favourite days of the experience.
After chilling in the forest, we explore the tiny lanes of Pulga and make our way back to Kalga for our final night in the village.
Day 5: Last Chance
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Kalga and head towards the town of Kasol. This is our last day in Himachal. We keep our luggage in the pre-booked room and explore the quaint cafes and throbbing markets. Go shopping for those jholas, hemp paraphernalia and jewellery you've always wanted to buy from Himachal. We board an overnight bus back to New Delhi after 7. Make the most of this night since we might not be seeing each other again (Aww damn!).
Travel: 12-13 hrs bus journey (Kasol>Delhi)
Day 6: Byeeeee
If we don’t catch any delays, we will arrive in Delhi in the early hours of the morning. We alight from our bus, bid farewell to our new friends and say hello to a few weeks' worth of ‘Take me back’ posts. Until next time vagabonds!
Meet your host
Vagabond Experiences
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
Vagabond started out as a project by four friends with a disdain for the ordinary. The idea was simple; take people out of their comfort zones. Not like Roadies, but just enough to bond them together through beautiful and authentic experiences. Happiness, as they say, is only real when shared. And share we did. The company was founded in 2014. As fresh Bachelor of Arts degree holders, companies were lining up to hire us fine gentlemen; we’re kidding. Fueled by entrepreneurial zeal, we started with small events in the city like heritage walks through Bombay’s old quarters. As musicians and travellers ourselves, we decided to marry these two loves of our lives. That is how the idea for the first Fields of Sound™ came about. Since then, it has only been onward and upwards for us. Since 2014, we’ve made friends like family through our journey. Our little ‘Vaga’-Fam. It’s safe to say, it’s been quite an adventure. One we would like you to join :)
See Vagabond Experiences's other listings
Inclusions
- Bus fares to and from Delhi and Kasol in semi-sleeper AC buses
- Accommodation at Kalga in cosy A-frame cottages with attached bathrooms on a quad-sharing basis (click for photos)
- Private internal transport (jeeps/cars) in Parvati Valley
- All activities and visits to places as per itinerary
- Basic medical and first-aid kit assistance
- All permits, tolls, and parking charges
- Experienced local guides
- Trip led by Vagabond EMs (Experience Managers)
Exclusions
- Meals
- Travel Insurance
Things to carry
1. Sturdy shoes for long walks (well-fitting, neither loose nor tight)
2. An extra small backpack for day outings (20-30 ltrs)
3. Reusable water bottle (avoid buying mineral water bottles to reduce plastic waste)
4. Toiletries, Torch, Lip-balm, Sunscreen, Sunglasses.
5. Personal Medication (Asthma, allergen medication etc.)
6. Slippers/flip-flops
7. Rainwear (jacket/poncho) & rain cover for bags (precautionary measure)
8. Binoculars, Camera (optional)
9. Sufficient liquid cash (minimum ₹5,000 for food and emergencies)
10. Crepe-bandage (each person MUST have 1 roll each)
11. Warm clothes (Temperature appropriate clothing)
HOW TO REACH
Depending on how you're travelling to Delhi, you can either take a rickshaw or taxi (Uber/Ola) to ISBT Kashmiri Gate and meet us at 5:30 pm. Further details regarding the exact location will be shared closer to the trip date
Policy and more
- More than 30 days prior to the date of departure, 20% will be deducted.
- Between 29 to 15 days prior to the date of departure, 50% will be deducted.
- Between 14 to 7 days prior to the date of departure, 75% will be deducted.
- 6 days to the date of departure, no refund shall be admissible
3.8% of all booking amounts are payment gateway charges. This amount is not refundable
(Please refer to the further Terms and Conditions mentioned in the footer of the website)
Terms and Conditions
- All timings and activities are subject to weather, group size, capabilities of participants, etc.
- Vagabond holds the right to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances (for eg. unfavorable weather)
- By registering for this trip, you agree to have read through and abide by the Vagabond Terms & Conditions mentioned in the footer.
Frequently Asked Questionss
Q: What region of north India are we traveling to?
A: We're traveling from Delhi to Kasol > Kalga which is a part of Parvati Valley in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.
Q: Where will we be staying?
A: We will be staying at Kalga in luxurious A-frame villas at 'The Shire'. Rooms will be quade-sharing (4 in a room) with attached washrooms. These villas are built with soaring, peaked roofs that allow for plenty of natural light to flood the interiors, while also providing a cozy and intimate feel. The 2 cozy and comfortable bedrooms are on 2 levels, with plush bedding and luxurious linens that provide the perfect night’s sleep after a long day exploring the great outdoors.
We will stay in comfortable hotel rooms at Kasol on a double-sharing basis with attached washrooms.
On the Bunbuni trek, accommodation will be in tents with sleeping bags on a twin/triple/quad sharing basis (as per availability)
Q: How will we travel within Parvati?
A: We will be traveling from Delhi to Parvati Valley and back in AC semi-sleeper Volvo buses
We will transit within Parvati Valley in privately booked cars or jeeps
Q: What food will be provided?
A: Vagabond will provide 2 meals a day while in Himachal.
We will take care of breakfast, and lunch or dinner everyday.
The cuisines will be shuffling between Indian, Israeli, Continental and Tibetan.
Depending on your preference, you can opt for vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals.
If you require Jain or vegan food options, please inform us in advance.
Q: What altitude would we be traveling to?
A: Kalga is at an altitude of approximately 7,480 ft
Q: What will the temperature be like while we're there?
A: On our summer trips, temperatures rise to a maximum of 27°C during the day and can drop to a minimum of 15°C at night.
Q: Is there mobile connectivity in Parvati Valley?
A: You will have good cell phone reception and internet connection in most places.
Q: Are there any ATMs where we're traveling?
A: We at Vagabond do not refrain our participants from smoking or drinking on our backpacking trips. However, there are times you will be disallowed to do so (monasteries, treks, sacred spaces, etc). Indulge in these activities very responsibly.
Q: What will the group size be?
A: We will be a maximum of 15 travellers and 1-2 Vagabond EMs
Q: Is there any age limit to join this trip?
A: No, there is no age limit to join this trip. However, based on our previous experiences, the age group of travelers is usually between 18-35.
Q: Can I join this expedition solo?
A: Yes, of course, you can! We have a good number of solo travelers on almost every Vagabond experience.
Q: How physically fit do I need to be to join this trip?
A: This trip involves a lot of walking! Most of the real exploration happens on foot. If you have any physical, mental, or medical conditions that may affect your capacity to do the trip, you must talk to your doctor or inform us before you confirm your seat.
Q: Are there doctors/hospitals in Parvati Valley?
A: Kasol market has a doctor's dispensary which is at a convenient distance from our stay
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