11 foolish mistakes to avoid in Parvati Valley
Parvati Valley has been a backpacker haven for over a decade, with hikers and budget travellers from all over the country flocking to experience the natural beauty of the place. If you are one such backpacker planning a trip to Parvati Valley, listed below are things which you need to avoid.
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1. Don’t touch or enter any of the village temples
Yes, the temples in the Parvati Valley villages are out of reach for tourists and a hefty fine will be levied on you, if you even touch the walls of the temple. The fine can range from anywhere between ₹2000-10,000. So please remember, don’t enter or touch anything when there is a board which says not to touch.
2. Parvati Valley = No Smoking in public
Parvati Valley might be dubbed as a paradise for smokers and pot heads, but long gone are the days when smoking in public was normal. Smoking a cigarette in public will lead to a fine of ₹500-2000.
3. Drinking on the streets
Another big no no in Parvati Valley is drinking in the streets. If you are caught, it will lead to a heavy fine of ₹1000-3000 per person.
4. Not carrying a backpack
Parvati Valley is an out and out backpacker valley. So if you intend on acting like a tourist, carrying a trolley bag or a duffle bag, then you will have had it. Every place is a small hike or a trek, so without a backpack, it will be a major task to get your trolley bag to your room.
5. Worn out shoes
Parvati Valley is about a lot of walking, so make sure you carry a good pair of shoes. Shoes with a good grip are mandatory. Having shoes which don’t have a good grip will result in you slipping and even your shoes tearing apart. It’s the last place you would want to be left without shoes.
6. Hiking without a stick in hand
Hiking is what Parvati Valley is know for and doing a hike without a hiking a pole or stick can be dangerous while hiking down hill. To avoid any kind of ankle or knee injury, make sure you hike always with a pole.
7. Over packing for a hike
Over packing can be a disaster, reason being you have to carry the load with you everywhere you go. The lighter your bag, the better for your own body and mind. So before you embark on a hike, make sure you carry only the bare essentials and nothing more.
8. Carrying # back home
Don’t try to be over smart and take back # home or roam around as if it’s Amsterdam. Hash (Charas) is still illegal in India and just how there is checking for alcohol in Gujarat, the Narcotics department of the Himachal Pradesh police is in full swing to bust tourist and levy a heavy fine or a jail term. Don’t ever try taking anything illegal home.
9. 3N/4D for the whole valley
You need a minimum of one night if not more to really get an experience of the entire valley or the village that you are staying at. So if you intend on exploring the place like a real backpacker then the 3N/4D Kasol-Kheerganga gig is just like a Delhi darshan. Plan for minimum six to eight days if you really want to soak in the place.
10. Falling short of funds
Parvati Valley has some of the best food and shopping options in all of Himachal Pradesh. If you plan on traveling with a low budget, you might end up falling short on funds which will be a problem. So research well and budget well before you travel to Parvati Valley.
11. Hiking in the night
This isn’t the place to try out a night trek. People have gone missing and have never been found in the valley. Mostly left as dead, so by no means start your hike which will need you to climb the mountains in the night. No matter how experienced a hiker or trekker you are, there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity.
