Parvati valley in Himachal Pradesh has been the backpacker go to valley since the last decade or more. The valley offers great good, accommodation and most of all mind blowing views of the Himalayan snow capped mountains.  Listed below are a list of villages you should visit if you are planning a backpacking trip to the valley. 

Kasol, Parvati Valley

The hippie backpacker capital in India. The small hamlet is literally just 250 metres in radius and is a 365 day destination with the river in either side of the road , flea market and tonnes of bakeries, cafes and street food options.  Kasol without doubt is paradise for a first time backpacker in Parvati valley.  

Malana 

The village of taboos is located on the other side of the valley away from all the other main stream villages. A short 3km hike from the base which should not take more than 90 minutes with steps going up all the way to the village.  Malana is one of the most unique villages in the world. They speak a language no one else can understand and you can’t touch anyone or anything in the village. A visit to the village will leave you with a great coffee table conversation to have after your trip in Parvati valley.  

Tosh 

The village of Tosh has transformed into a bustling tourist hot spot over the last decade.  The village offers great views of the Himalayas and an even better vibe in the guest houses. Tosh is the kind of place where you travel for the food & good vibes in Parvati valley. 

Pulga 

A village located in the forest of Parvati Valley. Has a hippie vibe to the place.  With cafes, guest houses and the local village life to experience. A one night stay in Pulga won’t be enough. It’s the kind of place which will leave an impression in your heart and soul. 

Manikarana

The original tourist place in Parvati Valley. Which is home to a hot spring and Sikh Gurudwara. Manikaran is always crowded and is usually a day trip from Kasol or Manali. Very seldom will you find tourist staying the night in Manikaran. 

Rasol

The only way to reach the village of  Rasol is to hike 10k from the river side Village of Chalal. It’s a 70° climb up with a trail marked all along the way. It’s takes anywhere between three to five hours to reach the top based on your hiking speed and the number of breaks taken along the way. Accommodation in Rasol is limited to home stays and guest houses.  

Grahan 

Another Village located 10-12km away from Kasol. Earlier hiking was the only way to reach Grahan now there is a road which goes three to four km away from the village.  Grahan village is the base for the trek to Sarpass and has numerous home stays and guest houses which offer basic accommodation to the travellers.  

Kalga 

Located near the Barshani dam Kalga Village is the base to start the climb up to the holy hot spring of Kheerganga.  The village has a forest cover and plenty of guest houses to stay for the night.  Taking a morning forest walk is a must do while in Kalga.  

Kheerganga 

The reason why Parvati Valley has gotten so famous over the years on the internet is because of the Kheerganga 13km hike to the hot spring. The hike is long and enduring with but once you reach the top the reward is a hot sulphur bath.  

Kutla

To reach the village of Kutla you have to reach the village of Tosh which is the gateway to Kutla. There is a proper hiking trail to reach the village and it’s an easy hike. Once you reach Kutla the options for a night stay are limited to home stays and guest houses.  Kutla is the kind of place you can spend a couple of nights or even a week just exploring.  

Chalal

Chalal is a village located on the banks of the River Parvati. The village offers a great way to wake up and sleep with the sound of the river. To reach Chalal village you have to cross the suspending bridge and walk through the forest.