Stunning Parvati Valley Post Covid-19

Parvati Valley is situated in the lower mountainous regions of Himachal Pradesh. Armed with its breathtaking views of the snow capped Himalayas and the gushing Parvati river, this valley has a number of ethereally beautiful places for one to visit and discover.

Parvati Valley is a beautiful and scenic valley located in the Kullu district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is named after the Parvati River that flows through the valley, and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and picturesque landscapes.

Lock down during Covid

Parvati Valley was locked down during the Covid-19 pandemic for the hordes of tourists travelling there. Interstate travel was banned and wearing masks and social distancing were forcefully enforced upon the locals of the valley.

Locals had to develop their skills to become self sustainable and reliant by setting up ecological setups. Non-profit organizations like CORD and ASHA helped people during this difficult crisis by reaching out to villagers, spreading awareness and empowering them about the situation at hand.

The valley is known for its serene and peaceful ambiance and offers a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It is a popular destination for trekking, camping, and hiking with numerous trekking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints, waterfalls, and hot springs.

Different

Parvati Valley post Covid was a different sight to see. Locals were going about their daily routines of knitting, cattle herding and plantation tending. Tourists have flooded the place with the desire to travel post this long period of lockdown and restrictions. Officials have been terming this surge of travellers as “revenge travel” defining it as the ultimate need to move out after being under restrictions for a period of two years. 

Apart from its natural beauty, Parvati Valley is also famous for its hippie culture and vibrant backpacking scene. It attracts travelers from around the world who come here to experience the laid-back vibe and indulge in activities like meditation, yoga, and spiritual retreats.

Busy

Locals of Parvati valley describe this period post Covid as being the busiest time of their lives wherein produce and textile requirements have been at an all time high due to the immense increase in tourism. Their daily routine includes a blend of personal and work related tasks that help them make a living. They spend the rest of their time socialising at local shops or temples. Parties are currently slow to start and you’ll find around five to six parties being held here and there throughout the valley.

The valley is dotted with small and charming villages like Kasol, Manikaran, and Tosh, where travelers can experience the local culture, taste traditional Himachali cuisine, and interact with the friendly locals. Kasol, in particular, has become a popular tourist hub with its cafes, music festivals, and bustling markets.

Infrastructure in Parvati Valley

Development of infrastructure is currently ongoing at a fast pace where people have been renovating their houses to withstand the extreme weather conditions that they have to undergo through. The rise in tourism has also been a major factor contributing to the rise of construction in Parvati Valley. There is ongoing construction of a direct highway through the mountains from Parvati to Ladakh. Mules can be seen carrying construction material throughout the hike routes to several popular places like Tosh, Kalga and Kheerganga. Several roads and trails have been fixed for regular transportation. 

Vibe

The hippie vibe and the beautiful nature have been the only two things which have remained unchanged even post the difficult time of struggle due to Covid-19. Tiny villages along the roads, the roar of the river gushing by the valley, the friendlinesses of the locals, the furry Himalayan dogs, weird tall trees, and the guesthouses make the experience of the valley a time stopping experience.

Overall, Parvati Valley offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, spirituality, and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an offbeat and rejuvenating holiday.