GEOTOURISM: KASOL – MINI ISRAEL OF INDIA

By: Guru Prasad

Photo: The Jerker

Kasol is a village in the Kullu district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated in Parvati Valley, on the banks of the Parvati river, on the way between Bhuntar and Manikaran. It is found 30 km from Bhuntar and 36 km from Kullu town. Kasol is the Himalayan hotspot for hikers and acts as a base for adjacent treks like – Malana and Kheerganga. Kasol is popularly known as ‘Mini Israel’ due to the high rate of Israeli visitors here. The location is are much enjoyed by Israeli sightseers. Set in the midst of the Himalayan territories, the Kasol is an Incredible Himalayan National Stop. it is famous for the wonderful Naggar Castle, Parvati Valley, the Bijli Mahadev Sanctuary, and other sanctuaries that make this spot a must-visit place.

The geology around Kasol 

The mountain hamlet in Kasol sits in the beautiful Parvati Valley. The highest point rises to 5180 feet. The Kasol Bridge divides the town into Old and New Kasol. The major rock type in the area, exposed around Manikaran village and along the road to Kasol from Manikaran, is a well jointed, white to the greyish, thick sequence of quartzite, which has been named the Manikaran Quartzite, along with minor phyllites and slates. In the western and northern parts of the area, near Gohar Village, granitic gneisses are exposed. The contact between the quartzite-phyllite group and the overlying schistose rocks is a thrust contact. This thrust forms a part of the central Himalayan Thrust, which is an extensive feature related to Cenozoic folding in the Himalayas. It is marked by brecciated and at places tightly folded schists. The thrust contact is inferred based on the higher grade of metamorphism of the gneissic rocks that overlie the quartzites and it runs in a north-westerly direction.

The State is the sole holder of the country’s rock salt assets. Barytes, salt (rock), limestone, and shale are the critical minerals found within the State. The slightly higher substance of dissolved salts at Manikaran hot spring is worth mentioning.

Hot springs near Kasol 

Kasol town, Manikaran has one of the foremost beautiful hot springs in India. It is a pool of water that gets warmed naturally or geothermally because it rises from the Earth’s crust. The water is said to have healing properties and uses to sufferers of ailment and comparable afflictions. The water of the springs is said to be radioactive. The hot springs in Manikaran are situated on the banks of Parvati Stream which runs from the town. Rocks encompassing the spring are awkwardly hot. The temperature of the water is so hot that rice can be cooked in a hot water pool.

Chalal Trek Trail

Chalal Trek is a 30-minute trek away from Kasol town the sleepy little village of Chalal, sitting at 5300 feet. The village is popular for its old-world mountain rustic charm and great views of snow-capped mountains. The old-world charm of Chalal is mysterious. Tourists can enjoy warmth, grins, and most vitally peace within the town of Chalal.

Gurudwara Sahib Manikaran

Manikaran is known for being celebrated Manikaran Sahib Gurdwara. Standing on the banks of the Beas waterway, this gurdwara could be a must-visit destination for those who visit Kasol. you can visit the Langar which serves tasty nourishment cooked interior of the gurdwara. Apart from Gurudwara Manikaran is additionally associated with Raghunathjee and God Shiva and his divine associate Parvati.

Parvati Valley

Parvati Valley is located within the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. From the juncture of the Parvati Waterway with the Beas river, the Parvati Valley runs eastwards, through a steep-sided valley from the town of Bhuntar. The valley is best for sightseeing with green slopes and undulating topography.

Kheerganga Trek

Kheer Ganga trekking is a courageous activity to do in Kasol. As tourists go for a 9 km long journey, they may be encountering emerald green slopes on their way. people can discover themselves went with mysterious clouds playing in between pine and apple trees. The snow-clad mountains make a mesmerizing climate in the area.

Tosh

Tosh is a world-famous town at a  height of 2400 meters,  visited by thousands of sightseers each year. Decorating with cannabis manors and Himalayan vegetation Tosh is a marvelous place to enjoy. What Tosh really does is enhance you with the encounter of the true culture of Himachal. along with a few of the foremost well-known cafes, Tosh is known for wonderful homestays. The cafes in Kasol serve an assorted run of Israeli nourishments since of the tremendous number of Israelis traveling throughout the year.

Pin Parvati Pass

Perfect for those who cherish mountaineering, Parvati Pass Journey is the best opportunity to encounter activity and excitement at the same time. This 100 km long path is heaven for trekkers. The fabulous scenes of the Parvati Valley journey let you see the desolate mountains of the Stick Valley as well lush thick woodlands. Going on this journey is without a doubt one of the leading things to do in Kasol Himachal.

Sar Pass Trek

Trekking along the tall crests and Sar Pass is one of the best experiences. The word ‘Sar’ translates into ‘Lake’ within the neighborhood dialect. As the journey is considered under the easy-moderate category. along with the trekking, you may get to see Himalayan mountains, forests, and towns.

Snowfall

Arrange your trip to Kasol within the winter season to encounter snowfall.  To witness snowfall and play with snow is one of the most excellent things to do in Kasol. You can plan a trip together with your family or companions to see the snowfall in Kasol in December.

How to reach Kasol

The nearest airport to Kasol is the Bhuntar Air-plane terminal found close to Kullu is the closest airplane terminal to the town. Daily flights connect the airport to the country’s capital, Delhi. from the airport you can book a cab to go to Kasol which is 30 km away. Pathankot serves as the closest railhead at a distance of nearly 150 Km.