Travelling From Kullu To Tosh Via Manikaran

After a blissful, hippie holiday at one of the valley resorts, a few of us set off to Kullu – the bustling administrative capital of Himachal Pradesh. Sarvari, the Beas river-feeder, slices Kullu into two; to the north lies Akhara Bazaar, with some quaint, wooden buildings encircling the gurdwara, and to the south, Dhalpur beckons – pedestrianized with a bustling market, tourist office and a taxi stand.

The bus station sprawls on the northern side of the Sarvari River, connected by a beautiful footbridge. In October, this town transforms into a vivid celebration with the Kullu Dussehra festival! Before embarking on our journey from Kullu to Tosh via Manikaran, we made sure to pack all the essentials: drinking water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and of course, the necessary trekking gear. What an adventure!

Trekking From Kullu To Tosh via Manikaran

At 6 AM sharp, we made our way to the glorious Goswami nature park and embarked on our journey down Kullu Ramsheela Marg road to Mohal. It typically takes two hours to reach Mohal, but if you don’t take too many breaks along the way, you’ll likely make it there by 8-8.30 AM, just in time to get some grub. Most eateries in the area don’t open until 10 AM, however, Raajani rafting camp and Kullu Manali Vaishnav Dhaba have got you covered with breakfast at 8! And, don’t forget to try the delicious, freshly made paneer parathas and mix pakoras from Vaishnav Dhaba – you won’t regret it!

After a hearty breakfast, we began our journey along the Manikaran road. Two hours later, we arrived at the Parvati Valley Riverside Cafe at 10.30 AM. Here, we spent some time admiring the captivating beauty of the valley, before feasting on a light lunch. After that, it was time to explore the mysterious hot springs of Manikaran, a mere 14km (and three-hour walk!) away. We passed plenty of lodges and resorts along the way, which would be perfect for an overnight stay.

On many occasions, we have been lucky enough to stay at the stunning Parvati Woods camp, the peaceful Katagla Forest Retreat and the cozy Parvati Kuteer. To make sure our plans run smoothly and without any last-minute hassles, we always make our reservations well in advance. After a restful night, we set off for Manikaran at 7 AM. On the way, we stopped to take photos at Kasol, a stunning Himachali village. By 10.30 AM, we had made it to the holy pilgrimage site of Manikaran, known for its natural hot springs said to possess healing properties. 

It’s no surprise that this place is mostly visited by pilgrims wishing to be cured of any illness. For those who wish to enjoy a luxurious bathing experience, nearby homestays offer it for a nominal fee. We made a pit stop at the awe-inspiring Gurudwara Sahib Manikaran and filled our bellies with lunch at an alluring local eatery. We departed Manikaran at 1 PM and arrived at the enchanting Tosh around 5 PM, what could have been 4 PM if we hadn’t taken the time to pay reverence at the Durga Kali Mata and Veernath temples! 

As soon as we entered Tosh, the very first thing we spotted was Boom Shiva cafe, which serves as the front door to this stunning village. We rested our heads at the Nomads hostel, close to Pink Floyd cafe, for the few days that followed, and adventured around on foot, taking in the captivating mountains and meadows surrounding Tosh. Take a step into its thriving meadows, and you will find a glorious array of Marigolds, Irises, Himalayan blue poppies, Buttercups and Himalayan Balsam flowers.

Various species of birds – the mighty Himalayan Griffons, the exotic Bull Rosefinches, the intrepid Brown Dippers, the elusive Lamagiers and the graceful white-capped water – flock to these flowers and give the area a unique charm. Local folklore will tell you that a sighting of the majestic Himalayan bear is not an uncommon occurrence. While here, you can also follow the Tosh River to its source at the Tosh Glacier. Tosh is so much more than a mere hippie colony; spend a few days here and uncover its enchanting secrets.

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