Chalal Village, Himachal | The Unexplored Alternative to Kasol

Chalal, Kasol Overview

While Kasol gets the spotlight amongst the villages of the Parvati Valley, one can enjoy the true serenity of the magical Himachal Pradesh by trekking a little further from this major town to the quaint little village of Chalal. Situated at an altitude of over 5300 feet and a 30-minute trek away from the tourist hub of Kasol, Chalal has managed to retain its old-world mountain village rustic charm. Set in the beautiful Parvati Valley of the Himalayas, with a grand view of snow-capped mountains and majestic pine trees, this quaint town has been nicknamed the "Isreal of Himachal Pradesh", and rightfully so!

With Kasol becoming a mainstream village, Chalal has found its fan following among backpackers and trekkers, who come out here to trek, camp out under the stars, or enjoy some hot chai as they soak in the sheer splendour of the scenic panorama of the grand Himalayas. The large number of backpackers and tourists that visit Chalal have given rise to a number of parties that happen deep in the forests, forming the ideal spot nestled within the mountains under a mystical sky full of stars that no other place on the planet could ever come close to offering. However, the delight of losing yourself in the glory of the mountains and living the simple life still remains within the tiny hamlet of Chalal, making it a beautiful essential for backpackers across the globe.

Kasol to Chalal Trek

Barely 2 km away, the trek from Kasol to Chalal is quite a simple one which may even be undertaken by those unfamiliar with the terrain or new to trekking. The trail begins after one crosses the suspended bridge over the magnificent Parvati river. Crossing this bridge can be a little daunting for those new to the area, but it is possible and is worth the heart-pounding feeling.

Once the bridge has been crossed, there is a trail that is used by the villagers and hikers to travel between the two villages. Follow the trail and stick to the narrow left path along the river that leads into the dense forest of towering pine trees, which open up to the entrance of this enchanting village. The whole route is gorgeous, with a great combination of the delightful Parvati river flowing against the backdrop of the magnificent pines that cover the spectacular mountains.

Wooden guest houses can be seen around the valley as one trek, transporting hikers to a simpler and lost time. The huge rocks by the banks of the river form the perfect spot to chill out during the trek and take in the wonderful landscape before arriving at the picturesque rustic village of Chalal.

Best Time to Visit Chalal

The best time to visit Chalal is during the summer between April and June.

Accommodation in Chalal

Being a popular backpacker destination, one will find many hotels, resorts, homestays and camps around Chalal. Antarbhava, Maya Cafe Guest House, the Moksha hotel, and Freedom Cafe are decent places to stay at offering basic amenities required by a traveller. Jimmy Himalayan Camps offers visitors tented accommodation. The prices vary between INR 400 to INR 1000, depending on the place and the time of the visit.

Where to Eat in Chalal

The Shanti Cafe is a great rest stop on the trek from Kasol to Chalal, where one can recharge before heading back on the trail. Chalal is loaded with cafes like the Freedom Cafe, Shiva Cafe, Fusion Cafe, and Guru Cafe, where one can sit back and relax while eating some delicious food and chilling out with interesting fellow travellers. The falafel, hummus, pita bread and pancakes are an experience one will not easily forget.