Kasol, Malana & Waichin Valley Trek
- Dev Sethi
- Mar 10, 2023
- 4 min read
There’s something about the mountains that always pulls me in, and this time, it was Parvati Valley whispering my name. Our group of six friends finally made it happen — a long-awaited trip to Kasol, Malana, and Waichin Valley, blending riverside calm and high-altitude thrill.
Day 1: Delhi to Kasol – First Sunrise in Parvati Valley
We boarded an overnight Volvo from Delhi, snacks in hand and playlists ready. By dawn, the bus curved along pine-lined ridges with the Beas River playing peek-a-boo below. Around 6:30 AM, we reached Kasol bus stand, greeted by crisp Himalayan air and the soothing scent of deodars.
We had pre-booked our stay at North Deodar Camps, beautifully set beside the Parvati River. Our Premium Swiss Camps were cozy, well-furnished, and offered stunning river views. After freshening up and a filling brunch, we rested briefly before stepping out to explore Kasol.
The Kasol market buzzed with travelers, local artisans, and cafés echoing mellow music. We walked to the Forest Nature Park, where sunlight filtered through tall cedars and the Parvati River glimmered below. Every corner was picture-perfect — perfect for our group photoshoot spree.
Later, we stopped at Offlimits Café for steaming cappuccinos and relaxed over riverside chatter. As dusk fell, we returned to camp where the evening turned magical — a bonfire, live music, and laughter under starlight. Pulkit, our guitarist friend, strummed soulful tunes, and the hum of the Parvati River carried us into the night. That evening, we toasted friendship, nostalgia, and stardust skies.
Day 2: Malana – The Ancient Village in the Clouds
The next morning, we kept our luggage at the camp and hired a taxi to Malana Point (₹1,200). The route unfolded like a painting — steep mountain curves, deep forests, and the chill of fresh alpine air. Crossing the Malana hydro bridge, we entered a world seemingly paused in time.
The hike to Malana Village began soon after. The climb was steep and winding, lined with tall pines and blooming wildflowers. When we arrived, the village felt surreal — wooden and mud houses, narrow cobbled streets, and locals quietly going about their day. Known as one of the world’s oldest democracies, Malana carries centuries of customs and stories. The aura was both mystical and grounding.
After exploring, we packed light and began our next adventure toward Waichin Valley.
Day 2 Evening: Trek to Magic Valley – Raw, Remote, and Real
The Waichin Valley Trek is roughly three hours from the Malana roadhead. Some 4x4 jeeps plied halfway, but we decided to walk the entire trail. The path moved between boulders, streams, and pine slopes — every turn revealing higher horizons. The further we trekked, the quieter it got, until only the whisper of the wind remained.
By evening, we reached Waichin Valley, better known as Magic Valley, a paradise untouched by tourist rush. Towering peaks framed its meadows while a cold stream coursed through the valley floor. We checked into Dev Ropa Heights, a small wooden guesthouse with four rooms and a warm, hospitable host — Rohit bhai. The aroma of fresh food wafted from his kitchen as we settled by the fire.
Night came gently. Millions of stars scattered across the sky, so bright it felt like we could touch them. We shared stories, had homely dal rice, and stared in awe at the silent grandeur of nature. It was a night that made time slow down.
Day 3: Morning in Magic Valley – Peace Beyond Words
Morning in Waichin was pure poetry. Golden sunlight glazed the peaks, the air carried the scent of pine resin, and the only sound was a nearby stream. The freshness of the air rejuvenated every sense. That slow breakfast beside the valley is something I’ll remember forever. We checked out around noon and trekked down to Malana Point, where our taxi awaited.
Day 3 Evening: Healing at Manikaran Hot Springs
Back in Kasol by afternoon, our legs were craving warmth. The perfect answer — a visit to Manikaran Hot Springs. A short drive away, the complex offered separate bathing pools for men and women. Sliding into the natural hot water after two days of trekking was heavenly. We offered prayers, savored prasad from the langar, and felt fully recharged. Later, we returned to North Deodar Camps for one last serene night beside the Parvati River.
Dinner was light, laughter came easy, and acoustic tunes played softly in the background. The stars felt closer this time — maybe because we had climbed a little higher in spirit.
Day 4: Farewell to Kasol, Journey to Manali
After breakfast, we packed our bags for the next leg — onward to Manali. The drive through Kullu Valley was all scenic charm — apple orchards, temple bells, and glimmers of the Beas below. We made brief halts to visit local temples and stretches of sunflower fields before reaching North Deodar Avenue Manali, a beautiful sister property of our camp chain.
And just like that, our three-night Himalayan escape wrapped up — Kasol’s calm, Malana’s mystery, and Waichin’s magic will stay with us forever. This journey wasn’t just a trek — it was a reminder of how alive the mountains make us feel.
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