Parvati Valley | Our Most Explored Trip

Day 1: The Mountains Are Calling
Our journey begins in the National Capital. Assemble at ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi at 5:30 pm. Board a bus to Kasol. Goodbye traffic, goodbye families, and probably (hopefully), goodbye cellphone reception for a while.
Travel: 12-13 hrs bus journey (Delhi > Kasol)

Day 2: The Heart of The Valley
We reach Bhuntar/Kasol early the next morning and switch into taxis to get to Kalga, a hilltop village nestled in the heart of Parvati Valley. Settle into our homestay for the day. Take the rest of the day to explore the beautiful woodside hamlet.
Travel: 1-1.5 hrs taxi journey (Kasol > Kalga)
 
Day 3: Hum Bhi Hai Tosh Main
We are going into the misty mountainside forest!
There’s going to be a fair bit of walking. A visit to the neighbouring villages of Tosh and, if time permits, Pulga is the plan. Tosh is one of the popular hamlets in this neck of the woods. Pulga is another hidden gem that is accessible only on foot. We will dine at our homestay.
Travel: 30 minutes taxi journey (Kalga > Tosh)

Day 4: The Best View In The Valley
Today's the big day! We trek to the glorious Bunbuni Pass. We will be crossing tiny streams, shepherds with their cattle, and (hopefully,) some patches of snow on the way. NGL, this trek will test you. We should get there before sunset. Brace yourself, the views you are going to see are just special. Not many city-dwellers get to witness sights like these in their lifetimes.

Once you lay your eyes upon the beautiful pastures of Bunbuni, you will understand why so many people make this climb in the first place. You will also meet the nomadic families that call this place their home during Summer. They travel from the plains of Punjab with their herds of buffaloes. We will find a nice spot, set up tents, and spend our night on top of the world under a blanket of stars.

Trek: 8kms ascent (4-5 hrs approx)

Day 5: Muscle Discovery Day
After breakfast, trek down from Bunbuni and make our way back to our rooms in Kalga. While the rest of the day is at leisure, you’re going to want to rest the muscles you didn’t even know you had. Campfire and chill scenes at night. stars.

Trek: 8kms descent (5 hrs approx)

Day 6: K-Town
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Kalga and head towards the town of Kasol by afternoon. Check into rooms and explore the quaint cafes and throbbing markets. Spend the day eating or shopping at the Kasol market. We’ll dine together and celebrate our last night in the hills.
Travel: 1-1.5 hrs taxi ride (Kalga>Kasol)

Day 7: Last Chance
This is our last day in Himachal. You will have the day at leisure. Go shopping for those jholas, hemp paraphernalia, and jewellery that you've always wanted to buy from Himachal. We board our jeep for Bhuntar in the afternoon. Take an overnight bus back to New Delhi. Make the most of this night since we might not be seeing each other again (Aww damn!).
Travel: 12-13 hrs bus journey (Kasol>Delhi)
 
Day 8: Byeeeee
Reach Delhi in the morning by 11 am. It’s time to say goodbye to your new friends. Until next time, Vagabonds.
PSA: Please wait at least a month before you put up “Take me back” posts.

• Bus fares to and from Delhi and Kasol in semi-sleeper AC buses
• Accommodation at Kalga in cosy cottages or double-sharing rooms, depending on what you book (click for photos)
• Accommodation at Kasol in double-sharing hotel rooms with attached bathrooms (click for photos)
• Accommodation at Bunibuni Pass in tents with sleeping bags on a twin/triple/quad sharing basis (click for photos)
• Private internal transport (jeeps/cars) in Parvati Valley
• 3 meals (Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast) while on the Bunbuni Pass trek
• All activities and visits to places as per the itinerary
• Basic medical and first-aid kit assistance
• All permits, tolls, and parking charges
• Experienced local guides
• Trip led by Vagabond EMs (Experience Managers)

• Meals
• Travel Insurance

• Cottage Stay (Earlybird): Rs 25,500 /- (+5% GST)
• Room Stay (Earlybird): Rs 23,500 /- (+5% GST)

You can block your seat for an advance of just Rs. 10,000 /-

The balance amount will have to be paid 30 days prior to the trip

• We will be staying at Kalga in luxurious cottages. These cottages are built with soaring roofs that allow for plenty of natural light to flood the interiors, while also providing a cosy and intimate feel. The 2 cosy and comfortable bedrooms are on 2 levels, with plush bedding and luxurious linens that provide the perfect night’s sleep after a long day exploring the great outdoors. The washroom is common to both these rooms. Alternatively, you could book the double-sharing room, where the washroom is non-attached. If travelling solo, you'll be roomed with another traveller. Click for photos.
  
• Kalga is a remote village with limited amenities. Guesthouses and homestays don't provide services like hot drinking water, a kettle, towels or toiletries. While the services may be minimal, the hospitality is not. Please be considerate, and let's enjoy our time in this beautiful hamlet.
• We will stay in comfortable hotel rooms at Kasol on a double-sharing basis with attached washrooms. Check out photos here
• On the Bunbuni trek, accommodation will be in tents with sleeping bags on a twin/triple/quad sharing basis. Check out photos of our campsite here.

• The reason we don't provide meals is so that you can explore the local cuisine that Parvati Valley has to offer.
• We will guide you to the best spots for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.
• The cuisines will be shuffling between Indian, Israeli, Continental, and Tibetan.
• Depending on your preference, you can opt for vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals. Both are easily available.

• We will be traveling from Delhi to Parvati Valley and back in AC semi-sleeper Volvo buses
• We will transit within Parvati Valley in privately booked cars or jeeps

1. Sturdy shoes for trekking (well-fitting, neither loose nor tight)

2. An extra small backpack for day outings (20-30 ltrs)

3. Reusable water bottle (avoid buying mineral water bottles to reduce plastic waste)

4. Toiletries, Torch, Lip-balm, Sunscreen, Sunglasses.

5. Personal Medication (Asthma, allergen medication etc.)

6. Slippers/flip-flops

7. Rainwear (jacket/poncho) & rain cover for bags (precautionary measure)

8. Binoculars, Camera (optional)

9. Sufficient liquid cash (minimum ₹5,000 for food and emergencies)

10. Crepe-bandage (each person MUST have 1 roll each)

11. Warm clothes (Temperature appropriate clothing)

• In Delhi, we will meet at ISBT Kashmere Gate at 5:30 pm. Please do not be late.
• On your return journey from Delhi, please book your train or flights post 2:00 pm (to be on the safer side in case of any delays)
• Please Note: This is a trip and not a multi-day trek. Our main luggage will always remain in our rooms while we head out to explore the town/village. If there's a hike/overnight camp, we will only carry a day bag for that duration and not lug all our bags everywhere.
• Despite this being a backpacking trip, we will be running on a fixed schedule. Punctuality will be appreciated
• All of Parvati Valley is home to people across the world from different cultures. Please honour the local cultures and do not be disrespectful.
• Kalga is a remote village with limited amenities. Guesthouses and homestays don't provide services like hot drinking water, a kettle, towels or toiletries. While the services may be minimal, the hospitality is not. Please be considerate, and let's enjoy our time in this beautiful hamlet.
• This is a backpacking trip. Please be prepared for a good amount of walking up and down hills and hilly terrain.
• If you have any medical or physical conditions that may affect you during the trip, you are required to inform us before the trip begins.
• Carry adequate liquid cash. There are barely any ATMs at Parvati Valley. The ones that are there, don't work at times. We recommend at least ₹5000 for your basic food needs and emergencies.
• Carrying a backpack/haversack is MANDATORY. DO NOT carry trolley bags. You will find it very difficult to lug them up and down the slopes. There are no porter services.
• Please carry enough warm clothes like thermals, beanies, socks, gloves, and jackets. It is advisable to carry a few pieces of temperature-appropriate winter-wear as opposed to several layers of regular clothing.
• While we're moving in groups to various places, try and stick to the group and not wander off.
• Carrying rain wear is very important. Especially if the trip is between June-Sept. Take all necessary precautions to keep yourself and your belongings dry.
• The trip schedule is subject to change. Days of visits to the mentioned places could be shifted back and forth.
• While booking your transport to Delhi, please try and book refundable tickets wherever possible (especially flights)
• A week prior, you will be added to a WhatsApp group with all the other participants and your assigned Experience Manager. Further instructions will be shared on this group and you can coordinate your travel with your co-travellers. If you have any doubts before this, feel free to WhatsApp us on +91 93218 04770

1) What region of north India are we traveling to?

-We're traveling from Delhi to Kasol > Kalga which is a part of Parvati Valley in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.

2) What altitude would we be traveling to?

-Kalga is at an altitude of approximately 7,480 ft while our campsite at Bunbuni is at 10,987 ft

3) What will the temperature be like while we're there?

-On our summer trips, temperatures rise to a maximum of 27°C during the day and can drop to a minimum of 15°C at night.

4) Is there mobile connectivity in Parvati Valley?

-Apart from Bunbuni Pass, you will have good cell phone reception and internet connection in most places.

5) Are there any ATMs where we're traveling?

-There is just one ATM at Kasol market and most of the time it is out of order. We recommend that you carry at least ₹5,000 in cash for this trip.

6) Can I smoke/drink on this trip?

-We at Vagabond do not refrain our participants from smoking or drinking on our backpacking trips. However, there are times you will be disallowed to do so (monasteries, treks, sacred spaces, etc). Indulge in these activities very responsibly.

7) What will the group size be?

-We will be a maximum of 15 travellers and 1-2 Vagabond EMs

8) Is there any age limit to join this trip?

-No, there is no age limit to join this trip. However, based on our previous experiences, the age group of travelers is usually between 18-35.

9) Can I join this expedition solo?

-Yes, of course, you can! We have a good number of solo travelers on almost every Vagabond experience.

10) How physically fit do I need to be to join this trip?

-This trip involves a lot of walking (and 2 days of hiking)! Most of the real exploration happens on foot. If you have any physical, mental, or medical conditions that may affect your capacity to do the trip, you must talk to your doctor or inform us before you confirm your seat.

11) Are there doctors/hospitals in Parvati Valley?

-Kasol market has a doctor's dispensary which is at a convenient distance from our stay

12) How do I know if I’m fit enough?

-You should be able to walk a distance of 5kms in less than 35 minutes for 5 days continuously. If you are above 40 years of age, you should be able to walk a distance of 5 km in less than 45 minutes for 5 days continuously.

13) Is there any age limit to join?

-This experience is targeted towards 18 to 45-year-olds. The experiences involve a good amount of time spent with the group. Depending on what experience you’re opting for, there could be a lot of walking and physical exertion.

• There isn’t an age restriction on any of our experiences, everyone is welcome. However, the average Vagabond customer is anywhere between 20 – 35 years old. The experiences involve a good amount of time spent with the group. Depending on what experience you’re opting for, there could be a lot of walking and physical exertion.
• It’s important to understand that most of our experiences include very rustic accommodation and not a luxurious means of transport. These may be basic in their facilities, but the hospitality is homely and comforting. If you’re someone who doesn’t like compromising on your comforts while travelling, this experience may not be very enjoyable.
• Most of our trips have a healthy number of solo travellers. We encourage you to join us solo, especially if you’re tired of waiting on your friends. We promise you’ll return with many more.
• We try our best to be responsible travellers. Everyone is welcome to explore with us, but we pay utmost importance to cleanliness on all our experiences. We encourage you to #LeaveNoTrace behind while you discover the beauty of the outdoors.
• It’s important to understand that in a limited amount of time, only a limited amount of experiences can be had. We like to cover a few places in-depth rather than just ticking off a long list of things-to-do and places-to-go. However, if you are that kind of traveller, on almost all trips you can feel free to wander by yourself to places of your interest.
• At a Vagabond Experience, it’s important to stay open-minded and positive when things don’t go as per plan. The essence of traveling in a group is being able to help each other out when in need. The weather could go bad, and plans could get altered. In such situations, we urge you to have faith in your group leader to make the most informed decision for the group.

Years of experience: We’ve been leading trips around the country since 2014. Our time in this field has helped us learn about places and people. This knowledge about the destination contributes to a safe, wholesome, and enriching group experience.

Footfall: Since our inception, we’ve led more than 4,600 people on treks, backpacking trips, camps, and outdoor experiences. Rest assured, we’ve dealt with all kinds of people.

Safety first: Given the time we’ve spent in the travel field, we know and believe in the importance of safety. All our experience managers are first-aid certified, and carry a well-equipped first-aid kit on every trip.

Solo traveller-friendly: Over the years, we have had a healthy number of solo travellers who have been from diverse backgrounds. Especially those who got tired of waiting on their friends to agree to a plan.

Group size: Taking large groups of people compromises on an intimate interpersonal experience. Thus, we do small groups which makes it easier for people to get to know each other over the course of the trip.

No discrimination: At Vagabond, we believe that your age, social class, caste, gender or sexual orientation doesn’t determine your travel experience. Everyone is welcome to travel with us and explore new places, and new ideas.

Flexible itinerary: On a Vagabond experience, you’re free to stray away from our scheduled itinerary and explore the place on your own. You do you. We’re not your school teachers. We’re here to facilitate a better understanding of the place and help you experience it in your own comfort zone.

Mindfulness to nature: Over the years we’ve seen the places we visit turn filthier by the day. We don’t want to contribute to that any further. At a Vagabond experience, we encourage you to reduce your contribution to waste and follow sustainable tourism practices as much as possible. Check out #LeaveNoTrace

In-depth research: We're not a tour & travel agency. Every experience we offer you has been researched and experienced first hand by our core members. We visit the locations ourselves and curate an experience that we believe to be in sync with our ideologies.

• More than 30 days prior to the date of departure, 20% of the full payable amount will be deducted.
• Between 29 to 15 days prior to the date of departure, 50% of the full payable amount will be deducted.
• Between 14 to 7 days prior to the date of departure, 75% of the full payable amount will be deducted.
• 6 days to the date of departure, no refund shall be admissible
• 3.8% of all booking amounts are payment gateway charges. This amount is not refundable
• The cancellation policy applies to the full payable amount and not just to the advance blocking amount (if you've chosen that option)
• Please refer to the further Terms and Conditions mentioned in the footer of the website

• All timings and activities are subject to weather, group size, capabilities of participants, etc.
• Vagabond holds the right to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances (for eg, unfavourable weather)
• In the event of a force majeure, Vagabond will make reasonable efforts to notify customers as soon as possible and, where feasible, offer alternative arrangements. However, Vagabond shall not be liable for any refunds, additional costs, losses, or damages incurred by the customer as a result of the force majeure event. Credit notes, if any, will be offered at the sole discretion of Vagabond and in accordance with applicable laws and supplier terms.
• By registering for this trip, you agree to have read through and abide by the Vagabond Terms & Conditions mentioned in the footer.

For further inquiries, feel free to WhatsApp/call: +91 93218 04770

PS: We respect and love our personal lives. Please contact us only between 12 pm and 7 pm on weekdays.

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