Cafe Culture: The Best of Kasol, Kheerganga and Everything in Between
In Parvati Valley, there is nothing that captures how special this place is, other than the landscape surrounding it: endless mountains draped in mist, pine trees fluttering above near the river Parvati and a rich and diverse café scene. For visitors, Kasol is not only a great place to visit but also offers you a wide variety of scents, from freshly baked shakshuka to the cooling quality of mountain air.
If you are about to go on the famous trek to Kheerganga or if you are looking to end your explorer days in Chalal, you need to find places where you can refuel for your journey. At Voyagers' Beat, we think that the best way to learn about a culture is to experience some of its local cuisine. Check out our list of the top cafés in Kasol and those little secret treasures along the way to Kheerganga.
Where Each Bite Has a Story: Kasol's Heart
Many people refer to this village as "Mini Israel" because so much of its culture can be attributed to both places. The cafes in Kasol are more than simply places to eat; they serve as meeting points for travellers from all over the world to come together and share their stories with a hot cup of tea in hand.
1. Evergreen Café
Evergreen Café is a well-known landmark and may be one of the most famous locations within the valley. It has an open-air (outdoor) dining and lounging area and provides patrons with an incredible view of the nearby mountain peaks and rolling hills.
- The Cafe's Must-Try Foods: The Israeli Platter (Hummus, Pita, and Labneh) and Grilled Trout.
- The Cafe's Vibe: A great place to spend hours or even the entire afternoon engrossed in a book in a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere.
2. Moon Dance Café
Right next to the bridge, Moon Dance has become well known around town mainly because of their baked goods. If you’re looking for something sweet, this is definitely the place to go! Their breakfast menu is also one of the best around town.
- When ordering, you have to try out one of their cinammon rolls or waffles!
- Vibe: High energy, lots of opportunities for people-watching and making new friends while travelling.
3. Jim Morrison Café
To get here requires climbing a short hike up a trail. However, once you make it to the café, what you find is a tribute to rock 'n' roll, with people sitting on the floor, psychedelic paintings and a menu that is vegetarian only.
- Must-Try: Fried Potato Chips and Ginger With Lemon Honey Tea.
- Vibe: Artsy, bohemian and incredibly tranquil.
Eating on the Route to Kheerganga: Trekking into the Air Through the Clouds
When you leave Kasol on the pavement and begin your trek toward Barshaini (the beginning of the Kheerganga trek), the food options will be less complex than before, but the food will also have more love. Walking 12km uphill (no small task!) makes for a huge hunger, and the small shacks along the way are a great help!
Stops in Nakthan Village
About halfway along your trek to Kheerganga, you will pass through Nakthan Village. Here are small, locally owned restaurants/cafes that primarily serve "mountain fuel": Maggi, parathas and locally made tea. It is simply magical to eat a bowl of "spicy" Maggi while looking at an unobstructed 360° view of the Himalayas!
Top of the World – Kheerganga cafes
After reaching the top (around 2,950m above sea level), there will be a collection of tent-cafes. These tent-cafes are places where people sit on floor cushions in front of a heater called a tandoor.
- Ice and Fire Guest House & Cafe: A famous place to visit at the top of the mountain. This place has the best pizzas and Nutella pancakes served, in spite of carrying all the food through the miles.
- Ashram Café: The best place to visit for lunch if you’ve had a dip into the hot springs. The best food here is dal-chawal.
Why Cafe Hopping is Mandatory for Your Trip to Parvati Valley
When you travel with Voyagers' Beat, the destination is not all that matters – the journey is equally important. So, if you are preparing yourself for your upcoming adventure, take time to go through the full Kasol guide and get to know the best times to visit and packing tips for your trekking experience.
Thanks to the cafe-hopping culture here, you can pause your rushing lifestyle and breathe. In the city, we live to eat. In Kasol, we eat to enjoy our surroundings. Whether by the riverside at ATS Café or under the canopy of Buddha Place, each meal is a unique experience.
Foodie Tips for the Valley
- Bring Money: Although most coffee shops in Kasol have WiFi, it may not work well sometimes because of connectivity problems. In Kheerganga, there is no other option except paying in cash.
- Be Respectful: Since the cafe might be someone’s home as well, always behave respectfully and consider their culture.
- Stay Hydrated: Be it a café or the hiking trails, always keep sipping your water because of the high altitude.
- Sample the Bakery Products: There are some amazing German bakeries in Kasol, and you must try the apple strudel.
Conclusion
The food experiences you will get while visiting Kasol and Kheerganga are as varied as the scenery. Be it a pizza cooked from a wood fire or a tea served in a mountain shack on the cliffs, you will not forget the taste of Parvati Valley.
Ready for an expedition in the Himalayas? Voyagers' Beat is putting together a tour to Kasol. Come with us!
