Parvati Valley

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Parvati Valley is located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

The valley runs eastwards from the town of Bhuntar in the Kullu Valley. Towns in the valley include the town of Kasol, popular with israeli backpackers, and the Sikh and Hindu pilgrimage town of Manikaran. A side valley leads to the isolated town of Malana. A road runs from Bhuntar as far as the village of Varshani, from where it is possible to hike to the villages of Tosh and Pulga. A few hours hiking further up the valley leads to the hot springs of Kiriganga, where it is possible (for men) to bathe in the open with a panoramic view of snow covered mountains (women must bathe in a covered bath house). It is said that Shiva meditated at this spot for 3000 years, as such it is a holy site and pilgrimage place for Hindus, there is an ashram here and tented campsites where very cheap accommodation is available. The valley is exceptionally beautiful and is dominated by the 6001m high peak of Deo Tibba, as well as many other 5000m+ peaks. It is possible to undertake the arduous pin-parvati trek from here, which goes up to 5000m and lasts 10 days, finishing in the village of Mudh in the Pin Valley.

The valley is a destination for western trekkers and backpackers. It is also well known for the production of charas, or hashish which is ubiquitous throughout the valley.

[edit] References

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