Pothead Bawa
Nestled deep within the heart of Himachal Pradesh’s Parvati Valley lies a trek that’s become legendary among both adventure seekers and stoners alike – the Kasol to Rasol trek. What begins as a seemingly simple journey transforms into an unforgettable experience filled with the kind of stories that make Pothead Stories what it is.
Our traveller, “Velly”, recently shared his tale of this trip—a blend of raw nature, unexpected encounters, and, of course, plenty of weed. If you’re a pothead looking to explore more than just the trails, or a traveller seeking budget-friendly adventures in the valley, Velly’s journey provides a real taste of the highs and lows of this trek.
Kasol – The Gateway to a High Beginning
Kasol, also known as the “Amsterdam of India,” is the ideal starting point for this stoner’s adventure. It’s not just another pretty hill station; it’s a hub for backpackers and cannabis enthusiasts alike. The vibe here is laid-back, with the Parvati River flowing gently through, surrounded by lush greenery, giving it an aura of peace. For Velly, Kasol was more than just a pit stop; it was the place where his trip began, quite literally.
Before hitting the trails, he decided to roll one out at one of the local cafes, which are known for their relaxed atmosphere and chilled-out tunes. At this point, he wasn’t alone, but things were about to get more interesting.
Chalal – The Unexpected Turn
The trek to Chalal is a warm-up, just about 2-3 km from Kasol. It’s a relatively easy trek, taking around 45 minutes to an hour. Crossing the suspension bridge over the Parvati River, the path is lined with tall pine trees, with the sound of the river constantly accompanying you. But it wasn’t the trek that caught Velly’s attention.
Upon reaching Chalal, he found a village that had retained its quiet, secluded charm, free from the commercialisation of Kasol. However, what made Chalal unforgettable for him was the encounter with a group of local girls. Staying in Chalal for the night, Velly was offered a place to stay by these girls, who had a homestay set up. Being a solo traveller, he figured it would add some spice to the journey, so he accepted the offer.
As night fell, things became a little more relaxed—perhaps too relaxed. Sharing a meal cooked by the locals, he rolled out another joint, and the night took on a different tone. “That night was something else,” he recalls, but like any good Pothead Story, some details are best left for another time. What matters is, that morning came with the fresh mountain air and a head still clouded from the previous night’s indulgences.
Budget Tip: Chalal offers budget-friendly stays, with homestays available for as low as ₹500 per night. Meals range around ₹1500 for a simple meal set that includes dal, rice, chapati, and seasonal vegetables. It’s the perfect budget spot for backpackers and those looking to keep things light on the wallet.
The Chalal to Rasol Trek – When Things Get Real
After his unusual night, Velly set out for Rasol the next morning with a group of the same girls who, by now, had become his impromptu trekking companions. The trek from Chalal to Rasol is much steeper, around 8-10 km of rugged terrain, and can take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours depending on your pace and how many times you stop to catch your breath—or roll another blunt, as was the case for Velly.
As they climbed higher, the group gradually thinned. The local girls, who were more accustomed to the terrain, eventually left him behind halfway to tend to their own work, leaving Velly to finish the journey solo. He reached a point where a small wooden bridge crossed a stream, offering a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the view. Naturally, Velly rolled another blunt, taking in the serene environment. The calmness of the area, combined with the effects of the weed, made this spot feel almost otherworldly.
“The higher you go, the quieter it gets,” Velly mentioned, “but that peace—combined with the high—is what made it worth every step.”
Rasol – A Village Lost in Time
Finally, after 4 hours of trekking, Velly reached Rasol, a village much more remote and isolated than Chalal. Rasol isn’t for everyone. The village has remained largely untouched by tourism, and the amenities here are basic at best. But for Velly, this was the charm. It wasn’t about luxury; it was about the connection with nature, the simplicity of life, and yes, the weed.
Staying with a friend who owned a small cafe in Rasol, Velly spent the night in a makeshift wooden cabin, and the real exploration began the next day. Rasol has gained a reputation not just for its beauty but also for the illegal cannabis cultivation happening in the surrounding hills. Curious, Velly asked some locals about this.
“It’s our lifeline,” one of the villagers told him, “without it, there’s nothing else up here for us.”
Traveler In Search of Peace
This candid conversation gave Velly a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of living in such a remote area. While it’s illegal according to Indian law, the locals see it as their only means of survival. It’s a grey area where survival and the law intersect, and for the locals, there’s little choice.
Budget Tip: Rasol is even cheaper than Chalal. Basic homestays range from ₹300 to ₹500 per night, while a plate of simple local food costs around ₹500 per meal. Though the options are limited, the experience is authentic, giving you a glimpse of life away from the bustling city.
Weed and Trekking – A Pothead’s Perspective
For the pothead traveller, the Kasol-Chalal-Rasol trek is more than just a physical journey; it’s a spiritual one. The connection between weed and nature is palpable, and while the trek isn’t the hardest out there, it presents enough challenges—steep climbs, limited stay options, and basic amenities. But all of that is offset by the natural beauty of the place and the sense of peace that comes with it.
But it’s also important to note that from a legal perspective, indulging in weed during these treks isn’t exactly a good idea. While cannabis culture is strong in the Parvati Valley, India’s narcotics laws are still strict, and being caught could land you in serious trouble. Velly, like many others, knows this but continues to tread the fine line between exploration and legality.
Final Thoughts – A Trek to Remember
After two days in Rasol, Velly made his way back down, carrying with him not just memories of the trek but also stories of the people he met, the weed he smoked, and the raw beauty of the mountains. The Kasol-Chalal-Rasol trek isn’t for everyone, but for those looking to experience a different side of life—away from the hustle of Kasol’s growing popularity—it offers something special.
And for those potheads who are thinking of embarking on this journey, remember: the high is only as good as the journey you take to reach it.
Budget Breakdown:
- Kasol Stay: ₹500 to ₹1500 per night
- Chalal Stay: ₹500 per night, Food ₹1500 for a set meal
- Rasol Stay: ₹300-₹500 per night, Food ₹500 per meal
This isn’t just a trek; it’s a stoned adventure that’ll leave you with stories to tell for years to come.
