Route · Himachal

Manali to Kasol and the Parvati Valley

Down the Kullu valley to Bhuntar, then up the Parvati river to Kasol. About 75 km and 2.5–3 hours by car, or two cheap bus legs with a change at Bhuntar.

Distance: ≈ 75 km
HRTC bus via Bhuntar: 3–4 h
Altitude: 2,050 m → 1,580 m

Photo: Pinakpani · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons

Every way to go

Options compared

How	Time	Cost, indicative 2026
HRTC bus via Bhuntar	3–4 h	₹150–250 in two legs
Shared taxi	2.5–3 h	₹400–700 a seat
Private car	2.5–3 h	₹2,500–3,500 one way

1Option

HRTC bus via Bhuntar

3–4 h₹150–250 in two legs

Take any bus from Manali towards Kullu or Mandi and get off at Bhuntar, about 1.5–2 hours. From Bhuntar's bus stand, local buses for Manikaran and Barshaini leave through the day and stop at Kasol in about an hour. Buses are crowded in the morning; keep luggage small.

2Option

Shared taxi

2.5–3 h₹400–700 a seat

Shared taxis sometimes run between Manali and the Parvati valley in season, and more often from Bhuntar to Kasol. Ask at the Manali taxi stand or your hostel the evening before. They fill up at the stand before leaving.

3Option

Private car

2.5–3 h₹2,500–3,500 one way

A taxi from Manali follows the left bank of the Beas past Naggar or the highway, crosses at Bhuntar and climbs the narrow Parvati road through Jari. It is the easiest way with luggage and lets you stop at Manikaran beyond Kasol.

Drawn by Himalaya Hives from Natural Earth outlines (public domain). Borders as depicted by India. Not for navigation.

At each end

The two places

Photo: Neerajsinghazm · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons

2,050 m · Town · Himachal

Manali

Head of the Kullu valley, under cedar forest and snow peaks

Best Apr – May · Oct – Nov2–3 nights

Photo: Pinakpani · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons

1,580 m · Valley · Himachal

Kasol and the Parvati Valley

Pine forest, hot springs and walking villages along the Parvati

Best Apr – May · Oct – Nov3 nights

Questions

Asked about this road

How far is Kasol from Manali?

About 75 km via Kullu and Bhuntar, roughly 2.5–3 hours by car and 3–4 hours by bus with a change at Bhuntar.

Is there a direct bus from Manali to Kasol?

Direct buses are rare. The usual way is a bus from Manali to Bhuntar, then a local bus up the Parvati valley to Kasol, Manikaran or Barshaini.

What is the taxi fare from Manali to Kasol?

About ₹2,500–3,500 one way for a sedan, more for an SUV and in peak season. Agree a price that includes any stop at Manikaran.

Can I do Kasol as a day trip from Manali?

It is possible but rushed, with 5–6 hours on the road. Stay at least two nights to walk to Chalal, visit Manikaran and enjoy the river.

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