A carefully curated travel guide for reaching Kasol from Delhi Himachal’s backpacker paradise — from city lights to mountain quiet
Tucked away in the peaceful folds of the Parvati Valley, beside the emerald rush of the Parvati River, Kasol quietly calls to every kind of traveler — from solo seekers and photographers to trekkers and those simply looking to unplug.
This quaint village, located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, has evolved from a hippie outpost to one of Himachal’s most sought-after hideaways. The vibe is casual, the air is crisp, and the roads are flanked by towering deodars and mountain peaks.
But if you’re planning your first journey here, you’re probably asking:
“How do I get to Kasol from Delhi?”
The short answer: There is no direct train or flight to Kasol. The long answer? There are multiple scenic, rewarding ways to get here, and choosing the right one depends on your pace, preferences, and how much road you want under your tires.
Let’s break it down step by step — by air, train, and road — so you can choose your own version of the journey.
Where is Kasol Located?
- State: Himachal Pradesh
- Region: Parvati Valley, Kullu district
- Altitude: ~1,580 metres
- Coordinates: 32.0101° N, 77.3166° E
- Distance from Delhi: ~510 km
Kasol sits roughly 30 km from Bhuntar, the nearest major town with airport and bus connectivity. It’s also about 75 km from Manali, and many travelers combine both in a single trip. (Explore this 5-day Manali-Kasol itinerary for inspiration.)
By Air: The Fastest Way to Reach Kasol from Delhi
Step 1: Fly to Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport – KUU)
Bhuntar is the nearest airport to Kasol and lies about 30 km away. It’s a small regional airport that serves the Kullu-Manali area.
- Flight time: ~1.5 hours
- Airlines operating: Alliance Air, IndiGo (seasonal)
- Note: Flights are limited and highly weather-dependent — especially in winter and monsoon
You can check for seasonal updates on Himachal Pradesh travel conditions before flying.
Step 2: Bhuntar to Kasol
- Taxi: ₹1,500–₹2,000 (recommended for comfort)
- Local Bus: Available but limited, ideal for light travelers and backpackers
Most hotels in Kasol offer pre-arranged transfers from Bhuntar. Confirm availability when booking your stay.
By Train: Budget-Friendly + Scenic Travel
Nearest Major Railway Station: Chandigarh Junction (CDG)
- Distance to Kasol: ~275 km
- Travel time (by road): 8–9 hours
- Delhi–Chandigarh trains: Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi, Kalka Mail
Why Chandigarh?
While it’s not the closest geographically, Chandigarh is the best-connected station with multiple daily trains from Delhi. You can then continue your journey by road. If you’ve never been, consider using this leg to explore Chandigarh’s modern architecture and gardens. Explore more: Top 10 Hill Stations Near Chandigarh
From Chandigarh to Kasol:
- Private cab: ₹5,000–₹7,000 (8–9 hrs)
- Bus: Take an HRTC or private bus to Bhuntar, then connect to Kasol
- Self-drive rental: Available from Chandigarh or Delhi for those looking to road trip at their own pace
Alternatively, you can take a longer but scenic route via Joginder Nagar railway station, connected by a narrow-gauge line from Pathankot, and then reach Kasol by road.
By Bus: The Most Popular Option for Backpackers
Step 1: Take a Bus from Delhi to Bhuntar or Kullu
There are multiple overnight buses from Delhi that drop you at Bhuntar, the nearest town to Kasol. From there, you can take a short taxi or local bus ride to the village.
- Distance: ~510 km
- Time: 12–14 hours
- Boarding Points in Delhi:
- ISBT Kashmere Gate
- Majnu ka Tila (preferred by backpackers)
- RK Ashram Metro Station
Recommended Bus Operators:
- HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation)
- HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism)
- Zingbus, Laxmi Holidays, Bedi Travels (private)
Cost: ₹900 to ₹1,600 (Volvo A/C sleeper or semi-sleeper)
Drop Point: Bhuntar bus stand
From Bhuntar:
- Taxi to Kasol: 1.5 hours
- Local bus: Runs 5–6 times a day (budget-friendly but limited space)
Looking for a deeper dive on Himachal travel routes? Check out our comprehensive guide on traveling to Manali from Delhi or this Himachal travel blog for May.
By Road: Self-Drive or Hired Car from Delhi
If you’re craving flexibility or travelling in a group, a road trip to Kasol from Delhi is a fantastic experience. You’ll watch the landscape shift from urban sprawl to pine-scented forests, with winding roads and riverside views through the Kullu Valley.
Best Route:
Delhi → Panipat → Karnal → Ambala → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Bhuntar → Kasol
- Total Distance: ~510 km
- Drive Time: 12–14 hours (including breaks)
- Road Conditions: Smooth highways till Mandi; then mountainous, winding terrain
Ideal Stopovers:
- Murthal – famous for highway dhabas
- Chandigarh – rest and recharge
- Mandi – riverside cafés and temples
Travel Tips:
- Leave early morning from Delhi to avoid NCR traffic
- Avoid night driving in the hills unless you’re experienced
- Fuel up at Mandi or Bhuntar — stations are sparse past this point
Curious about similar road journeys? Read our guide on how to reach Jibhi from Delhi for inspiration on other Himachal escapes.
Quick Comparison Table
| Mode | Ideal For | Total Travel Time | Final Leg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Taxi | Fast, comfortable, short trips | 4–5 hrs | 1.5-hr road |
| Train + Taxi/Bus | Budget + scenic | 10–12 hrs | 8-hr drive |
| Bus (Overnight) | Budget, solo, easy | 12–14 hrs | 1.5-hr road |
| Self-Drive Car | Road trip fans, families | 12 hrs+ | Direct |
When to Travel to Kasol?
Kasol is open year-round, but spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are considered ideal. For seasonal advice, see our Himachal Pradesh travel guide for April.
And if photography is your priority, don’t miss this curated list of the best photography spots in Himachal Pradesh.
Final Thoughts: Reaching Kasol Is Part of the Experience
Kasol isn’t the kind of place you just arrive at. It’s a journey — one that slows you down, draws you in, and sets the tone for everything that follows. Whether you’re winding through forest roads, listening to the river outside your bus window, or flying above the hills into Bhuntar, the road to Kasol is an invitation to leave your hurry behind.
Pick the path that fits your pace. And once you’re there, let Parvati Valley do the rest.
Need help building your perfect Kasol itinerary or combining it with nearby gems like Tosh, Malana, or Manikaran? I’d be happy to help you design a custom Himachal travel plan with just the right mix of adventure, rest, and local colour. Explore more: Manikarnika Mandir Kasol: Complete Travel Guide
For more Himachal journeys, explore:
- How to reach Manali from Delhi
- How to reach Khirsu from Delhi
- Travel to Harsil Valley
- How to Reach Shimla by Train from Delhi
- How to Reach Solan, Himachal Pradesh from Delhi
- Travel Guide to Hampta Pass Trek from Delhi
Let the mountains call you — and show you the way.
