An Explorer’s Guide to Pulga: Parvati Valley’s Best-Kept Secret

Away from the hustling crowds and the bustling streets of Kasol lies the peaceful and lesser-known pocket of Parvati Valley, Pulga. About 20 km from Kasol, this tiny hamlet is gracefully poised amidst the lush deodar foliage. Riddled with emerald green apple orchards that seasonally glow crimson and wooden houses that echo the tales of old times, Pulga brings you an authentic Himachali experience. Discover a trail that’ll lead you to an unforgettable view or an experience unknown because Pulga is packed with it all.

Pulga Wooden Houses
Traditional Wooden Houses of Pulga 

Best Time to Visit Pulga

The perfect time to head to Pulga is during:

  • Summertime (March and June) is the best time for trekkers and campers to explore the captivating corners of Kasol Valley.
  • Post-monsoon time (October and February) is ideal for travellers seeking an experience of Himachal’s wintery goodness.

Your adventure from Kasol to Pulga will feature a number of big and small hamlets, stunning greenery, the magnificent Parvati River, and a number of thrilling adventures. And to help you cover all that, check out our guide to Kasol here.

Guide to Pulga

There's a lot to do in the scenic mountainscape of Pulga. And with a local expert-curated guide, you know which ones not to miss. Find out the detailed version here.

Pulga guide map

Experiencing Pulga

Pulga packs a punch when it comes to the variety of experiences it offers. And to make the best of your visit, here are some that you shouldn’t miss:

Places to Visit in Pulga

Lord Narayana Temple: The best place to chill with the locals is Lord Narayana Temple. After a day’s work, the village elders meet here to chat with their friends and visitors.

Traditional Wooden Houses of Pulga: One of the best things Pulga is known for is the traditional wooden houses painted in bright hues. The best way to spot them is with a quick tour of this petite paradise.

Traditional Himachali architecture Pulga
Traditional Wooden Houses in Pulga Village

The Hummus Trail: Ever since Israelis started exploring India, they mapped the villages they loved the most for younger travellers. In these villages, you can find Israeli cafes, Hebrew signboards, and shops selling hippie souvenirs. In Pin Parvati Valley, the triplet villages of Pulga, Kalga, and Tulga are also a part of the famous ‘Hummus Trail’. While exploring these villages, you will come across many such things that set them apart from other Himachali hamlets.

Things to Do in Pulga

Visit the Nearby Villages: Pulga is surrounded by its sister villages, Kalga and Tulga, which are in close proximity. A trip to Parvati Valley is simply unfinished without visiting this trio. First, take a ~10 min (~650 m) hike across a scenic and untrodden trail from Pulga to Tulga. From here, make your way to Kalga with just a ~14 min (~850 m) hike.

Hike to the Fairy Forest: Pulga is known for its vast fairy forests, which, as legends would have it, are home to magical fairies. Whether true or not, these dense pine woods will remind you of the old fairytales. What’s more, this forest serves as a perfect vantage point to catch the magnificent view of the snow-capped Himalayas.

Fairy Forest Himachal
Hiking across the breathtaking Fairy Forest of Pulga 

Go on a Trek to the Kheerganga Lake: This 2-day trek to the pristine Kheerganga Lake is perfect for beginners and pros alike. The starting point of this trek lies just 1 km away from Zostel Homes Pulga. During this trek, you’ll be met with a number of natural streams and springs, petite waterfalls, and rejuvenating hot water springs. And you can try the iconic camping experience in the wilderness.

Duration: 2 days (15 km)

Difficulty level: Easy

Biskeri Thach Trek: This is a beginner-friendly 4-day trek, which leads you across lush forests, and the greenest meadows that are home to a plethora of wildflowers and exotic birds.

Cafes to Try in Pulga

With eateries too few and far between, Pulga will surprise you with its snug eateries. And here are some that you can’t miss:

Sunset View Cafe: It’s NOT the official name, but we’re calling it that. Why? Well, this home-run cafe will bring you a breathtaking sunset view to go with your coffee. And the best part? It is within walking distance from Zostel Homes Pulga.

#Capital Cafe: This woodsy cafe in the middle of seemingly nowhere invites you to try a delicious selection of recipes.

Village and Wild Cafe: Sitting close to the fairy forest, this quaint little cafe invites you to yet another hidden corner of Pulga. And in this corner, a delectable menu comes served with a fantastic forest view.

Cafes in Pulga
Picture perfect cafes of Pulga

About Zostel Homes Pulga

The bright red-topped villa in the middle of the lush green forest is your Himachali retreat in Pulga, Parvati Valley. Perfect for an escape with your gang, fam, or partner, Zostel Homes Pulga is also a great place to disconnect from the daily grind. In addition, the Homes offers the silence of the mountains, space to spark conversations, and spectacular views of Parvati Mountain. When holidaying here, follow meandering trails to tiny villages, talk to smiley locals, and gobble delicious Himachali treats. Check out Zostel Homes Pulga here.

Zostel Homes Pulga
The red-topped facade, outdoor seating, and common room of Zostel Homes Pulga
Stays at Zostel Homes Pulga
Cosy stays at Zostel Homes Pulga

With untouched nature coves, a laidback lifestyle, and many hikes and treks on offer, Pulga is that comfortable place where you can go again and again. Bookmark this travel guide to Pulga to make the most of your trip.

Writer, Kajal Semwal, Vineet Gupta.


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