The two of the hamlets in Himachal Pradesh, Kasol and Dharamkot are the hotspots for backpackers and also the base camp for many treks around this area. Kasol is situated on the banks of Parvati River between Bhuntar and Manikaran and it is known as ‘Mini Israel of Himalayas’ due to the large Israeli population of this place while Dharamkot is known as “Tel Aviv” of hills.
Followings are the facts which are not widely known,
Coming to Himachal Pradesh is almost like a part of life if you are from Israel. As per the Israeli policies, every citizen (with few exceptions) is required to do a mandatory military service from age 18-21. After they are done with this time period in Army, it is like a tradition to travel the world before any further commitments and Himachal seems to be a must-visit place on their itineraries.
Malana, the small hamlet in Kasol, is the place where Alexander the Great had lived. The people in Malana are said to be the descendants of Alexander and his Greek soldiers.
You will see small local businesses run by Israelis and they often speak Hebrew with the Israeli travellers.
It is not allowed to touch them (not even a handshake), although they have guest house and cafes which we can be visited but not the temples or their houses. Tosh is one such hamlet where you will find a large population of Israelis but the younger generation is more travellers friendly.
Most of the cafes in Kasol have Israeli influence and you will mainly get Israeli food items here.
Sahi…great post @Smita_Patil very brief and interesting too…I had heard about Israeli restaurants in Himachal Pradesh but never in such details. Very informative and great photos!!
thank you for sharing those facts about Kasol, that’s very interesting. What have you visited over there? And were you just in and out and you were able to stay somewhere around?
I’m very interesting in knowing why you can’t handshake the local peoples, is that for a local religion or culture? And what’s the specific reason why you can’t stay overnight and you need to return back?
Considering how long the post might become I was planning to write my travel information separately. I am happy to respond to your questions here,
What have you visited over there?
The main area that I explored was Parvati Valley (also called Hippie Paradise) which includes all these hamlets. There are three scenic triplets that are not usually visited by tourists, Kalga, Pulga and Tulga! The majority of the time I stayed at Kalga and went hiking to Pulga and Tulga. Tosh and Malana are just across the river from Kalga. After exploring These triplets I came to Kasol and spent relaxing time along the Parvati valley.
And were you just in and out and you were able to stay somewhere around?
I stayed at Kalga for exploring the parts which are away from the city and tourist crowd plus all hamlets are closeby and reachable within max 2 hours hike from Kalga. Later I stayed at Kasol.
I*'m very interested in knowing why you can’t handshake the local peoples, is that for a local religion or culture?*
The villagers consider themselves as the descendants of Alexander the Great and his army (they do not consider themselves Indian) if I am not mistaken what I have heard is they consider others Untouchables (but as per my knowledge the younger generation does not follow this mindset).
And what’s the specific reason why you can’t stay overnight and you need to return back?
This is connected with the previous question. It is basically to avoid any interaction with them and their family members.
Did my answers do justice?
Attaching a photo of my stay at Kalga. It was a beautiful place.
