In this episode:
#Parvati #valley #Himachal #northindia #river #parvati #beas #mountains #nature #hillstations #roadtrip #familytravel #kidstravel #hiking #trekking #camping #cafes #markets #hippie #kasol #tosh #jari #malana #manikaran #kheerganga #pinparvati #himachali #village


This week, The Musafir Stories speaks to Deenaz Raisinghani, a backpacking mom who has been traveling around the world with her little kiddo! 

Today's destination: Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh

 

Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport or Chandigarh Airport

Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway station

Prerequisites -  NA

Packing -  Your usual winter gear along with other essentials for travelling with a kid. 

>Also make sure to take care of the baby's eating, sleeping and pooping schedules!! 

>Travel as light as possible. 

>Travel a baby carrier 

>Emergency medications for the family

>Handy snacks for the journey

Time of the year -  June (Feb to Jun is a good time to travel)

Length of the itinerary:  10 days

Itinerary Highlights: 

- The trio of Deenaz, Arianna and the dad start from Ambala for this 10 day road trip. 

- Parvati Valley is situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh and covers the region where the river Parvati and Beas meet and pass along a bunch of villages like Jari, Tosh, Kasol, Malana, Manikaran amongst others. 

- The valley has some great views of the mountains and the forests and some hot springs too!. 

- The first stop is at a little town called Jari, in a homestay that is right by the river alongside a village called Baladi. Reaching the homestay involves a bit of a trek and crossing a bridge, but is definitely manageable. 

- Day trips from here to places like Tosh are a great option that offers great cafes and views of the mountains, but be prepared for the crowds!

- Another option is day treks to close by villages like Baladi that have some wonderful treks and offer an opportunity to interact with the local Himachali people. 

- It's a good idea to get a buffer day if there are any sick days during the trip. 

- After spending a few days at Jari, and doing day trips, the family decides to experience camping near Kasol - Arianna's first camping trip!

- More hiking expeditions this time trekking via Chalal and Katagla, and a trip to Kasol town. 

- There are other options like Kheerganga, Pin Parvati pass, Malana, Grahan Village and other multi-day treks that one can indulge in and enjoy the verdant valley!

- Deenaz also shares little tidbits about interactions with the locals as well as a little adventure of getting the local brew of Himachal - the Lugdi!

- Finally, Deenaz shares some quick tips about inculcating travel in kids at an early age, the challenges and how to overcome them! Listen on! 

 

Links:

Link to Deenaz's blog (https://backpackindianmama.com/)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backpackingindianmama/

Instagram : backpacking_indian_mama (https://www.instagram.com/backpacking_indian_mama/)

Footprints of the Shadows by Piyush Dewan : https://www.amazon.in/Footprints-Shadows-Part-I-ebook/dp/B07KNN49W6

Photo by Harigovind Kaninghat on Unsplash

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