If you are planning a summer trip to Kasol, Malana, or Tosh, club it with the lesser-explored villages of Kalga, Pulga, and Tulga. These hilly hamlets can be reached through a walking trail from Barshaini. On offer are lush apple orchards, enchanting waterfalls, wildflower-strewn pastures, hippie cafes, cosy homestays, alpine vistas of snowclad mountains, and interactions with the warm and hospitable Himachali folks. By Karan Kaushik
A quick guide to Kalga-Pulga-Tulga
Kalga-Pulga-Tulga can be explored in two days. Start your adventures in the mountains with Pulga, followed by Tulga. Your last day can be kept for exploring Kalga.
Kalga
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Nestled at an altitude of 8,200 ft, Kalga sits on a forested hill and offers incredible views of the Parvati Valley. Most people visit Kalga after taking the famous Kheerganga Trek. If you don’t wish to embark on the Kheerganga Trek, you can reach Kalga from Barshaini. The last stretch of the trek leading to Kalga from Barshaini requires you to climb over 100 stairs, which usually takes around half an hour to ascend.
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Kalga, Tulga, and Pulga are not your quintessential hill stations, where you’d need an itinerary of things to do and places to visit. These are simple hilly hamlets where backpackers unwind in the lap of nature away from the touristy hustle and bustle. That doesn’t mean you can’t expect a memorable time here. In Kalga, you can visit lush apple orchards, indulge in birdwatching, spend time with your friends at a trippy cafe, befriend locals, and savour sumptuous Himachali delicacies.
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Finding accommodation in Kalga is easy. Most locals have converted their traditional Himachali houses into cosy homestays. There are some pocket-friendly guesthouses too. Hawk Eye Hut Cafe is popular among backpackers for its yummy food and comfortable stay.
Go for an early morning walk, help your hosts at their kitchen farm, read a book or two, play with cute Himalayan dogs, or simply loll around in your pajamas all day being your awkward goofy self. You’d love everything about Kalga.
Pulga
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Pulga is known for its Fairy Forest, a thick pine-dotted jungle. A three-hour trek through the forest takes you to a vantage point that offers majestic views of the snow-covered Himalayas. Being a remote village, Pulga remains largely untouched by tourists for the most part of the year. It’s perfect for lone wolves and solace seekers. You may even choose to camp in the forest.
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If you are looking to spend a night in Pulga, you can stay at Boom Shankar Cafe and Homestay located at the far end of Pulga village. The traditional Himachali house welcomes foreign tourists throughout the year, who ditch Kasol, which has turned into a typically crowded desi hill station over the last decade or so. If you want to have some fun with your mains, head to Capital Cafe.
Fair warning: there are no ATMs and alcohol shops in Pulga. It’s best to carry cash and liquor from Kasol or Manikaran. Homestay owners do serve liquor, but it comes at an exorbitant price.
Tulga
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Tulga is sequestered between Kalga and Pulga. A gurgling river stream separates Pulga and Tulga from Kalga. Tulga is the least touristy among the trio. The quaint village is inhabited by a handful of families, who are involved in the farming of barley and other crops. Tulga lies at a short distance from Pulga and it will take you only 15 minutes to reach the village. The trail leading to Tulga is properly marked with signages and it’s an easy hike from Pulga.
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In Tulga, Baba’s Cafe is the best place to chill. They also offer cave-styled rooms for a comfy stay. Lovers of rock music would love Into The Woods cafe in Tulga. If you wish to stay in Tulga, Om Shanti House and Fairy House Cafe are also good options besides Baba’s Cafe.
Related: Spiritual Destinations In Himachal Pradesh You Must Visit This Summer
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