Surrounded by lush forests and huge mountains, the Karsog Valley is one of the popular valleys in Shimla. The Karsog Valley is situated near the Karsog village in Shimla. While hauling around the valley, you will encounter different nature vibes that are thrilling. While the high mountain ranges are enough to woo you, landscapes are great eye-delights. While it’s also peppered with temples that all link their histories back to the Mahabharata, the valley’s beauty lies in its pristine nature which has not been disturbed by rampant tourism.
Best Time To Visit Karsog Valley
The weather of Karsog Valley remains perfect for traveling throughout the year. On sunny days, it is mildly cold during the summers. However, it is advisable that visitors should pack light woolens while visiting during the summers as well. Although pleasant during the day, winters get chilly, and visitors would need to pack thicker woolens while traveling to Karsog Valley to beat the cold. The best time to visit Karsog Valley is between July and August if you wish to see the town heaving with fruits and greenery.
History of Karsog Valley
The story of Karsog is as old as time. The name itself comes from the words ‘Kar’ and ‘Shok’ meaning ‘daily mourning’. The myth from the Mahabharata goes that the village was terrorized by a rakshasa who ate a villager every day causing daily mourning. But during the exile of the Pandavas, Bhima saved the village from the rakshasa by offering himself.
Places To Visit in Karsog Valley
Karsog Valley is one of the popular places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. If you are traveling to Karsog then do check out these beautiful places in Karsog Valley.
1. Mamleshwar Temple
Said to have existed since the Mahabharata era, Mamleshwar Temple is situated around 13 kilometers away from Chindi, which is the headquarters of the valley. Built-in wood and slate by the Pandavas, the temple is dedicated to Mahadev. It is also home to an undying sacred fire.
2. Kamaksha Devi Temple
Located in the village of Kau, Kamakshi Devi Temple is another famous temple situated around 17 kilometers away from Chindi. The idol inside the temple is made of Ashtadhatu or eight primary metals. The temple is dedicated to Devi Kamakshi. The intricately carved woodwork of the temple is the major crowd puller.
3. Kunhoo Dar
After moving towards Kunhoo Dar for around 23 kilometers, a flat-topped hill comes across that also acts as a great city viewpoint. Only a kilometer away from Karsog Bazar, Kunhoo Dar provides 360 degrees panoramic views of the Karsog Valley and the Shikari Devi peak in the north. On a clear bright day, one can see the Pir Panjal mountain range, the Hanuman Tibba, and other mountain peaks.
4. Kamrunag
The Kamrunag temple in Mandi district is the place for you if you are in the mood for some trekking. Drive along the Chindi-Mano road to reach Chowki village and from there you can start trekking to the shrine. Known to be a pilgrim site where devotees make offerings here, Kamrunag provides a scenic view of the small villages all around and a beautiful landscape. Also, it is the origin point for many treks.
Things to Do in Karsog Valley
1. Trekking
Around the Valley, you can enjoy trekking that is organized by the nearest local authority. Tourists hardly give it a miss.
2. Hiking
Another mind-soul rejuvenating activity you can enjoy is hiking around the forests of Karsog Valley. It is very well-organized by the local authority.
3. Temple Hopping
The Karsog Valley has special religious and mythological significance. Every tiny settlement has a temple near it and right from the architecture of the temples to the traditions and rituals, everything is unique. Some of the popular temples in the region are Chandika Devi Temple, Mamleshwar Temple, Mahunag Temple, and Kamaksha Devi Temple.
4. Apple Picking
The Karsog Valley is famous for its fertile lands which grow a wide variety of crops including wheat and corn. But its specialty is the apple orchards which fruit between June and July. It is the perfect season to come with the entire family and indulge in some fun. Many farms here offer apple picking experiences.
How To Reach Karsog Valley
Karsog Valley is situated in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a little bit secluded but can be reached easily via several means of transportation. Here’s how to reach Karsog Valley.
- Nearest metropolitan city - Delhi
- Nearest airbase - Shimla Airport
- Nearest railhead - Kalka Railway Station
By Road
Karsog Valley is accessible from different parts of the country. Visitors who are starting from Delhi can visit the valley during the weekend very easily.
- Distance from Delhi - 421 Kms
By Air
There is no dedicated airbase in Karsog Valley but those who wish to travel via flight can deboard at the Shimla Airport. To cover the remaining distance, one can hire a cab or hop on a local bus.
- Distance from Shimla Airport - 112 Kms
By Train
Same as the airport, there is no dedicated railhead in Karsog Valley. However, you can get off at Kalka Railway Station and travel the remaining distance via narrow gauge train to Shimla or via local transport. Traveling via taxi to reach Karsog Valley is the most preferred option.
- Distance from Kalka Railway Station - 160 Kms
Frequently Asked Questions About Karsog Valley
Q1. What are the most popular places to visit near Karsog?
Ans - Mashobra, Kufri, Fagu, Kiarighat, Nalderha, and Solan are a few popular places to visit near Karsog Valley in Himachal Pradesh.
Q2. Is Karsog Valley a hill station?
Ans - Yes, Karsog Valley is a small village and an untouched hill station near Shimla.
