I was there in April of 2008.
In Parvati Valley I really liked Jari (go to the very last guesthouse at the end of the village). Laid back, no tourist shops, nice views, etc. But be sure to head up all the way to Kir Ganga (or if you're adventurous, even head over to Pin valley, a 5 day track, take a left through Spiti (prettier than Ladakh, be sure to head up into the hills to the small villages) and head up the back road to Leh over Kunzum pass, instead of going through Tourist Trap Manali. Pulga (2 hours walk before Kir Ganga) was also really nice, but I heard they're constructing a big dam nearby. I don't think you'll hear or see it in Pulga, which is slightly over the hill. I also heard good things about the little village past Tosh, if you like remote.
Kasol is where you can use internet and such, but you need money before you head into the valley. Changing money is possible, but there are no banks. Staying there seems to be an Israeli pass-time.
Malana is weird. I didn't feel welcome there. You can't touch either buildings, objects or people. Just full time smokers around. Blech.
During peak season there will be sniffer dogs around on public buses in Parvati and Kullu valley. Bring Baksheesh if you travel with something on you.
Another really nice valley is Banjar valley. Go past Banjar to Jibhi and stay at the end of the village at Dev Ganga guest house. Family feel, very good people living there. You can do some very nice hikes around there too, or if you got money to burn go to the Himalayan National Park. More quiet, no stoners, if you want a break from all the smoking. Inspirational place.
I've spent 3 months in Himachal Pradesh alone and could tell you a lot more, but I think you need to discover on your own.
