The Parvati Valley is one of the most magnificent places in the Himachal Pradesh that required about two days to explore its picturesque landscape and get reinvigorate from within.
The Kheerganga trek begins from Kasol, which is popular hill stations in the Pin Parvati Valley. The 12-km trail from here provides you with ample of chances to explore the natural bounties of the region and gives you an opportunity to learn about the interesting culture of the people living here.
In Kheerganga Trek, you will pass through plenty of villages, and get infinite opportunities to click pictures with the snow-capped peaks in the background. The trek is graded easy and almost any age of person can undertake it, but with a little bit of preparation.
At the altitude of about 13000 feet, you can take a dip into mystical hot springs of Kheerganga that will washed away your all hiking tiredness or tackle the cool weather. It will be unique experience of relaxing in a hot spring while admiring landscape of snow-capped peaks will remain forever in your memories.
On the trail, you will find numerous charming waterfalls that will convince you to click a picture astonishing and highlights of the Kheerganga trek. One sight of the amazing serpent-shaped waterfall of Rudra Nag will give you a new perspective on nature.
How To Reach Kheerganga
There are three different ways to get Kheerganga, however mostly people prefer by train or by road.
By Road: You can plan your trip by your own vehicle or by bus. Kasol is around 515 kilometers away from Delhi that takes about 10-12 hours to reach here, dependin. On the other hand, you can take an ordinary or volvo bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate for Bhuntar from where you can take a local bus to Barshaini which is the nearest place to Kheerganga.
By Rail: The most economical way to reach Kheerganga is by rail. Pathankot Railway Station is the nearest station from where you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kasol.
By Air: The closest airport is located to Kheerganga is Bhuntar Airport which is about 50 km far away from here. From there, you can take a direct taxi or local bus for Barshaini.
3 Trekking Routes To Kheerganga
There are three different ways for Kheerganga from Barshaini which is about 9-10 kilometers. The three trekking Routes to kheerganga mentioned below from which you can choose for the most suitable one.
- Via Nakthan Village – It is the best and the easiest route to reach Kheerganga for which take the left turn from the bridge which goes to the Nakthan Village. This is the most preferred and shortest route that takes only 3-4 hours to reach Kheerganga on average trekking speed.
- Via Kalga Village – After getting Barshaini, walk towards the bridge and take a right turn to reach the popular Kalga Village. As the route passes through dense forests, it might be difficult to keep on trek. So, it is advisable to take a local person or a guide who is already familiar with the route. Several trekkers have no knowledge regarding this route but if you want to avoid the crowds then this serves as the best option.
- Via Tosh Village – Another trail goes to Kheerganga from the popular Tosh Village which joins the original route near Nakthan Village. This path is mostly taken by people who are staying in Tosh for the night and want to start trekking in the morning. In this route, You witness the Tosh river that ultimately meets the Parvati River.
Best Time For Kheerganga Trek
The best time for Kheerganga trek is from May to June and September to October when the temperatures are moderate. Although, trekking is not being suitable in extreme summer, monsoon or winter seasons. So, it’s advisable to find time in the transition weather.
Moreover, in monsoon season, you will experience slipperiness for which you must think on it before planning trip.
Places to Visit in Kheerganga
Lord Shiva Temple – The temple of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is the major attraction of the region and has the credit of quite a traveller footfall solely to its name.
sulphur hot water spring – There is a sulphur hot water spring on the trail of Kheerganga that is well-known for medicinal qualities which cure skin ailments.
Manikaran Gurudwara – Manikaran Gurudwara is another place to visit near Kheerganga which is about 6km from Kasol. It is very sacred and significant place in Sikh religion that settled between the imposing hills and the free-flowing Beas River.
Things to do Near Kheerganga
You can do following activities during your Kheerganga
Camping: The Kheerganga trek is not complete if you haven’t stay in the tents. Once you get on the top, there are various campsites options according to your pocket. You can also experience stargazing during camping at Kheerganga.
View the sunset: There are magnificent sunset views from Kheerganga. When the day comes to close, the sky changes its colours i.e. orange, red and purple that offers a breath-taking view.
Take a bath in the sulphur spring: The Kheerganga trek offers you a chance to take a dip in hot water of the spring that is perfect solution for himself from chilly weather and the water in the spring have also medicinal qualities.
ATMs and Network Availability in Kheerganga
ATMs in Kheerganga
There are no ATMs near Kheerganga, so make sure you have sufficient cash for the trip. There are couple of ATMs in Manikaran and single ATM in Kasol, but these ATMs are usually out of cash during the weekends. So, you must withdraw cash from Bhuntar or your starting point.
Network Availability in Kheerganga
There is no network on the Kheerganga trek and you will hardly get any signal after Barshaini. BSNL may work on the trek however at the top, you won’t get any signal. So, do the important calls before you get Barshaini or start the trek.
Food Options Near Kheerganga
As other places in Himachal, on the Kheerganga trek you can enjoy range of cuisines where café and dhaba setups to please the passing travellers. The prices of the food are pocket friendly with good quality.
You can easily find cuisines such as Chinese, Israeli, Indian and the local Himachali cuisine in this place. You must try things include tea, paratha, rajma- chawal, lemon-soda and coffee with magnificent views.
Stay Options Near Kheerganga
Kheerganga has a several options where you can stay include the Ashram on top of the hill or the wooden houses as a homestay. You can also stay in tents to take real experience of trekking.
Accommodations in Kheerganga are available at affordable prices or you can pitch your own carry your own tent equipment and set an abode anywhere you, please. The rates of rooms differ from Rs.100 to Rs.500 depending on your budget and comfort.
Conclusion
The Kheerganga trek is considered as one of the most beautiful trekking routes in India which is must to do thing in this region. Villages near Kheerganga include Kasol, Tosh, Nakthan are beautiful places where humans and nature co-exist and number of beautiful waterfalls, hot water springs, lush green forests and snow-covered summits.
Before starting the trip, it is recommended to get a health check-up and carry warm clothes, even in the month of summer because Kheerganga can be cold during this season as well. The spectacular mountains, the elegance of river Parvati and milky white clouds are a complete enchant to the eyes of a traveller.
FAQ
Kheerganga is also an easy trek but more difficult than Triund trek. It is one of the most amazing treks which takes you at height of 13,050 feet above the sea level and you will pass through hot sulphur spring, number of small waterfalls that will make you enjoy the nature and beauty.
Kheergaanga is located is located 40 kms far away from Kasol. The total trekking distance is about 12 kms out which 6 kms are of steep trails, that take around 5-6 hours.
The best time to visit Kheerganga is in months of April to June and September to November.
