About Kheerganga Trek
Are you looking for treks to flag off your Himalayan trekking journey? In the case where you don’t know where to start from? Look no more! The Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh embraces the almighty Parvati Valley, which is the home to Kheerganga. If you aren’t aware, Kheerganga which is the abode of Lord Shiva is a quaint little hamlet furrowed with countless mountain ranges. Perched at a height of 9700 feet, Kheerganga makes for one of the most popular and beautiful treks in Himachal Pradesh. The utterly beautiful Kheerganga with its lush greenery, thick forests, deep valleys, majestic mountain views and natural hot water springs will undeniably move your soul. Kheerganga is a picture-perfect trek for avid hikers and nature enthusiasts who are always on the hunt for adventures. Several spots are accessible for trekking in the region, but Kheerganga owning to its exclusivity takes the cake away. Snuggled up at one end of the grand Parvati Valley, the picturesque Kheerganga Trek with its scenic skies, old-world charm and open meadows is a treat for sore eyes.
Kheerganga's story dates from several thousand years ago. The name is derived from its white, milky complexioned waters gushing endlessly all day in its wholeness, into the Parvati valley from all flanks and boundaries of the mountains. The divine destination of Kheerganga is home to a holy bath reservoir, an ancient temple of Lord Shiva, and a lovely hot spring. Promising hot springs and stunning views of the Himalayas and Parvati Valley, this backpacker trail in Himachal Pradesh draws individuals from across the country. All in all, Kheerganga is a short and easy trek that can be undertaken by novice trekkers. Furthermore, it is a budget-friendly trek that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. With spellbinding beauty, Kheerganga is the trek to natures paradise and presents its trekkers with a wealth of memorable experiences.
Kasol Tosh Kheerganga Trek Package
Kheerganga Trek Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: We embark on the long-awaited Trek to Kheerganga
At 10 am, the trek guide and all the trekkers will meet and assemble at the beautiful hill station of Barshaini. Before commencing our trek to Kheerganga, we will be stocking up on essential items like water, energy bars, candies, cakes, chocolates and fruits.
Around 10:30 am we will start our 12 kilometres long trek from Barshaini to Kheerganga. It is estimated that it will take us around five to six hours to complete this trek to Kheerganga. We will be navigating through a dense undergrowth of foliage and the sacred Parvati River will be leading us on the Kheerganga Trek.
The initial section of the trek to Kheerganga is a gradual ascent and the trail is embellished with wonderful apple orchards.
No sooner than the trek proceeds, the scene of colossal Deodars and oaks start coming up. While hiking up the trail to Kheerganga, we can overhear the thunderous Parvati River visible from Barshaini, roaring relentlessly.
When we reach the campsite of Kheerganga, we all will rest for a while and tend to our weary muscles. At the same time, the trek guide will allot the tents for you.
After you have unpacked, settled down and unwound in your tents, it’s time to rinse off the exhaustion of the long trek. Plunge directly into the Parvati Kund which is a hot water spring. This therapeutic and soothing dip in the sulphur-rich hot water spring will be the highlight of your Kheerganga Trek.
Post washing down the weariness of the trek, we invite you to relish the mouth-watering food prepared for you. Fill yourself after a long day, enjoy the music session organized at the campsite and lastly hit the sack for the night.
Day 2: Soak in the beautiful sunrise views at Kheerganga and make the journey back to Barshaini
At 7:00 am, wake up in the middle of gigantic mountains and absorb the tranquillity of Kheerganga. Witness a serene sunrise against the backdrop of mountains and vivid skies from the comfort of your tent.
Eat a hearty breakfast and explore the cute little settlement of Kheerganga. Capture the mesmerising landscape, lounge in open-air cafes, take the blessing of Lord Shiva and converse with the locals of Kheerganga. Post exploration, we will commence our trek back to Barshaini, in the Parvati Valley.
On our trek back from Kheerganga, we will stumble upon the scenic hamlets of Nakthan and Rudra Nag. We will have pit stops at both these places for a break and some exploration. Then we will retrace the entire Kheerganga trek back to Barshaini.
The Kheerganga trek comes to an end when we reach back to Barshaini with a rucksack full of memories. Post the trek, you can explore nearby places like Tosh, Kalga, Pulga, Rasol and Kasol. You can even go sightseeing and shop for some hippie clothes and souvenirs in the town.
Highlights of the Kheerganga Trek:
On our trek to Kheerganga, we will have the chance to explore the scenic villages of Nakhtan and Rudra Nag. The picturesque hamlets make for the most amazing stopover on the trek and are the best means to immerse into the native culture of Himachal Pradesh. We will converse with the natives, explore home-run cafes and eat authentic mouth-watering delicacies. We will also be offering reverence at the Rudra Nag Temple. The centuries-old Rudra Nag temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and witnesses plenty of pilgrims and devotees yearly.
The Rudra Nag Waterfall is another magnificent spot, which we run over during our trek to Kheerganga. The water dripping down the cascade is cool and clear and you can top off your water bottles here. We will also be having some snacks at the neighbourhood café. We will likely run into shepherds with their groups of sheep brushing close by. The lovely scenes along the trail make this trek to Kheerganga an out-of-the-world experience.
After arriving at Kheerganga, you can go directly toward the hot water springs which become even more alluring in the winters. Gazing at the snow-covered mountains and lounging in hot water is a magical experience. What a pleasure it is, to bathe in the hot water springs at a high altitude village with captivating mountains all around. Get to experience the camping life of mountains when you stay in tents overnight. Revel in the warmth of the campfire and the cosiness of tents and sleeping bags. The heavenly food and music at the campsite is certainly a cherry on the cake!
FAQS
What is the altitude of Kheerganga Trek?
The height or elevation of Kheerganga is 9700 feet / 2960 meters above sea level.
Which is the starting point of Kheerganga Trek?
The soulful trek to Kheerganga begins from the beautiful village of Barshaini which is ahead of Kasol. Barshaini is 17 to 22 kilometers from Kasol. You will have to reach Kasol first and then take a bus or cab from Kasol to reach Barshaini.
Where can I get a bus for Barshaini?
In order to reach Barshaini you will have to reach Kasol first and then take a bus to Barshaini. Kasol can be reached via Bhuntar. The distance between Delhi and Bhuntar is 485 kilometres which take about twelve hours to cover.
One can take a private Volvo bus to Bhuntar that leaves from Majnu Ka Tila or Rama Krishna Ashram Metro Station in Delhi. Another suggested and convenient alternative is boarding the HRTC Himsuta Volvo to Bhuntar that leaves from ISBT Kashmere Gate.
Most of the Volvo busses from Delhi leave in the evening and arrive at Bhuntar at around 5 am to 7 am. You can likewise take overnight from Delhi to Bhuntar, and afterwards, take another bus from Bhuntar to Barshaini. Buses operate from Bhuntar to Barshaini frequently, and the distance can be covered in approximately two to three hours.
The fare of the Volvo bus starts from INR 800, ranging up to INR 1200, or approx. It is advisable to book the tickets early, as that saves a lot of time.
If you want to reach Barshaini from Chandigarh, you can board a bus to Manikaran which takes about eight hours to reach. From Manikaran, you need to take a taxi to Kasol which will take about 30 minutes to reach and will cost you another INR 200. From Kasol, you can take another taxi to Barshaini, it's a 1-hour drive. The tariff of this course by bus ranges between INR 390 to INR 1100.
If you are already in Manali, you can take a bus to Kasol from the bus stand on Mall road. The drive will take around five hours. From Kasol, you can book a taxi or take a bus to Barshaini.
How to reach Barshaini by road?
Barshaini is best travelled by road because of the unmissable and exquisite views of the route, which makes for a great weekend road trip from Delhi. Either you can self-drive or hire a cab. One can drive to Kasol from Delhi. It’s around 530 kilometres and will take you fourteen hours via NH44. During this road trip, you will stumble upon the two prodigious rivers of Beas and Parvati, snuggled between the Himalayas. Beas River will accompany you through the journey from Mandi to Aut tunnel and once you cross the Aut tunnel, Parvati River will lead the way. The highlight of your road trip will be driving or passing through the three kilometres long tunnel, which is one of the longest road tunnels in India.
How to reach Barshaini by Train?
The nearest railway station to Kheerganga is the Joginder Nagar and Chandigarh Railway station. One can reach Delhi from any metropolitan city by rail or flight and then take a direct train to one of these railway stations. After getting down at the station one can take a taxi or the state transport bus to reach Barshaini.
How to reach Barshaini by Air?
The nearest airport to Kheerganga is Pantnagar airport, which is at a distance of 235 kilometres from Kheerganga. From here, you can opt for a taxi or bus to reach Barshaini which is 11 kilometres away. Bhuntar is also another nearby airport to Kasol. One can also take a direct flight from Delhi from any metropolitan cities to reach Bhuntar and then travel by road to Kasol to reach Barshaini.
What is the Kheerganga Trek distance?
One way to Kheerganga top is 12 kilometres. Therefore, the ascent and descent will be 24 kilometres in all.
What is the Kheerganga Trek Difficulty Level?
Kheerganga is an easy grade short trek. The trail to Kheerganga is continuously uphill with some rising and falling segments. The trail is a fusion of easy to climb slopes, muddy walks through forest and waterfall crossing. The terrain remains a gentle incline throughout, though it does get relatively steeper in certain parts. However, it is fairly easy and can be done by beginners also.
How much time will it take to reach Kheerganga Campsite?
This excursion is a two day, one-night activity that includes trekking and camping. It will take around five to six hours to ascend and reach our campsite at Kheerganga. After the ascent, we will spend the night away camping at the meadow. After spending sufficient time at Kheerganga, we will descend back to Barshaini which will take about four hours.
Are there any water sources on the trail of Kheerganga Trek?
One should carry at least two litres of water before starting the trek. One need not worry as there are multiple streams and waterfalls on the trail to Kheerganga from where you can refill your bottles. While in Kheerganga, instead of purchasing bottled water, you can refill your bottles with safe drinking water at the natural springs of a place called Ashram.
Can beginners/novice trekkers sign up for Kheerganga Trek?
Yes, definitely. If you are a beginner, then this is the best Himalayan trek for you. It is a relatively simple trek that a person with average fitness and no prior trekking experience can undertake. In fact, the Kheerganga trek is child friendly and the best way to introduce children to the wonders of trekking and the natural world. However, parents must accompany children below the age of 15.
Is Kheerganga Trek safe for female and solo travellers?
Yes, the Kheerganga trek is absolutely safe for female and solo travellers. In fact, we appreciate and encourage female and solo backpackers. The Kheerganga trek is exceptionally captivating and will keep you engaged all through! Besides, we guarantee the wellbeing and safety of our trekkers. We have had a great deal of solo female trekkers finishing this trek in an entirely safe and secure fashion. Also, all our trek guides are qualified experts in mountaineering and first aid.
Where can I find an ATM in Kheerganga?
There is no ATM in Kheerganga. However, Kasol is the last point before the Kheerganga trek where you will find an ATM. Therefore, it is advisable to carry adequate cash.
Will we have a mobile network and connectivity at Kheerganga Trek?
Internet and network connectivity can get extremely unreliable at high altitudes. Mobile networks work in Barshaini, Kalga and Tosh. Kheerganga may have BSNL connectivity, but it is better to make important calls before you begin the Kheerganga trek.
Where will we be staying in Kheerganga?
You will be staying in tents at Kheerganga.
What are the best months to visit do the Kheerganga Trek?
It is highly recommended to trek and camp at Kheerganga during the summer and post-monsoon autumn months. The best months are from March to November. Several festivals take place at Kheerganga in the summer months. One of them is the Magica festival in June. The chilly winds and the surreal feeling of watching the most beautiful sunrise from the comfort of your tents will be one of the life experiences that you shouldn’t miss out on. The balmy atmosphere, cool wind and dewy trails make your experience even more beautiful. These months are also the best time to visit Manali and other nearby places.
Kheerganga turns into a winter wonderland in December with heavy snowfall and amazing vistas of nature. The chilly winters, dangerous muddy and slippery trails during the winter months are not for the faint-hearted souls. If you want to still visit Kheerganga in December it is advisable to take proper precautions and trekking gear like appropriate snowshoes and trekking poles for the trek. Otherwise, winter months are best dodged to set out on the Kheerganga trek as the snow makes the trail hard to step and walk on.
What will the temperature be at Kheerganga Trek?
The temperature at Kheerganga Trek varies across the seasons! In summers, the weather remains pleasant and calm. The temperature ranges from 13°C to 28°C which makes the weather clear to witness scenic views of the mountains. In the winter the land is covered with snow and the beauty of the place increases even more from October to February. The temperature in the autumn and winter months varies from 3 °C to 15 °C. December to March are the best months to experience a heavenly bath in hot springs.
What are the nearby places we can visit after Kheerganga Trek?
Kheerganga and the nearby regions in Kullu are brimming with tourist and backpacking spots. You can chill, saunter around and sightsee in Tosh, Kasol, Malana, Manikaran, Malana, Chalal, Rasol, Katagala, Pulga, and Kalga. Kasol is an attractive destination which is termed as the mini Israel of India and this hippie town has a lot to offer. If you want to beat the crowd but want the same chill scenes as Kasol then you should visit Rasol.
A visit to Manali, which is only a three hours’ drive away, is also a great option. Tosh is a great option to rejuvenate your soul and mind. Malana and Chalal are another adventurous trekking destination that will blow your mind away with their enchanting beauty. Kalga and Pulga are the best villages for an ideal and spiritual escape. Manikarn Gurdwara is one of the spiritual and tourist attractions near Kheerganga.
If you among the adventurous kind and a rigorous trekker then you can set out on treks like the Pin Parvati Pass, Sar Pass Trek and Chandrekhani Pass Trek.
