kheerganga trek in april

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Kheerganga Trek From Kasol – Complete Travel Guide

Nestled at an altitude of 2956 meters (9678 ft.) and surrounded by the Himalayan mountain range, Kheerganga or Khirganga is a scenic trekking destination from Kasol at Parvati valley in Himachal Pradesh, India. As per locals, Kheerganga has spiritual significance and is known as the ‘abode of Lord Shiva’.

Kheerganga Trek Overview

About kheerganga.

Kasol to Kheerganga trek involves Barshaini (also known as Barsheni), Kalga, and Tosh as starting points. The distance covered is around 12 Km which usually takes 4-6 hours to complete, depending on the capability of the trekkers. Most part of the trek is pretty straightforward. Still, some can be a little difficult and risky for beginners due to steep stairs, slippery paths, and precipices.

The best things about Kheerganga are the surrounding scenic view, forest trek, and a hot water spring. Its beauty is incomparable in different seasons. While the temperature reaches 26 degrees Celsius in the summer (May-June), the winters (December-February) are colder, and there is often snowfall. However, you can trek to Kheerganga from Kasol at any time of the year according to your preference.

The Mythology About Kheerganga

Kheerganga is an ancient pilgrimage site. The name “Kheerganga” comes from two words- “kheer”, which means a slurry sweet dish made of milk, and “Ganga” means a river of great importance.

It is said that from Satya-yuga till now, Shiva Parvati and Kartika have been living here. By the grace of Shiva and Parvati, Kheer (usually made by boiling milk) flowed here. That is why the place is called “Kheerganga”.

In order not to quarrel over the kheer, it was turned into hot water by the grace of Parasurama in Kaliyuga. Bathing in this water is virtuous. Also, the Kartikswamy cave is located 60 meters away from the hot spring. Now it is forbidden to enter the cave, but pilgrims can still visit there.

Highlights Of Kheerganga Trek

• Altitude: 9678 ft.
• Trekking Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Starting Point: Barshaini/ Kalga/ Tosh
• End Point: Kheerganga
• Distance Covered: 12-14 Km
• Duration Of Trek: 4-6 hours
• Temperature: 16°C to 20°C (Summer), -11°C to 12°C (Winter)
• Rainfall: 128-500 mm (monsoon), 29-130 mm (Other Seasons)
• Best Time To Visit: April, May, June, October, November
• Nearest ATM: Kasol
• Mobile Network: BSNL
• Cost of Trek: ₹2760 to ₹11100 for two persons* (Kasol to Kasol via Kheerganga)

*Includes the cost of accommodation, food (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and charge for the guide.

Kasol Kheerganga Trek Map

This map explains the Kheerganga trek routes from Kasol, Barshaini, Tosh and Kalga. Check more details .

How To Reach Kheerganga From Kasol?

The best option to reach Kasol is availing of the AC Volvo Bus service from New Delhi or Chandigarh. The distance is roughly 520 Km which needs an overnight journey. The nearest airport to Kasol is Kullu–Manali Airport, Bhuntar, just 23 Km away. You can get both public transport and private cars to reach Kasol.

Once you have arrived in Kasol, you can book a cab or ride on a bus to reach Barshaini in 40 minutes. The distance between Kasol and Barshaini bus stand is 17 Km, and the trek to Kheerganga starts from this point.

Kheerganga Trek Routes

There are three different trekking routes from Barshaini to Kheerganga, covering a 9 to 14 Km distance. Every route is best for their unique experience and adventure. So, let’s explore!

Route 1: Barishaini to Kheerganga via Nakthan

Nakthan is known for its 460 MW hydropower project and its surrounding scenic village. After passing the bridge on the Parvati river, take a left turn to reach the Nakthan village. Follow the Barsheni road to reach Rudranag which meets another trail from Kalga. The path is well-marked and easy to follow.

This route is easier to descend from Kheerganga than other ones. The distance from Kheerganga is the shortest on this route, usually taking 3-4 hours to complete. If you are an experienced trekker, it will be the best option. The famous Pin Parvati trek starts at Kheerganga, and most trekkers prefer this route to save time.

Route 2: Barishaini to Kheerganga via Tosh

This trek route connects Barshaini to Kheerganga via Tosh. This small village is surrounded by mountains and the Tosh river (nallah), which meets the Parvati river near Pulga village. This picturesque village is a perfect place to visit for trekkers and hikers. The only disadvantage is that this trek route adds an additional 2.5 Km to the course mentioned above.

If you plan to trek to Kheerganga from Tosh, you must follow a different trail that meets the previous route 1 near Nakthan village. You can stay overnight at Tosh and begin your adventure the following day to trek to Kheerganga from Kasol.

Route 3: Barishaini to Kheerganga via Kalga

Trekking to Kheerganga via Kalga village is most scenic in dense forests, waterfalls, and eye-soothing greeneries. Watching the dance of light through the shadow of giant trees is mesmerizing. You won’t get such a beautiful form of nature in any of the previous trek routes. If you love photography, trekking to Kheerganga via Kalga won’t disappoint you. This is the best trek route to Kheerganga.

Previously, this 10 Km long route was lesser known to trekkers, and there are reports of people missing in the dense forest. Presently, it is getting popular, and you can follow the trail easily. However, hiring a guide from Kalga is highly recommended as there are some difficult bridges on waterfalls and steep areas where beginners might need an expert hand.

Kheerganga Trek Itinerary

The Kheerganga trek can be covered in two days with one night stay at the camping site. However, if you are travelling from Manali or Delhi to Kasol, it can be exhausting to trek on the same day. For this reason, staying at Kalga or Tosh for the night and starting trekking the next morning is advisable. In this way, you will be refreshed and able to enjoy the adventure more. So, it will be best to plan a 3-day-2-night itinerary unless you plan to complete it in 2 days.

Itinerary 1 (Kheerganga Trek Direct From Barshaini)

• Starting Point: Barshaini Bus Stop
• Endpoint: Kheerganga Camping
• No. Of Days: 2
• Distance: 12 Km
• Completion Time: 4-6 hours

Day 1 (Trek To Kheerganga And Camp Overnight)

• The Beginning : The adventurous trek from Kasol to Kheerganga begins at Barshaini, located on the bank of the Parvati river. Just after the hydel power project, follow the Barshaini road or cross the Nakthan bridge to reach the Nakthan village. Continue trekking on the road to reach Rudranag. Then cross the scenic Rudranag bridge and start trekking in the forest. Another Kheerganga trekking trail from Kalga meets this route near the bridge.
• Adventurous Experience : Hike towards the forest through the apple orchards and meadows. As the journey advances, you will see sky-piercing pine forests surrounded by mountains. You will cross several waterfalls on wooden bridges on the way, which is a thrilling experience. You can rest for a few minutes by the falls and enjoy the beautiful surrounding with lush green forest.

• Food and Drinks : There are some stalls on the trail where you can get refreshing drinks like mango shakes, watermelon juice, tea, coffee, cold drinks, etc. You can also buy namkeen, chips, and biscuits from these stalls and proceed.
• The Excitement : Once reaching Kheerganga, immerse yourself in the hot spring, relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. After checking in at your camp, keep the rucksack and other trekking essentials well-packed and enjoy the evening.
• Evening Enjoyment : Most camp operators serve dinners from 8 PM to 10 PM. You can get roti, chana masala, mixed veg, and sometimes paneer. The food is delicious, but please do not expect restaurant-like non-veg food here. Most camping operators arrange music systems, bonfires, and barbecues on request.

Day 2 (Return To Barshaini From Kheerganga)

• Do Not Miss The Sunrise : The beauty of sunrise from Kheerganga is incomparable. In the early morning, the sun plays hide and seek behind the Himalayan mountain range, colouring the sky red. At around 7 AM, the sun rises above the mountains with its magical rays spread across Kheerganga camps.
• Have Breakfast And Pack Your Bags : After witnessing the spectacular sunrise, return to your camp and pack your bags for return. Most camping operators provide breakfast from 8 AM. So, have breakfast, refill your water bottles, contact your guide, and prepare to check out the camp.
• Bid Goodbye : After everything is arranged, bid goodbye to Kheerganga and descend down. Some alternative shortcuts take less time but can be risky. You should not attempt them without the help of a guide. The surrounding forest and trekking trails are the same as you crossed when trekking to Kheerganga from Kasol.

Itinerary 2 (Trek To Kheerganga Via Kalga)

• Starting Point: Kalga village
• Endpoint: Kheerganga
• No. Of Days: 3
• Distance: 10 Km

Day 1 (Arrive at Kalga and Stay Overnight)

• Arrive And Explore Kalga Village : Unlike the previous itinerary of the Kheerganga trek, arrive at the Kalga village from Kasol via the Barshaini bus stand. After crossing the hydropower project, turn right and hike uphill to reach Kalga. It is a small scenic village located in the lap of Parvati valley, surrounded by pine forests and misty mountains. You can relax for the day, roaming around the apple orchards and organic farms of Kalga. If you have sufficient time, hike to Pulga and Tulga- two small villages with beautiful sights.

• Stay Overnight In Kalga : You can stay at Holy Cow Cafe, Evening Star Homestay, Gypsy House Cafe, The Forest Park Homestay, Hilltop Homestay, or Tafreegram to have the best experience. All these homestays offer all basic amenities, including a clean bedroom, hygienic toilet, hot water, bonfire facility, and delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A double-bed bedroom at Kalga costs ₹800-₹3000 depending on the facilities and meal packages. The rooms with an attached bath are priced higher.

Day 2 (Trek To Kheerganga From Kalga)

• Start Trekking In the Early Morning : After having delicious food and a night of peaceful sleep, it is always the best option to start trekking to Kheerganga from Kalga in the early morning. The whole trail lies inside the forest, so the journey would be much more comfortable and enjoyable than any other route. Like the previous itinerary, you can refresh yourself with juices, shakes, and foods available in the small shops open en route.

• Reach Kheerganga And Camp : Depending on your capability, you will reach Kheerganga after 4-6 hours of trekking. On the way, enjoy the beauty of the waterfalls, Parvati river, and green forest to make the Kheerganga trek worthy of your precious time. On reaching Kheerganga, do not forget to immerse yourself in the hot spring to drain the tiredness and rejuvenate your body. It is a fantastic experience to see the sunset from this place. Next, check into your camp and keep your luggage in a proper place.
• Relax, Enjoy And Stay Overnight : Enjoy music and snacks at Kheerganga camping in the evening. You will get dinner from 8 PM to 10 PM with a drinking water facility for 24 hours. After completing dinner, stargazing can be an exciting activity as you can clearly see the Milky Way and surrounding thousands of stars with bare eyes. Use your camera, and adjust the ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and metering to capture mind-blowing night sky photos. After that, sleep well in the tent and prepare for return the following morning.

Day 3 (Return Trek From Kheerganga To Barshaini)

• Enjoy The Morning Glory : In the next morning, do not forget to witness the beautiful sunrise at Kheerganga. You can also get back to the hot spring for another bath or explore the surroundings.
• Have Breakfast And Pack Your Things : After enjoying the morning glory of the heavenly place, get down to your camp and grab breakfast. Then pack your bag properly and check out. Climbing down from Kheerganga is more manageable and should take less time than you needed upon arrival.
• Return To Kasol : Instead of returning to Kalga, go to the Barshaini bus stand directly and avail of the bus or car service to return to Kasol. The distance between Kasol and Barshaini is 16 Km, so it should not take more than 40 minutes. Once reaching Kasol, always prefer the Volvo bus service to go to Delhi or Chandigarh.

Itinerary 3 (Trek To Kheerganga Via Tosh)

• Starting Point: Tosh village
• Distance: 14 Km

Day 1 (Arrive at Tosh and Stay Overnight)

• Arrive Tosh From Kasol : Just like Kalga, Tosh is an offbeat tourist destination in the Parvati valley of Himachal Pradesh. Instead of dropping you off at the Barshaini bus stand, ask your cab driver to get you to Tosh, just 3.5 Km away.
• Book A Homestay And Explore : Once reaching the village, book a homestay for the day, relax and adjust your body to avoid high altitude sickness. Romani House, Nomads Hostel, Shiva Mountain View Cafe, Pink Floyd Cafe, Old Brahma Cafe And Restaurant are some of our favourite places to stay at Tosh. You can also explore the wooden temple and a waterfall, located at a 15-minute hiking distance.
• Stay Overnight At Tosh : After exploring the surrounding of Tosh, return to your homestay in the evening. Most homestays in Tosh provide dinner around 8 PM. Grab your dinner and rest for the night. Then wake up in the early morning to watch the magical beauty of Parvati valley.

Day 2 (Trek To Kheerganga From Tosh)

• Leave Tosh For Kheerganga : The morning at Tosh is very pleasant with comfortable weather and temperature. Start your day with the chirping of birds and burbling of the Parvati river that call you for a wild adventure. You can get your breakfast by 8 AM and start trekking to Kheerganga by 9 AM, or you can leave by 6 AM and get your breakfast on the way.
• Enjoy Your Trekking Adventure : As the distance of Tosh from Kheerganga is roughly 14 Km, it will take approximately 4-6 hours, depending on the ability and experience of the trekkers. First, you need to reach Barsheni, then follow any routes via Kalga or Nakthan villages. Both trails are adventurous and enjoyable.

• Reach Kheerganga Camping : The last few kilometres of this trekking route can be difficult for some trekkers as the trail is steep. After following the path and crossing several waterfalls and bridges, you will get a glimpse of Kheerganga camping. Check-in your camp, keep your backpack inside the tent and take a bath in the famous hot water spring. There are separate areas for males and females, so everyone can immerse themselves in draining out the stress and pain.
• Evening Entertainment And Overnight Stay: After bathing in the hot water spring, return to your tent and chill out in the magnificent sunset across the mountains. After dark, you can enjoy yourself with music and eat dinner in the dining area. Watching the starry sky is also an enjoyable activity there. After dinner, sleep well to prepare for the return trek.

Day 3 (Return From Kheerganga To Barshaini)

• The Picturesque View Of Kheerganga : In the morning, watch the sunrise and enjoy the magnificent landscape of Kheerganga. Go a slight uphill from your camp to get the best view of the campsite surrounded by mountains. After photography, return to your camp and pack your backpack. In the meantime, your breakfast will be ready. After filling your stomach, start trekking downhill- inside the forest.
• The Return Trek : The return journey from Kheerganga is comparatively easier and would take less time to complete. You will view the beauty of the same forest and mountains from a different angle. If you have trekked via Nakthan, try the Kalga route and vice versa. Take your time, avoid shortcuts and stay safe when returning to Kasol from Kheerganga.

Best Time For Kheerganga Trekking

Anyone can trek to Kheerganga throughout the year, as Parvati valley offers unique beauty in different seasons. Summer (March to June) is the most preferable time for Kheerganga trekking as the trekkers will get sunny yet comfortable weather (Avg. Temperature: 16°C 20°C) with minimum possibility of rainfall. However, accommodation, food, and transport rates are the highest at this time.

On the other hand, the trekking trail and Kheerganga get covered with thick snow during the winter (October to February) . The temperature drops (Temperature: -11°C to 12°C), and the path becomes slippery and unpredictable. Unless you are an experienced trekker, winter is less preferable than summer to trek to Kheerganga from Kasol.

Monsoon (July to September) is an adventurous season to trek to Kheerganga. At this time, nature gets soaked with raindrops (Avg. rainfall in monsoon: 1000 mm) and becomes greener and more soothing. However, the path becomes slippery, and many waterfalls start flowing over the trail, making the trekking difficult.

Considering all the seasons, summer, especially the months of April, May, and June, is the best time to visit Kheerganga . During these months, you will get clear weather and comfortable temperature with the least rainfall. The trail is relatively dry, and you can enjoy the spectacular view during your trek. After reaching Kheerganga, the breathtaking view of the Himalayas would surely stun you.

Kheerganga trekking in summer is highly recommended for beginner trekkers as the journey would be easier for them. However, if you are a reasonably experienced trekker and have not got the fun of trekking in rain or snow previously, winter and monsoon will be ideal for you.

Where To Stay At Kheerganga?

There are plenty of options to stay in Kheerganga. However, do not expect hotel-like facilities as all the accommodations are inside camping tents. There is a common dormitory stay option; however, if you have family or friends, you may like to book private accommodation inside a tent for 2, 4, or 6 persons. Depending on the size of the tents, all the accommodations are priced in the range of ₹500-₹1500 in different seasons. There is also a Dharamshala or ashram where you can get cheaper stay options.

Sunshine Himalayan Camp, Kheerganga Hike Camps, Woodland Camp, and Om Shanti Camps are some of the famous campsites of Kheerganga. All these camping sites have the basic facilities of a warm blanket, waterproof tent, shared toilets, drinking water, etc. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the designated dining area. The tents are comfortable for a cold night but do not expect much cleanliness in the common toilet facilities as we have experienced.

What To Eat At Kheerganga?

Every food item is overpriced in Kheerganga. This is because the sellers have to carry them on the entire high-altitude trekking route. For the same reasons, you will not get rich food items like fried rice, biryani, or any non-veg food items. Every camp provides rice, roti/paratha, dal, mixed veg, rajma, and occasionally paneer.

You will also get namkeen, biscuits, Maggi noodles, tea, coffee, cold drinks, and juice from the stalls and campsites nearby. There are a few cafés around with limited facilities. So, it is wise to carry some food for Kheerganga.

Activities In Kheerganga

• Adventure Camping

Camping under the starry sky is an exciting activity for all trekkers. The camping site of Kheerganga is picturesque and worth visiting for a lifetime. If you are a trekker, camping at Kheerganga would definitely be an adventure. The glimpse of the snow-covered Himalayas from the tent under a full moon is a memorable experience.

• Bathing In The Hot Spring

The main activity in Kheerganga is bathing in the hot water spring. After completing the trekking journey, it is incredibly refreshing when you immerse yourself in the pool. The gents’ section is open, while the ladies’ section is covered all around. So, anyone can get fun and relaxation while bathing in the hot spring. There is a shaded cloth/luggage storing area where you can keep your bags and come down.

• Visit The Kartikswamy Temple

Just 60 meters away from the hot spring, visit the Kartikswamy temple. As per local mythology, the god Kartika meditated here. So, if your religious soul is calling, visit the temple in Kheerganga.

• Watching Sunset And Sunrise

The magical beauty of Kheerganga, surrounded by the sky-piercing Himalayas, is most enjoyable in the evening, especially before the sunset. During this time, nature paints itself with a mystic dance of colourful light and shadow. This is the most mesmerizing time of the whole trekking to Kheerganga from Kasol. The sunrise also looks beautiful from Kheerganga.

• Photography And Videography

Kheerganga is a very photogenic place. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dense forests, it is a perfect trekking destination for beginners. Located at an altitude of 2956 meters, Kheerganga is also free from air pollution and dust.

For this reason, the visibility of the night sky of Kheerganga is high. You can easily watch the stars, planets, and galaxies with your bare eyes. Using a good quality camera with suitable lenses would be very beneficial in capturing the starry night sky like it did to us during our trip.

If you like the Kheerganga trek for its short duration and easy difficulty, you will also like trekking to Triund and Thachi Valley in Himachal Pradesh, Sandakphu near Singalila National Park, West Bengal, and the double-decker living root bridge in Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya.

You can also check other trekking destinations with easy to challenging difficulties.

Things To Carry In Kheerganga Trek

• Waterproof Trekking Shoe : A waterproof trekking shoe is an essential item for Kheerganga trekking. As there are many waterfalls, streams, and muddy trails, ordinary shoes will get wet and make your journey uncomfortable. Choose the best trekking shoe with high comfortability, breathability, and water resistance for a trouble-free trek.
• Umbrella/ Raincoat : Carrying an umbrella and/or raincoat is a must for Kheerganga trekking because rainfall is very uncertain throughout the year. If you get wet, you may catch a cold as the temperature is much lower at Kheerganga.
• Backpack With Rain Cover : For the same reason as abrupt rainfall, you must carry a trekking backpack with rain cover. You can use a small backpack (daypack) with minimum essential items or a rucksack with a higher capacity. But do not load the backpack heavily. Use the best quality rucksack with water-resistant materials and a rain cover for Kheerganga trekking.
• LED Torch With Extra Batteries: Carrying an LED torch or flashlight with additional batteries would be very beneficial for the Kheerganga trek. Electricity is available only at the starting points (Kasol/ Barshaini/ Kalga /Tosh) and endpoints (Kheerganga). So, an LED torch can be your saviour if it gets dark. You can use the torchlight from your mobile phone, but carrying a torch would be safer and more helpful.
• Toiletries: This is another essential item for trekking to Kheerganga. You should carry soap paper, toilet seat sanitiser, and wipes as the toilet facilities are not impressive.
• Warm Clothes: While you can comfortably trek wearing a simple T-shirt and trousers, you will need warm apparel like a trekking jacket and woollen shocks once reaching Kheerganga. The temperature is quite cold up there, so it is always better to carry warm clothes.
• Miscellaneous Items: Apart from the above items, you should also carry mosquito and insect repellants, binoculars, a walking stick/ trekking pole, a cap, sunglass, a towel, extra clothes for bathing, a first aid kit, medicines, photo ID proof, a water bottle and reusable plastic bag. Check the essential trekking list for more items.

Kheerganga Trek Cost

The cost of trekking to Kheerganga includes charges for accommodation, food, transport, and a guide. If you want to complete the trek within 2 days without staying at Kalga or Tosh, the expense would be lesser. It also depends on the number of trekkers.

If you are a solo trekker, you can accommodate in a single-occupancy tent. A 2-person tent would be ideal for a couple but will cost more. The cost of trekking is cheaper if you are travelling with a group and prefer a dormitory. Here is a typical package of trekking from Kasol to Kheerganga for 2 persons –

As you can see in the above table, the total cost mainly varies on transport and accommodations at Kalga and Tosh. You can hire a car from Kasol to Barshaini at the expense of ₹1200 to ₹1500, which becomes ₹2400 to ₹3000 for a return journey (Itinerary-1). On the other hand, you can also avail of the bus service at the cost of ₹40 per head.

The accommodation cost at Kheerganga greatly varies from ₹600 to ₹1500 in different seasons. For example, if you plan to trek in the month of May-June, the price will be the highest as it is peak season. Other times, you can book a tent at Kheerganga at a significantly lower cost.

Kalga and Tosh have different homestays with unique amenities and facilities. For this reason, the cost of stay and food at these two places vary a lot. However, the food quality is excellent as the vegetables are grown on local organic farms.

Tips For Kheerganga Trekking

• Always stay prepared for rainfall during Kheerganga trekking as the weather is often unpredictable. For this reason, carry an umbrella, raincoat, waterproof shoes, and a cover for your backpack.
• However, never overload your backpacks. Carry only the essential items and trek lightweight.
• Though you can get food and drinks on the way, it is wise to pack some dry fruits, chocolate, and enough water if you are uncomfortable with water from the streams.
• Start trekking as early as possible to enjoy the beauty of the Kheerganga trail to the fullest. Starting early in the morning, you will reach Kheerganga by noon and relax there.
• You should always follow the trail and stay safe from getting lost in the forest. Abide by the suggestions/commands of your guide/trek leader and avoid shortcuts.
• Mobile network and internet connectivity in Kheerganga are very poor. However, if you have a BSNL sim card, it can be a saviour.
• Pack enough toiletries and stay hygienic as we did not find the toilet facilities up to mark.
• As the nights are pretty cold at Kheerganga, carry a warm jacket in your rucksack. Besides blankets in the tent, it will help you warm up.

Frequently Asked Questions

While most parts of the Kheerganga trek are pretty easy for trekkers, some are difficult due to the narrow trail and risky landslide zone, especially if it rains. The last 3 kilometres of the journey involve a steep uphill trek which can be exhausting for beginners.

The Kheerganga trek is 10 to 14 Km long on different routes through apple orchards, pine forests, and meadows. You will cross several waterfalls, bridges, and stairs to reach there via Kasol, Barsheni, Kalga, and Tosh.

Presently, you do not need a permit to trek to Kheerganga. On 25th May 2018, commercial activities, including camping, were banned in Kheerganga following the mandate from the High Court. At that time, a permit from the forest department was mandatory. But, since many tourists and trekkers were visiting the place, the ban was lifted soon. Now, you do not need any permit to stay in a camp at Kheerganga.

If you are planning for a solo trek to Kheerganga, select a popular season like summer (April-May). At this time, lots of trekkers across India visit the place, and you will clearly see the trail and follow the crowd to reach Kheerganga. The route via Nakthan and Rudranag is preferable for solo travellers as it is easy to follow with no chance of getting lost in the forest. But if you plan to trek to Kheerganga from Kalga alone, it is recommended to hire a guide or join other groups of trekkers.

Yes, the Kheerganga trek is perfectly safe for the family, including women and kids. However, the age of the children should be at least 7. Also, the trek should be avoided if any of your family members have asthma or other breathing problems. But, in general, it is perfect for a family vacation.

To plan the Kheerganga trek, first, book your train/flight/bus tickets to Delhi or Chandigarh. Then, use any of the itineraries mentioned above and book your homestay/camp and bus to Kasol for at least 3 months before commencing the trek. Before leaving for Kheerganga, pack all your trekking essentials in the rucksack. When you reach Kasol, hire a cab and go to Barshaini, where you will start the Kheerganga trek.

Barsheni does not have a cloakroom to store the luggage before trekking to Kheerganga. However, if you plan your trekking via Kalga or Tosh and stay there according to the above itineraries 1 and 2, you can request the homestay owner to keep your luggage in the store room until you return from Kheerganga. When we trekked to Kheerganga, we kept our luggage in the homestay at Kalga and collected it after we returned.

The largest expenditure on the Kheerganga trek is the transport from and to Kasol and the guide charges. To trek to Kheerganga under ₹3500, avoid hiring a cab and avail of the bus service and travel with a group. In such a condition, you should also avoid staying at Kalga or Tosh, further reducing expenses. Follow the itinerary-1 mentioned above for trekking to Kheerganga with minimum outlay.

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Kheerganga Trek for the First-Timers – A Complete Guide

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Never trekked before? Planning to take on trekking with kids? Kheerganga is one of the best Himalayan treks in India for beginners and children. Here’s our story and a complete guide to the Kheerganga trek in Parvati Valley to plan yours judiciously 🙂

How I wish my parents had introduced me to trekking when I was young.

Anyhow, I didn’t want to repeat the mistake, and thus, introduced my daughter to the trekking world as soon as she felt comfortable about the whole concept.

I believe trekking or hiking is a great way to develop confidence, patience, perseverance, and a sense of responsibility in children. It’s magical the way even one trekking experience changes and shapes the kids.

Introduce your children to this unparalleled sport and watch as my words become your reality.

Read More – Why Should You Travel the World With Kids?

A Complete Guide to Kheerganga Trek for the Beginners

I enjoyed my first trek to Kheeganga with my hubby and daughter so much so that thought of sharing my experience plus some tips to inspire people to trek with kids.

Read on to know how we managed to trek Kheerganga in one day with our 8-year-old daughter and how you can do it too. But before we dive into the trek details, you must know how to prepare yourself for hiking and what to wear while hiking .

The Magical Parvati Valley

Located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, Parvati Valley starts above Bhunter where the Parvati River meets the River Beas and goes eastwards all the way up to Mantalai Lake (source of Parvati River.)

The valley is utterly beautiful in that it moves your soul.

Kasol, Manikaran, Malana, Chalal, Tosh, Rasol, Katagala, Pulga, and Kalga are some of the lovely villages in Parvati Valley.

Kasol – Mini-Israel of Himachal Pradesh

I had been reading about Kasol a lot and the place attracted me because of its varied culture, cuisine, and abundant natural beauty.

Kasol is famous among backpackers and people who love to stay high (Charas or Marijuana).

The place offers a fabulous blend of Israeli culture, quaint landscapes, and unspoiled nature.

Though Kasol is not a great destination for a family holiday, however, you can’t deny the gratification you get from doing something out of the ordinary.

There’s beauty in the unusual!

How to Reach Kasol from Delhi

Kasol is best traveled by road because who wants to miss the exquisite views? It makes a great weekend trip from Delhi for those seeking adventure.

One can self-drive or hire a cab. Catching a private bus or Volvo from Majnu Ka Tila or Rama Krishna Ashram Metro Station in Delhi or HRTC Himsuta Volvo from ISBT Kashmiri Gate is also a good option, however, you need to get down at Bhuntar if you are coming by bus and catch another one to Kasol or Manikaran or Barshaini depending upon where you have booked your stay.

The Volvos depart in the late evening mostly.

Read More – If You Read Only One Post About Delhi, Read This One!

Delhi to Kasol – A Beautiful Drive

I planned the 4-day itinerary covering Kasol, Katagala, Manikaran, Malana, Chalal, Tosh, and Barshiani (Watch out for my next blog post about these places). If you have more days on your hands then do add Manali and Rohtang Pass to your itinerary.

Kasol Kheerganga trek was out of the question. I and hubby didn’t have any trekking experience and we were sure that it was next to impossible with our little daughter who couldn’t even walk up to a nearby market without complaining about her leg pain.

We drove to Kasol from Delhi via Chandigarh. It’s around 530 km and took us 14 hours via NH44.

Almost a 14-hour journey from Delhi to Kasol was incredible wherein we witnessed two prodigious rivers (Beas and Parvati) snuggled between the Himalayas.

Beas River accompanied us all through the journey from Mandi to Aut tunnel and once we crossed the Aut tunnel, Parvati River became our constant companion.

The highlight of our road journey was driving through the 3 km-long Aut tunnel , which is one of the longest road tunnels in India.

Places to Stay in Kasol Parvati Valley

Parvati Kuteer on the bank of Parvati River was our home for the next 4 days in Kasol.

A wooden cottage covered by Cedar trees and a lovely garden, offering the views of the snow-covered Himalayas and overlooking the gushing Parvati river – Ah! Imagine what happens when the sound of the river becomes the alarm clock!

You won’t ever snooze!

We found Parvati Kuteer to be one of the lovely stay options in Kasol.

Book your stay at Parvati Kuteer  here .

Parvati Kuteer is expensive? Kasol has a lot of budget stay options as well. Check  here .

Kheerganga Trek – A Trek to Remember

It was not planned. How can it be?

I mean with an 8-year-old child, nobody would want to trek 13-15 km one-sided, and certainly not to a place like Kheerganga infamous (or famous) for its own reasons.

But it happened!

We trekked up to Kheerganga and trekked down to Barshaini on the same day with our little daughter.

The rest is history!

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Kheerganga Trek in Parvati Valley – How We Planned the Unplanned

All the places in our itinerary were covered in 3 days and 4th day was left free intentionally because what better way to enjoy nature than just sitting by the river surrounded by the mountains and tall Deodar trees?

But destiny had its own plans that didn’t match ours.

My daughter curiously questioned,” Why can’t we take on Khir Ganga ?”

I explained the difficulty level to her and how it was inappropriate for her age. She announced that she wants to experience it, maybe a 2-3 km trek, and then come back.

I was apprehensive and scared. We enquired about the trek with the natives and they felt that it was pretty conceivable. It was, of course, their version based on their own stamina and experience.

Kasol to Barshaini

Barshaini, the starting point of the Kheer Ganga trek is around 17 km from Kasol.

We had our own car and driver. One can either take a taxi or cab from Kasol to Barshaini or opt for a budget-friendly bus ride.

So, our plan was to trek up to Kalga village, relax, have tea and snacks, and come down.

Places to Stay in Barshaini

Barshaini is quite a small village with no or few stay options.

You might be able to find a few homestays in Barshaini. Tosh is just 3 km uphill from Barshaini and can be chosen as a base for the night as it offers all kinds of accommodations ranging from homestays, and guesthouses to hotels.

Kheerganga Trek Distance

The distance from Barshaini to Kheerganga is around 13-15 km depending upon the route you take.

Best Time to Take on Kheerganga Trek

The best time to visit Kheerganga is during the summer or autumn season. The best months include May, June, September, and October.

Kheerganga Trek Difficulty Level

As I said it’s a relatively easy trek and can be easily done with kids.

2960m above sea level, Kheerganga is the best trek for beginners.

Barshaini to Kheerganga – Route Options

There are two routes to reach Kheerganga from Barshaini:

1. Through Nakthan and Rudranag (13 km) – Difficult to climb, easier to come down, and offers ravishing views (ideal for photography enthusiasts). It has fewer trees and vegetation; and more tiny hamlets on the way so a bit exhaustive during bright sunny days.

2. Through Kalga (15 km) – Easier to climb, difficult to descend. Thick vegetation and dense forests make it best suited for bright sunny days. This is a lesser-known route and people generally avoid it for there are chances of losing way due to dense forests. Ideal for first-timers and low-on-stamina trekkers like us 🙂

Tosh to Kheerganga – Yes, That’s Also an Option!

Tosh is a beautiful hamlet that is known to be the last village in Parvati Valley.

A narrow road from Barshaini near the Parvati Hydel Project diverges to Tosh village. One can drive up to the village which is utterly bumpy or can opt to walk which takes around 45 minutes to reach the village of Tosh.

You are rewarded with some amazing views of the Parvati Valley once you reach Tosh. You can spend a day in Tosh relaxing while admiring the stunning views of glittering snow-capped peaks as the first and last rays of the sun fall on them.

The mountains look vivacious in moonlight too. There are decent guesthouses and homestays in Tosh.

The route to Kheerganga from Tosh joins the same Rudranag route once you cross the village of Nakthan.

Places to Stay in Tosh

Tosh treats you with the best views of Parvati Valley. You are sure to get a room with a view here.

You look out of your window and the view of the snow-clad mountain peaks enveloped by green pine trees fills your senses.

Though the stay options in Tosh are not many so better to book in advance.

Check here the list of properties in Tosh for availability and prices.

Kalga Village – A Breath of Fresh Air

We obviously took the Kalga route.

Around 30 30-minute trek led us to Kalga and we were stunned by the beauty of this quaint little village emitting the serenity every one of us craves these days.

We sat at the local cafe and sipped on hot tea while our daughter enjoyed Maggi with breathtaking views. The people of Kalga were welcoming and cheerful.

They encouraged us to trek to Kheerganga with our daughter as according to them it was not wise to leave such a beautiful place unexplored when you are so close to it.

Places to Stay in Kalga or Kalgha (Sosan)

If you are looking for a much quieter place than Kasol or Tosh to stay, you can find many beautiful stay options in Kalga.

Kalga is one of the most beautiful villages sprinkled across Parvati Valley. It’s actually dope!

A sleepy hamlet where time stands still. The Himalayas, apple orchards, lush meadows, and vibrant flowers – do you need any other thing to be happy?

Holy Cow Café And Beds , Sacred Garden, Brahma Homestay , and,  Red Apple Cottage Homestay are some of the places to stay in Kalga.

They are perfect for solo travelers though they can be good for family travelers who love mountains more than comfort and luxury.

With so many homestays coming up in Kalga, I doubt it will remain as clean or offbeat as it is now.

I guess then travelers will head to Pulga and Tulga for much-needed peace.

With no arrangement for the journey ahead and a little kid with us, it was eerie.

We only had a light backpack with a bottle of water and an extra pair of clothes for our daughter. Water, food, and accommodation weren’t a problem though because there were plenty of cafes on the way to Kheerganga and numerous places to stay at Kheerganga.

The problem was the journey. With so many questions unanswered, we resigned to our daughter’s will and continued our journey to Kheerganga from Kalga.

It seemed easy at the start with open grounds and lush green forests until we crossed a bridge made of wood logs.

The Kheerganga trek became more demanding after a 5 km walk. We made it a point to ask for the right way at every cafe on the way so that we don’t lose our way.

There were fallen trees and rocks on the way and it became scary as we proceeded further.

And then came this warning! It scared the hell out of us! We were more cautious.

Rain Gods Added to Our Venture – (Add)venture

As if that wasn’t enough, it started raining heavily.

Tracks became muddy and increasingly difficult creating slippery walking conditions. We regretted and blamed ourselves for bringing our daughter here unprepared (no raincoats or ponchos).

There were no kids, no families on the way; Only boys’ gangs (typical backpackers and seasoned trekkers) and sadhus (saints).

I’m still getting goosebumps while I’m writing about it. A few boys on the way warned us not to go further as it’s not safe in this kind of weather and there are only hippies at the Kheerganga.

But it was too late to move back as we had already trekked more than half the distance.

We took shelter in a tent on the way and waited until the rain eased off. A British couple waited with us in the same tent and having a chit-chat with them relaxed us.

We started again while it was drizzling continuously. It took us 5 hours to complete the trek, however, locals and cafe owners whom we met on the way reached Kheerganga in less than 2 hours.

Imagine the stamina these Himalayan guys have. They trek up and down every other day without any exhaustion and fuss.

We drank water from the waterfalls on the way to Kheerganga and believe me, I have never tasted the water with such a sweet and delicate flavor, full of oxygen, naturally cold and digestible.

It felt heavenly. We have traveled in India and abroad; and experienced so many things but for the first time in my life, I literally realized that the journey is more important and beautiful than the destination.

It’s absolutely a beautiful trek where physical pain or exhaustion feels like a breeze.

Once we were at Kheerganga, we forgot the stress of the journey and soaked in the other-worldly views of the dream-like surroundings. Lush green meadows, clouds descending down to the valley, and natural hot water springs surrounded by the snow-covered Himalayas.

Would you ask for more?

How one feels?

Serendipity. Euphoria. Virgin nature makes you high, yeah, high on happiness and Shiva temple at the top makes you high on spirituality.

Felt close to Mother Nature and to God at the same time. I was speechless as I entered the temple of Lord Shiva which holds great religious significance.

Legends of Kheerganga

There are two different legends that explain the origin of Kheerganga – One says that Lord Shiva meditated here for thousands of years and another says that Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva and Parvati meditated here and the natural spring emerged when Shiva struck the ground with His Trishul on Parvati’s request as she was worried that her son wouldn’t get anything to eat here.

This spring was kheer (an Indian sweet dish made of milk and rice) in Satyuga (Golden Age) which was later turned into the water during Kalyuga (Iron Age) by Shiva on Parshuram’s insistence.

Whatever it is, Kheerganga is certainly a miracle, water as white as milk, flowing in all its glory and its streams gushing into Parvati Valley.

Bath in the sulfur-rich hot water spring is so relaxing and healing.

There are two sub-sections of the pool – one for the men and the other for the women.

It’s believed that drinking the water from the spring cures all kinds of gastric diseases and taking a bath in it washes all your sins.

We, like everyone, filled our bottles with holy water to bring them back home.

Kheerganga Trek – How We Unplan the Planned

The original plan was to book a camp or room and stay overnight at Kheerganga which changed later on taking into account certain factors not suitable for kids.

There were no decent and clean places to stay and eat with kids and the weather was really bad. And remember, we weren’t prepared! We had to take a leap of faith.

It was already 15:40. Calculations indicated that if we walked continuously without taking longer breaks, we would reach Barshaini by 8 p.m. It takes comparatively less time to trek down.

Places to Stay in Kheerganga

The stay options aren’t many for families traveling with kids. There are private rooms, tented accommodations, common spaces like dormitories for a group of travelers, and a Dharamshala or ashram  at cheap prices but I didn’t find them good enough to stay with kids.

They are fine for backpackers though. There’s also an option to pitch your own tent by renting a space at Kheerganga after paying a minimal amount of fee.

Shared toilets and washrooms are available but not hygienic for obvious reasons.

Places to Eat in Kheerganga

Kheerganga has cafes and small restaurants with basic food options.

The food is over-priced because well you are sitting and eating at the height of 2960m. You know, how does the food get to the top?

Update on Kheerganga Trek : According to the latest news update; the cafes, restaurants, and accommodation facilities (commercial activities) including camping have been banned in Kheerganga. You can still trek up to Kheerganga after getting a permit from the forest department. The permission will be granted if you fulfill certain conditions – No camping allowed so you need to complete the trek the same day and No littering. Please carry your garbage along. The step is really appreciated owing to the damage caused to the ecologically sensitive region. It’s high time we as travelers choose responsible and sustainable travel practices.

How We Trekked Down to Barshaini from Kheerganga

We started trekking down with our fingers crossed. We took the Rudranag route while coming down because it was told that the route was shorter and less steep than the Kalga one.

Trek starts with walking through the thick pine forests and then suddenly landscapes change into fields and villages once you cross an iron bridge over the raging stream.

One of the fascinating, exhilarating, and worth-mentioning features of the Kheerganga trek is that the rumbling water stream and mighty waterfalls flow all through the trek.

We crossed several streams on foot. The thunderous sound of the water reveals the dangerously beautiful side of nature.

It was scary and soothing at the same time. We really felt small in the face of nature. The trail gets narrower as one progresses further.

We stopped at Rudranag temple to offer our prayers. A waterfall was coming down from the mountaintop with an evident snake-like shape and thus the name, Rudranag.

People were taking a dip in the water near the waterfall but it was too cold to handle for us. We moved further as it was getting dark.

Small villages on the way attract you to stop and admire the beauty in simplicity. Villagers are so simple, helpful, and cheery.

One of the ladies at Nakthan village greeted us and offered us to rest in her house for some time when she saw our tired little daughter but we politely turned down the offer saying we can’t afford to take a break. She blessed and applauded our daughter.

Kids coming back from school, women bringing wood in a basket on their shoulders, people chit-chatting randomly; I felt like spending my life here!

That’s how life’s supposed to be! A life so uncomplicated, bereft of the harshness of the modern world.

Kheerganga Trek – The Final Phase

4 km left, dog-tired, legs refused to move, almost vanquished, a mountain kid boosted our spirits. He moved gracefully from one stone to the other, swinging on the narrow paths, singing Himachali songs, with no trace of panic; obviously, it was a routine thing for him.

We were re-energized by the positive assurance,”Bas thoda sa aur chalna hai! Bas 20 minute aur aap neeche pahunch jayenge.” (It’s just 20 more minutes and you’ll be down) and the carefree attitude of the boy. We happily followed him.

It was dark when we reached Barshiani. Our driver was waiting for us. Amazed at what we have accomplished (technically, we walked more than 25 km in a day), we retired and slept in the car while coming back to our resort in Kasol.

What had we gained?

Well. We rediscovered ourselves. We really felt true intimacy with God. The trek rekindled our connection with nature.

You never know what you are capable of until you have no choice .

If given an option, I wouldn’t want to return to this false world of self-gratification and remorseful judgments. The trek left me with a lot to reflect on.

Know Before You Go

1. It’s better to start a trek early in the morning maybe 6 am or so because it normally rains after 2 making it difficult to walk.

2. Carry light backpacks with a pair of flip-flops, torch or headlight, light towel, poncho or raincoat, warm jacket, swimwear, travel soap, toilet paper, tissues, snacks, eco-friendly water bottle, and cash.

3. I would have recommended not trekking up and down from Kheerganga on the same day as I found it pretty risky and tiring especially with a kid. One would better chill and enjoy the fairy-tale-like surroundings for a day but as per the new update, you can’t stay up there. So, come back to Tosh and stay there. Head to Kasol the next morning.

4. Last but not least, Respect nature. Act responsibly. Be a responsible traveler and tourist. Don’t throw your trash anywhere. You’ll find dustbins at all the cafes on the way. Carry all the disposable waste in your bag and dump it into a dustbin later. Don’t spoil the serenity of nature by being a glamorous tourist.

This was our first-ever trekking experience. Have you ever tried trekking with kids? How was your experience?

🏨 Wondering where to stay in Kasol, Himachal Pradesh? Check out the best places to stay in Kasol here.

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Anjali Chawla

39 thoughts on “Kheerganga Trek for the First-Timers – A Complete Guide”

Wow that’s amazing and so wonderful to trek with 8 year..,Blog is really informative..I always wanted to go to northern side for trek,ill definitely check my schedule and plan this..!!!

Thanks, Ankita! You should definitely go for trekking as it delivers a sense of fulfillment and being close to nature is one-of-a-kind experience.

This is just amazing, Anjali! And your daughter is so brave. Hope she enjoyed the trek.

This place has been on my bucket list for quite some time. Now I feel bad for not being able to trek there despite being from Himachal. 😀

Thank you, Tushar! This happens, we never really explore our own city or state like we explore other ones. I’m from Delhi and I haven’t seen famous Red Fort yet 🙂 Kheerganga is a beautiful, relatively easy trek for beginners. If you are a seasoned trekker, there are many exquisite and challenging treks in Himachal Pradesh which I plan to do once my daughter grows up!

Think you’re right. That does happen to many. I’m thinking of Pin Parvati. Not sure when, though.

Hoping to see more trek experiences on your blog. 🙂

Thank you 🙂

This looks amazing, i love travelling new places, i live in Uttarakhand so i’m familiar with this kind of places, i always wanted to travel HP, how much did you spend for this trip, especially for camps ?

Thanks for reading, Kailash! It was a self-drive trip. We spent around 30,000/- in total. We didn’t stay at Kheerganga but came back the same day. The cost of camp depends on the occupancy. It was 1500/- for double occupancy with kid.

You have done something very great with your 8 year old by taking her to trek to Himalayas. This is a lifetime memory gifted by you. Trekking around the Himalayan rustic scenery with hamlets, trees, streams and hills is really a wonderful moment spent by a mother and child.

Thank you so much for your kind words, Yukti! I truly believe that travel is the best gift a parent can give a child.

It looks amazing! it is wonderful that your daughter was able to experience this with you. She is very brave! I understand that you where worried but if you are careful and take your time it is possible to do a short trek with a child. Your daughter has a beautiful trek experience now.

Yeah, she really cherishes the experience and is keen to take another trek now 🙂 I’m proud of her! Thank you so much for taking time to read my blog and for your words of appreciation.

Thanks for sharing these amazing tips of treking. These are going to help me in future.

Thanks for reading! I appreciate it.

This sounds so exciting. I know things can get tiring with kids, kudos to your daughter for initiating to do this. 🙂 I don’t have kids so I can’t share a similar experience but I did trek Mt. Fuji in Japan (highest mountain of Japan); it was worth all the pain, sweat, chill, excitement and above all the experience.

Yeah, Aditi…and I’m proud of her for this! Mt. Fuji!!! That’s so awesome! I would love to do Mt. Fuji trek someday.

That’s so awesome that you were able to make that trek with a child in tow. I am sure it must have been difficult. And I am sure it was scary with that sign they put up there. But it did look beautiful and the end result was worth it I am sure.

Thanks for reading and appreciating 🙂 It seemed scary with child but yeah, at the end we were rewarded with beautiful memories to cherish and that sweet feeling of achievement, you know!

What an amazing experience and a fantastic story. This is just type of trip I love: unplanned, unorganised and unhinged. Well done for taking your daughter with you too – as I’m sure she will remember the trip forever, cherishing the memories x

Thanks for the read, Rebecca! Unplanned trips have their own charm. I’m lucky that mini-me loves traveling as much as her mom 🙂 and embraces the uncertainties and surprises that come with it.

As a fellow traveller, I hope that if and when I have children, mine are just like her ☺️

May God fulfill all your wishes 🙂

We must train our children in early age and make sure to meet them the nature. Now everything is so easy download digital map , read people’s comment and directions. and take your cild with you. Go a trekking togethe even Do a camp in the forrest. Your article is very helpful for everyone! Thank you so much

Thank you for reading and sending the comment love! I completely agree with you. Travel is the best education we can give to our kids.

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. And how awesome to share it with your little one. I love the fearlessness of the young, yet greatly admire a parent’s will to protect their young and also share with them life’s great adventures. My mom and dad’s are still very protective of me and worry for example when I travel alone as a female. I also enjoyed your photos. They are beautiful. And love also, “You never know what you are capable of until you have no choice.” So true.

Thank you so much for your words of appreciation. We really want our daughter to learn life by experiencing it. Being protective while giving our kids enough freedom to explore and learn is the key. I’m glad you liked the pictures. Thank you again for dropping by, it means a lot!

• Pingback: Backpacking Parvati Valley: The Ultimate Guide - Intentional Detours

That was really helpful, thanks!

Thank you for this writeup Anjali. Will be a great help in planning my own hike to Kheerganga with friends 🙂 Meanwhile, if you still haven’t accomplished Antarctica then you MUST, and soonest! You can read all about MY TRIP TO THE WHITE CONTINENT on my website.

Hey Sudeep,

Thanks for taking out time to write to us 🙂 It’s nice to know that our blog helped plan your trip.

Antarctica still remains high on my bucket list. Hope to tick it off the list soon. Sure, I’d definitely read your posts about Antarctica.

Very helpful anjali, thanks for sharing this.

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Kheerganga Trek

Description

Reviews (1), things to take, available dates, include / exclude, kheerganga trek   nestled in parvati valley in himachal kasol 2023.

Kheerganga Trek is the most popular trek in Himachal altitude (3500 meters) a magnificent place lying in the Parvati valley of Himachal Pradesh at the end of Sylvan Hills. It is famous for hot water springs which are believed to be therapeutic and is of great significance for the Hindus and Sikhs.

On this amazing trek go through some fable destinations –  Kasol, Rudra Nag Waterfalls, and Shiva temple  in the Great Himalayas.

Kheerganga trek provides trekkers with a fortune of treasured memories. The location is well-known for its hot water springs and breathtaking view of the valley, which draws visitors from all over the country to Himachal Pradesh.

The name is Kheerganga is derived from a legend that states the Keerganga springs were once filled with rice puddings provided by Lord Shiva. Kheerganga’s history is rich and has profound religious significance both to Hindus and Sikhs. According to popular local folklore, after losing the great race against Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikey decided to seclude himself and meditate in these hills. Thousands of years passed, but all attempts to reach Lord Kartikey failed, so Lord Shiva decided to take on the task himself, forming a stream of kheer (rice pudding) to bring Lord Kartikey back. This trek offers a great opportunity to explore the local people and their cuisines. The camping site of this trek provides a majestic view of the great snow-capped peaks. While trekking amidst Barshini, trekkers can witness the beautiful Parvati River that gorges from Barshaini and also flows adjacent to the village.

The Kheerganga Trek is a popular trekking destination located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It offers stunning natural beauty, hot springs, and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. Here are the main highlights of the Kheerganga Trek:

• Scenic Beauty: The trek takes you through breathtaking landscapes with lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The trail is adorned with colorful flowers, making it a visual delight.
• Kheerganga Hot Springs: The highlight of the trek is reaching the natural hot water springs at Kheerganga. The hot springs are believed to have medicinal properties and are perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Taking a dip in these hot springs is a unique experience amidst the serene mountains.
• Serene Campsites: Along the trail, you will come across beautiful camping spots surrounded by towering mountains. Spending a night under the starry sky and waking up to the peaceful ambiance of the mountains is a memorable experience.
• Challenging Trekking Trail: The Kheerganga Trek is of moderate difficulty level, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The trail involves steep climbs, narrow paths, and river crossings, offering a thrilling adventure amidst nature.
• Parvati Valley Views: As you ascend, you will witness stunning views of the Parvati Valley. The valley is known for its picturesque villages, terraced fields, and the gushing Parvati River flowing through it. The views from the higher altitudes are truly awe-inspiring.
• Camping and Bonfire: Camping at Kheerganga is a highlight in itself. After a day of trekking, setting up tents, sitting around a bonfire, and sharing stories with fellow trekkers create a sense of camaraderie and add to the overall experience.
• Trekking through Villages: The trek also offers an opportunity to pass through traditional Himachali villages, where you can interact with the locals, experience their culture, and get a glimpse of their lifestyle.

Why Is This Place Called Kheerganga Trek?

It is believed that after losing race to Ganesha Lord Shiva’s son “Kartikeya” came here and meditated for thousands of year. Then to bring him back, Lord Shiva tried to tempt Kartikeya by forming a stream of Kheer (rice pudding).

The journey from Kasol to Kheerganga is a pleasing one that gives you a chance to go through the splendid Himalayan trails and also the lifestyle and culture of people living in villages. The Kheerganga trek starts from Kasol which is a famous tourist destination in Pin Parvati valley. Ahead it gives you the opportunity to explore nature at its best with the views of lofty peaks looming in the background.

Why kheerganga trek should be your this years summer trek?

Kheerganga is a low-altitude mountain brimming with scenic vistas and local legends. Owning to its easy trekking level, this trek is a popular and ideal choice for many families, individuals and school tours.TheKheerganga trek starts in Kasol, a well-known tourist destination in the Pin Parvati valley. Trekkers will be able to explore nature at its best, with views of lofty peaks looming in the background.

The trail takes individuals through the picturesque villages of Nakhtan and Rudra Nag, which are also the ideal resting and discovering spots. Trekkers can learn about the local people and culture of Himachal Pradesh through these stopping points. The terrain remains a gentle incline and decline through its trail. As soon as trekkers arrive in Kheerganga, they can go straight to the ParvatiKund, or natural hot water springs, which are particularly appealing in the winter.

Summers in this trail are generally filled with greenry, whereas winters experience a gradual drop in temperature allowing nearby places to get completely covered under a blanket of snow. Trekker’s can extend their experience by visiting some nearby locations of Tosh and Malan.

Why to choose Kheerganga Trek?

Before heading towards the itinerary, it is really essential to perceive the reason behind choosing Kheerganga trek.

See firstly, the trekking distance is a total on foot 10 km which is to be covered into 2 days.

Kheerganga trek is a low altitude mountain trek in himachal, Altitudes is 3500 Meters

The Starting trail is easy as compare to other treks this is easy trek. So this trek is best for family and beginners, school tour , weekend trek

You got to see so many heavenly bodies at one place like the panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges, you can see pine forests, different variety of flora and fauna surpassing through bona fide Himachali culture.

I think Do spare time in Interaction with our local’s team, and you will get to know about some of the ancient tales of Indian mythology and our local cultures, this is good ideas for trekkers

Beautiful landscapes so carry proper photo gear & Extra battery backup.

The backpack should not exceed 6 kg only

The altitude covered in Kheerganga trek 

Kasol-1580 m

Barshaini- 2000 m

Rudra Nag-2700 m

Kheerganga-3500 m

Best Time to Visit  Kheerganga Trek

Kheerganga is a journey that can be done at any time of year, but the summers are regarded as peak season, attracting a significant number of visitors from all around the country. This trek is the first choice of those seeking for a simple and doable summer trek.

The monsoon season is widely regarded as the most unfavourable season of the year. Due to the obvious dreary weather and the possibility of landslides, the site is highly unpredictable, and trekkers should avoid visiting during the rainy season. Winters are generally covered in snow from December to February; trekking conditions during these months are not promising, hence winter treks should be avoided.

In March, April, May, and June, visitors can see beautiful trails and green forests with flowing streams. Hikers should definitely attend the summer fairs and music festivals that take place during this time of year because they are an adventure in and of themselves. The views of many snowcapped peaks from the endpoint might also assist trekkers in bookmarking their new adventure.

  What should you keep in mind for the  kheerganga trek?

kheerganga trek is as good as it is said, you also need to be prepared., kheerganga trek is a  Easy or moderate trek which starts from Kasol village and ends after trek same point Kasol ,

So what are the special things to keep in mind before coming on this trek?

kheerganga trek is one such trek, which you can trek all 12 months

Winter Season

• In kheerganga Winter Trek, you will need warm clothes a lot, for which you will need proper good uniform clothes
• Winters are always cold, so only warm clothes can keep you safe on trek
• Always take the information from the company with which you are booking the trek before going on the trek, what do we need to bring
• In the winter season, the temperature always drops day by day , so warm clothes will help you a lot.

Summer Season

• Summer trek to kheerganga trek is very special, the view and the temperature are all favorable to you
• For summer trek, you have to bring only normal clothes, so that your trek can be good, there is no need for hot clothes, but in hiking it is also necessary to bring all the equipment which is necessary for you.
• It is necessary to have 2 pairs of clothes from trekking, especially the poncho, you will have to bring every season
• In the summer season, the temperature is always normal, so there is no need for hot clothes.

  Monsoon Season

• During the monsoon season, it rains occasionally during the kheerganga trek, especially in the Himachal , so if you have dry clothes here, it is very good, even when wet, it dries quickly.
• At this time you have to bring at least 2 pairs of clothes, for monsoon trek you do not have to bring too warm clothes, at this time you, hiking pants and t-Sart, I can trek
• It’s only a little cold in the morning and evening and the day is a good temperature for you
• Before going on any trek, it will be easy for you to take information related to each season.
• Trekkers need to know about these, you can ask us anytime like, kheerganga trek route, trek map, temperature, weather condition, difficulty level, trek starting point, end point, transport, view of the trek, best time to visit, How to reach, trek distance etc, Trek Location, keep this information before going

Key Points of Kheerganga Trek

Duration: 01 nights 2 Days from Kasol to Kasol

Best Season: – all years

Level:   Easy- Moderate

Highest Point:  (3500 Meters)

Trekking distance – 24 km)

Weather:  Nights are cold and days are pleasant during the season .

Winter temperature:   -3°C to -5°C) (-5°C to -10°C)

Summer temperature:  5°C to 12°C)

Starting Point:  Kasol

Short Itinerary of Kheerganga trek 

Day 1 – Drive from Kasol to Barshaini by Taxi Same day Trek to – Rudra Nag and Kheerganga overnight stay camp

Day 2 – After breakfast from Kheerganga – Rudra Nag – Barshaini Same day Drive to Kasol

end our service here

Is it safe?

Set amidst popular destinations, the Kheerganga trek is indeed very safe. All our professionals strive their best to provide trekkers with the best experience possible.

Difficulty level

Despite the fact that the top is relatively low in elevation, we recommend regulated physical fitness. All groups will be guided by our pros for trekking equipment and any impending terrain during the course.

We strongly urge beginner trekkers to attempt the Kheerganga due to its modest difficulty.

Weather conditions

The weather conditions depend on the time of the year trekkers are traveling. Months from March to June experience moderately good temperatures during the day with substantially colder nights.

Monsoons remain cascaded under heavy rainfall while winters offer snow-covered tracks.

During the day the temperature of Kheerganga trek is around Winter temperature is  -3°C to -5 °C  and during the night the temperature comes down to -5 °C  to -15 °C  which is not bad.

Things to carry

1) Because nights at elevations tend to be considerably colder, we suggest having well-graded, warm and comfortable clothing along with good-quality shoes.

2) Despite the fact that we handle medical crises, we urge individuals to keep their emergency kits at hand in any case of personal underlying illnesses.

3) Since the journey provides you with a picturesque view, don’t forget to bring your camera along with extra batteries.

4) All the trekking gears will be provided by our teams, hence we recommend carrying only the important luggage with essentials.

Connectivity and Transactions

1) Because connectivity along the route is unpredictable, we urge people to do all of their work ahead of time.

2) Trekkers will be provided with walkie- talkies beforehand in case of emergency.

3) The last ATM transactions available will be at Kasol, but we recommend that travellers collect cash beforehand or while in Kasol as the ATM available at other places might not dispense cash at times.

How to Reach Kasol for Kheerganga Trek?

Kasol is a small village in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, situated in the Parvati Valley, on the way from Bhuntar airport to Manikaran, on the banks of the Parvati River. which is a very popular place

Kasol Village With tourists coming from all corners of the country and the world, Kasol has been a personal favorite of hundreds of trekkers and hipsters. If you are planning a trekking trip from Kasol, then you must definitely know how to reach Kasol. Reaching Kasol Village is not a problem, it is very easy as it enjoys excellent connectivity with many neighboring states through various modes of transport.

Air travel details

The nearest airport to Kasol Village is Kullu Manali Airport which is also known as Bhuntar Airport in Kullu District. Daily flights connect the airport with the capital of the country, Delhi. Delhi is the only airport for you here, from where there is a direct flight, Kasol is just 31 km from Bhuntar airport, from where you can come comfortably by taxi and it will take you about 1 hour to reach Kasol. . Looking for Delhi to Kasol flight? For tourists coming from other countries, you can take a flight to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. From there, you can either opt for Bus, Cab 531 kms with a journey of 10 hrs) or you can take another flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Bhuntar

How to reach by road Kasol?

To reach Kasol from different cities in India, here are the general transportation options available:

• By Road: Kasol is approximately 520 kilometers away from Delhi. You can take a bus or drive by car. There are overnight buses available from Delhi to Bhuntar, from where you can take a local bus or taxi to reach Kasol.
• By Train: There is no direct train connectivity to Kasol. You can take a train from Delhi to Pathankot or Chandigarh, and then continue by road via taxi or bus.
• By Air: The nearest airport to Kasol is Bhuntar Airport in Kullu, which is around 31 kilometers away. You can take a flight from Delhi to Bhuntar and then proceed to Kasol by taxi or bus.
• By Road: Kasol is approximately 1,920 kilometers away from Mumbai. You can take a bus or drive by car. Several buses operate from Mumbai to Bhuntar, from where you can take a local bus or taxi to reach Kasol.
• By Train: There is no direct train connectivity to Kasol from Mumbai. You can take a train from Mumbai to Delhi, Chandigarh, or Pathankot, and then continue the journey by road via taxi or bus.
• By Air: You can take a flight from Mumbai to Bhuntar Airport in Kullu. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Kasol.
• By Road: Kasol is approximately 1,700 kilometers away from Kolkata. You can take a bus or drive by car. There are no direct buses available, so you may have to break the journey at Delhi or Chandigarh.
• By Train: You can take a train from Kolkata to Delhi or Chandigarh, and then continue the journey by road via taxi or bus.
• By Air: The most convenient option is to take a flight from Kolkata to Delhi or Chandigarh. From there, you can proceed to Kasol by road.
• By Road: Kasol is approximately 2,360 kilometers away from Bangalore. You can take a bus or drive by car. Several buses operate from Bangalore to Bhuntar, from where you can take a local bus or taxi to reach Kasol.
• By Train: There is no direct train connectivity to Kasol from Bangalore. You can take a train from Bangalore to Delhi or Chandigarh, and then continue the journey by road via taxi or bus.
• By Air: You can take a flight from Bangalore to Bhuntar Airport in Kullu. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Kasol.
• By Road: Kasol is approximately 1,780 kilometers away from Pune. You can take a bus or drive by car. There are no direct buses available, so you may have to break the journey at Delhi or Chandigarh.
• By Train: You can take a train from Pune to Delhi or Chandigarh, and then continue the journey by road via taxi or bus.
• By Air: The most convenient option is to take a flight from Pune to Delhi or Chandigarh. From there, you can proceed to Kasol by road.
• By Road: Kasol is approximately 740 kilometers away from Jaipur. You can take a bus or drive by car. There are no direct buses available, so you may have to break the journey at Delhi or Chandigarh.

By Road – Haryana to kasol distance is – 521 kms

Day 1: Kasol to Barshaini – Rudra Nag-via Kalga village and Kheerganga

The magical Kheerganga trek starts from the famous trekking destination “Kasol” which is a small village located on the bank of Parvati River. The vehicle will be arranged from here and then it move towards Barshaini which is the confluence of Tosh and Parvati Rivers.

Today witness nature at its best in Himachal Pradesh. Go through the picturesque landscape offering scenic vistas, cross some wooden bridges on the trail. Now, one after another the cascading waterfalls welcome you.

Reach Rudra Nag, a serpent-shaped waterfall in Parvati Valley which attracts many tourists because of its unique shape. Stop here for some time admiring its formation then move ahead.

After a long 12 km hike along Parvati River explore the Kalga and Pulga villages and know about their lifestyle.

The route from Kasol to Barshaini, Rudra Nag, and Kheerganga offers a scenic and adventurous journey in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Here’s what you can expect:

• Kasol to Barshaini: Barshaini is the starting point for both Rudra Nag and Kheerganga treks. It is approximately a 16-kilometer drive from Kasol. The road journey takes you through the beautiful Parvati Valley, offering views of lush green mountains, gushing Parvati River, and charming villages along the way.
• Barshaini: Upon reaching Barshaini, you will find a small village nestled amidst the mountains. This is where the road ends, and the trekking trail begins. Take some time to rest, fuel up, and gather your essentials before commencing the trek.
• Rudra Nag: From Barshaini, you can trek to Rudra Nag, which is a natural waterfall. The trek to Rudra Nag is approximately 3 kilometers long and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace. The trail is scenic, passing through dense forests and crossing a wooden bridge over the Parvati River. Once you reach Rudra Nag, you can witness the mesmerizing waterfall surrounded by rocks and greenery.
• Kheerganga: After visiting Rudra Nag, you can continue your trek to Kheerganga. The distance from Rudra Nag to Kheerganga is around 7 kilometers, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete. The trail gradually ascends through pine forests, meadows, and picturesque landscapes. You’ll come across charming villages like Nakthan and Kalga along the way. As you approach Kheerganga, the trail becomes steeper, but the breathtaking views make it all worthwhile.
• Kheerganga View: Upon reaching Kheerganga, you’ll be greeted by the stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and the Parvati Valley. Kheerganga is famous for its natural hot water springs, which are believed to have healing properties. You can take a dip in the hot springs, relax, and enjoy the serene surroundings. The sunset and sunrise views from Kheerganga are particularly captivating.
• Camping at Kheerganga: Kheerganga offers camping facilities, and spending a night in the midst of the mountains is an incredible experience. You can set up your tent, enjoy a bonfire, and stargaze in the clear night sky.

Day 2: Return from Kheerganga – Rudra Nag – Barshaini to Kasol

To return from Kheerganga to Kasol, you will follow the same route in reverse. Here’s how you can make your way back:

• Kheerganga to Barshaini: Start your descent from Kheerganga back to Barshaini. The trek downhill is relatively easier and takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace. Enjoy the scenic views and take breaks as needed along the way.
• Barshaini to Rudra Nag: Once you reach Barshaini, you can choose to visit Rudra Nag again if you wish. It’s a 3-kilometer trek from Barshaini to Rudra Nag, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Spend some time at the waterfall and soak in the natural beauty before proceeding further.
• Barshaini to Kasol: From Barshaini, you can hire a local taxi or catch a shared cab to Kasol. The drive back to Kasol takes around 30 to 45 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 16 kilometers.

Alternatively, if you prefer to trek the entire way back to Kasol, you can take the following route:

• From Barshaini, trek towards Tosh village, which is about 4 kilometers away. The trail will take you through scenic landscapes and charming villages.
• From Tosh, continue the descent towards Kasol, which is approximately 7 kilometers away. The trail passes through lush green forests and offers beautiful views of the Parvati Valley.
• The trek from Tosh to Kasol can take around 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace.

Once you reach Kasol, you can relax, unwind, and explore the vibrant town known for its hippie culture, cafes, and riverside views.

Remember to plan your return journey accordingly, considering the time required for the trek, weather conditions, and transportation availability from Barshaini to Kasol.

Mandatory Documents

Please carry the documents given below.

Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Aadhar Card, Driving License, Voters ID, etc, Passport and Visa important to foreigners Medical Certificate (First part should be filled by the Doctor and Second part by the Trekker) Declaration Certificates

Note: –   Many trekkers commit the same mistake of carrying unnecessary items on a trek which only makes the backpack heavy. It is important to know the right items to carry. It differs from season to season if you are trekking in summers then carry less layers of warm clothing and if you are trekking in winters carry enough layers to protect yourself against chilly cold.

Necessary Items for trekkers

Backpack (50 to 60 liters) A strongly built backpack with good support is compulsory for a trek. (Rain cover is important)

Sturdy Trekking Shoes The shoes should be strong enough with good support. The people ask if sports shoes would be comfortable but it is good to bring the right trekking shoes.

The Clothes You Should Bring On a Trek Avoid keeping extra clothes because it only makes you backpack heavy.

Trek Pants – The jeans are never suitable for a trek so you need at least 2-3 trek pants for treks carry more for longer treks.

Jacket – Jackets are very important to carry on a trek it protects you against the chilly weather. So carry 2 jackets on a week long trek.

Layers of warm Clothing  Carry warm woolen layers or fleece. Carry more layers during winter season (at least 2 to 3) and less during summer.

Thermals – The Temperature decreases at night so you might be need thermals for Night.

T- Shirts – Bring those t shirts which dry fast.

Poncho –They are needed if you are trekking on a Rainy day to keep you dry.

Hiking Pole

Water Bottle 2

Cap or Balaclava

Woolen and Waterproof Gloves

Socks (Woolen and Regular)

Torch head light

Personal Toiletry Items –  (toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, sanitizer etc.)

Carry Personal Medical Kit

Personal Medical Kit (Carry minimum 5 tablets and maximum 10)

Diamox – (Prevents altitude sickness)

Digene – (It cures discomfort in stomach, acidity)

Crocin Advance – (Cures fever and headache)

Aspirin/Combiflam – (Pain reliever)

Disprin – (Cures headache)

Avomine – (Prevents motion sickness)

Avil – (It treat allergies)

Norflox TZ & Lomofen – (Prevents Diarrhoea)

Ranitidine – (Reduces the amount of acid in stomach)

Volini/Moov spray – (For sprains)

Betadine/Savlon – (Antiseptic cream)

Stretchable/Elastic bandage

Note:- Use medicines only when prescribed by the doctor. In case you face any problem during your trek, discuss and take advice from the Professional guide.

Sorry! Here are no Available dates right now. For Any Queries you can Email us with [email protected] and Call Us +91 9756197558

What is Included In This Trek?

Forest Permit and entrance fee

Accommodation in tents on twin share basis

All meals: breakfast, packed lunch, tea, coffee, snacks, soup and dinner

(All camping gears)

High quality tents

Sleeping bags

Separate Toilet tents – Ladies and Gents

Dining Tent

Dining Table

Kitchen team

Radio Walkie Talkie for Communication

Good Experience Trek Leader guide and Technical guide

Medical Kit

Oxygen Cylinders

Crampons and Gaiters

What is Not Include In This Trek?

Personal Insurance

Medical Certificate

Personal toiletry Items and Personal Medicine kit

On first day En Route to base camp the Breakfast and Lunch are Not Included

Last Day En Route Lunch and Dinner are Not Included

Transport Facility

1 review for Kheerganga Trek

Praveen – October 8, 2021

Great trek experience! It was not as easy as most tour operators make it seem. It’s a 5 hr trek through treacherous winding roads overlooking deep valleys (safe if you are prepared definitely not so for kids/ adults under any stress) Come prepared with energy bars and juices to keep hydrated. The views on route are stunning! Wouldn’t recommend coming down the same day because of the physical excersion involved!

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Kheerganga Trek – A COMPLETE Travel Guide & Safety Tips

Kheerganga trek is one of the names that always come up when you talk about trekking in India at a beginner level. It is the most recommended one among all the treks in Parvati valley and takes you through some amazing scenery. It needs neither too much time nor any prior trekking experience which makes it perfect for any beginner trekker or a backpacker.

If you were planning a trip to Kheerganga, in this travel guide, I will explain the different trek routes you can take, places you can stay at and how much will it cost you approximately. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to add or ask them in the comments section below.

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About Kheerganga

Kheerganga is basically a meadow, perched at an altitude of 2960 meters (9711 ft). It is in the area that is part of the larger Great Himalayan National Park . There are two things that make it so famous. First is its beautiful setting at the top of a mountain. But more than that, it is known for its hot water spring which is also where it gets its name from.

Initially, Kheerganga was actually a pit stop on the way to Pin Parvati Pass trek . As the tourism in Parvati Valley grew, it eventually turned into a short trekking destination in itself. The easy accessibility, short duration, moderate climb, natural beauty, and the overall hippie culture in Parvati Valley is what contributed to the popularity of Kheerganga Trek.

Other than being a favored trekking destination, the place also has its significance in Hindu mythology (covered later in the article).

Kheerganga Trek Overview

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Duration: 2 Days
• Maximum Altitude: 2960 meters at Kheerganga
• Starting Point: Kasol / Barshaini
• Best time to Visit: April to June, September, and October
• Total Trekking Distance: 12 kilometers one way
• Budget: Rs. 2000 – 3000 (depending on the itinerary)

How to reach Kheerganga Trek

To reach Kheerganga, you will first have to reach Kasol by either your own vehicle or public transport. From Kasol, you will then drive to Barshaini and start your trek from there.

The easy accessibility and year-round connectivity of the region is one of the factors that attracts trekkers and backpackers to Kheerganga. Kasol is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Himachal and getting here will not be a problem at all. It remains connected by road for all 12 months and public transport is available on regular basis.

How to reach Kheerganga from Delhi

Let me first talk about the route you will take if you were traveling by your own car or motorcycle. I will assume Delhi as the starting point but even if you were coming from a different city, the majority of the details below will still apply.

Delhi – Panipat – Chandigarh – Rupnagar – Swarghat – Sundar Nagar – Mandi – Bhuntar – Kasol – Barshaini

Until Bhuntar you will follow the Chandigarh Manali highway. A little out of Bhuntar, you will continue straight towards Seound and Kaol rather than turning left towards Manali.

The total distance traveled will be about 510 kilometers in 12-14 hours. An early start from Delhi is strongly recommended so that you are able to reach Kasol well in time. Rest for the night and drive to Barshaini the next morning from where you will trek up to Kheerganga. More details on this to follow.

There is a regular bus service available on the Manali route from all major cities nearby. HRTC and HPTDC have daily buses that you can board or can even opt for a luxury bus by private tour companies. Your first destination will be Bhuntar. Board the Bus for Manali and get down at Bhunntar.

From the Bhuntar bus stand, look for a bus going to Manikaran. These are available on an hourly basis and pass through Kasol. The fare is about Rs. 30 per person.

The nearest airport to Kheerganga is in Bhuntar, also known as Kullu Manali Airport. The problem however is that flights to this airport are very limited and often canceled. It will also cost you more. Hence, a better option is to book a flight to Chandigarh and travel to Kasol from there.

The nearest railway station to Kheerganga is in Joginder Nagar, at a distance of 125 kilometers. This one however is a narrow-gauge track and connected with Pathankot with a Toy train (like Shimla Kalka toy train ). The next nearest major railhead is in Chandigarh which is also a better option. Finding a train to Chandigarh will be much easier and simpler.

How to reach Kheerganga from Chandigarh

After you have arrived in Chandigarh by either flight or train, you can find a taxi for Kasol from the railway station or the airport itself. It will cost you anywhere between Rs. 4000 to 6000 depending on the type of car you chose.

If not a taxi, you can also travel to the Chandigarh bus stand and find a bus for Bhuntar from there. At Bhuntar, you will then change buses and find another for Kasol.

Kheerganga Trek Itinerary

After you have arrived in Kasol, below is an example of an itinerary that you can follow. It also covers a couple of other tourist places in Parvati Valley but if you were short on time, you can remove those days.

Day 1 – Kasol

This will be the day you reach Kasol. You can look for accommodation in either Kasol or Chalal. If you were on a tight budget or looking for a less crowded place, Chalal will be a better choice. It is only a short distance from Kasol and you can easily cover it on foot.

Also Read:  Weekend Trip to Kasol – How to Plan your Itinerary

Day 2 – Kasol to Kheerganga

Stay at either of these places for a night and start early the next day for Kheerganga. I will strongly recommend starting as early as 6 or 7 AM, by the first light of the day. The total trekking distance will be around 11 kilometers and you will need around 5-6 hours to cover it. Starting early will ensure that you reached Kheerganga in time and had the entire evening to explore the place and enjoy yourself.

Starting towards mid of the day is not recommended at all. It means that you are risking nightfall while you were still on the trek. If the clock showed anytime past 11 AM, it is best to stay in Kasol for the night and attempt Kheerganga the next day.

Kasol to Barshaini

Your first destination will be Barshaini, the starting point of the trek. Irrespective of how you reached Kasol, you should look for a bus or shared cab for Barshaini or a private taxi if you were in a large group. If you arrived in your own car or bike, I will recommend leaving it parked at the hotel in Kasol.

Also Read:  Best Time to Visit Malana – When to Visit Malana and Kasol

Barshaini to Kheerganga

There are two routes that you can take to reach Kheerganga. The first route goes via Nakthan Village and the second via Kalga Village.

Shortly after you cross Barshaini, you will come across a bridge which will decide which route you were going to take. After the bridge, if you turned left, you will go via Nakthan Village. If you turned right you will go via Kalga.

Via Nakthan

The route via Nakthan is the most popular one, is shorter and this is what the majority of the trekkers choose. This is however also the more difficult route of the two. The trail climbs up at a gradual pace at first and then becomes really steep before easing out again.

A few kilometers after Nakthan Village, you will arrive at the famous Rudranag Temple. It is best known for its beautiful waterfall which is also one of the reasons why people prefer this route. There are also two big cafes here which serve full meals as well as home stays. I did not notice it but I think Rudranag has a Dharamshala as well, set up for the pilgrims.

Take a break, relax, and start walking again. A little after Rudranag, you will arrive at a bridge on River Parvati. After crossing this bridge, the steep uphill climb begins which will leave you gasping for breath, especially if this was your first time on a trek. There is a dhaba near the bridge if you want to rest for a while before starting on the difficult climb.

At this point, the second trail from Barshaini via Kalga merges with the one from Nakthan. From here on, it is just one trail all the way to Kheerganga.

Since it is the more popular route, the entire trail via Nakthan is very well marked and you will have no problem navigating your way.

The route through Kalga village is a little longer but easier. The uphill climb is not that difficult on this trail and the climb is gradual. Because of this reason, a lot of people will prefer to climb from Kalga and return via Nakthan.

A short walk after crossing the bridge from Barshanini, you will arrive in the village of Kalga. Who chooses this route? It is mostly people who are interested in getting some hash brownies. Yes, they serve them here in many cafes in the village. Just ask around. Word of advise though, even if you did get some brownies, do not eat them here in the village since you have an entire trek ahead of you. You do not want to walk this path while you were high.

After Kalga, you will walk through a large grassland before entering the forest again. You will cross a small stream of water and the trail will start picking up altitude after this.

About 2 hours from Kalga village, you will reach the bridge on the Parvati River. This is the same one after Rudranag that I described in the Nakthan route. If you want to see the temple and the waterfall, you will have to cross the bridge and get on the other side of the river.

This is where the two trails will merge.

If you want to go back on the Nakthan trail from Kalga, you can also do so in the village itself. Once you reach Kalga Village, you will notice an Om Shanti Guesthouse and Cafe. If you turned left from here, you will reach back on the trail from Nakthan.

Also Read:  Best Time to Visit Tosh | Best Time to visit Kasol and Tosh

Kheerganga Trek from Tosh

There also exists a third route to Kheerganga from Tosh Village. This trail is used by tourists who stay in Tosh for the night and want to reach Kheerganga the next morning. It merges with the one from Nakthan and the only difference is the path you take from Tosh.

If you want to reach Tosh, you can do that as well from Barshaini. About half a kilometer out of the village, you will come across a point where the road starts going uphill. This is the one that will take you to Tosh.

All of the above three trails will finally merge into one after Rudranag temple and after that, it is just one trail to the top. On the way uphill, you will find many cafes during the first half of the trek. Shalom cafe is probably the most famous one. After a while of trekking, you start seeing a lot of tents and cafes.

Congratulations, you have completed the ascent of the trek and have arrived at Kheerganga.

Also Read:  Parvati Valley Trip Itinerary – The Best Way to Plan your Trip

Accommodation at Kheerganga

Camping is the only choice of accommodation available at Kheerganga. You will have to carry your own camping gear though and can pitch your own tent at a suitable place in the meadow.

Earlier there were a lot of chadar tents and dhabas that were providing accommodation but were removed by the government in 2018 because of the littering problem. Some locals even put up bricked and cemented structures at Kheerganga, imagine that. These were all later ordered to be removed in order to preserve the ecology of the place.

But as it always happens with most places, not all structures were completely removed. If you find such dhabas still there at the time of your arrival, you can stay with them. Or else you will have to pitch your own tent.

If you were in no mood to camp on your own and could not find any form of accommodation, you will have to trek down to Rudranag temple and can stay there.

There is also a place called Ashram at Kheerganga, maintained by the Sadhus and Pandits. They offer a place to sleep for the night or as low as Rs. 200, including meals (daal, chawal, roti). You can also fill your water bottle from the natural water spring in Ashram and avoid buying packaged water at twice the MRP.

Also Read:  Best Time to visit Manali – When to go to Manali

Things to do at Kheerganga

Take a dip in the water, enjoy natural beauty, and have a fun evening. That is all there to do at Kheerganga. It is a tourist attraction itself in Parvati Valley. A fun evening, the adventure of trekking, some great views, camping experience, enjoying a bath in naturally warm water in an amazing setting; this is what Kheerganga is all about.

Day 3 – Kheerganga to Tosh / Kasol

How you plan this day is completely up to you. If you were short on time, you can go straight back to Kasol via Barshaini and return home. If you had a couple of days more in hand, I will highly recommend spending some time in Parvati Valley.

After you walk back down to Barshanini from Khherganga, rather than going back to Kasol, you can go to Tosh and spend a day there. Or you do not even have to come back to Barshaini even. You can take the Tosh Kheerganga trail from Nakthan itself. For more details, please read How to Plan a Trip to Tosh .

Day 4 – Malana Village

This will be another optional day. There is a motorable road all the way to Tosh. So on this day, drive down from Tosh to Malana gate and then trek to Malana village. This is probably one of the most mysterious villages in all of Himachal and you cannot miss visiting here if you were in the region. For more details, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Malana .

Cover the village during the day and return to Kasol by evening as you cannot stay overnight in Malana.

Day 5 – Kasol to Delhi

On the fifth day, you will return to Delhi from Kasol via the same route that you took to get there.

Mythology of Kheerganga

As per the legend, the place is named such because Goddess Parvati once cooked ‘kheer’ for her son Kartikeya in the hot water spring here. It is said that Kartikeya resided at this place and meditated here for years. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati would frequently visit him and once, out of love for her son, she decided to cook him a bowl of Kheer (rice pudding). She used the hot water of the spring and this is why it is believed to be milkish white in color.

Another legend states that Shiv and Parvati once asked Ganesha and Kartikeya to travel around the world. Lord Ganesha insisted that his parents were his entire world and walked around Shiva and Parvati in a circle. Kartikeya on the other hand embarked upon a journey around the entire world. When he returned after some time, he found Lord Ganesha enjoying the benefits of being the favored son.

This infuriated Kartikeya and he felt cheated. Out of anger, he moved to Kheerganga and started living here. Goddess Parvati came here to appease her upset son and cooked kheer for him.

A third legend states that the kheer appeared on its own and out of nowhere. That is how it was named as ‘Kheer ki Ganga’. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati realized that in Kalyug, it will become the source of fighting among. Hence they asked Lord Parshuram to remove the kheer out of the water. After Lord Parshuram was done, only hot boiling water remained and kheer was gone.

The waters of Kheerganga are also said to be rich in minerals and to have medicinal properties. It is said that taking a dip here can help cure several illnesses.

Clothes to Carry for Kheerganga Trek

If you visit Kheerganga during summers, you will experience pleasant weather. It will neither be too cold nor too warm, so carry plenty of your regular cottons and keep a sweater/jacket handy.

But things can get freezing cold if you visit around November – February. You may even experience snowfall here. Like in the pictures above, you can clearly see us wearing 4+ layers of warm clothes by decathlon. We were still shivering while sleeping. So bring along a very warm and windproof pair of jackets.

If you were trekking during the monsoons season, bring clothes that can dry faster. You will also have to bring proper rain gear because sometimes it can rain here non-stop. Trekking for 6 hours with the water beating down on your head is not something that you will enjoy. You must bring a poncho.

Good trekking shoes with a sold grip are a must. If you were going in winter when you will have to walk in the snow, you will need boots that can keep the snow and the wet out.

Also Read:  Bike Trip to Chitkul in Winter – Delhi to Chitkul Bike Trip

Mobile Network at Kheerganga

There is no reception at Kheerganga. BSNL has the widest coverage in all of Himachal but even it does not work at Kheerganga. There will be a network in Barshaini, Kalga, and Tosh. But you will lose connectivity shortly after you move out of Barshaini. If you were on a BSNL postpaid , you may get some intermittent connection on the trail and it may even work at Kheerganga in short durations. It will be best to call your folks before you start the trek and let them know of your well being.

Best time to visit Kheerganga

The best time to visit Kheerganga is from March to June, September, and October. This is the time when the trek is safest and the weather is pleasant. But you can actually attempt it at any time as per your own convenience. For more details, please read When is the Best time to visit Kheergagna Trek .

Kheerganga Weekend Trek

If you were short on time, then you do not have to stay in Kasol or anywhere in Parvati Valley. For example, let us say you want to plan the trek over a weekend from Delhi. Catch an overnight HRTC Volvo from ISBT Kashmere Gate on Friday evening. It will drop you at Bhuntar the next morning between 6 to 7 AM.

From Bhuntar, there are regular buses available for Barshani. It will take about 2 hours from Bhuntar which will put you at Barshaini by 10 AM at the latest. This will give you enough time to complete the trek the same day.

Reach Kheergagna and stay there for Saturday night. On Sunday, come back down to Barshani and catch a bus for Bhuntar. From Bhuntar find a bus for Manali and reach back home by late night or early morning.

Kheerganga Trip Cost (Approximate)

• Volvo Tickets to and from Delhi – Rs. 2500
• Bhuntar to Barshaini Bus – Rs. 200 (Total both ways)
• Stay at Kheerganga or any other Village – Rs 500 per day
• Food – Rs. 500 per day

Food on Kheerganga Trek

There are several eateries and dhabas on the way and you will easily find water and food at these places. Expect the price to be steep as food in Kheerganga is a little expensive.

It is recommended to carry your own water bottle. There are waterfalls and dhabas on the way where you can fill the water. At Kheerganga, you can either buy packaged water from the dhabas or fill your own bottle from the natural spring in Ashram.

Tips for Kheerganga Treks

Below are some important tips that can be of help while visiting Kheerganga.

• Do not litter. This is definitely the most important rule that you must follow. Bring your plastic bags or any other trash back with you and dispose of it wisely.
• Lack of oxygen or altitude sickness will not be a problem but if you were feeling short on breath and started to feel unwell with gain in height, it would be best to give up the plan and return to Barshaini.
• Consuming alcohol is strictly prohibited at Kheerganga but some cafe owners won’t mind you drinking in their establishment.
• If you were trekking in monsoon, or when the snow had started to melt, you will find the trail to be very slippery. Practice extra caution.
• You can go to Kheerganga throughout the year but the situation gets a little bad during monsoon and in winters. It would be best to call ahead and inquire about the condition.
• While walking down, the entire body weight shifts to the front, increasing the chances of slipping and falling down. Walk carefully and do not rush.
• You won’t need a guide for Kheerganga as such but if you can afford one, then you should hire one. They can make your life very easy here; whether it is in terms of setting up the tent or guiding the way.
• You must hire a guide if you were trekking during the peak winter season.
• You don’t want to get caught with alcohol or cigarettes anywhere near the lake.
• Please make sure you maintain the dignity of the place.
• Food is expensive at Kheerganga so you may want to carry some light snacks and chocolates along.

FAQs on Kheerganga Trek

Below are some frequently asked questions about Kheerganga.

1. Where is Kheerganga trek?

Kheerganga trek is located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh.

2. Is Kheerganga Trek difficult?

Kheerganga is considered a beginner trek and its difficulty level is easy. With that being said, you will also have to be decently fit and be able to walk 5 to 6 kilometers without any problem. The trek is mild, especially in the beginning, and crosses through apple orchards.

Another trek like Kheerganga that you can attempt is the Triund Trek from Mcleodganj .

3. How to reach Kheerganga from Delhi by train?

The closest you can get to Kheerganga from Delhi by train is Chandigarh which is not beneficial at all. It will just complicate the journey. Hence, it will be better to travel by Bus.

4. How to reach Kheerganga from Mumbai?

The best way to reach Kheerganga from Mumbai is to board a train for Chandigarh and then catch a bus for Bhuntar from Chandigarh.

5. How to reach Kheerganga from Tosh?

There is a trail from Tosh that will bring you to Nakthan Village and will merge into the main Kheerganga trail there.

6. How to reach Kheerganga from Manali?

From Manali, board any bus going towards Chandigarh and get down at Bhuntar to change buses for Kasol. Or you can find a bus or shared cab from Manali itself for Kasol.

7. How long is Kheerganga trek?

Kheerganga is a 2 days trek. It will take you 5-6 hours to reach Kheerganga from Barshanini.

8. How to reach the starting point early in the morning?

It will be difficult to find a bus for Barshaini from Kasol early in the morning. Your best bet is to keep a taxi arranged or hitchhike.

9. Is there an ATM at Kheerganga?

No there is not. The last ATM is in Kasol.

10. How is Kheerganga Trek?

Kheerganga is a beautiful trail that offers you amazing views and a perfect trekking experience. Since its difficulty level is easy, you can attempt it even if you have no prior trekking experience.

11. Is Kheergagan Trek dangerous?

No, it is not as long as you stay on the main trail. Yes, there have been deaths on the trek but only when people tried something ‘adventurous’ or wandered off the main trail. There are a lot of short cuts on the route but these are really for the locals. These shortcuts are tricky and steep and as a tourist, you must avoid them.

12. Same Day Trek to Kheerganga

Yes, same day trek to Kheerganga and return is possible if you started from Barshaini by 6 AM.

Kheerganga Trek – Conclusion

I hope the information above on Kheerganga Trek was of help. If you have any questions or need any other details, please feel free to ask in the comments section below, or at our Community Forum , and I will be glad to answer.

Vargis.Khan

Not much to write about me really except for that I love to travel around whenever I can and to wherever I can. This blog is just a small attempt to share my travel experiences with the world. Hope you like it !!!

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Excellent and really helpful.

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A Guide to Kherganga Trek in Himachal Pradesh

Published on: 01/05/2024

Kheerganga Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in Himachal. During this trek, you will get to see huge mountains all around, hot water pools and fresh climate from nature will fascinate you. This trek is located in the Parvati valley. To go here, first you have to cross the 10 km trek of Kasol, then you will be able to enjoy the Kheerganga trek.

Let us tell you further in this article which is the best time to visit Kheerganga, convenient routes and accommodation options etc.

Best time for Kheerganga trek

Although the Parvati Valley looks extremely beautiful throughout the year, the best time to trek Kheerganga is between October and June. April, May are also good months for trekking. The average temperature in these months ranges from 15 degree to 25 degree Celsius. The trek becomes extremely slippery and risky during the rains, so people are not advised to go trekking during monsoons.

Trekking Route for Kheerganga

After Kasol the trek starts from Barshaini. To reach Kasol, first you have to cross Bhuntar.

To go to Bhuntar:

You can divide the journey to the beginning of the trek into two parts. The first of which will take you to Bhuntar. There is an airport in Bhuntar, Bhuntar is easily accessible by air, but if traveling by car or bus then it takes 14 hours to reach Bhuntar from Delhi.

Bhuntar to Barshain

In the second phase you will reach Barshaini from Bhuntar. You can take a bus ride to reach Barshaini. Although during this time you may face some trouble due to bumpy roads, believe me it will be equally fun. Apart from this, you can take the help of taxi. On the way to Barshaini, you can also stop to see the beauty of Kasol. Base camps are also present in some of the treks of Kasol.

There are two options to go for Kheerganga trek from Barshaini; You can either go to Tosh and Nakthan village or via Kalga village route.

Nakhtan Route

This route is considered to be the most popular route to Kheerganga. Most of the people go to Kheerganga by this route. While going on this route, you will find the Parvati river, as well as beautiful green valleys and huge mountains. It may take you around 3 to 4 hours on this trek.

Kalga Route

This trek is considered difficult as compared to other treks, so we recommend you to take a guide with you whenever you go through this trek. You will cross this path through dense forests. This route is mostly adopted by people with low stamina.

The route will also take you through the villages of Kalga and Pulga, where you can stay for a while and take beautiful pictures. With a proper pace, you can complete this route in 4 to 5. If you like to trek slowly, then your route will be completed in 5 to 6 hours.

Tosh Village:

Another way to reach Kheerganga is through Tosh village. Tosh is a small village situated in the middle of the Kheerganga trek where you can relax during the night time. Here you will get the facility of home stay, whose rent is only up to 200 or 300 rupees.

Food options near Kheerganga

Like most places in Himachal, Kheerganga also has a variety of cuisines and cafes to please the travelers. You will get to see the prices of food from low to high. The cuisines easily found at this place include Chinese, Israeli, Indian and local Himachali food.

These small dhabas and cafes are mostly seen selling hot beverages like tea, coffee and others. Hot-hot tea in hand and the view of nature, as if the proverb of 'succulent on gold' comes true.

Kheerganga Trekking Cost

The cost of a private taxi from Bhuntar to Barshaini is around ₹ 1200. Buses from Bhuntar to Barshaini cost Rs 150 to 500. There is also an option of sharing a taxi from Manikaran, which costs around Rs.200.

Accommodation:

Room rent per night in lodges and cottages is around ₹500. However, in the ashram of Kheerganga, you can also rent a shared room for as low as Rs. Apart from this, you can also set up your own tent for Rs 150.

Meals: ₹ 500 per day

This means that the Kheerganga trek will cost you only Rs 4000 to 5000 out of your pocket. So why not have a fun trip at low cost, so whenever you get a chance, definitely include Kheerganga trek in your travel list.

Your Comments and suggestions are presious for us. If you have anything you want to ask or share with us regarding this blog post or any other trekking experience. Feel free to coment below

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I have visited this place last year its really awesome trek.

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Kheerganga Trek – A Complete Travel Guide for Beginners

Kheerganga trek takes you along a journey to discover Parvati Valley and one of its many secrets. Nestled deep in Himachal Pradesh, the views on this trek are invigorating, slowing unveiling the depth of the terrain. Also, this trek gives you ample opportunities to explore the beautiful and unique culture of the region.

If you are a beginner trekker or a backpacker looking for a hike deeper in the Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh, a trek to Kheerganga makes perfect sense for an upcoming trip. It is one of the most recommended treks when traveling to Parvati Valley .

Let's quickly dive into the details:

Mythology of Kheerganga

An important destination for both Hindus and Sikhs, Kheerganga has a rich history. Let’s look at it in more detail before we dive into the travel guide.

Parvati and Kartikeya

Kartikeya, son of Shivji and Parvati, chose Kheerganga for his meditation and prayers. When his parents decided to visit him, Parvati wanted to cook for her son. Thanks to the presence of hot water springs in the region, legends have it that Parvati would cook rice pudding (Kheer) in this water itself. Hence, the greyish color and the milkfish complexion of the river is because of this!

If you are confused about picking up any destination for the upcoming trip, then check my article on planning a visit to offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh ?

Kalyug Story

In Satyug, Kheer appeared out of nowhere when Shivji and Parvati Ji visited this place. However, Parvati Ji asked Purushotam to convert the Kheer into the water, knowing that people of Kalyug (aka us!) would fight over it.

Gurunanak visiting Kheerganga

During Udasi, Guru Nanak Singh Ji came to Kheerganga to visit his staunch disciple – Bhai Mardana. During one such visit, Bhai Mardana was hungry but had no food available. Upon Guru Nanak Ji’s Bhai Mardana went to collect Aata (flour) from the Langar. But, there was no fire nearby to cook the chapatis.

Here, Guru Nanakji asked Mardana to remove a giant stone – and this is where a hot spring appeared. When Mardana dipped the Rotis into the spring, the Rotis sank. Upon the advice of Guru Nanak Ji, Mardana prayed to God for the Rotis to float back up, and when this happened, he pays it forward to feed other people as well. The Rotis did float back on to the surface, fully baked.

Thus, whoever donates in the name of God, with good intentions, will always have meaningful karma follow him as well.

Key Details about Kheerganga Trek

How to reach kheerganga trek.

The starting point for the trek to Kheerganga is Barshaini, which is easily connected by Kasol .

Dheeraj Sharma

The nearest airport to Kasol is the Kullu Manali Airport in Bhuntar. The flights to Bhuntar are pretty limited, and apart from the frequency, the reliability can be up for a toss as well. Here, taxis and buses are available for your onward journey. The next (safer, reliable) option is the Mohali Airport (Chandigarh), approximately 300+ KMs away

The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar railway station. You can hire a cab from here and you can reach Kasol in under 4 hours.

Obviously, the most convenient way to get into the Pavati Valley. Total driving time from Delhi to Kasol is about 12 hours, covering approximately 565 Kms. Take Tonnes of pit stops for an easy, memorable journey.

The roads to Kasol from Delhi is in good condition for the most part. All thanks to Parvati Valley being a famous place , especially amongst foreign tourists. The views are amazing, however, and compensates for the long road journey to Parvati Valley.

Many public transport buses leave ISBT, Delhi for an overnight journey to Bhuntar. Volvo/Mercedes buses will be available starting INR 1500. A bus from Chandigarh will take you around 8 hours.

From Bhuntar, you’ll need to change buses and catch the one heading to Manikaran and get off along the way at Kasol.

Taxis are available at all major stations (Airports, Railways, Bus Stops) – be prepared to haggle, especially if you’re getting off at the Railway Station. However, the best way to proceed with this would be to book a prepaid taxi service. Also, sharing cabs are available here.

Kheerganga Itinerary

The 13 km long trail from Barshaini to Kheerganga should take you around 4-6 hours, depending upon your fitness levels. Do not forget to refer the list of must-have things to carry on a trekking trip .

Day 0 – Reach Kasol

Reach Kasol by your preferred mode of transportation and enjoy the hippie scenes of the village. It is a cute little hamlet in Himachal , full of foreigners and has an innate charm that you cannot easily find anywhere else.

Day 1 – Reach Barshaini and Start your Kheerganga Trek

Leave early in the morning, but ensure the arrangements to reach Barshaini are done the day prior- as it becomes difficult to hail a cab/ catch a bus in the AM. 6 would be a perfect time to move upwards.

Routes to choose from for your Kheerganga Trek

There are three major routes that you can choose from. As the saying goes – I took the road less traveled and it made all the difference – or something like that.

• Nakthan Route – This is the most popular route, as it is the quickest. You can reach Kheerganga in about 4 hours. If you believe in the destination and not the journey – then Nakthan is perfection (however, the journey is pretty too!). Once you reach the Barshaini Bridge, you’ll take a left and start on your way up to the Nakthan Village, leading you from the left side of the Parvati River. Since this is the most popular route, it is well marked and also has a tonne of tourists climbing up the hill.
• Kalga Route – Instead of taking a left, turn right from the Barshaini bridge and start your hike towards Kalga. This route will merge with the main (Nakthan) route halfway through the trek. ON this trail, you’ll be crossing through dense forests, hence, for first-time trekkers – you might want to consider taking a guide along on this Himalayan trek.
• Tosh Route – Another different path that will later merge into the Nakthan Route as well. This route is also quite mainstream, especially for people who were staying in Tosh before heading on the trek. Tosh river flows by near Tosh village which joins the Parvati river near Pulga.

You can also plan to visit Tosh on your trip to Kheerganga and add a night or two in Tosh to relax after the trek.

Up, up and away!

I would highly recommend choosing the Kalga route for ascending and either the Tosh Route or even the Nakthan Route for descending after completion of the Kheerganga Trek.

The trek is mild, especially in the beginning, and crosses through apple orchards. Nakthan has developed thanks to the presence of confirmed hikers in the region, and there are quite a few cafes sprinkled across. You can even stay here on your way back if interested in exploring the hamlet-life.

Nakthan is the center point near where all three routes would join. From Nakthan – you head on to RudraNag, which has the most beautiful waterfall. You should fill up your water bottles here. Rudranag has a beautiful Dharamshala as well, specially set up for the pilgrims.

30 Minutes after Rudranag, you will reach a bridge (on your right) with a cool dhaba that serves lip-smacking food. While there are plenty of shortcuts along the way – it is advisable (and advised!) to not venture out as there have been many fatal experiences here. Stick to the route!

Did you read my tips on trekking in the Himalayas for beginners ?

Halfway to Kheerganga

Halfway along, you’ll reach a dhaba, stand-alone and near a gushing waterfall, named Shalom Waterfall Café. Watermelon Juice comes highly recommended. Also, when at a dhaba in the hills, Maggi is a must (it’s the law!).

The journey starts getting slightly tougher from here on out. It is a continuous climb, and although the path is well marked, it can be strenuous for first-time trekkers. The climb is tiring, so please walk at your own pace and enjoy the nature around you! Also, stay hydrated!

A good pair of trekking shoes is always a must for any Himalayan trek.

The final push to Kheerganga

It might seem the walk will never end, but you will first run into two dhabas with the most stunning views and then finally – one final turn – and you can see the huts and cafes and the hot water springs! There will be a newly added zeal to your steps, and the distance can easily be covered in under 10 minutes.

Also, you may want to return back to Barshaini or Tosh on the Same day, however, I would suggest spending a night (at least) in Kheerganga and choosing your path for return on the next day.

You should always carry your water bottle and refill it as many times as you need water. It will not only keep you hydrated always, but you will also help in saving the Himalayas from plastic garbage. Remember, every tiny step counts and your step in this direction can help save the Himalayas too !! 🙂 🙂

Tips for the Trek

• Wake up early – Getting up when the Sun does is a difficult business – believe me, I understand. The hike is long, especially for the first-timers, and you don’t want to be covering a major part of your journey in the scorching sun. Yes, the temperatures are mild at such heights – but the intensity of the sun is equally up there.
• Homestays all the way – Airbnb along the way (if you’re taking breaks and making the journey a longer one). There are some beautiful properties in Barshaini and Tosh as well as in the smaller hamlets perched along the way.
• Nakthan should be a pit stop – This village is so gorgeous and full of life – it will be a great point to rest those legs. Also, it is almost the midpoint in your trail – a perfect medley. Nom on some Maggi and Fresh Juice while you’re at it – won’t forget about it soon.
• Kheerganga is all about its hot springs – Parvati Kund. Not visiting while there will be a sin! Also, imagine being in a “hot bath” out in the cool breeze, absorbing in the views of high mountains of Parvati Valley. Are you intrigued yet? It is a sick feeling – don’t miss out on this!
• Camp under the stars – This one is a given, right? Ah, the magical, mystical skies of Parvati Valley. Kheerganga is no exception – you will love every second and would probably be daring yourself to be up all night, in a spell-bound trance while camping. Enjoy, my friend!

Frequently Asked Questions

Please wear proper trekking shoes, and ensure that they are comfortable/broken in!

Layering is the KEY! Do pack clothes suitable for all weather conditions. And even if you’re doing the trek in summer months, do pack a jacket. Weather is tricky in the hills, and you should always go prepared.

There are no ATMs after Kasol. Hence, you must carry enough cash to pay meals and stay for Kheerganga trek.

It’s exceptionally difficult to find shared cabs/buses early in the morning to reach Barshaini. Plan in advance for any such shared transport else take your own car.

The best time to do the Kheerganga Trek is April to November. But, you should avoid the monsoon months. Also, always check the weather before any trekking adventure – with heavy rainfall, this easy trek can turn disastrous .

The network connectivity is zilch. You’re headed out into deep nature, so do not expect any connectivity. However, BSNL tends to catch some (intermittent) signal at some villages along the way. But, this is not to be trusted – happens sporadically.

There are food stalls and dhabas along the way – especially near-certain hamlets.

If crazy views are what you’re after – look no further. Head out to Kheerganga and experience the joy of being in the hills, within the hills. Parvati Valley holds many secrets; Kheerganga Trek is one way to understand the Valley better.

Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions on traveling to the Himalayas.

Please feel free to post any queries or doubts you might have in planning your trip to Kheerganga in the comments section below. If you have been to Kheerganga, I would love to hear your thoughts and any other information you might feel will be worth sharing with other fellow travelers and prove helpful to them as comments

Shefali spends most of her time day dreaming about her next big vacation. A happy-go-lucky personality, she is an amalgamation of all the places she’s lived in and experienced! She is always confused as to where to call home, having lived in Chandigarh, Shimla, Dehradun, Mumbai, Hyderabad in India and Vancouver, Abbotsford in Canada. Her love for travel is only challenged by her love for reading and eating delicious food! In order to sustain her dreams, she brought out her inner geek, got an MBA and has a job in the corporate world crunching numbers. Do follow @notravelplans on Instagram for updates on her next great adventure.

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Comments section gets closed in 90 days. To ask your travel questions, you can follow my YouTube Channel for a faster reply or for a much slower reply follow me on Instagram . :)

Me and pals are planning to go for this trek on New year’s. Is it advisable to do this trek during this time? Also, how much total time/days this trek takes.

Hi Is it a good time to do the trek if I am going on 3rd December? Will it possible to pitch a tent during the same time. Thanks a ton

Great blog , you have provided detailed information that is covering all aspects of this trip . I will definitely visit this during winter to enjoy the beautiful nature and also to experience the snowfall .The pictures you had provided in your blog are beautiful . Thank you for sharing with us .

Thanks for reading along! Do share your experience when you visit.

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A Detailed Guide to the Kheerganga Trek

Overview of the Trek

How to reach kasol, kheerganga trek routes, nakthan village, kalga village, things to do in kheerganga, important things to carry on the trek, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Kheerganga Trek: The Ultimate Trekkers Guide

Kheerganga trek, a perfect trek for beginners, was my first trek ever. And while it was an easy trek, there is a lot that I didn’t know about before starting the trek. As a result, I faced a lot of issues but in the end, our destination was completely worth it.

We planned our Kheerganga trek from Delhi and struggled a lot while reaching because there weren’t many articles on Kheerganga 4 years back. Luckily for you, if you are contemplating if you should go on this trek or not, this guide will help you plan the trek.

In this guide, I have noted down all the information on this trek including the distance, temperature, accommodation options, and so on.

Kheerganga Trek

Situated at an altitude of approximately 3050m, Kheerganga is a small village nestled amidst the Parvati Valley.

According to the local legends, Lord Shiva meditated here for around 10,000 years, making it an important religious site.

Also, Kheerganga was given the name because of the milky white Parvati river that flows beside the valley. You will find an ancient temple dedicated here to Lord Shiva as this places is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva and is considered a spiritual site.

One of the top treks in Himachal, apart from the Prashar Lake Trek , Kheerganga is particularly famous for its hot springs. Yes, that’s right! You will find hot springs here at the completion of this trek (something that’s a must to relax those aching muscles and joints).

The natural water from these hot springs is milky white and a bath in it is found to be meditative and sacred.

There are separate pools for women so, you don’t have to worry about your privacy as well while taking a dip in it.

A lot of people even trek to kheerganga in December to enjoy the snow-covered trails and the snow-capped mountain views. However, if it is your first trek, then avoid trekking in December or join a trekking group as it is not advisable to go on a snow trek alone.

How to Reach the Starting Point of the Trek – Barshaini

The starting point of this trek is the village of Barshaini which is the last motorable road in the area. So, your goal is to reach Barshaini and then start your trek from here.

Reaching Bhuntar

To reach Barshaini, you will need to reach Bhuntar first and the time taken to reach Bhuntar depends on where you are starting from. Here are a few ways that you can choose to reach Bhuntar, regardless of where you are starting from.

The closest airport to Bhuntar is the Kullu Manali airport at a distance of approximately 1.5 km. You get flights from Delhi, Shimla, and Chandigarh to this airport, and the frequency of these flights is slightly low.

However, if you are short on time and don’t mind spending the extra money to reach Bhuntar, then taking a flight from one of these destinations could be a good choice.

The closest railway station to Bhuntar is the Pathankot railway station at a distance of 245 km. From Pathankot Railway station, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Bhuntar or you can take the passenger train to Joginder Nagar which is around 95 km from Bhuntar.

From Joginder Nagar, you will find local buses or cabs to reach Bhuntar.

If you are planning to start the Kheerganga trek from Delhi, then one of the best ways to reach is to take a private Volvo bus or local HRTC bus to reach Bhuntar. You can find HRTC buses for 500 INR whereas the private Volvo buses will cost around 800 – 1000 INR and there will be several buses available in the evening to take you to Bhuntar.

The buses will take around 10-12 hours to reach Bhuntar from Delhi.

Reaching Barshaini from Bhuntar

Once you have reached Bhuntar, you need to reach Barshaini to begin the trek. Barshaini is situated around 46 km from Bhuntar and will take around 2-3 hours in a private cab or local bus.

You will find regular buses to Barshaini from Bhuntar that will charge you 50-75 INR and will take 2-3 hours to reach. You can even take a private cab for 2000 INR (divided by 4 passengers) to reach Barshaini.

Note: While you are waiting for the bus, enjoy some breakfast in Bhuntar as it will be a long ride to Barshaini village.

Note: The last bus to return from Barshaini to Bhuntar leaves around 2 – 3 p.m. so be careful when planning your return ticket from Bhuntar.

Kheerganga Trek Route Map

Trekking Routes to Kheerganga

The complete Kheerganga trek distance that you have to complete is 18 – 20 km (both ascent and descent) regardless of which route you choose. This trek distance is counted from Barshaini and is differs only slightly for the three trekking routes available.

• From Barshaini, you walk to the bridge and then take the left turn and make your way to Nakthan Village. You can ask the locals for the directions for the Nakthan village and Kheerganga and they will help you out. This is the shortest route and takes around 3-4 hours on average. This route lies on the left side of the Parvati river and is well-marked with a lot of food stalls and waterfalls on the way.
• If you are staying in Tosh, then you can take the Tosh route to reach Nakthan village and continue with the route 1. This is perfect for people who are staying in Tosh for the night and wish to trek early morning to Kheerganga.
• From Barshaini, if you take the right turn from the bridge, you will reach Kalga village. Kalga Village route is quite different and passes through a dense forest and can be a little confusing. However, there are usually many people on this route so you should be good. Also, this route joins the main route midway.

 I used route 3 while reaching Kheerganga summit and route 1 while descending back to Barshaini village.

Through Kalga Village

You need to turn right from the bridge of the Barshaini village and follow the path till the road ends. Then, you need to climb up, the first few steps will be a little steep but you would have a few rocks at your disposal to take support.

Once you have climbed a little, you will see an open enclosure with a small hut. You can rest here for a while or you can hike for another 10 minutes to reach the first food stall point of this route. The trail will be straightforward to this food stall point.

After hiking for another 2-3 km, you will see a small waterfall and a bridge over this waterfall. You carry on for another 2 minutes on this path and you will find the second food stall point of this trek route.

Keep hiking further, now you will come across a steep 1 km stretch which you need to carefully ascend. Once you cross it, you will see a huge waterfall and a small café here named Shalom Waterfall Café where you can enjoy a hot plate of Maggi and tea. You can also fill your water bottle from here as the water is clean here.

The trekking trail will become slightly difficult after the waterfall and is a continuous uphill climb. Also, the trail is properly marked and you can enjoy the forest scenery while making your way on it. It can become a tiring but you are shaded from the sunlight so the cool air helps you relax. Make sure you have sufficient water for this stretch.

After 2 km of hiking, you will come across another small waterfall and café. From here, the summit is just another 2-3 km and will take around 45 – 60 minutes to complete.

Through Tosh and Nakthan Village

If you are looking for a more scenic and shorter route for this trek then the Nakthan Village trail would be perfect for you.

Take the left turn from the Barshaini village fork and climb downhill to cross the river and reach Nakthan village. The first 1-2 km of the trail will be covered in stones and you will simply need to cross it.

After that, you will reach the Nakthan village, which is located on the right side of the Parvati river. Nakthan village is known for its small wooden houses and offers a few cafés as well where you can relax or eat something.

After crossing the village, you will come across the Rudranag Temple and a peaceful waterfall nearby. There is also a Dharamshala near this temple where you can stay and a couple of cafés. You can also fill your water from this waterfall and enjoy the pine forest views close to the mountain peaks.

After another 1-2 km, you will come across a bridge on the right that crosses a big waterfall stream. Here, you will have a basic dhaba offering staying facilities as well.

Once you cross the bridge, keep moving uphill and in another 1-1.5 km, you will reach the small waterfall and café. This point joins with the other route through the Kalga village.

From here, the path is similar to the other route and you will reach the Kheerganga summit in another 45 – 60 minutes.

Planning the Trek Details

As mentioned above, the total kheerganga trek distance is around 20 km, so you can choose to make it a day trek or camp for one night at the summit and return the next day. As for the trek difficulty, it is moderately easy regardless of which route you choose.

While the Nakthan Village is simpler and more straightforward, it lacks cover against the sunrays. And the Kalga village offers the forest cover but can be a little steep at times. So, it is up to you which trek route you would like to choose.

Ideally, it takes around 4-5 hours for the ascent and 2-4 hours for the descent.

Yes, it is possible to do this trek in a day but you would need to leave early for that. This is not possible if you are reaching Barshaini around 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. So, you would need to stay the night at the Barshaini village and then start the next day around 5 a.m.

This way, you will reach the summit around 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. You can spend 2-3 hours at the summit and then reach Barshaini back by 2 p.m. to catch the last bus to Bhuntar. You can choose to spend more time at the summit and enjoy the hot springs as well, this way you will reach Barshaini by 5 p.m.

Two-Day Trek

On the other hand, if you choose to camp at the Kheerganga summit for the night, then you can leave for Barshaini once you reach from Bhuntar. It will take 4-5 hours so you should reach Kheerganga at around 5 p.m.

You stay the night and enjoy the sunrise the next day. The next day, you can start around 12 p.m. for Barshaini and you will reach back in time to catch the last HRTC bus to Bhuntar.

Note: You would need to book a trekking package if your plan to reach Kheerganga in December, January, or February due to the snow.

Best Time to Visit Kheerganga

One of the best things about this trek is that it has a pleasant temperature throughout the year. So, the best time for the trek is throughout the year, even in winter.

If you wish, then you can trek here in the winter months too but you will have to plan well for this journey.

Below is a breakdown of what you can expect to find in Kheerganga in different months:

March to June (Summer Season)

Summertime is undoubtedly the best time for this trek if you wish to escape the summer heat. In fact, most people plan the Kheerganga trek from Delhi during these months to relax and chill in pleasant weather.

However, since Kheerganga is at a high altitude, the temperature stays cool throughout the trek in summers as well. This is why you need to carry warm clothes on the trek during the summer months as well.

July to September (Monsoon Season)

Although trekking to Kheerganga in monsoon months can be a little tricky, it is quite rewarding as well. During these months, the entire valley is covered in lush greenery which can be a magical sight.

However, it will be colder at the summit so pack warm jackets and thermals to wear at night. Also, the trek trail is muddy and slippery at this time so, pack good waterproof hiking shoes for your trek.

October to February (Winter Season)

Finally, you can even trek here in the winter months but you need to be more careful. Kheerganga in October and November is still manageable and would simply require you to pack more warm and woolen clothes.

However, if you want to trek to Kheerganga in December, January, or February then you would need to hire a local guide and porter. You can also find a winter trek group and join them because trekking on your own to Kheerganga in winter months is not easy.

What and Where to Eat on the Trek

At the kheerganga summit.

You won’t find any proper food establishment at the summit but the camping vendors do offer basic meal facilities. Although it will be quite expensive, so you might want to carry your own food for camping up at the top.

Please make sure that you don’t litter including any food waste or water bottles at the summit.

On the Trek

You will find several cafés and food stalls on the trek to Kheerganga summit on every trekking route. You can get Maggi, Parathas, Fruits, Packaged Foods, etc. in these food stalls. However, if it is a long weekend then most of these food stalls empty out early in the day. So, it would be better if you purchase snacks from the base itself and carry it with you.

You don’t have to worry about purchasing water bottles as there are several clean river streams and waterfalls on the way. Just carry a refillable water bottle with a carbon filter and you are all set for the trek.

Note: If you are trekking to kheerganga in December, then check from the base villages whether you will find food on the way or not.

Where to Stay during the Trek

Depending on which route you choose and when you start to trek, you have a few accommodation options available that you can choose from.

Barshaini and Tosh and Kalga

As mentioned above, Barshaini is the last motorable road in the valley and is a small town with a few staying options in the form of homestays. So, if you are planning to start your trek from Barshaini, then you can stay in Barshaini for the night and start early the next day. In Barshaini, you will find a few basic dhabas and grocery stores to buy food and other essentials.

From Barshaini, a road diverges for Tosh village and the village is around 3 km away. Since Tosh is a popular destination, you will find a lot of accommodation options available here. From hotels to homestays, you will find everything here which be a little pricey since Tosh is a popular tourist destination.

There are several cafés here where you can enjoy some delicious meals while enjoying the Parvati valley view.

Kalga Village

Another option is to stay at Kalga village where you will find a few cheap and basic homestays. There will be in-house cafés as well where you can eat.

Ideally, the cost of stay at any of these villages should be around 200-400 INR per day per person.

In 2018, the High Court of India had banned camping in Kheerganga and shut down all the shops and stays here. This was done in an attempt to stop the littering in the area and preserve the natural beauty of this place.

While this was an amazing idea for the preservation of nature, it did leave a lot of adventure travelers high and dry as they couldn’t spend a night at Kheerganga.

However, that is not the case anymore. We have received updates from the locals that only the permanent structures have been removed from here. You will still find several camping vendors in Kheerganga, at the summit.

Is camping allowed in Kheerganga?

Yes, you can camp in Kheerganga and can easily rent a tent for 300 – 500 INR from one of the camping vendors here. They will also prepare meals for you for which you need to pay more.

Also, the strict no-litter policy has been implemented here so, make sure you carry your litter with you to the base and throw it in a garbage bin.

Can you take your own camping equipment for camping here?

Yes, you can also take your own tent to camp at Kheerganga. However, you would need a permit from the HP Forest Department, Shamsha that is around 1 km from Bhuntar.

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ATMs near Kheerganga

There is no ATM near Kheerganga or around Tosh, Barshaini, etc. as well. In Kasol, you will find a single ATM that is usually out of cash for most days. There are a few ATM vendors in Kasol but they tend to charge a high fee for withdrawing the amount.

Apart from that, you will find a few ATMs at Manikaran too but most of the time, these ATMs don’t have enough cash in them.

So, it is advised that you withdraw cash before starting your trip.

Network Availability on the Trek

Barshaini is the last point where you might get a signal on a BSNL sim but the chances of catching network on other Network providers are quite dicey. On the trek, the BSNL network works intermittently but there is no signal at the top of the trek.

Make all your important calls before starting the trek, possibly in Kasol or Bhuntar.

Essential Things to Carry on the Trek

When I first trekked to Kheerganga, I had no idea about what I should carry so it was quite uncomfortable for me. So, make sure that you do carry these essential items when trekking to Kheerganga.

• Warm Clothes
• Woolen Socks
• Warm Jacket

As I have repeatedly mentioned above, Kheerganga’s temperature stays cool throughout the year. And while during the trek, you won’t need to wear a lot of warm clothes as you will automatically feel the heat due to trekking, you would need warm clothes for evening and night.

Make sure you carry 2-3 pairs of thermals with you to keep yourself warm at night. Apart from that, you would also need multiple pairs of woolen socks, a woolen cap, and a warm jacket.

Also, if you are planning to take a dip in the hot spring, then do carry a swimwear with you too.

Note: If you plan to trek to Kheerganga in winters, you would also need a waterproof jacket and a few waterproof clothes so that the snow doesn’t drench you wet.

Accessories

In the afternoon, it can be quite sunny here so you will need sunglasses and a hat to keep your eyes and face protected from the sun rays.

Trekking Equipment

• Hiking Shoes
• Trekking Pole
• Backpack or Rucksack
• Raincoat or Windcheater

Another important thing to carry with you is the essential trekking gear for this route. You definitely need to buy or rent a good pair of hiking shoes (waterproof and non-slippery) along with a trekking pole for an easies and more convenient trek to the summit.

If you are trekking to Kheerganga in August or September then you would also need to carry a raincoat or a windcheater to protect yourself from the rainfall.

And most importantly, carry a day pack of 10-20 liter for the day trek and a backpack/rucksack for a longer trip.

Other Essentials

• Energy Drinks

Finally, as advised, make sure that you carry sufficient snacks for you for the trek and do carry a few energy bars and drinks as well.

Apart from that, you should carry a First Aid Kit for unexpected accidents. You would also need a torch to see your way at night and a power bank to keep your phone recharged for the descend.

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Your Ultimate Adventure: The Detailed Trek Guide to Kheerganga, Kasol, Himachal

A haven for wanderlusts and thrill-seekers, the trek to Kheerganga, Kasol, nestled in the sublime valleys of Himachal Pradesh , presents an exhilarating challenge and a spiritual awakening. Unfolding the journey of a lifetime, here’s your complete guide for this trek. Let’s embark on an unforgettable adventure!

Table of Contents

The Detailed Trek Guide to Kheerganga, Kasol, Himachal

Before you pack your backpacks and tighten your boots, let’s delve into a detailed overview of the trek. The trek to Kheerganga, Kasol, in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, is a 12 km long route that offers magnificent landscapes, pristine Parvati River, quaint villages, and the serene ambiance of the Himalayas. What awaits you is a breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains, but also a trek that tests your endurance and willpower. So, are you up for the challenge?

The Beginning: Kasol

Kasol, a small hamlet in the Parvati Valley, is the starting point for the Kheerganga trek. Famously known as ‘Mini Israel,’ this place is a melting pot of different cultures. The local market offers numerous cafes and shops where you can buy essentials for the trek. Make sure to feast on the local cuisine here. Ready to kick off?

Nakthan Village: The First Milestone

Around 4 km into the trek, you’ll reach the beautiful village of Nakthan. Here, local customs and traditions are still alive, and you can immerse yourself in a different world. But remember, keep the noise down and respect the local culture. Is the adventurer in you feeling excited yet?

Rudranag: The Serpentine Waterfall

Another couple of kilometers up the trail, you’ll witness the mesmerizing Rudranag waterfall. The waterfall is said to symbolize a serpent, considered holy by the locals. As you take a break here, soak in the sounds of nature, and let the waterfall’s rhythm enchant you.

The Final Ascent: Kheerganga

This is the final push! The trail gets steep and a bit challenging, but don’t lose heart. Once you reach the top, the sight of the snow-capped mountains, lush meadows, and the panoramic view of the valley will wash away all your fatigue. Bask in the achievement of your climb and celebrate your victory!

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The Hot Springs: A Divine Experience

Kheerganga is famous for its hot water spring. After a tough trek, soaking in the warm water of this spring, surrounded by mountains, is a truly divine experience. It’s said to have healing properties, so don’t miss this soothing treat!

The Night Sky: A Celestial View

The sight of the Milky Way galaxy with the naked eye is something few get to experience. At Kheerganga, when the night falls, you’ll see the sky come alive with countless stars. With a sky so clear and stars so near, you might feel like reaching out and catching one!

Camping at Kheerganga

Camping on the Kheerganga peak under the starry sky is a surreal experience. As the cool mountain breeze sings lullabies, the galaxy of stars watches over you while you sleep. The camps provide basic facilities, and the food served is simple yet delicious.

The Descent: Trekking Back to Kasol

The journey back to Kasol is equally scenic and mesmerizing. Walking down the trail, you’ll witness some of the best views of the valley. This downhill trek will take less time, but it’s important to maintain a steady pace and be careful of slippery spots.

Fitness Level Required for The Trek

While Kheerganga Trek is considered a moderate-level trek, it’s crucial to have a good fitness level. The trail demands physical endurance and mental tenacity. Regular workouts, including cardio exercises for a few weeks before the trek, will make your journey more enjoyable.

What to Pack: Trekking Essentials

Packing right is very important for the trek. The essentials include good trekking shoes, warm clothing, a raincoat, a water bottle, snacks, a first aid kit, and necessary toiletries. Remember, pack light but don’t forget the essentials!

Best Time to Trek: Seasons Matter

The best time to undertake the Kheerganga Trek is from May to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the path is clear. However, always check the weather forecast before planning your trek.

The Flora and Fauna: Himalayan Wonders

During your trek, you’ll encounter a variety of flora and fauna. From lush green pine forests to blooming rhododendrons and a plethora of bird species, the Himalayan biodiversity will leave you in awe.

Dos and Don’ts of the Trek

While you enjoy the trek, it’s crucial to respect the local culture and the environment. Carry your trash back, don’t play loud music, and avoid plucking flowers or harming the fauna. In short, leave only footprints, take only memories!

Travel Itinerary: Planning Your Trip

Planning your trip ahead can help you enjoy the trek without any hitches. Consider reaching Kasol a day before the trek to acclimatize. After the trek, plan a day of rest in Kasol before returning.

Find below the sample itinerary starting from Delhi – Kheerganga – Delhi

• Day 1 – Delhi to Kasol
• Day 2 – Kasol – Manikaran
• Day 3 – Kasol – Kheerganga
• Day 4 – Kheerganga – Tosh
• Day 5 – Tosh – Kasol
• Day 6 – Delhi

Stay and Food: Local Delights

Kasol and Kheerganga both offer decent accommodation options. You can also taste the local Himachali cuisine, which is a treat for your taste buds. When in Kasol, don’t miss the famous Israeli cuisine!

Permits and Guidelines: Things to Remember

While no permit is required for the trek, it’s essential to follow the guidelines provided by the forest department and local authorities. This helps ensure the trekkers’ safety and preserve the trek’s natural beauty.

Health and Safety: Precautions

Adequate medical preparation is important for the trek. Carrying a basic first aid kit, medicines for altitude sickness, and other personal medications are crucial. Always remember, safety first!

Connectivity: Keeping in Touch

Mobile network connectivity is weak and intermittent on the trek route. However, Kasol has decent connectivity. It’s a good idea to inform your loved ones about your trekking plans before you start.

Additional Resources:

• Top 8 Places to See in Himachal in August 2023
• 15 Best Destinations to Visit Himachal in July 2023
• Top 12 Places to See in Himachal in September 2023
• Gurdwara Temple Rewalsar Sahib, Mandi Himachal Pradesh
• Kullu Dussehra Festival Himachal Pradesh
• 13 Popular Festivals & Celebrations in Himachal
• 13 Most Interesting Facts About Himachal Pradesh
• Himachal 10 Famous Reasons to Visit
• 10 Popular Hidden Gems of Himachal Pradesh
• Himachal Pradesh to Develop Kangra as State’s tourism capital

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of the kheerganga trek.

The Kheerganga Trek is considered a moderate-level trek. It can be undertaken by beginners who have a good level of physical fitness and endurance.

How long does the Kheerganga Trek take?

The trek to Kheerganga, Kasol, usually takes two days. It’s a 12 km trail that takes approximately 5-7 hours to climb and 4-5 hours to descend.

Is it safe to do the Kheerganga Trek?

Yes, it is safe to do the Kheerganga Trek. However, it’s always advisable to follow safety guidelines, remain on the designated paths, and respect local customs and traditions.

What should I pack for the Kheerganga Trek?

Essential items include good trekking shoes, warm clothing, a raincoat, a water bottle, snacks, a first aid kit, and necessary toiletries. It’s better to pack light but include all the essentials.

Can I do the Kheerganga Trek solo?

Yes, the Kheerganga Trek can be done solo. It’s well-marked, and you’ll often find fellow trekkers on the trail. However, trekking with a group or guide can enhance the experience and provide additional safety.

Is camping allowed at Kheerganga?

Yes, camping is allowed at Kheerganga. You can rent tents at the top, which come with basic facilities. Remember to respect the location and avoid littering.

The trek to Kheerganga, Kasol, Himachal Pradesh offers a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and a sense of achievement. It’s not just a trek; it’s a journey that allows you to explore yourself while being in the heart of nature. With this comprehensive guide, you’re all set for an unforgettable adventure. So, tie up those laces, gear up, and hit the trail!

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Kheerganga: Trekking To A Himalayan Heaven Of The Restless Souls

• Post last modified: UPDATED ON: April 16, 2022

Kheerganga is a vast camping ground perched in the middle of the mountains in the famous Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It attracts a lot of tourists during the tourist season of 7-8 months from March to November every year. Although people used to hike till Kheerganga throughout the year, but the main tourist season is from March to November only. It requires an ordeal of 12-kms trek on a relatively easy trekking trail to reach Kheerganga from the nearest motorable road. Since, the trail is fairly smooth and takes 4-5 hours to reach there at Kheerganga, this trek is one of the most popular trek in the Himalayas.

However, being a fairly easy trek doesn’t deprived one from the breathtaking natural beauties of Himalayan Vista. It is a actually a prefect packaged destination for many. It has a wide camping ground surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains, a temple dedicated to Lord Mahadeva, a natural hot spring with an artificial swimming pool and splendid beauty of nature in every direction. During the tourist season, the villagers from the lower areas arrive here to operate their makeshift guesthouses, restaurants and small shops. Suddenly, in the beginning of March, Kheerganga looks alive with the beautiful souls from all around the country.

Where is Kheerganga?

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Kheerganga is situated in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is a vast meadow perched in the mountains at the height of 2960 m (9700 ft approx). The nearest major town is Bhuntar/Kullu. Kasol and Manikaran are other popular town in the vicinity.

By Road: Public buses from Maharana Pratap ISBT Delhi or Sector 43 ISBT in Chandigarh. Any public bus going towards Kullu/Manali can drop you at Bhuntar. Walk for 100 meters on the road towards Kasol and you reach at a bus stand for the public buses going towards Kasol, Manikaran and Barsheni. Get a public bus to Barsheni. From Barsheni, it’s a 12 kms trek to Kheerganga. If you want to spend some time at Manikaran (where you can bath in a hot spring and eat in a lunger), then get a bus to Manikaran and from Manikaran another bus to Barsheni. But after 3 PM, it is hard to get a public bus from Manikaran to Barsheni.

By Air: Nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu, IATA Code: KUU). One or two daily flights operate bewteen Delhi and Bhuntar. Just walk outside the airport terminal, and after few minutes, you can reach to the bus stand for the public buses to Kasol, Manikaran and Barsheni.

I asked this question to at least 10 people during my trip to Kheerganga, that why Kheerganga? And unanimous reply was the Puff. Puff, the local name for marijuana. But, isn’t it a trekking destination? Yes, it is. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful trekking destination in India for the natural hot spring bath. Also, the meadow is vast, views are breathtaking in every direction and serenity is everywhere. You should visit Kheerganga for your first Himalayan Trekking experience, for Puff (Not endorsing it 🙂 ), for pretty young college crowd and for hot spring bath. You should visit it to get the feel of Hippie Trail in India. You should go there to check your backpacking stints or simply for camping in the wild. Just for information, there is an enclosed separate bath section for the girls at Kheerganga.

March to May and then September to November. It also gets snowfall during the winter, so you can enjoy a winter trek during the month of December or January. June and July is rainy season and sometimes it rain heavily in the area.

Yes and it’s perfectly okay unless you are under the influence of Puff (that can be fatal on any trek any day) and taking the riskier route via Kalga Village. At few points on that route, the trail is so narrow that a slight distraction can be fatal. On the other route via Nakthan Village you can trek at your own leisure without risk of falling from the cliffs.

Not at all. It is one of the most accessible trek in Indian Himalayas for every age group. A person with an average fitness can easily reach Kheerganga in 5 hours from the starting point of the trek.

If you just want to tag the place in your list of achievements, then one day is sufficient. Start in the morning and return by the evening. But, it’s better to stay there for one night at least to get the feel of Kheerganga. If you are an admirer of Hippie Culture, then one week may not seem enough. After all, where else can you get an accommodation in Rs 100 per night and unlimited access to the Puff?

The trek starts from the Barsheni Village in Parvati Valley , a small village approx. 16 kms away from Kasol and 12 kms from Manikaran. It takes almost 4-5 hours of comfortable hike to cover the distance of 12 kms from Barsheni Village to the Kheerganga Camping Site. The trek can be commenced in the early morning, and it is possible to return to Barsheni or even Kasol, after spending few hours at Kheerganga on the same day. However, it is advisable to spend at least a night at the camping site to enjoy the beautiful surrounding.

Yes, it’s perfectly safe. No feeling of remote area, no issue of mobile coverage, no issue of theft, burglary etc. The local people are very kind and cooperative. No dense forest and relatively busy route.

Network coverage is an issue, although you may get one or two bars of network signal of Airtel or Jio connections.

The heavy rush of tourists comprises the variety of people- the restless souls searching their inner peace in the Himalayas, the hikers wishing to hike on an easy trail, the pilgrims expecting to get the company of Lord Mahadeva and the youth wishing to enjoy the best quality puff (it may sound awkward to read this word so many times in this post, but Puff is the bitter truth of the Parvati Valley. I personally don’t smoke 🙂 ) in the region. The charm of Kheerganga attracts thousands of souls every year, however, the truth is that majority of tourists arrive here to enjoy the fine quality Puff (Hashish) at cheaper prices. In the evening, when darkness prevails outside, an aura of light and music appears inside the large common rooms of guesthouses , the atmosphere gets soaked with smoke of the Puffs and multiple rounds of drinks. At that time, Kheerganga or for that matter, many places in Parvati Valley, turned into the last crusader of the Hippie Movement in India. Then it appears that we have arrived in the era of the Hippies, where everyone is busy in his own cocoon, escaping the brutal corporate world outside.

The trek to Kheerganga starts from Barsheni, but the chances are very rare that you find any accommodation at Barsheni on the previous night of the trek. It is better to spend night in other villages around Barsheni, as Barsheni has very few options for the night accommodation. The other alternate options are:

Kasol /Manikaran: It takes almost 45 minutes to reach Barsheni from Manikaran and almost 1 hour from Kasol by a public bus. It is possible to spend a night at Kasol or Manikaran and then catch an early morning bus to Barsheni, from where you can start the trek as soon as possible. Kasol is a crowded place and always remains in party mood with lot of youngsters. Manikaran is a religious destination, again crowded with many pilgrims. But, both have plenty of accommodation choices. If you want to stay away from the crowd of both places, it is better to move deeper in Parvati Valley and spend a night at Pulga, Kalga or Tosh Village, and of course Barsheni Village.

Barsheni Village: There is an under construction dam on the Parvati River outside the village of Barsheni. The trekking trail to Kheerganga starts right after the dam site. So, it is very convenient to stay at Barsheni Village. However, the accommodation options at Barsheni are very limited (Probably 2-3 Guest Houses only). Also, Barsheni doesn’t offer the feel of a Himalayan Town/Village like the other villages in the region.

Tosh Village: Tosh is approx 2.5-3 kms further away from Barsheni Village and has plenty of accommodation options. Even during the high season, getting an accommodation at Tosh should not be a problem. But, being a favourite option among the crowd, Tosh is more costlier than the other villages. Also, when you stay at Tosh in the night, you have to descend for at least 2 kms in the morning, to the dam site at Barsheni, from where you can proceed further towards Kheerganga.

A direct trail from Tosh is also there to proceed towards Kheerganga, but I don’t have any idea on that. I heard that trail is a bit difficult and merges with the main trail near Nakthan village en-route to Kheerganga.

Pulga Village: Pulga village is on the other bank of Parvati River, just opposite to Barsheni Village. Although it has a lot of accommodation options, but getting a room can be difficult during the heavy rush. It requires 1.5-2 kms walk through the dam to reach Pulga from Barsheni Village. If you stay there at Pulga, you have to come to the dam site again to start the trek to Kheerganga.

Kalga Village: My favourite option for the night stay is Kalga village. It is situated on an upward slope on the right side of the dam site, approx. 10 minutes from the dam. It is less crowded as compared to the other villages and has plenty of the homestays and the guesthouses.

One hiking trail goes directly from the Kalga village towards the Kheerganga. In case, you stay at Kalga, there is no need to return to the dam in the morning, instead, you can proceed directly towards Kheerganga on that trail. It reduces the distance by 1 km at least. This trail merges with the main trail of Kheerganga after 2 hours of walk. Interestingly, very few people prefer this trail to Kheerganga. The main trail that starts from the dam proceeds along the river, however, the trail starting from Kalga proceeds on a hill in the middle of the pristine forest. Multiple shops are available at both the routes, where you can get the breakfast and other things to eat.

I hiked to Kheerganga via Kalga village and returned to Barsheni via Nakthan Village following the most preferred trail. Personally, I find the trail from Kalga is more beautiful and challenging than the one starts from the dam site. This trail is leading through the dense forests, sometimes being alone in a thickly vegetated section feels scary on this trail. A beautiful waterfall is also on the way. The route is a bit confusing at 2-3 places, but overall it is a well marked trail. The trail that starts from the dam is in very good condition and there is no chance of getting lost.

Plenty of options are available for breakfast and other meals. Although the trekking season started from March in the Parvati Valley, but it reaches at its peak after the mid April only. So, I found many shops are either closed or just started 1-2 days prior to my trek.

The Kheerganga trek is fairly easy. Although the trek length is almost 12 kms, but it is easily doable in 4-5 hours at the comfortable pace.

After reaching Kheerganga, you have mainly 3 types of accommodation options:

The Wooden Room: Three person can easily stay in this room. Rent is Rs 500 per night for a room. The rooms are equipped with wooden takhats(platform) and bathroom/toilet is in common area for all.

The Tin Shade Rooms: The per night charge is Rs. 300 for a single room. Mat and blanket is available, but you have to unfold them on the room floor. No cot or takhat is available. 3-4 persons can stay together in a room.

A Large Hall: Few guest houses at Kheerganga has a big hall, like a dormitory, where you can occupy a space on a wooden platform in any corner and charge is Rs. 100 per night. A single halls can accommodate 30-40 persons. In the night, you get a blanket to brave the cold and if it still feels too cold, probably one more blanket subject to the availability.

Apart from these, you can independently pitch your own tent anywhere on the vast camping ground at Kheerganga.

The hot spring situated near the temple is considered as very sacred. Most of the people prefer to bath in the hot spring after a long tiring trek. A large pool has been erected for the bathing purpose. There is a wooden enclosure to separate the ladies pool from the gents. You are expected to wash your body through the another water pipes before entering the main pool. The pool has a magical effect on the tired body. All the tiredness of the journey vanishes immediately. After the 4 hours of trek, it feels like a natural spa surrounded by the mighty peaks of the Himalayas.

A lot of ashes like particles are visibly floating in the pool. These floating particles have a great relation with the mythology of Kheerganga and its nomenclature.

The Mythology: It is believed that Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, meditated here for many thousand years. Mahadev and Parvati used to visit this site once in a while and Parvati used to cook Kheer for them. The particles floating in the pool are methodologically related to that kheer and hence, the name Kheerganga. I tried to find out the origin of these particles and walked upwards to the pool. I reached to a certain extent upwards and the floating particles were visible everywhere.

Kheerganga mostly remains peaceful during the day, and slowly turns into a party town as darkness prevails. In the evening, every corner of Kheerganga looks like a party ground of many groups of young travellers. In the large common halls of the guesthouses, people assemble in small groups to enjoy the Puff, the drink and the music. The snacks, dinner, food all are available at the seat. You just need to find a place to assemble your group. Tea, Maggie, Paratha, Rice, Dal, Puff, Beer etc all are available instantly at this remote camping ground in the Himalayas. There are heaters to keep the room warm till the party is over. During the normal days, the party life at Kheerganga come to a halt by 11 PM, when the room-heaters go off.

Following morning, most of the people head back towards their home. After half of the journey, the road again bifurcates to Kalga and Nakthan villages. I hiked on the trail from Kalga while ascending, so while descending moved on the trail to Nakthan village. This is also the most popular route and 90% of the tourists hike on this trail only.

The pristine calm around Rudranag Temple, fierce flow of Parvati River through the deep gorges, a splendid waterfall, lot of apple orchards and green fields near Nakthan village enhance the beauty of this trail. The trail passes through the middle of Nakthan village and provides ample opportunities to glimpse the routine life of this Himalayan Village. Nakthan also has many fooding and lodging facilities for the trekkers. Moving further, this trail connects to the main road to Barsheni Village near the dam, where you can get a bus for the return journey.

If you are young, wish to travel in a Hippie style or if you are a backpacker looking for Himalayan beauty on the budget, then Kheerganga is a must go attraction for you. But, if you are in the higher age group, where you prefer to travel with your kids and family to enjoy the vista of the mighty Himalayas, then Kheerganga may disappoint you unfortunately.

There is nothing specific to do at Kheerganga. It is neither a lush green valley of blooming flowers nor a spectacular setting on the bank of a pristine lake. Just expect to spend 1-2 nights in the lap of nature away from the noisy towns and cities. Be there to walk in a vast camping ground for 400-500 meters, offer your prayer at Lord Shiva Temple, enjoy a relaxing bath in the natural hotspring, soak in the erstwhile lifestyle of the Himalayan Hippies, that’s all about Kheerganga.

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Love an adventure, seeking for something challenging, then solo backpacking it is the @ land of wanderlust is who you would want to travel with

It’s good place to trek

Yes, it’s indeed. I love the vibes very much.

Did you choose any travel company or backpackers group while doing this

No, I went there alone. It is an easy trail, perfectly fine to go alone.

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A Complete Guide to Kheerganga Trek

• December 9, 2021 July 27, 2022
• Travel , Travelogues

When I did my first trek, I did a lot of research to get as much information as before starting it. I have to look for many blogs for minute details so that I can do it without any hurdles. This is a complete guide to the Kheerganga trek, from my own experience. I have covered every minute detail to look for in this trek. If you have any questions, please leave a comment and I am happy to help you with that.

When it comes to trekking, most of us say “it’s not my cup of tea” and stay away from trekking trips. And those who had been on trekking trips became their favorites and kept on doing more such trips.

Indeed, trekking is not for everyone. But definitely, you can’t say it unless you’ve been to one. Because I can guarantee that, if you have tried it once, you will keep on doing it. It’s amazing, it’s adventurous, it’s special and, most importantly, it is the one that takes us closer to nature.

Imagine all those less explored places and hidden beauties. Nature will truly surprise you on these trekking trips. Those elegant waterfalls, valleys full of wildflowers where horses grazed freely, staying in tents near a beach or the river and waking up to those spectacular mornings. Its endless fantasies come true. All you have to do is try a good trekking trip. I have tried many moderate to difficult treks, but the Kheerganga trek is always close to my heart and it was my first trek.

The Kheerganga trek is considered to be easy to moderately difficult trek and is most ideal for beginners. A meadow in the lap of the Parvati Valley is situated in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. For me, Parvati Valley is one of my favorite locations in Himachal. It is famous for those charming and isolated villages and many of the names are familiar to most of us. Tosh, Malana, Kalga, Pulga, Rasol, Kasol, Manikaran, and many more villages stretched along the slopes and lengths of this mystic valley.

How to reach Kheerganga from Delhi

Delhi to bhuntar.

The most preferred location to start a Himalayan trip is from Delhi as it has a lot of options, most preferably booking a night bus from Kashmiri Gate Bus Station. I planned the Kheerganga trip in August and wanted it to be a solo trip. But my friend Denis told me that he could join me in Bhuntar. So I booked an overnight bus to Bhuntar. There is no direct bus to Bhuntar from Delhi.

You can book a bus that goes to Manali and get down at Bhuntar, which is around 15 KM before Manali. If you are taking a bus at 8 PM from Delhi, you will easily reach Bhuntar by 4 or 5 in the morning. Bhuntar is a small town and interestingly has an AirPort, along the bank of the Beas River. It is the meeting place of the Parvati River and the Beas River.

When I reached Bhuntar, Denis was already there waiting and we had a chai from the nearby shop and headed towards the bus stand, which is a walkable distance.

Bhuntar to Barshaini

From Bhuntar, there are buses available to Kasol, Manikaran, and Barshaini. Barshaini is a very important name that you should remember. Because this is where the actual fun starts. I took the bus to Manikaran and from there another to Barshaini . The bus ride from Manikaran to Barshaini is like a rollercoaster ride. The roads are not so good. But this is one of the most beautiful bus trips I have ever had. The Parvati River flows furiously below a vertical deep gorge. Pine and Deodar trees covered the valley till the edges and beyond that, we could see the peaks covered in snow.

Barshaini is a small town and this is the last stop for the bus. From there, a road goes down to a small dam nearby and from there another road up to Tosh Village. Barshaini is more like a junction and you will find only a few hotels and places to eat. Prem cafe is a great place to have breakfast or Chai here. From there, we can see two villages – Kalga and Pulga, both on different sides of the river. We decided to plan our stay at any of these villages and we already heard that we could get affordable home stays there.

We chose Kalga and there are two reasons behind it. It was the nearest one and also the starting point of our trek.

Before going further, there is something we should know and choose when we reach Barshaini. There are three routes to Kheerganga. The first and most commonly used one is from the left side of the Dam towards the Nathan Village and to Kheerganga. The second one is crossing the Dam, through the Kalga village and dense forest. Both these routes are on each side of the river. There is a third route from Tosh Village. I will explain all these routes in detail later in this blog.

We chose Kalga as our stay as we wanted to try the second trek route.

Kalga Village

To reach Kalga, we need to cross the dam, then a steep winding climb up to the village. After the warm-up climb to the top, the sun was almost down and we asked the first person we saw for a place to stay. He pointed us to a nearby apple orchard and there was a small cottage standing there with all its charm. We talked to the owner and got a room for 150 Rs per night. And yes, it was 150 Rs for the room per night and was a decent one too. The view from the cottage was spectacular.

Trekking routes to Kheerganga

Like I said earlier, there are three trekking routes to Kheerganga.

• The first one is the most commonly used one. Without crossing the Dam, turn left and walk towards Nakthan village. The route is well defined and clear cut out on rocks. It is difficult compared to the second route as there are steep climbs and less shade from the sun.
• The second route is crossing the dam and climbing up to the Kalga village. From there is a narrow route through the dense forest. This route is tricky as we can easily get lost. Landslides happen on these routes during the rainy season. Before taking this route, it is advisable to ask the locals about the conditions of the path. But this is considered to be the most scenic route. This route joins the first route at the midway and from there, there is only one path to Kheerganga.
• The third route is from Tosh Village and meets the first route at Nakthan village.

Kheerganga is roughly 10 to 15 KM long and is easy to moderately difficult. I took the second route to Kheerganga and came back by the first route. A taste of both the routes. If you are staying in Tosh Village, then the third route is ideal for you.

Kheerganga trek in one day.

We planned to start the trek in the morning and complete it in a day. We can either complete the trek in a day or you can stay at Kheerganga for the night. There are a lot of staying options available there and if you opt for a tent, you can carry your own or you can rent it.

We wake up at around 6 and get ready for our trek at 7 AM. Kalga is a very calm village close to the forest.

From the village, we had to ask the locals to get an idea about the route as there is no clear marking. After walking through a narrow mountain path, we were able to see a small clear path up to the forest and that was the start of our beautiful trek. The valley was covered in lush green and we could hear the voice of the Parvati river flowing somewhere nearby. There was freshness everywhere as the monsoon just receded from the valley. The villagers had already warned us about the landslides that destroyed the roads. But we decided to go forward as nature was too tempting to ignore.

At first, it was easy as there was small climbing and the path was well defined. But soon it became wild and difficult. There are times we need to climb rocks and it is tiring. But every climb will take you to views that are better than dreams. Sitting on the rock under the pine trees after a long climb, relaxing in the sweet breeze, is something well earned.

Waterfalls and villages

There are small waterfalls on the way and the Parvati river flows below, giving us the feeling that we have climbed a lot higher then. At one point, we can see the Nakthan village which is on the other side of the river. That is part of the first route that was mentioned earlier.

Mountian Dogs

We got two travel companions.

When we covered a third of the trek, we got the best guide that we could find, that too without any charges. I am talking about mountain dogs. They were very friendly and they helped us cross the forest route without any trouble and disappeared when we were about to reach the top. They walked in front of us like the north star that guides the way and when they thought we were lagging, they stopped and waited for us. We were happy to share some biscuits and the Paratha that we ordered in the Dhaba on the way, with them.

I remember someone saying that dogs never consider us as their masters. Instead, they consider us as their siblings. That is the reason they help you, even risking their own lives and I found this very much true.

On this route, you will be able to find two good places with a few Dhaba around. The first one is near a beautiful waterfall. I would suggest taking a short break here with a hot chai and paratha with a view of the waterfall.

From here the trek can be a bit difficult and, after some time, it is joined with the first route that links Nakthan Village.

I have a habit of walking very fast. This was my first trek and I did the same long steady pace during this trek and that was a painful lesson that I have learned. During the last 30 mins of the trek, I was crawling on my knees to reach the top. Trekking is something that we should enjoy at a short and slow pace. Take rest when it is necessary and manage the time before the trip.

When we slowly reached the top, it was already noon and we were hungry. We went to the first shop and had our lunch. It was simple but expensive. Food and drinks are like double or even triple the normal price here. That is justified as the vegetables and other provisions need to be carried from the villages and it’s a long trek. Then I recalled a villager carrying an LPG Cylinder to the Kheerganga and he was walking faster than us.

About Kheerganga

Kheerganga’s top is a small sloping meadow and a small temple on the top. There is a small hot spring near the temple. It is considered to be sacred and believed to have many medicinal properties. Visitors can bathe in this hot spring. There is also a separate bathing area for women. There are a lot of places to stay and also to eat. Since we didn’t have a plan to stay for the night, we didn’t waste much time and walked to the hot spring to get a bath.

At first, it felt too hot to take a dip in the water. Slowly, your body will get used to it and become normal. Dip your legs first and slowly the rest of the body. That is the trick.

It was a refreshing experience and we soon forgot the sores of the long trek.

Return Trek

We spent some time lying down on the velvet grass. After a small nap, we were energized for our return. We started at around 4 PM from there and this time we took the first route.

After walking for half an hour, we took the right turn to the first route. Since this is the most common route, you will be able to see other travelers, some going to Kheerganga for an overnight stay and others returning like us.

There is a small bridge near another waterfall and here we cross the Parvati River to the other side of the river. Rudranag is a small village with some staying options on the other side of the river.

This route has a well-defined path and is open without many trees. We were going down the path, but I felt like climbing up through this route could be much more challenging than the forest route. During the day, it can be sunny as well. This route is more alive with people in villages and apple orchards. We could see the thick forest on the other side of the river. That was the route we took while going up. From here it looked so dense with the mountain path hidden in it.

Also Read: 11 Best Places to Visit in Manali

After Nakthan Village, we reached near Barshaini by around 7 PM, and that concluded my first trek. We didn’t have the energy to climb to Kalga village, so we decided to walk to Barshaini to get a hotel for the night. The next day, we got on the early morning bus to Kasol.

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🗓 Best Time To Visit: May to November

⏰ Open Hours: 24 hours

🎯 Things To Do: Trekking, Camping, Visit Parvati River, Hot Springs Bath

💰 Budget: N/A

🧳 Traveller Types: Adventure seekers, Nature lovers, Spiritual travellers

🔍 Known For: Natural Hot Springs, Trekking Trails, Scenic Beauty, Serenity

📍 Distances: 22 km from Barshaini, 95 km from Bhuntar Airport, 150 km from Shimla Railway Station

🥾 Trek Difficulty: Moderate

⛺ Camping: Available, with basic amenities

🌡️ Weather: Pleasant in summers (15-22°C), Cold in winters (-1 to 10°C)

🛍️ Shopping: Local handicrafts, woolens at nearby Kasol Market

📸 Photography: Allowed, Scenic beauty is ideal for photography

🥘 Food: Local dhabas provide basic Indian food

💧 Water Sources: Natural springs, Carry your own water bottles for trek

👣 Footwear: Wear comfortable trekking shoes

Kheerganga is a small hamlet in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, famous for its natural hot water spring and panoramic view of the Himalayas. It is one of the most popular and rewarding treks in the region, offering a thrilling and rejuvenating experience in the lap of nature.

In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide to the Kheerganga trek, covering everything you need to know before you embark on this amazing adventure.

Best Time to Visit Kheerganga Trek

The best time to visit Kheerganga trek depends on your preference and comfort. Here are the pros and cons of visiting Kheerganga in different seasons:

Summer (March to June): The weather is pleasant and comfortable, with clear sky and colorful flowers. The trek is crowded and noisy, with high demand and prices for accommodation and transport. You may face some landslides or roadblocks due to melting snow or heavy rain.

Monsoon (July to September): The weather is unpredictable and risky, with low visibility and slippery trail. The trek is quiet and peaceful, with low demand and prices for accommodation and transport. You may face some landslides, flash floods, or roadblocks due to heavy rainfall.

Winter (October to February): The weather is cold and harsh, with heavy snowfall and frozen pipes. The trek is challenging and adventurous, with a magical winter wonderland. You may face some landslides, snowstorms, or roadblocks due to extreme weather.

How to Reach Kheerganga Trek

To reach Kheerganga, you have to first reach Kasol, which is well connected by road from various cities and states of India. You can take a flight, train, or bus to reach Kasol, which will cost you around Rs. 1000-3000 per person depending on the mode of transportation and the distance.

From Kasol, you have to take a cab or a bus to Barshaini, which is the nearest road head to Kheerganga. It is about 17 km from Kasol and will cost you around Rs. 50-100 per person.

You may also like to read: Kheerganga Trek: A Journey To Wash Your Spirit Clean

From Barshaini, you have to trek for about 9-10 km by any of the three routes: via Nakthan Village, via Kalga Village, or via Tosh Village. Here are the details of each route:

Via Nakthan Village: This is the most popular and easiest route to reach Kheerganga from Barshaini. It is on the left side of the Parvati River and follows a well-marked trail through forests and meadows. It takes about 3-4 hours on average and covers a distance of about 9 km.

Via Kalga Village: This is an alternative and less crowded route to reach Kheerganga from Barshaini. It goes uphill from the bridge after Barshaini and reaches Kalga Village. It then passes through dense forests and joins the main route near Rudra Nag. It takes about 4-5 hours on average and covers a distance of about 10 km.

Via Tosh Village: This is another alternative and scenic route to reach Kheerganga from Barshaini. It takes a cab or a bus from Barshaini to Tosh Village, which is about 3 km away. It then follows the Tosh Nallah or Tosh River and joins the main route near Nakthan Village. It takes about 5-6 hours on average and covers a distance of about 12 km.

What to Expect from Kheerganga Trek

Kheerganga trek is a rewarding and memorable experience that will leave you spellbound by its beauty and charm. Here are some of the things that you can expect from Kheerganga trek:

The beauty and attraction of Kheerganga trek:

Kheerganga trek offers a spectacular view of the Parvati Valley and the Himalayan peaks. The trek is surrounded by lush green meadows, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests. The trek also offers a glimpse of the local culture and lifestyle of the villagers who live in this remote area.

The difficulty and challenges of Kheerganga trek:

Kheerganga trek is a moderate difficulty level trek that can be done by anyone with basic fitness and stamina. The trek involves walking for about 9-10 km on an average, with some steep ascents and descents. The altitude of Kheerganga is about 2960 meters, which may cause some breathing problems or altitude sickness for some people. The weather of Kheerganga can also change quickly and unexpectedly, so you have to be prepared for rain, snow, or cold.

The activities and experiences that can be enjoyed in Kheerganga:

Kheerganga trek is not just about walking and sightseeing, but also about enjoying some unique and exciting activities and experiences that will make your trip more fun and memorable. Some of the activities and experiences that you can enjoy in Kheerganga are:

Trekking: Trekking is the main activity that you will do in Kheerganga. You will walk through some of the most scenic and diverse landscapes in the region, with different routes to choose from. You will also challenge yourself physically and mentally as you overcome the obstacles and difficulties on the way.

Camping: Camping is another activity that you can do in Kheerganga. You can stay in tents or guest houses that are available in Kheerganga or nearby places such as Nakthan or Rudra Nag. You can enjoy a warm and cozy stay in these places, with bonfires and hot beverages. You can also gaze at the stars at night and listen to the sounds of nature.

Bathing in the hot water spring: Bathing in the hot water spring is one of the most relaxing and soothing experiences that you can have in Kheerganga. The hot water spring is located at the top of Kheerganga, near a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The water is believed to have medicinal properties and is sacred to Hindus and Sikhs. You can take a dip in the hot water spring and feel your stress and fatigue melt away.

Visiting nearby temples: Visiting nearby temples is another experience that you can have in Kheerganga. There are two temples near Kheerganga: one is dedicated to Lord Shiva and another is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. These temples are ancient and have a lot of mythological and historical significance. You can visit these temples and offer your prayers or seek blessings from the deities.

Hiking: Hiking is another activity that you can do in Kheerganga. You can hike up to some nearby places such as Pin Parvati Pass, Mantalai Lake, or Bunbuni Pass, which offer more stunning views and adventure. These places are higher and more difficult to reach than Kheerganga, so you have to be more experienced and prepared for these hikes.

Exploring the nature: Exploring the nature is another activity that you can do in Kheerganga. You can enjoy the beauty and diversity of the flora and fauna in Kheerganga. You can also spot some wildlife such as birds, monkeys, and goats on the way. You can also collect some souvenirs such as pine cones, flowers, or stones from the trail.

Yoga and Meditation: Yoga and Meditation are another activity that you can do in Kheerganga. Kheerganga is a perfect place to practice yoga and meditation, as it offers a calm and serene environment. You can also join some yoga and meditation camps or workshops that are organized in Kheerganga or nearby places. You can learn some yoga poses and meditation techniques from the experts and improve your physical and mental health.

You may also like to read: Kheerganga, a trip that changed my whole perspective about trekking

How to Plan Your Kheerganga Trek

Kheerganga trek is a wonderful and affordable trip that can be done by anyone with a little planning and preparation. Here are some of the things that you need to know before you plan your Kheerganga trek:

The cost and budget of Kheerganga trek:

Kheerganga trek is a budget-friendly trek that can be done in less than Rs. 5000 per person. The major expenses involved in the trek are transportation, accommodation, food, permits, guides, etc. Here is a rough estimate of the cost and budget of Kheerganga trek:

Transportation:

The transportation cost depends on how you reach Kasol and Barshaini from your city or state. You can take a flight, train, or bus to reach Kasol, which will cost you around Rs. 1000-3000 per person depending on the mode of transportation and the distance. You can then take a cab or a bus from Kasol to Barshaini, which will cost you around Rs. 50-100 per person.

Accommodation:

The accommodation cost depends on where you stay in Kheerganga or nearby places such as Nakthan or Rudra Nag. You can stay in tents or guest houses that are available in these places, which will cost you around Rs. 300-500 per person per night. You can also carry your own tent and sleeping bag if you want to save some money or have more privacy.

The food cost depends on what you eat and where you eat in Kheerganga or nearby places such as Nakthan or Rudra Nag. You can eat at some cafes or dhabas that are available on the trail, which will cost you around Rs. 100-200 per person per meal. You can also carry your own food and snacks if you want to save some money or have more variety.

The permits cost depends on whether you need any permits or not for the trek. You may need to pay some entry fees or taxes at some checkpoints or places such as Barshaini, Nakthan, Rudra Nag, etc., which will cost you around Rs. 50-100 per person.

The guides cost depends on whether you hire any guides or not for the trek. You may not need any guides for the trek if you are confident and experienced enough to follow the trail by yourself. However, if you are new or unsure about the trail, you may hire some guides who will help you with navigation, safety, information, etc., which will cost you around Rs. 500-1000 per person.

The staying and food options available in Kheerganga:

Kheerganga offers some basic and limited staying and food options for the trekkers. Here are some of the staying and food options available in Kheerganga:

Staying options: There are two main staying options available in Kheerganga: tents and guest houses. Tents are more common and cheaper than guest houses, as they are set up by locals or trekkers on a flat meadow near the hot water spring. Tents can accommodate 2-3 people and provide basic amenities such as mattresses, blankets, pillows, etc.

Tents charge around Rs. 300-500 per person per night. Guest houses are less common and more expensive than tents, as they are located a little away from the hot water spring. Guest houses can accommodate 2-4 people and provide basic amenities and costs around Rs. 500-700 per person per night.

Food options: There are few food options available in Kheerganga: cafes and dhabas. Cafes are small eateries that serve snacks, beverages, noodles, maggi, etc. Cafes charge around Rs. 50-100 per person per meal. Dhabas are larger eateries that serve meals, thalis, parathas, rice, dal, etc. Dhabas charge around Rs. 100-200 per person per meal. You can also carry your own food and snacks if you want to save some money or have more variety.

The history and legend of Kheerganga: Kheerganga has a lot of mythological and historical significance, as it is associated with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to a legend, Lord Shiva meditated here for thousands of years, and Goddess Parvati created the hot water spring to provide him comfort.

Another legend says that Lord Shiva spilled some kheer (rice pudding) from his bowl while meditating here, and that’s how the place got its name. According to history, Kheerganga was also visited by some famous saints and sages such as Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Swami Vivekananda , etc.

Some useful tips and advice for Kheerganga trek

Kheerganga trek is a wonderful and enjoyable trip, but it also requires some planning and preparation. Here are some useful tips and advice for Kheerganga trek that will help you make the most of your trip:

Pack light and smart: Pack only the essential items that you will need for the trek, such as clothing, footwear, toiletries, medicines, etc. Avoid carrying any unnecessary or heavy items that will add to your weight and burden. Use a backpack or a rucksack that is comfortable and sturdy.

Be respectful and responsible: Be respectful and responsible towards the nature, culture, and people of Kheerganga. Do not litter or pollute the environment, do not harm or disturb the wildlife, do not pluck or damage the plants or flowers, do not play loud music or create noise, do not indulge in any illegal or immoral activities, etc. Follow the rules and regulations of the place and respect the customs and beliefs of the locals.

Be safe and cautious: Be safe and cautious while trekking to Kheerganga. Do not wander off or lose sight of the trail, do not trek alone or at night, do not cross any river or waterfall without guidance, do not consume any alcohol or drugs before or during the trek, do not take any risks or shortcuts, etc. Inform someone about your whereabouts and contact details before you leave for the trek.

Enjoy and have fun: Enjoy and have fun while trekking to Kheerganga. Appreciate the beauty and diversity of the nature, interact with the locals and fellow trekkers, indulge in some activities and experiences, capture some memories and moments, relax and rejuvenate in the hot water spring, etc. Make your trip a memorable and unforgettable one.

Kheerganga trek is a complete guide to the ultimate Himalayan adventure that will take you to a paradise of nature and spirituality. It is a perfect trip for anyone who loves trekking, camping, bathing in hot water spring, visiting temples, hiking, exploring nature, yoga and meditation, etc. It is also a budget-friendly and affordable trip that can be done in less than Rs. 5000 per person.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Kheerganga today and experience the magic of this amazing place!

Kheerganga Reviews

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` 1,399   per person

Duration: 2 days, talk to an expert, 0120-6907340.

The Parvati Valley is one of the most picturesque places in the Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh. Two days is all you need to explore its magnificent landscape and get refreshed from within. The Kasol to Kheerganga trek is an invigorating journey , which not only unveils the stunning terrain of the Himalayas, but also gives you a chance to learn about the interesting culture of the people living here. You will visit plenty of villages, and there will be infinite opportunities for you to click pictures with the snow-capped peaks in the background.

We begin this Kheerganga trek from Barshaini, which is around 45 minute away from Kasol, by road. From here, you will be taken to the hamlet of Barshaini to begin the on-foot journey. The 12-km trail from here provides you with ample opportunities to explore the natural bounties of the region. On the way, you will find numerous charming waterfalls that will convince you with their allure to take a picture. One sight of the astonishing serpent-shaped waterfall of Rudra Nag will give you a new perspective on nature. These splendid waterfalls are among the highlights of the Kheerganga trek.

All your tiredness of the hike will be washed away with a sight of the mystical hot springs of Kheerganga . You can step in it to tackle the cool weather. The one-of-a-kind experience of relaxing in a hot spring while admiring vistas of snow-capped peaks will remain with you forever as memories. The vistas from an altitude of about 13000 feet will also leave you spellbound. You get to spend the night here amidst the mighty snow-laden mountains. The second-day journey back to Kasol gives you another chance to admire what you might have missed on the first day while trekking from Kasol to Kheerganga. The trek is graded easy; therefore, almost anybody can undertake it with a little bit of preparation.

Explore other Popular Treks in Himachal Pradesh �

Itinerary for Kasol to Kheerganga Trek:

Day 1: Barshaini � Rudra Nag � Kheerganga The thrilling Kheerganga trek begins from the small village of Barshaini, situated on the banks of the serene Parvati River.�Report at base camp before 10 AM to start the trek.

While strolling through the magnificent landscape of Himachal Pradesh, you will be treated to majestic sights of nature. On the trail, pass a few wooden bridges and some slippery sections. During this part of the Kheerganga trek from Kasol, your eyes also feast on many picturesque waterfalls; remember to take pictures of every single one of these.

Later, arrive at Rudra Nag, and take a small halt to admire the beauty of the landform. The serpent-shaped waterfall has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Parvati Valley and a popular stop for trekkers.

The approximately 12-km hike along the gushing Parvati River also takes you to the villages of Kalga and Pulga. This is a great time to learn about the local way of life and see how people survive here. Interact with the locals, and click a few pictures with them to save as memoirs of the amazing time you have on the Kasol to Kheerganga trek.

After reaching the green meadow of Kheerganga, take a refreshing dip in the hot springs to wash off the fatigue of the journey. The cool weather and vistas of the mighty peaks of the Himalayas, and the therapeutic water of the hot springs is a unique combination; an experience you will remember for the rest of your life. Later, enjoy a good night�s sleep in your camp to gather energy for the next day.

Day 2: Kheerganga � Rudra Nag � Barshaini� Wake up to a magnificent view of the Himalayan peaks, and prepare for the journey back to Kasol through the same route you took to reach Kheerganga. Seize this opportunity to click pictures of the Himalayan landscape once again. The picture-perfect waterfalls en route treat your eyes, and soon you arrive in Barshiani. From here, head back to the buzzing hill station of Kasol (on your own), where this enthralling experience of trekking from Kasol to Kheerganga ends, leaving you with never-ending memories.

FAQs for�Kasol to Kheerganga Trek

1) When is the best time to trek Kheerganga?

Kheerganga Trek is such a popular one because it is accessible most of the year. The best time for the trek is between April to November, but the absolute best months are April-May and September-October, because the weather is very pleasant in these months. Trekking during the monsoon season should be avoided, as the path can become very slippery and muddy.

2) How is the network connectivity at Kheerganga?

As it is in the hills, network connectivity may be a problem. BSNL network works best, alongwith Airtel at some places. Take any important calls before starting to Kheerganga just in case.

3) How much time it takes to reach Kheerganga?

The trek starts from Barshaini, and the total trek distance is 12-13 km and it takes around 7-8 hours to reach the topmost point of Kheerganga. The hot springs, located at a height of 2,950m, will entice you to take a dip in the hot water after the gruelling trek.

4) Will I find any food stalls enroute or I will have to carry my own food?

Enroute to Kheerganga you will find 5-6 stalls where you will mostly find Maggi and tea being served. However, we also suggest you to carry protein bars, biscuits, apples, etc. as sometimes these stalls are out of stock, so to avoid hunger carry some food along with you. You don�t have to worry about water, as the massive waterfalls have really fresh water to fill up in your bottles.

5) What kind of shoes should I wear?

A good pair of water-resistant trekking boots that will provide you comfort, grip and speed will be best for the trek. Make sure to break in your boots before starting out to prevent foot sores.

Package Details

Kasol to kheerganga trek, price (per person):   ` 1,399, duration:   2 days, cancellation policy   |   payment policy.

Note: Please report at the Base Camp before 10 AM. Grade: Easy Maximum Altitude: 13000 Feet Best time to go to Kheerganga Trek: Throughout the year COVID 19 related Terms & Condition : Adventure Nation shall follow Covid 19 Protocols as per the government guidelines applicable to it. However, it is made clear, that the individual participants are responsible for maintaining all such protocols and guidelines that are applicable at his/her own level towards the prevention and spread of Covid 19. If any participants develop any symptoms around Covid 19, it shall immediately inform the Adventure Nation's team who shall then follow and adopt all such measures as it deems fit under the situation. Adventure Nation's decision shall be final and all participants shall abide by the above conditions to ensure safely of himself/herself and the people around.

Adventure Nation shall not be liable for any loss, cost, expense, damage, delay, missed connections, or any other consequential damages or losses which may be the direct or indirect result �of any actions taken by it as stated above.

Inclusions:

Exclusions:.

• Accommodation in tents on sharing basis
• 2 major meals - Breakfast & Dinner
• Transit Room on the day of arrival in Kasol for freshen-up
• Support Staff & Guide while on Trek
• Trekking  Equipment (Tent + Sleeping Bag + Matts etc)
• Air/Train fare
• Transportation of any kind.
• No lunch will be provided 
• Anything not mentioned under the head inclusions.
• Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary / stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, road blocks and / or any factors beyond control.
• The tariff does not include barbeque, personal expenses like telephone, laundry etc.

Reviews for Kasol to Kheerganga Trek

The experience was wonderful and more worth the amount which was paid. Thanks guys!

If you love the mountains and want to get some peace then this trek is for you! Wonderful time I had, amazing staying options.

Adventure Nation took care of everything, we had nothing to worry about but just had to enjoy the beauty of place.

I had previously been to Kasol from Delhi and it had been wonderful. The vibe there is something else. This time I decided to do a little trek from Kasol to Kheerganga. Because even as I stayed in Kasol last time, a lot of tourists told us to visit Parvati Valley and Kheerganga. I booked this trek with Adventure Nation. I wasn't anxious at all but they continually gave me needful information from the time I made the payment up to the first day of trek. The trek begins from Kasol so I took a bus to Bhunter first from Delhi and then took a cab from there to Kasol. Even though it was a two day trek, I had lots of fun!

Kheerganga trek from Kasol is a fun weekend getaway which can be added as an extension to your vacation to Kasol. It is added fun that adds more scenic, natural beauty to your vacation. Or you could do it over a random weekend if you're tight on time. It is incredibly budget friendly and makes for an awesome getaway with a bunch of friends or your family. Parvati Valley promises unforeseen beauty and the villages of Kalga and Pulga are such an escape from our busy city lives! This one is worth it, thanks Adventure Nation!

I saw the promotion of this trek on Instagram and was instantly charmed in because of how budget friendly, and how convenient it is. I took a bus to Kasol where this trek begins and from there on went to Barshaini where Parvati and Tosh meet. From there we went to Rudra Nag and finally to Kheerganga. You will likely meet a lot of people on the way because this is definitely popular with tourists in North. Book in advance, a lot of people plan to go on this every year. All the best!

Kasol to Kheerganga is an aesthetically pleasing, soothing trekking experience that is really meant for all kinds of trekkers with all kinds of experiences-beginner or advanced. You have to reach Kasol on your own so keep that in mind. You will reach base camp in the morning and from there the journey will begin to Kheerganga. On the second day, you will be back from Kheerganga to Kasol. It is an easy adventure that spans two days at most and a fantastic way to explore Parvati valley! Amazing experience.

Parvati valley is the best place to be in Himachal Pradesh. The Kasol part has gotten a bit commercial over time. But the trek to Kheerganga is reasonably less mainstream and so beautiful! I have been here twice and the people you meet here are almost always so cool and friendly. You will have an amazing experience. Take a weekend out in summer and do visit this little paradise!

My journey of this particular trek began from Delhi. Took a bus to Bhuntar and from there, a cab to Kasol. And spent a few days there with friends. 2 days later after reaching Kasol, I went to the point of pickup in the morning and we went to Barshaini from there. Next, Rudranag and then reached Kheerganga. Amazing experience, as expected. From Kheerganga took the same route and back. Really enjoyed all of it.

I went on this trek a few months ago for a long weekend. What a lovely experience! Had the time of my life because I was accompanied by friends and all. Loved all of it, especially Kheerganga, obviously. But even the journey to that point was so so scenic. Had so much fun. Thanks, really!

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Cancellation policy.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellation charges per person

30 days or more before departure: 25% of total cost 29 - 20 days before departure: 50% of total cost Less than 20 days before departure: 100% of total cost

IF WE CHANGE OR CANCEL YOUR ADVENTURE HOLIDAY

We do plan the arrangements in advance. It is unlikely that we will have to make any changes to your travel arrangements. Occasionally, we may have to make changes due to Force Majeure Events and we reserve the right to do so at any time before or during the trip. If there are any changes, we will advise you of them at the earliest possible date before or during the trip based on the Force Majeure Events. We also reserve the right under Force Majeure Events to cancel your travel arrangements / offer alternative dates / revise the itinerary before or during the trip. Any additional cost incurred due to the above-mentioned reasons will have to be borne by the traveller himself. There shall be no refund to the traveller under Force Majeure Events.

Force Majeure Event shall mean and include any circumstance beyond the reasonable control of Adventure Nation, including without limitation, any act of nature or the public enemy, accident, explosion, fire, storm, earthquake, flood, drought, perils of the sea, casualty, strikes, lock-outs, labour troubles, riots, sabotage, terrorists acts, embargo, war (whether or not declared), governmental actions, delay in issuance or processing of Visa/permit, change of laws and regulations, orders, or decrees, or other causes of like or different character beyond the control of Adventure Nation.

IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR ADVENTURE HOLIDAY PLAN

After you make full or partial payment, if you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way (e.g. your chosen departure date or accommodation), we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes must be in writing from the person who made the booking. All cost incurred due to amendment will be borne by the traveller himself.

Payment Policy

46 Days or more before date of departure: 25% of total cost. 31 - 45 Days before date of departure: 50% of total cost. 30 days before date of departure: 100% of total cost. Important: The booking stands liable to be cancelled if 100% payment is not received less than 30 days before date of departure.

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Kheerganga Trek : Complete Guide for Trek to Kheer Ganga

Starting from Barshaini, a picturesque hamlet near Kasol, Kheerganga Trek is a well-known trekking destination in Himachal Pradesh. Trek to Kheerganga offers excellent meadows, forested ways with pine trees, crystal clear waterfalls, fresh air, tranquil surroundings, snow-capped mountains, hot springs, and a splendid view of the Himalayas. There are a lot of tiny hamlets and villages near Kheerganga that travelers explore, like – Kasol, Pulga, Tosh, Malana, Chalal, Rasol. The best part about the Kheerganga trek is that it can be done in any month of the year except January and February. Kheerganga officially closes in snowfall which generally happens from January to February.

Trek To Kheerganga Overview –

• Location: Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
• Duration: 1 Day
• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
• Kheerganga Trek Distance: 24 KM
• Price Range: Rs 990 to 1500 per person
• Kheerganga Trek Base: Barshaini
• Routes for Kheerganga Trek:
• Best Time for Kheerganga Trek: March, April, May, June
• Temperature:  In Day: 8°C to 15°C; and Night: 0°C to 3°C
• About Kheeganga Trek

Kheerganga Trek Itinerary

Kheerganga trek packages.

• F.A.Q’s about Khir Ganga Trek

About Kheerganga Trek

Located in Himachal Pradesh, Kheerganga is one of the most popular trekking destinations among trekkers looking for moderate-level treks. Kheerganga Trek starts from the kasol. Kasol is a beautiful village in Himachal Pradesh and situated in the Parvati valley, on the banks of the pristine Parvati River, placed between Bhuntar and Manikaran. Kasol is an emerging gateway to many popular treks and gets extremely crowded during the summer season. Kasol is the base point for a number of popular treks in Himachal like treks to Tosh, Chalal, and Kheerganga.

Kheerganga trek from Kasol is a short and easy trek, which even beginners can do. The distance of the Kheerganga trek is 24 km and the terrain remains a gentle incline or decline throughout the trek. Kheerganga Trek is a day trek and can be completed in one day. The specialty of Kheerganga is a river that flows through it and has the color of Kheer. Kheerganga is famous for hot water springs and a mesmerizing view of the Himalayan mountain and Parvati valley.

How To Reach Kheerganga (Khir Ganga Trek Routes) :  

There are three different possible routes that can be taken from Barshaini to reach Kheerganga. 

• Through Nakthan and Rudranag  (13 km): This route is perfect for people who are willing to do some photography as the route offers mesmerizing views. To take the Nakthan route, cross the bridge after Barshaini and take left from the Parvati river. This is the shortest and most preferred route and takes 3-4 hours for a person with average trekking speed. The path through Nakthan is the most popular route to trek to Kheerganga.
• Through Kalga  (15 km): Kheerganga Trek through Kalga village is the less popular route as compared to Nakthan and Rudranag. To take this route walk towards the right side of the bridge in Barshaini, and move towards Kalga village. This route is surrounded by dense forests.
• Through Tosh Village:  The route for the Kheerganga trek is different from the Tosh village and is mostly used by those travelers who stayed in Tosh one night and were planning to go to Kheerganga the next morning. 

About Bairshani, a Base Point for Trek to Kheer Ganga 

Barshaini is a starting and the endpoint of the Kheerganga Trek. There are few options for accommodation and a restaurant in this small but beautiful village. If you have to buy any supplies for the trek, it is recommended that you buy them from here. A small road from here diverges to go to Tosh village, which is around 3 km from Barshaini. The Parvati River flows down adjacent to the Barshaini village. 

Where to Stay?

As Barshaini is a small village in the upper Himalaya it has a couple of homestays in close vicinity. Tosh is a popular destination and has many options to stay, ranging from hotels to homestays. The recent tourist rush in Tosh has meant that the prices of rooms have gone up. On the other side, Kalga village has cheap and basic homestays, with an in-house restaurant as well. Prices for the stay vary according to the season.

Climate at KheerGanga –

The temperature at Kheerganga Trek varies according to the season. During the winter weather at Kheerganga gets extremely cold and the temperature hits the negative, with snow covering the landscape in glittering snow. During summers the temperature goes up to 26 degrees, .i.e., late in May or early June. In the winters & subsequently in the rainy season that’s from October to February, the temperature ranges between 3 degrees to 10°C, and normally it’s been 32 degrees.

For this adventurous Kheerganga trek, you have to meet the Trek Organiser at the beautiful hill station Barshaini.  You can reach Barshaini easily from Kasol by taking a bus or hire a cab from there. You can also take an overnight bus from Delhi to Bhuntar, and then take another bus from Bhuntar to Barshaini.

Below is the 2 Day Itinerary for Kheerganga Trek and Camping.

Day 1 : reach barsheni village, trek to kheerganga.

Trek to Kheerganga starts from the Barsheni, situated on the bank of Parvati River. After reaching Barshaini, your hiking will start. Trek starts with walking through the thick pine forests and then suddenly landscapes change into fields and villages once you cross an iron bridge over the raging stream .On the way to your trek, you stroll through the magnificent landscape of Himalyan Valleys.  As you trek further to Kheerhanga from Kasol, you’ll find many waterfall. Later you arrive at Rudra Nag and take a small halt to see the beauty and capture it. This trek gives you the opportunity to Interact with the locals, and to know about their culture and lifestyle. Since

Day 2 : Kheerganga to Barsheni to Bhuntar

Get up early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise and cherish the view of the misty mountains. After a hearty breakfast at the campsite, pack up and get ready to trek back to Barshaini

You will be staying in camps, overnight, in Kheerganga. Experience campfire, tents and sleeping bags, like never before, during this adventure. The music session to be organized at the campsite is the cherry on the top! During the upcoming holidays, plan a trip to Kheerganga and make your vacations extraordinary!

Kheerganga Trek Cost –

Rs 1299 to 1599 per person 

Kheerganga Trek Package Includes – 

• Overnight stay in dome tents on sharing basis.
• Transit Room on the day of arrival in Kasol for freshen-up
• Veg meals – breakfast & dinner
• Trek Guide (Experienced and Certified)
• Air/Train fare
• Transportation of any kind.
• No lunch will be provided 
• Anything not mentioned under the head inclusions.
• Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary / stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, road blocks and / or any factors beyond control.
• The tariff does not include barbeque, personal expenses like telephone, laundry etc.

Things To Know Before Starting Trek to Kheerganga:

• Carry light backpacks with a pair of flip-flops, torch or headlight, light towel, poncho or raincoat, warm jacket, swimwear, travel soap, toilet paper, tissues, snacks, eco-friendly water bottle, and cash.
• Items for personal use to be tagged along. Camera to capture some of the breath-taking views not available elsewhere. Medicines for cough and cold, fever; and ointments for minor scratches during trekking and camping should be taken along.
• It gets very cold at night so carry warm clothes, socks, gloves and essential trek gears.
• Extra cash in case of emergencies should be taken as there are few ATM facilities. The last ATM counter available is in Kasol.
• There are no ATMs after Kasol. So, carry extra cash before you begin the trek. There is a possibility that ATMs in Kasol may be out of cash. make sure you have a back-up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kheerganga Trek

Which is the best time to go kheerganga trek.

Best Time to Visit best done between April to June and September to October

What is the duration of Kheerganga Trek?

The trek starts from Barshaini, and the total trek distance is 12-13 km and it takes around 6-7 hours to reach the topmost point of Kheerganga.

What type of footwear and cloths should be used for Kheerganga Trek?

A good pair of water-resistant trekking boots that will provide you comfort, grip and speed will be best for the trek.

Can beginner go for this trek?

This trek is known to be easy to moderate trek and perfect for even first-timers. The trekking route of easy to moderate gradient offers you some real adventure which is different from the routine Himalayan treks

Is trekking to Kheerganga Safe?

Yes, if you’re physically fit and using proper trekking gear, the Kheerganga trek will be safe. If you are doing this trek with some trekking company then insure that the trekking guide is certified.

How is Kheerganga Trek in December?

Kheerganga receives snowfall during winters and the view here looks no less than a paradise. The hot springs at the Kheerganga top will tempt you to take a dip in the warm waters after a grueling trek. Due to snowfall, the routes of Kheerganga become muddy and slippery, so take proper precautions and proper trekking gear for the trek.

What is the Distance of KheerGanga Trek?

The Distance of Kheerganga trek from Barshaini to Kheerganga is around 12-13 km long and takes approx 5 to 6 hour to complete. Same distance will be covered while coming back to base.

From where the Kheerganga Trek Gets Started?

The base point for Kheerganga Trek is Barshaini, located only a 3-hour drive away from Manali, at an altitude of 1189 m. The trek starts from Barshaini, at the dam built on river Parvati, and goes to Kheerganga, where you will be camping overnight in tents. 

Is drinking water available on the routes to Kheerganga Trek?

It is advisable to carry all necessary items from the base as there are few shops after Barshaini. However, you can maintain your stock of safe drinking water by filling your bottle at the natural springs of the place called Ashram. You can also fill your bottles at various points along the way.

About Barshaini, Kasol

Barshaini is a small town with a few staying options, and has basic dhabas, a taxi stand and a wine shop. If you have to buy any supplies, it is recommended that you buy them from here. A small road from here diverges to go to tosh village, which is around 3 kms from Barshaini.

Kheerganga Trek from Tosh

The distance of Tosh to Barshaini is just 4-5 km, and you can cover it in about 15-20 minutes. You can also cover it by walking. Then from there, you can start your trek to Kheerganga. Or you can directly start your trek from Tosh village, which will further connect you to the Nakthan village route junction.

Kheerganga Trek from Kasol

The distance between Kasol and Kheerganga is 22 – 23 km. Kasol is the base location of many popular treks in the region. Once you arrive at Kasol, you will be getting plenty of buses and shared cabs or local cabs, which take you to Barshaini. It is located 16 km away from Kasol. From Barshaini, you can reach Kheerganga via Kalga village or Nakthan village. Both the routes require trekking and climbing.

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Home > Kheerganga Trek Weather

Kheerganga Trek Weather: Round the year

It is very important to choose the best time while you’re gearing up for the Kheerganga trek.  To experience the best moments, plan your trip during the summer season. It is the most favorable time for trekking in Kheerganga. The temperature during this season remains in the range of 10°C to about 30°C. You can complete your trek with very minimal winter wear, which will ultimately reduce your baggage weight. Summer is the peak season for tourists, so many travelers plan their trip to Himachal Pradesh to escape from their hectic schedule and scorching heat in the plains. Kheerganga trek always tops the list. Along with kheerganga, you can cover nearby tourist places namely Kasol, and Tosh Valley. 

In monsoon, kheerganga weather is not ideal for a trek, especially if you’re not an experienced trekker. The heavy rain makes the terrains uneven and slippery. You may witness road blockages. There is a high risk of landslides, and various routes may be closed during this time. The temperature ranges between 20°C to 35°C. But the valley attains its utmost beauty during this time. It blossoms new buds and makes the valley lively with the chirping of birds, dragonflies, and the splashing sound of Parvati kund of Parvati river.

During the winter season, the temperature drops down to a range of 2°C to 8°C. Due to snowfall during this time, sometimes the Celsius scale might hit 0°C. If you visit in these months, you will experience everything embedded under snow. The valley looks monotonous during this time. You might not have a great experience during this time, as the trails will be snowy. Sometimes, the routes might get closed.

Kheerganga In Summer

Kheerganga Trek in March

The best time to visit Kheerganga in the summer season starts in March. The snow slowly starts melting down during this time, but you will still find some snow at the top. The weather becomes a little less chilly during this time, and the temperature ranges from 4°C minimum to 10°C maximum. As the spring washes away the snow steadily, the rarely seen wildlife become easy to spot as they come down near the river to quench their thirst.  

Kheerganga Trek in April

The gradual melting of snow from March and till April it is completely gone. The temperature remains delightful at a range of 8°C minimum to a maximum of 14°C. It is the peak season for tourists visiting Parvati valley and Kheerganga. During this month, you may witness the snowfall if you visit in the first week. The water that comes out from the melting snow helps the valley bloom and glow into shiny green meadows. Then, Kheerganga becomes lively again, making it a perfectly picturesque place to capture and making this month favorable to visit Kheerganga.

Kheerganga Trek in May

May is another pleasant month to trek the Kheerganga trail. This month, the temperature during the day will be moderately warm, and nights are pleasantly cold. The temperature ranges between 7°-16°C. If you’re looking for the best month to visit kheerganga, then planning a trip to kheerganga in “May” would be a smart choice. The perfect weather also attracts a large crowd this month. Due to peak season, the cost of travel, stay, and meals become a bit expensive.

Kheerganga Trek in June

June is the warmest month all around the year as the temperature ranges from 17°C to 21°C. You don’t need heavy woolens or warmers during the trek. Just a t-shirt with trousers will work. It also helps to cut down the weight of your luggage and will make your trek more accessible. It would be best to carry a light jacket for the evening time as the temperature drops after sunset. The sky remains clear during nighttime, and you can trace the constellations in the starry sky during your camping at the top of Kheerganga. 

Kheerganga In Spring

Kheerganga trek in july.

Pre-monsoon showers are on their way to the Parvati Valley during the end of June, and the monsoon starts in July. It is safe to visit in the first half of the month because after that, until September, heavy rain is the major obstacle for trekking in this region. You will surely face landslides, slippery and blocked roads. If you are planning to visit during this season, take all the safety measures and waterproof every gear. The temperature ranges between 12°C to 16°C.

Kheerganga Trek in August

This is the time where you will see green lushes in every corner of the valley. Every nook and cranny rejuvenates with a purely fresh aura. The valley blooms with all kinds of flowers, which captivates your sight to behold. The temperature ranges between 11°C to 17°C. The difficulty level of the trek will increase during this time. As this place will be filled with abundant greenery, you will witness some of the unseen faunas of the valley near the river. This time would be great for nature lovers but not so great for the trekkers.

Kheerganga Trek in September

The jolly time is here! This month, the monsoon is almost over, and rainfall will be limited to a minimum of centimeters. The valley will be flourishing in abundant vibrancy. Witness the enchanting views of Kheerganga valley surrounded by dense and luscious greenery. The temperature will range between 15 °C maximum and 10 °C minimum.

Kheerganga Trek in October

The season of fall is here. The autumn breeze turns every green leaf into yellow to vibrant orange hues. This is a great time for photographers to capture the dazzling Kheerganga valley in their cameras. The temperature ranges between 18 °C maximum and 11 °C minimum. The weather is very calm and pleasant. It is not so warm and not too cold. The roads are clearer, which is perfect for trekking.

Kheerganga In Winters

Kheerganga Trek in November

In November winter starts. From this month, the temperature goes further down to 14°C maximum and 9°C minimum. The valley seems to be colorless and mundane, which will make the trekking experience not so interesting. This might not be the suitable month to visit Kheerganga, but the prices are really low because of the off-season. If you want to experience the thrill of the trek in a budget-friendly way, then you can come in November.

Kheerganga Trek in December

 December usually covers the whole valley under the sheet of white snow. The temperature remains freezing from 5°C minimum to 10°C maximum. Usually, the snowfall starts from the mid of the month, but chances of snowfall remain throughout the month. The temperature goes down from 0°C to -4°C during snowfall. You must carry proper warmers, thermals, woolens, and a jacket. Remember to wear shoes that can be walked in snow and must be waterproof. Otherwise, it will be difficult to trek.

Kheerganga Trek in January

January is considered the coldest month in the entire year for kheerganga trekking. The temperature ranges between 2°C minimum to 9°C maximum. You will rarely spot any wildlife in this region. Most of them go under hibernation. The higher you will go, you will realize the oxygen levels drop down, and you will be tired soon. Snowfall is heavy during this time, and the trails are submerged under the 4 to 5 ft layer of snow. If you want to witness snowfall, then you can plan your trek with proper safety gear and outlive the thrill.  

Kheerganga Trek in February

The valley will be still under the carpet of snow, even denser. Most of the trails are closed, and places are not in a position to offer accommodation. The temperature ranges between 3°C minimum to 10°C maximum. During the night, the temperature may drop to 0°C. The situation is the same as in January. It is not recommended to visit during heavy snowfall, as there are big chasms in the routes, there are chances of losing paths. But, if you want to take the chances and are an experienced trekker and love adventure, you may come with all the safety and protection gears to witness the valley covered with snow.

Best Time to Visit Kheerganga for trekking

The best time for the Kheerganga trek is from April to June. This is the safest time, and the weather will remain in a delightful state to visit this magical Parvati Valley. If you want to see snow, then you must plan your trek from January to March. If you want to catch a live snowfall, January and early February will be best. If you are a photographer and want vibrant hues in your albums, then you must plan a Kheerganga trek in September.

With this handy guide, you can plan the Kheerganga trek any month. If you are thinking of visiting this place as soon as possible, you can book your Kheerganga trek here !

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About Kheerganga Trek

Are you seeking different roads for the fulfillment and happiness of your soul? If yes, then Kheerganga is your perfect destination. The adrenaline-filled Kheerganga trek enamors you with the vast bounty of nature and also kicks your spirit with adventurous offerings. The trek is snuggled in the laps of the quaint Parvati valley. It is one of the must-do treks that treat you to the hypnotic vista of Himachal Pradesh.

The trekking route of easy to moderate gradient offers you some real adventure which is different from the routine Himalayan treks. You tread on diverse terrains such as narrow trails running amidst the fields which suddenly open up to thickets of oaks and pines. As you journey through this alpine flora, there are bird chirpings and calls of jungle fowls that reverberate in the surroundings throughout.

Then there are rocky paths, vast meadows, and tricky ascents along the bubbly Parvati river that take you to the abode of Lord Shiva. The river-crossing over the thunderous Parvati river and gushing nullahs is an experience that knocks you out of your wits. You swiftly maneuver on tree trunks lest you end up falling in the surging water below.

The beautiful trekking route is interspersed with plenty of Dhabas that serve lip-smacking food. There is no shortage of water as gushing waterfalls serve as an excellent source throughout the route.

In short, Kheerganga's short and crisp trail has all the integrants of a heady mountain rendezvous.

Note: Do not venture into various shortcuts along the way as these routes are infamous for being dangerous. We advise you to follow a proper route that is well-paved and buzzes with activity all through.

Some Quick Facts About Kheerganga Trek

• Region- Himachal Pradesh Himalayas
• Trek Altitude- 13,050 feet
• Trek Difficulty Level- Easy to moderate
• Trek Duration- 2 Days
• Distance- 12 km, one way
• Start Point- Kasol
• End Point- Kasol
• Base Camp- Kasol
• Nearest Railway Station- Joginder Nagar
• Nearest Airport- Bhuntar
• Last ATM- Kasol and Manikaran, it is a possibility that the ATMs at these places are out of cash, so carry enough cash
• Water Availability- There are enough water bodies along the way to keep you hydrated after long stretches of walking
• Phone Connectivity- Not very reliable, you may get sporadic BSNL or Airtel signals intermittently but most of the trek does not have any mobile connectivity

About Kheerganga

The Kheerganga trek is touted as one of the most refreshing treks of the Manali region. It is a beautiful place famous for hot sulfur springs surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

There is an ancient temple nearby to provide solace to your spiritual soul. Kheerganga is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, thus making it a spiritual site.

Highlights Of Kheerganga Trek

Parvati valley.

The mesmerizing Parvati Valley is one of the most beautiful locales of Himachal Pradesh. You revel in the enchanting beauty of this magnificent valley for two days. You explore the marvelous landscape of cascading waterfalls, stunning Himachal terrains, mystic hot springs, and roaring rivers amidst the snow-capped peaks.

Mountain villages

The scenic villages of Kalga and Pulga en route take you back in time. You get a chance to take a sneak peek into the primitive life of mountain people and explore their distinct Pahari culture.

Hot Springs

Parvati Kund set amidst the most scenic natural environs is a must-visit. As you dip into the hot sulfur springs after a tiresome trek, your whole body undergoes a therapeutic overhaul. This natural jacuzzi at an astounding elevation of 13,000 feet is the most mesmerizing attraction of the wondrous Kheerganga trek.

The holy town of Manikaran is a famous pilgrimage center for Hindus and Sikhs. It has beautiful temples and the famous Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara. The hot sulfur springs of Manikaran are known for their healing properties. Do not miss the sumptuous Langar cooked in the hot springs. Kada Prasad is also offered to the devotees.

Camping under the star-lit night sky of Parvati Valley is the most heavenly experience. The dazzling skies are a treat to watch. One may end up staying awake the whole night to get the most out of this scintillating view.

The offbeat town of Kasol is a mini-township in itself. It is just a 20-minute walk from Manikaran. Set amidst the most sylvan surroundings, this European-style town is the hub of bustling activities and also offers a quiet reprieve to someone seeking blissful solitude. It is also known as Mini Israel because of the large number of Israeli tourists who visit here. Enjoy Israeli cuisine at any of the cafes located in the charming village of Kasol. There are some cafes inside the quiet solitude of forests too. You can stroll alongside the effervescent Parvati and Beas rivers, which flow near this pretty Himalayan hamlet.

Kasol boasts of a local market that sells beautiful mountain stuff. Here you can buy souvenirs for family and friends, as a memento of this epic fiesta.

The Legend related to Kheerganga

Kheerganga trek is associated with two mythologies.

One legend has it that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s son Kartikeya meditated at Kheerganga. Goddess Parvati cooked “kheer” in the hot water springs of the area for her son, hence the name Kheerganga.

According to the second legend, when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati visited this region, kheer appeared out of nowhere. Parvati Ji converted this kheer into water. The greyish color and milky complexion of the water is because of this.

Kheerganga Best Time

The best time to visit Kheerganga is between April to June and between September to November. The temperatures are moderate, and the valley is lush with a green aura all around. The air is salubrious and the weather at its pleasant best. Monsoon season should be avoided as rains make the region prone to landslides, and road blockages.

How to Reach Kheerganga

Joginder Railway Station is the nearest railhead. From here, one can take a taxi or cab to reach Kasol, which takes around 4 hours.

From Delhi, you can reach Kasol in 12 hours by car. The distance of 565 km. between Delhi and Kasol is well paved. The beautiful road journey is dotted with some amazing views and some good stopovers. Many state buses and Volvo buses from ISBT Delhi run between Delhi and Bhuntar.

From Chandigarh, it takes around 8 hours to reach Bhuntar. Once you reach Bhuntar, you board the bus to Manikaran and get down in between at Kasol.

Kullu Manali Airport, at Bhuntar, is the nearest airport to Kheerganga. It is 31 km away from Kasol. However, the availability of flights to Bhuntar is limited. Mohali Airport, at Chandigarh, is a more reliable option. It is located around 300 km away. Once you reach Bhuntar, you board the bus to Manikaran and get down in between at Kasol.

Weather and Temperature at Kheerganga

Here is a quick look into different seasons and temperatures during the same-

Summer Season (March to June)- This season is best to undertake the trek. The summer temperatures range from 13 to 37 degrees Celsius. The weather is at its pleasant best and interspersed with sporadic rains. If lucky, you can even spot rare animals stopping over by the river bank for a drink. Kasol reverberates with energy during this time and hosts hordes of festivals to entice tourists.

Monsoon Season (July to September)- The monsoon temperatures range between 22 to 32 degrees Celsius. Even though the region dances in green music and fresh air, undertaking this trek in the monsoon season is a risky proposition. The area is prone to landslides, and road blockages, and the trails become very slippery.

Winter (October to February)- The winter temperatures range between 3 to 10 degrees Celsius. In January, the temperatures drop down to 0 to -4 degrees. The winter trek becomes difficult as many areas become inaccessible during this time.

There are no animal sightings and the air is thin, making hiking difficult. Despite the snow-covered panorama of the place, it is not recommended to undertake the trek during this season.

Is Kheerganga Trek safe?

Kheerganga is a safe trek that can be undertaken by couples or even done alone. There are a lot of mountain villages and cafes on the trekking route, so you are never away from civilization for long.

Difficulty Level of Kheerganga Trek

Kheerganga is an easy to moderate level trek yet an adventurous one. One has to cross rocky terrains, meadows dotted with rare blooms, hot sulfur springs, and pretty waterfalls in the beautiful Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh.

Fitness required for Kheerganga Trek

The moderate gradient of the Kheerganga trek entails that one has some fitness level and endurance to be able to maneuver through tricky trails. It is recommended to start preparing at least 2 weeks before you embark on this trek. Start with brisk walks, jogs, and cardiovascular exercises. The camaraderie, fun, and positive spirit are essential elements for this trek.

Day 1 :  Kasol- Barshaini- Rudranag- Kheerganga

• Duration- 6 hours (1 hour by bus, and further 5 hours by trek)
• Highlights- Exploring the scenic Parvati valley, visiting Rudranag Temple and Rudranag Waterfall, taking a dip in hot sulphur springs of Kheerganga, camping under the glittering night sky

You board a bus from Kasol, which takes around 55 minutes to 1 hour to reach Barshaini. From Barshaini, you trek 12 km to reach Kheerganga. It takes around 5 hours to reach Kheerganga from Barshaini.

Day 2 :  Kheerganga- Rudranag- Barshaini- Kasol

• Altitude-5,182 feet
• Distance-12 km by trek (Kheerganga to Barshaini) and 16 km by bus (Barshaini to Kasol)
• Duration- 6 hours (5 hours by trek, and further 1 hour by bus)
• Highlights- Retracing the steps of Day 1, enjoying the downhill vista of the previous day.

Today is an easy trek. You wake up in the beautiful Himalayan vista surrounded by the lofty peaks. You descend downhill and retrace the routes of the previous day, clicking pictures and reliving the memories of Day 1. After trekking a distance of12 km, you reach Barshaini. Take a bus or cab from here to reach the buzzing hamlet of Kasol.

You can stay in Kasol overnight in a hotel. Give a grand finale to your mountain odyssey by exploring this magical town.

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Kheerganga Trek Weather

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Summer (March to June)

The most favourable Kheerganga trek weather season is summer between March to June. Temperatures are hot yet pleasant, ranging between 13°C to 37°C, there isn’t much humidity in the air yet, and wildlife, that otherwise rarely appear are easy to spot during the summer when they walk down to the river for a drink. You will notice throngs of tourists from near and afar trekking here during this season because roads are the safest and easily accessible during summers. A lot of tourist spots are also open during this season, so taking a stopover or going on a short sightseeing tour is convenient too. The lake is calm and beautiful and the open, star studded skies serve as the perfect excuse to set up an overnight camp along the trek route. Being peak season, prices are generally higher this time of the year but the Kheerganga trek weather is so delightful between March to June that it is simply impossible to not want to trudge along the route during summer.  If you plan a summer trip, check out the umpteen festivals like the Indrasan Music Festival, the Summer Hills Festival, and the electric Mahadev Festival, all of which are high-energy tests hosted by Kasol, especially in the months of May and June.

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Monsoon (July to September)

The weather from July to September isn’t recommended Kheerganga trek weather at all. You’re sure to face landslides, slippery roads and road blockages that can hamper your trek entirely. Kheerganga receives moderate to heavy rainfall during these months, and while the place is like paradise for nature lovers, that might not be the case with trekkers. During monsoon Kheerganga trek temperature ranges between 22°C to 32°C so days are pretty hot and nights are pleasant, the waterfalls look spectacular, the abundance of nature stands out and the rainfall adds a romantic vibe in the air. But unless you plan to sit around in a cozy hotel room or just go for a walk in the pleasant weather, monsoon is definitely not the right time to visit, especially for trekking. Being the off-season prices are also much lower, but that is reason enough to not visit Kheerganga in the monsoon because no other trekkers are visiting it either.

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Winter (October to February)

Being the coldest, October to February isn’t extremely favorable Kheerganga Trek weather, owing to which not many would recommend it. Quite a few routes are inaccessible, places are inhospitable and the temperatures are freezing. Temperatures range between 3°C to 10°C and in January when it begins to snow temperatures can drop to 0°C and even -4°C which becomes almost unbearable. As you climb higher, the air begins to thin down and oxygen levels are low, making the climb slightly tedious. Most animals found here are also hibernating, so spotting exciting wildlife might not be possible and neither is natural. Winter might be great for those who love the snow and want to relax in the hotel room, wrapped up in woolens, with a hot cuppa, but trekking isn’t the most recommended activity this time of the year. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for some thrill and are sure to brave the weather, you can most certainly choose to visit Kheerganga in the winter and even trek to Pin Parvati Pass, and Sar Pass. But be well prepared because this might not be the Kheerganga trek weather season you’d look forward to.

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Best Time to Visit Kheerganga

Best time for kheerganga trekking.

Kheerganga trek weather is good for most of the year, except from July to September, so if you’re planning a Kheerganga trek, the best time to visit is any time after the monsoons. October to February sees temperatures between 3 to 10°C while during February to June Kheerganga Trek temperature is anywhere between 15 to 22°C. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, keen on spotting some species during your trek, March to May would be a good time to visit. However, if you enjoy the snow and breeze that’ll literally ‘blow’ your mind away, October to February seems apt for you! But, this time of the year can get extremely cold and trekking up steeper slopes and scaling new heights can get a little difficult, owing to lower levels of oxygen coupled with strong winds. A few routes are also blocked due to heavy snowfall, which might make your trek inconvenient. Kheerganga Trek Weather in summer is great and most trekkers believe that the best Kheerganga trek weather season is between March to May because it is perfectly pleasant this time of the year, the village is serene yet bustling with activity. Being relatively hotter, the slopes are dry and the rivers are calm, so crossing them is simpler and great fun too.

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Located in the idyllic setting of Kasol, amidst the majestic Parvati Valley in India, the Jim Morrison Cafe stands as a vibrant tribute to the legendary rock icon. Infused with psychedelic decor and a laid-back atmosphere, it captures the essence of Morrison's rebellious spirit and artistic legacy.Visitors to the cafe are treated to a unique fusion of global cuisines, accompanied by an eclectic playlist that echoes the eclectic tastes of its namesake. Whether indulging in delicious food, engaging in lively conversations, or simply soaking in the breathtaking mountain views, patrons find themselves immersed in an experience that transcends the ordinary.The Jim Morrison Cafe serves not only as a culinary destination but also as a cultural hub, drawing travelers from far and wide who are drawn to its magnetic charm. It embodies the free-spirited ethos of Kasol, inviting visitors to embrace the magic of the moment and embark on a journey of exploration and self-discovery amidst the beauty of the Himalayas.

Nature Park in Kasol, situated amidst the picturesque Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and tranquility seekers. Spanning lush greenery, the park boasts winding pathways leading to secluded spots along the glistening riverbanks. Visitors can unwind amidst the serene atmosphere, surrounded by towering pine forests and panoramic views of the Himalayas.The park offers ample opportunities for leisurely strolls, birdwatching, and peaceful picnics amidst nature's embrace. Adventurous souls can explore nearby hiking trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. The sound of flowing water and chirping birds creates a soothing soundtrack to accompany one's escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.Nature Park in Kasol is not merely a destination but a sanctuary where one can reconnect with the earth's beauty and find solace in its simplicity. It's a place where time seems to stand still, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquil rhythm of nature's harmonious dance.

Surrounded by lush evergreen forests, it offers a serene retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. The Parvati River gently flows through the valley, adding to the tranquility of the surroundings. Kasol is a haven for trekkers, with trails leading to picturesque villages and high-altitude meadows. Its vibrant hippie culture, bustling cafes, and diverse cuisine make it a popular destination for backpackers from around the world. Kasol's evergreen charm continues to captivate visitors, offering a refreshing escape amidst nature's splendor.

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Kheerganga Trek in May

The minimun and maximum temperature in May in Kheerganga Trek is ° C and ° C respectively. The weather is generally sunny in May and you would feel pleasant throughout the day. Summer Clothes clothes are recommended for Kheerganga Trek in May.

Kheerganga Trek Weather in May

The temperature during the day will be moderately warm, and nights are pleasantly cold.

Weather in Kheerganga Trek

Kheerganga Trek in Winter:  You might not have a great experience during this time, as the trails will be snowy. Sometimes, the routes might get closed. Kheerganga receives heavy snowfall in winters, you will experience everything embedded under snow. The valley looks monotonous during this time.

Kheerganga Trek in Monsoon:  Monsoon in Kheerganga begins in July and it is not advisable to visit Kheerganga during monsoon. The waterfalls are fantastic, the abundance of nature is characteristic and the rainfall lends a romantic feel to the air during monsoon.

Kheerganga Trek in Summer:  Summer in Kheerganga begins from March, It is the most favorable time for the Kheerganga trek. There is still little moisture in the air, but wild animals are rarely easily spotted during summer when they go down to the river for a drink.

Best time to visit Kheerganga Trek

April to June are the best time to visit Kheerganga. This is the safest time and the weather in these months will suit everyone. If you wanted to do a winter trek and see snow, you should plan from January to March. If you wanted to catch a live snowfall, January and early February will be best. For a photography visit, September will be the best month.

Kheerganga Trek Temperature and Weather Details

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Kheerganga Trek overview

• Best time to visit Kheerganga Trek Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
• Located in Kullu, Himachal
• Recommended stay 1 days
• Railway Station Joginder Nagar Railwa Station
• Nearest Airport Bhuntar
• Famous for Trekking, High Altitude Trek, Camping, Hot Water Spring

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