INTRODUCTION:
Kheerganga, hidden in the far end of the Pin Parvati Valley and inspiring millions with its sheer beauty, sits in the lap of nature. Kheerganga is a kaleidoscope of nature’s best gifts, and it’s a relatively easy trek.
The breathtaking night skies and glistening greens of the day make this trek extraordinary in many ways, but the hot water spring is the best. You will come across a number of water bodies on this trek, including abundant rivers, simple streams, and spectacular waterfalls.
The stunning natural beauty of this trek has remained untouched by the forces of commercialization, and is only enhanced by the simple lifestyle of the locals. To delve deeper into the details, a list of the trek specifics is provided below.
A Complete Guide to the Kheerganga Trek
The Kheerganga Trek in a Nutshell
Valley of Parvati
Valley of Parvati
Level of difficulty: Easy
The trek’s highest point is 10,065 feet.
The best way to get there
Bhuntar Airport is the closest airport.
Pathankot is the closest railway station.
The best time to go on a Kheerganga trek is in the morning.
Kheerganga in the morning
Even though the Parvati Valley is beautiful all year, the best time to go on the Kheerganga Trek is from October to June. Trekking is not recommended during the monsoon season because it becomes dangerous and difficult. The month of October is generally considered to be a good month for the trek, and from August to October, you will find a large number of enthusiastic trekkers on the Kheerganga expedition. April and May are also good months. The temperature will range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius on average.
Kheerganga Trekking Routes
Trail of Kheerganga
Trail of Kheerganga
After Kasol, the trek begins in Barshaini. To get to Kasol, you’ll have to pass through Bhuntar.
Obtaining to Bhuntar: The trip to the start of the trek can be divided into two parts, the first of which is getting to Bhuntar. Bhuntar has an airport, making it easy to get there by air, but getting there by car or bus from Delhi takes 14 hours.
Bhuntar to Barshaini: In the second phase, you travel from Bhuntar to Barshaini. You can either take a bumpy bus ride or a taxi to get to Barshaini. Kasol is a good place to stop on your way to Barshaini. Kasol is another gem along the way, serving as the starting point for a number of treks.
The Kheerganga trek can be done in two ways from Barshaini: through Tosh and Nakthan Village or through Kalga Village.
1.Nakthan Village is a village in Nakhtan, Afghanistan.
Village of Nakthan [Wikimedia Commons]
Village of Nakthan
Photographers prefer this route because it is lined with breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains. This is the most popular route to Kheerganga, and it follows the Parvati River’s left bank.
The trek is moderately difficult with some difficult sections. It will take you three to four hours to complete this route.
2. Pulga Village, Kalga
Trekkers on the way Kheerganga
The second route to Kheerganga is easier to climb and has longer descents than the first. This less-traveled route is lined with dense forests and does not provide as picturesque views as the 7-kilometer trek from Tosh to Kheerganga. This is the route that people with low stamina prefer.
This route also passes through the villages of Kalga and Pulga, where you can stop for a photo opportunity. You can take a stroll through these villages and make friends with the friendly locals. This route can be completed in 4 hours if you keep a good pace. You can complete it in 5 to 6 hours if you prefer a more leisurely pace.
When is the best time to visit Kheerganga?
View from Kheerganga
The months of May, June, September, and October are the best months to go on this trek. These are the months when the weather is pleasant and there is little to no humidity.
Day 1 of the Kheerganga Trek – Bunnter to Barshaini
From Bhunter, travel to Barshaini and spend the night.
Day 2: Barshaini to Tosh (distance 12 km, time 6-7 hours)
From Barshiani, take the road to Tosh, a small village from which the forest trek begins. You will pass through Nakthan Village and the Rudranag Temple on your trek. Both of these places can be used as pit stops on the way to Kheerganga. When you arrive in Kheerganga, stay in your preferred lodging for the night.
3rd Day: Return to Bhuntar
12 km in length, 6-7 hours in duration
Get up early to catch the perfect sunrise and the view of the mesmerizing mountains bathed in the orange glow of dawn.
After that, take a hot bath. Prepare for breakfast by going to the water spring. Begin the trek back to Barshaini after breakfast. Try to catch the evening bus to Bhuntar as soon as you arrive in Barshiani.
