Kheerganga is a beautiful trek in the Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh. At an altitude of about 9700 feet, it is surely a trek in the woods paved with Pine and Oak trees where one can listen to the roar of Parvati River almost throughout the trek.
About the Trail:
Parvati Valley is a river valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh. And it is home to Parvati river and lovely scenic villages. Kheerganga gets its name from the river water which appears to be milky white. And also Kheerganga is the spot where Shiva, the Adiyogi is said to have meditated for 3000 years.
Trek Stats:
- Elevation: 9700 ft (2950 m)
- Best seasons to Trek: April to October
- Guide and Permits: To be taken at Barshaini
- Duration: 1-2 days
- Trek Difficulty Level: Easy
- Trek Distance: 14 kms
- Accommodation: Tents
- Location: The trek starts from Bharshaini
- Nearest Train station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
- Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport Bhuntar or Mohali Airport Chandigarh, India
- By Road:
- Parvati Valley
Itinerary:
Day 1: Barshaini(7200 ft, 2194 m)-Kheerganga(9700 ft, 2950m)
The trek starts from Barshaini, a small town near Manikaran in the Kullu district. The trek starts from a Hydel Project where one can see the confluence of Parvati and Tosh rivers. The trail passes through Oak and Pine trees and there is a gradual ascent. One can hear the roar of Parvati river throughout the trail. The path leads one through villages, wheat fields and a few cafes. The trail then leads to the Rudranag waterfall and then a bridge.
The path now becomes steep but the trail is lovely and the woods are certainly lovely, dark and deep.
The path then finally leads upto Kheerganga where one can refresh oneself in the hot springs.
The sights of the meadows and mountains around are beautiful to gaze at.
Day 2: Kheerganga(9700 ft, 2950m)–Barshaini(7200 ft, 2194 m)
After staying in the tent for the night, one can head back to Barshaini.
Things to pack /carry:
- Sturdy Backpack(50L-60L) preferable with wider shoulder straps as it should sit comfortably on your shoulder
- Hiking Shoes( to suit the Mountain terrain) and socks
- Water bottle / Water pack -2 bottles of 1l each
- Sun Cap and Woollen / Fleece Cap
- Sunglasses – Black or Brown
- Trekking pole
- Comfortable trekking pants and tees
- Wind and Rain jacket /poncho depending on the season
- Sweater / Fleece Pullover depending on the weather
- Small first aid box
- Regular medication if any
- Fleece Gloves and Rain Gloves
- Sunscreen Lotion – SPF to suit the Higher altitudes
- Toiletries- Basic and much needed ones
- Dry fruits or Energy Bars
- Head torch
- Sleeping bag
- A small notepad and pen
- Essentials: Wallet, ID card
- Mobile phone, chargers, Powerbank
- Cameras and Batteries
Highlights of the Trek:
- Parvati Valley– This scenic valley is an abode to beautiful places like Kasol, Tosh, Manikaran, Malana and ofcourse the mighty Parvati river.
- Tosh– It is a quaint place where one can rejuvenate after a trek to Kheerganga. It has a lot of cafes and one can just gaze at the surrounding mountains.
- Hot Springs– As one reaches Kheerganga, one can refresh oneself in the Hot springs.
- Rudranag Waterfalls– On the trail, one can come across a small clearing where this Rudranag waterfall is present.
Pre-requisites for the Trek:
- Please read about the Trek and the weather conditions prior to planning.
- Having a good exercise routine is a must to embark on Himalayan treks – Ensure that you do the required preparation for the trek, ideally 1 year prior to the trek.
- Research about the trek- Plan on how you wish to trek; Through a Trekking Agency or by yourself.
- If you are trekking by yourself with a group of friends, ensure to take a Guide along at the starting point of the Trek and plan your Trek accordingly. This option should be considered only if you have some experience in Trekking and have taken the necessary precautions and adhere to the protocol of Trekking in Himalayas.
- If you are unable to complete a Trek, that is totally fine. Mountains will always be there but not us. So, make sure you do not compete with others or yourself in the madness to reach the destination. Take it Slow always!
- Plan your finances accordingly for the Trek and have a Plan B if you stop the Trek midway or some unforeseen circumstances hold you back.
- Mountains always have the last say, remember this always!
Considering the COVID-19 Pandemic, ensure that you adhere to the protocols of the situation and the Place of the Trek.
Hope you have a wonderful adventure out in the Himalayas!
PS: You can read about my personal experience at Kheerganga out here – Kheerganga in Parvati Valley
