The Kheerganga Trek – A Perfect Detailed Guide
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Nestled deep in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh lies a magical place called Kheerganga. At an altitude of about 2960 metres, Kheerganga is famous for its natural hot springs and scenic meadows surrounded by pine trees. The trek to Kheerganga is one of the most popular and refreshing treks in Himachal. Read on as we provide you with a perfect detailed guide to the Kheerganga trek.
How to Reach the Base Village – Barshaini
The starting point of the Kheerganga trek is Barshaini village. Barshaini is situated at an altitude of 1920 metres and is the last road head in the Parvati valley. Here’s how you can reach Barshaini –
By Air – The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport located about 60 km from Barshaini. You can take a taxi from Bhuntar to Barshaini which takes about 2.5 hours.
By Rail – The closest railway station is Joginder Nagar railway station located 130 km from Barshaini. You can get taxis easily from Joginder Nagar to Barshaini.
By Road – Barshaini is well connected to major Himachal cities like Kullu, Mandi and Manali by state-run and private buses. There are direct buses available from these places or you can get off at Aut tunnel and get a bus to Barshaini from there.
The Kheerganga Trek
The total Kheerganga trek distance is about 12-13 kilometres one way. The trek takes about 4-5 hours to reach Kheerganga from Barshaini. The trail passes through some amazing landscapes and has a moderate difficulty level. Here are the key details:
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Total Distance – 12-13 km one way
Trek Duration – 4-5 hours one way
Max Altitude – Kheerganga top at 2960 metres
Trekking Route and Trail Details
The Kheerganga trek route starts from Barshaini and ends at the top in Kheerganga. The major landmarks enroute are:
Barshaini – The starting point of the trek at 1920 metres. Barshaini has a few accommodation options.
Nakthan Village – Just 1 km uphill from Barshaini, this is the last inhabited village on the route.
Waterfall Point – At about 45 minutes from the start there is a waterfall on the route where you can refill water.
Rudra Nag Temple – An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva situated amidst thick forests.
Marked by a huge Shiva statue you will see here. After this point, the climb gets steeper.
Maggi Point – At around 2800 metres altitude there is a tiny break point where you can enjoy hot Maggi and tea.
Kheerganga Top – You finally reach the top after hiking for 4-5 hours from Barshaini. Relax in the hot springs here.
The trail is very gradual till Rudra Nag after which it gets steep with some rocky sections. There are no alternate routes, just a single trail leads to Kheerganga. The route is very scenic and passes through oak and pine forests, waterfalls and goes along the Parvati River for some time.
Best Time for Kheerganga Trek
Kheerganga trek can be done from April to June and September to November. This is when the weather remains pleasant and perfect for trekking.
The monsoon months of July-August should be avoided due to rainfall and chances of landslides. Winters from December to February can be very cold with the temperatures dropping below zero degrees celsius.
What to Carry for Kheerganga Trek
Here are some important things to carry on your Kheerganga trek:
– Backpack with rain cover
– Trekking shoes with good grip and ankle support
– Woolen layers, jackets and windproof jackets
– Gloves, cap and woolen socks
– Sunscreen, sunglasses
– Water bottles, energy bars/dry fruits
– Headlamp/torch
– Medicines, first aid
– Toiletries and quick dry towels
Stay Options at Kheerganga
You can choose to stay in tents or small lodges at the top. There are about 25-30 options for staying. Some popular ones are:
– Parvati Kuteer
– Kheerganga High
– Kunal Cafe
– Shiva Cafe
The lodges provide basic accommodation with shared bathrooms for Rs.500-800 per night. Tents can cost Rs.800-1200 per night. Advance booking is recommended during peak seasons.
What to do at Kheerganga
Here are the top things to do in Kheerganga:
Relax in the Natural Hot Springs – This is the most rejuvenating experience after the long trek. The temperature of the water ranges from warm to hot. There are separate bathing areas for males and females. Don’t miss taking a dip in these healing waters.
Explore the Meadows – Kheerganga is surrounded by scenic green meadows where you can sit back and relax. You can also engage in some fun outdoor activities.
Go on Short Hikes – Take a short hike to the nearby Viewpoint, Temple or Waterfall from the top. This offers some breath-taking perspectives.
Stargazing – Due to the clear skies and no pollution, stargazing on a clear night is an ethereal experience at Kheerganga. You can identify planets, satellites and shooting stars easily.
Attend the Evening Puja – There is a small temple at Kheerganga where a beautiful evening puja is performed daily with lights and chanting.
Enjoy Campfire & Music – You can enjoy lively music and dance performances around evening campfires arranged by the local cafes. Meet fellow travellers here.
Try the Local Cuisine – The small cafes at the top serve delicious homely Indian meals along with Israeli and continental items. You must try the tasty Tabbouleh salad here.
Buy Handicrafts – The village women sell exquisite woolen items, dream-catchers and handicrafts. You can pick up some unique souvenirs.
Key Tips for the Kheerganga Trek
– Start as early as 7 AM from Barshaini to avoid afternoon heat.
– Carry enough water and snacks to keep you energised.
– Wear good grip shoes as the trail has some rocky sections.
– Stay hydrated and keep munching to avoid altitude sickness.
– Start slow, take breaks and don’t over-exert yourself.
– Do not litter or throw waste along the trail.
– Respect the local culture and environment.
– Carry your medications if you have any health conditions.
Planning Your Trek
Proper planning is crucial to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trek. Here are some key aspects to plan:
Choosing the Right Season
Pick the best season to trek based on the weather conditions. The summer months of April-June are ideal when the weather is pleasant. You can also plan in late August-October before it starts snowing. Avoid the monsoon as the route can get slippery. Winters will be extremely cold with temperatures dropping below zero degrees celsius at the peak.
Fitness Preparation
Start preparing at least 2-3 weeks in advance if you are not used to long-haul treks. Cardio like jogging, swimming, cycling will build endurance. Strength training of legs and core also helps. Acclimatise by also trying small hikes and treks nearby. Carrying a backpack and walking for a few hours daily can be great practice.
Arranging Proper Gear
Having proper gear suitable for the weather and trek difficulty is a must. A good backpack, trekking shoes, layered woollen and windproof clothing, gloves, cap, sunglasses etc. will make the trek safe and enjoyable. Don’t forget sunscreen, torch, first aid and medications too. Break-in your shoes before the trek. Rent/buy gear if you lack proper equipment.
Booking Accommodation
Kheerganga has limited accommodation options which get full during peak seasons. Book your tents/rooms in advance online to avoid hassles. Contact the hotel directly or use booking sites. Choose as per your budget and requirements. Read reviews before finalising.
Arranging Transport
Book taxi services in advance for a pick-up and drop from the airport or railway station to Barshaini base village. This avoids delays in finding transport. Share taxis can also help cut down costs. Have the contact details handy when you arrive. Consider bus timings if choosing public transport.
Packing Efficiently
Make a checklist of essentials and pack smartly so your backpack doesn’t get too heavy. Carry multi-purpose items. Take enough spare warm clothes but avoid carrying unnecessary stuff. Pack clothes, food, equipment as per trek duration. Remember to pack your insurance papers, ID proof, some cash, electronics etc. too.
Fitness & Safety Tips
Here are some key fitness to follow:
Carry your prescription medicines if you have health conditions like asthma, blood pressure etc. Inform your trek leader too.
Trek at your own pace and fitness level. Don’t overexert yourself or try to compete with others. Take ample breaks.
Stay hydrated by drinking 3-4 litres of fluids daily. Avoid alcohol as it causes dehydration.
Avoid smoking as it can worsen altitude sickness. Also avoid sleeping directly on snow.
Eat light meals with high carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Include dry fruits and chocolates for energy.
