While checking photographs from my trip to Kheerganga (Khirganga), I was also reminded of the lack of proper information about the trek on the internet and travel blogs.
Here is an attempt at making a step-by-step guide on trekking to Kheerganga (Khirganga) on your own. Feel free to add your suggestions in the comments below : Thanks
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Kheerganga is located deep in Parvati Valley (Kullu Valley) and is perched at an altitude of approximately 2950m.
Reaching Bhuntar on the Delhi-Manali Highway : To reach Bhuntar, one can take a private Volvo bus that leaves from Majnu Ka Tila or Rama Krishna Ashram Metro Station in Delhi. A recommended and timely option is taking the HRTC Himsuta Volvo that leaves from ISBT Kashmere Gate. All the Volvos from Delhi leave in the evening and reach Bhuntar at around 5 am to 7 am in the morning.
Bhuntar is the village from where the road diverges for Parvati Valley, it is also the confluence point of Beas River with Parvati River. Ask the bus to drop you near the Bhuntar bus stand from where you have to catch a bus to Barshaini. Barshaini comes after Kasol, Manikaran and is the last motorable road in the valley. Buses from Bhuntar to Barshaini are frequent and the distance is usually covered in approx. 2-3 hours. It is better to have breakfast in Bhuntar while waiting for the bus.
Barshaini : 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.
The Parvati River thunders down the gorges and is visible from Barshaini and also flows adjacent to the village. The natural beauty of Parvati Valley has been adversely affected due to the hydro power projects on Parvati River near Barshaini & Pulga. Timing of the last bus from Barshaini to Bhuntar is either 2 pm or 3 pm, confirm the same with locals before deciding on the return journey.
Trekking routes to Kheerganga :
The trekking distance from Barshaini to Kheerganga by any of the routes is around 9-10 kms. There are three routes from Barshaini to go to Kheerganga.
- Walk to the bridge after Barshaini and take the left turn, ask anyone the way to Nakthan village and Kheerganga. This is the shortest and most preferred route and takes 3-4 hours for a person with average trekking speed. This route is on the left side of Parvati river. The path through Nakthan is the most popular route to trek to Kheerganga and the trail is well marked.
- From the bridge, take a right to hike up and reach Kalga village. From Kalga there is a different trek route to go to Kheerganga, although it joins the main route halfway on the trek. This route passes through dense forests and it is quite possible for people to lose their way on this trekking path to Kheerganga. It is used by very few trekkers because most people do not know about this route.
- There is a different trekking path for Kheerganga from Tosh village. It also joins Route No. 1 near the village of Nakthan. This route is mostly used by tourists who stay in Tosh for the night and want to trek the next morning. Tosh nallah or Tosh river flows by near Tosh village which joins Parvati river near Pulga.
I went by Route No. 2 while going to Kheerganga and used Route No. 1 on the way back.
Planning the trek to Kheerganga : Since it is likely that one will reach Barshaini by 11 am – 12 noon (if the bus connection to and from Bhuntar works fine), most people trek to Kheerganga on the same day. The time taken to trek to Kheerganga is usually 3 to 4 hours depending on an average person’s speed. It is a fairly easy trek – on the difficulty level and can be ideal for a first time trekker.
If you want to do a day hike to Kheerganga and come back the same day, it is possible to do it provided one leaves early. It is best to reach there anyhow by noon, enjoy the natural hot water spring bath, eat lunch and leave by 3. Remember that usually the time taken to go back is half of what you’d take while hiking up, so one can get back to Barshaini in 2 hours from Kheerganga.
Homestays : Barshaini 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. There are also a number of colourful cafés in Tosh. On the other side Kalga village has cheap and basic homestays, with in-house cafés as well. Prices per person to be paid (depending on the season and crowd) are from Rs. 100 – Rs. 200 per day.
The Route : Whichever path you choose, the beginning of the trek is a short gentle climb. The way to Nakthan passes gorgeous apple orchards but can get tiring and hot on a sunny day, in the absence of a tree cover. Towering deodhar trees line the path from Kalga and the dominance of nature is evident on that route. Nakthan village is a traditional Himachali village with small wood and stone homes and also has a few cafés for travellers and trekkers. In recent years, a few homes have also started offering staying facilities for trekkers. Route no. 3 from Tosh joins Route No. 1 just after crossing Nakthan village.
