Kheerganga — The Trek to the eternal mystical dip 💓
After reaching the shore…I love the sea…After the hair greys…I understand the world…Yesterday’s joys come together…Today, at this moment, they find meaning… Lyrics “The Life of Ram” from the movie “96”
Vijay Sethupathi aka Ram as the photographer in this magical movie “96” does only one thing, he travels & takes photographs of the varied wild nature. As the years wear him down he finds his own joy & solitude in nature.
The more I am travelling to the mountains & especially the Himalayas I am learning not only more about nature but also a little bit more about myself.
The biggest learning is “It’s a Call of the Wild”. Keep going back to the mountains & himalayas again & again…💓
Getting there
— Flight to IG Delhi (3 hrs from Pune), Night Volvo Bus to Bhuntar ( 10–12 hours) from Kashmiri Gate ISBT, Cab from Bhuntar to Kasol ( 2 hours). Repeat to get back.
Trek Details
Location: Kasol, Himachal Pradesh | Duration: 1 Day | Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate | Kheerganga Trek Distance: 24 KM | Kheerganga Trek Base: Barshaini | Routes for Kheerganga Trek | Best Time for Kheerganga Trek: All Year | Temperature: In Day: 8°C to 15°C; and Night: 0°C to 3°C
TL;DR
At the onset of the long weekend of 15th August’22 after a great last year trek to Jibhi & Greater Himalayan National Park DEBRIEF HERE I took off for my second Himalayan sojourn to this beautiful place called Kheerganga which is nestled in the beautiful Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh.
The amazing thing about the Trek of Kheerganga is it’s short (2-day affair), and relatively easy & at the end of the trek awaits the warm dip in the hot springs making it 100% worthwhile.
I always thought about writing about it & here are my Twitter style Top 10 takeaways from this trip. & did I also tell you that this trek has all that you desire i.e. falls, river, mountains, jungles, meadows & finally the hot water dip.
1/10
About the place — Kasol: Mini Israel
I had heard a lot about Kasol and therefore it attracted me for 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 in doing something out of the ordinary.
There’s a beauty in this quaint town inhabited by Israelis and some of the most beautiful cafe & gift shops!
2/10
Base Camp to Kheerganga — Barshaini
To reach Kheerganga there are two trails from Barshaini. One is via the village Kalga and the second is through Shiva Temple. The route via village Kalga is shorter but steep, slippery & dangerous. Still, I took the Kalga route as I wanted to enjoy nature and explore the flora. Luckily on the day of the trek weather was clear with no rains.
3/10
Welcome to the beautiful village life
The trail started with semi-pukka ( Half Constructed) trails as there is construction going on for the Hydel reservoir for the power project. The trail had full vegetation alongside. One can easily make out that the route is well used by the locals as the trail was broad and seasoned mud. The gradient was level and the ascent was not at all steep. We were just traversing the circumference of a mountain towards the left. After walking for a while the trek opens into rich green fields.
4/10
The roaring Parvati River guides you
It is said that Lord Shiva meditated in this Parvati valley for about 3,000 odd years. He is believed to have taken the form of a naga sadhu or a naked ash-smeared sanyasi. Seasons came and went and one day he opened his eyes and looked at this untouched, beautiful landscape and named it Parvati after his consort.
The bursting sound of the Parvati river all along the trek follows you like a guide. The Falling of Water is thunderous and can be heard from a distance.
5/10
The beautiful flora & fauna of Parvati Valley
As you continue your way up and from here the ascent gets steep and difficult. Towards your right, you could see a big steep waterfall coming down from the mountain top as a glacier fed the fall with water. The waterfall is popularly known as Rudra nag ( The Sacred Snake of Lord Rudra/Shiva).
The path is laden with trees and it gets so deep that even the sun rays are unable to cut through the tallness & depth of the trees
6/10
The mesmerizing waterfalls & wooden bridges
This is one of the few treks where you will cross multiple wooden bridges over the Parvati River. The beauty is the locals have created a neat cafe wherein you can take a breather, and sit for a few minutes to cool your heels. Beware that the last 45 mins of the trek are pretty steep & will test your legs & knees.
7/10
Kheerganga — Camp Site meadows will make you fall in love 💓
The moment you enter Kheerganga the view is absolutely breathtaking. All of sudden the mountain are green with meadows and there is a huge land mass with no trees but greenery everywhere. The mere sight of Kheerganga will give us energy and enthusiasm back.
8/10
Kheerganga — The meditation abode of Shiva 💓
There is an old Shiva temple in Kheerganga. It is said that Kartik, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati lived here in Kheerganga. Kartik was so mesmerised by the place and the mountains that he meditated here for thousands of years. You can find many stories of legends from the local villagers and they are quite excited to tell the stories. It is a ritual to pay homage to the temple every morning before you enter the pool to take bath.
9/10
Self Reflection in the mountains
It’s humbling to take time to think that mountains have been here for millions of years before us and will be here long after we have gone. You’ll easily find yourself surrounded by absolute silence and miles of untouched natural beauty, further than your eyes can see.
You’re encouraged to really live in the moment, forgetting the common and often overwhelming stresses of daily life. Symbolising the short time that we have on earth to enjoy life to the fullest with detachment.
10/10
Bonus — Places around Kheerganga
Kheerganga is a great getaway destination and can be reached overnight from Delhi and other major places in north. One can do lots of things in and around Kheerganga.
1. Snow line: One can go ahead of Kheerganga and can reach snow line in three hours. You can have a good experience of snow and glaciers.
2. Pin Parvati Trek. One can go ahead to Pin Parvati from Kheerganga. The Trek is hard and needs preparation.
3. Mantalai Lake.(13500 Ft) To experience high altitude lake this is good option.
4. Manikaran. A popular Sikh religious spot en route to Barsheini. Known for Hot water Sulphur springs.
5. Kasol. It is small quite town before you reach Barsheni and Manikaran. Famous for River side spots, foreigners and base camp to many important trek routes in the region.
Go with Courage, and Come back with Humility.
Helpful References :
- Me — https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhishek-ballabh-5a109b58/
- The Hostellier Kasol— https://www.booking.com/hotel/in/the-hosteller-kasol.en-gb.html?
- Kheerganga Trek Routes— https://www.treebo.com/blog/kheerganga-trek-guide/
- Teerthan Valley Treks — https://traveltriangle.com/blog/tirthan-valley-trek/
- Decathlon Sweats I am wearing — https://www.decathlon.in/p/8201228/men-tshirts/men-s-cotton-gym-long-sleeve-t-shirt-regular-fit-100-black?id=8201228&type=p
- Decathlon Trousers I am wearing — https://www.decathlon.in/p/966430/fleeces-and-sweaters/mens-hiking-fleece-mh100?id=966430&type=p
