The Kheerganga trek is renowned as one of the most famous treks in Himachal Pradesh. Situated in the Pin Parvati Valley at an elevation of 2950 meters above sea level, it offers captivating routes.
Kheerganga trek is particularly suitable for beginners, as prior trekking experience is not required. Kheerganga holds great appeal for nature lovers, attracting trekkers from all corners of the country.
Its charm lies in the breathtaking views and invigorating hot water springs. Covering a distance of 24 km, this trek typically spans 1-2 days.
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The best time to visit Kheerganga
Trekking to Kheer Ganga is viable all year round, but during the peak winter season, the trails are blanketed with snow, rendering the trek more challenging. Accommodation options may be limited due to snow accumulation, making camping impractical.
The optimal time to schedule your trek is during the summer season, particularly from March to June. The weather is milder during this period, facilitating a more comfortable trekking experience.
Activities in Kheerganga
Kheerganga is a highly sought-after destination for trekking enthusiasts, drawing visitors from across the country & foreign nationals eager to engage in adventurous activities.
Here’s a list of a few activities you can try in Kheerganga:
- Trekking
- Hiking
- Camping
- Dipping in hot water springs
- Nature Exploration
- Yoga and meditation
Staying in Kheer Ganga Trek
Kheerganga stands out as one of the premier trekking destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Here, you have the option to lodge in camps or huts.
Hotel facilities are not available in Kheerganga; therefore, accommodation is primarily in camps and huts. Tents can also be set up near the cafes on the lush meadows.
For a nominal fee, you can pitch your own tent in Kheerganga. Additionally, some trekkers opt to stay in ashrams maintained by sadhus and monks.
Kheerganga Trek food guide
During your trek in Kheerganga, you’ll come across small cafes and restaurants that cater to the needs of trekkers with food options.
It’s advisable to carry a packed lunch and snacks such as chocolates, chips, and other high-energy snacks as the food available in Kheerganga tends to be quite expensive.
Additionally, you may encounter camps and ashrams that provide food for trekkers along the route.
History of Kheerganga Trek
Kheerganga is said to have been the home of lord Shiva in ancient times, the history of this place is thousands of years old.
According to local people, lord shiva came to Kheerganga and meditated for thousands of years.
The name of this place “Kheerganga” refers to ‘milky white sacred water’. This is a natural spring and the water is white like milk and hot.
It is believed that taking a dip in this hot water spring is considered a sacred bath. There are several ancient temples located near the spring. The hol pool is divided in two sub pools with one section for men and the other one for women
Trekking routes to Kheerganga
The starting point of the Kheerganga trek is Barshini and the total distance you’ll have to cover is 9-10 km. To reach Kheerganga there are three routes from Barshini.
Route no. 1: Barshini to Kheerganga via Nakthan village
Your trek will start from Barshini, you’ll cross the bridge, and after crossing that you will take a left turn toward the Nakthan village. This route will take you to Kheer Ganga.
This route to Kheerganga is preferred by trekkers because it is one of the shortest routes which takes just 3-4 hours to complete the trek. The trail is well-marked and most popular trekking route to Kheerganga.
Route no. 2: Barshini to Kheer Ganga via Kalga village
After starting the trek from Barshini and crossing the bridge you will have to take a right turn and reach Kalga village.
After reaching this village you’ll find a different route to reach Kheerganga which will merge to the main way halfway on the trek.
This route takes you through dense forest because of which sometimes trekkers lose their way to Kheerganga. This route is not known by many people.
Route no. 3: Barshini to Kheerganga via Tosh
You can choose the Barshini to Kheer Ganga route via Tosh. This is a different path to Kheer Ganga from Tosh village.
Near the Tosh village the Tosh River flows which merges into the Parvati River located near the Pughla village.
This route mixes with the Nakthan village route which was mentioned earlier. This trek route is mostly used by the trekkers who choose to spend a night in Tosh village and they are willing to start their trek in the morning.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the Kheerganga trek is one of the most popular and easiest treks in Himachal Pradesh.
This trek has three different trekking routes which makes it easy for trekkers to choose according to their preference.
The food and stay facility which is provided in Kheerganga is also up to mark. If you are planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh then you must undertake this thrilling trek to Kheeraganga.
