• By: Guest Contributor
• Mar 04, 2024
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Kheerganga Trek, Himachal Pradesh: A Guide For Beginners

This post is written by a guest contributor, Sunil Choudhury.

Author’s Bio: Sunil is an adventurous soul and an avid travel writer with a passion for exploring the world’s most captivating landscapes. With a background in geography and a deep love for the outdoors, Sunil has dedicated years to trekking, mountaineering, and immersing themselves in the beauty of our planet.

How to reach Kheerganga Trek? 

There are three routes in the Kheerganga trek. These three routes are the Kalga Village route, the Nakthan Village route, and the Tosh Village route. Kheerganga trek is also a top destination amongst tourists visiting Kasol.

The distance of the Kheerganga trek is approximately 12 km from all these routes. 

Starting Point and Route Options: Exploring the Kheerganga Trek from Barshaini

The trek begins at Barshaini, approximately 17 km from Kasol, which serves as the starting point for two different routes. At Barshaini, there’s a dam marking the beginning of the trek.

To reach Barshaini from Kasol, you can either take a taxi which will cost you around 600 to 700 INR, or opt for a bus, costing approximately 30 to 40 INR. From Barshaini, you’ll need to walk to reach the dam, which is the starting point of the Kheerganga trek. The route from Kalga village is considered more challenging than the one from Nakthan village. However, the Kalga village route offers better uphill climbs and is shaded by trees, providing relief from direct sunlight, which can be challenging during the trek.

Exploring Kheerganga: Trekking Tips and Routes

The Kheerganga trek is classified as moderate, offering a balanced challenge suitable for most trekkers, although beginners may find some sections demanding. It’s important to consider weather conditions before embarking on this trek. If it rains the day before, it’s wise to postpone the trek due to slippery and hazardous trails, particularly during the monsoon season. Likewise, winter trekking presents its own difficulties with snowy paths. Summer stands out as the ideal time to explore Kheerganga.

The ascent to the summit typically spans 5 to 6 hours, making it advisable to commence the trek around 1 pm to ensure reaching the top before sunset. Upon reaching the summit, trekkers are greeted with various campsites for overnight stays and a temple. The area also boasts hot water springs known as ‘kunds’, with one kund open to all and another providing privacy exclusively for girls.

Both the Kalga village and Nakthan village routes offer a similar descent distance of approximately 3 km from the Kheerganga top. However, descending via the Nakthan village route is often preferred as it involves a lower hill and is generally easier to traverse, making it the favored choice for most trekkers.

Experiencing the Beauty of Kheerganga: Scenic Routes and Nature’s Delights 

The recommended approach is to ascend via the Kalga village route and descend via the Nakthan village route. Along the Kalga village route, you’ll mostly trek through forested areas, whereas the Nakthan village route offers views of houses along the way. During summer treks, it’s advisable to carry jackets as even in June, the summit can be quite cold. The trail winds through dense pine forests and beside rushing rivers, providing unique and unforgettable experiences. The forest is abundant with silver birch, oak, and pine trees, accompanied by the melodious chirping of birds. The trek’s scenic beauty is awe-inspiring, featuring snowy grasslands, snow-capped hills peeking through clouds, and numerous alpine forests. In winter, the landscape is adorned with cascading waterfalls, adding to its enchanting allure.

At the summit of the Kheerganga trek, you’ll find campsites where you can stay overnight. Accommodation options include single tents, double-sharing tents, and triple-sharing tents. The price per person for a tent ranges from 700 to 1200 rupees, depending on the duration of your stay and the season.

Best Time for Kheerganga Trek

The best time for the Kheerganga trek is during the summer months, from March to June, when the weather is pleasant and the trails are generally dry and safe. This period offers comfortable temperatures for trekking and allows you to fully enjoy the scenic beauty of the route.

Avoid trekking during the monsoon season (July to September) due to heavy rainfall, which can make the trails slippery and dangerous. Similarly, trekking in winter (October to February) can be challenging due to snowfall, especially at higher elevations. Therefore, plan your Kheerganga trek during the summer months for the best experience.