The Tosh settlement, the Manikaran hot springs, the Kheerganga River, the Parvati River, practically everything here is serene. During the hikes from Kasol, you will be able to witness the valley’s raw natural beauty. Kasol, along with other towns like Tosh and Malana, is a place where people live in peace with nature. Humans do not bully nature in this place; they coexist. Spend some time inside this valley to get away from the faults of city life. Kasol and Parvati valley are a jewel of a holiday spot, especially if you are interested in adventure. There are several waterfalls, hot spring pools, snow-capped hills all around, and lush green forest. If you learn to know Nature in its natural condition, you will quickly see how it may be accepted.
Kheerganga
(Khirganga) will be God’s throne if he resides here. Among all the various hikes in the Kasol area, this valley is the crown treasure. The most popular Kasol hike is Kheerganga. The hot springs are located at a height of 2950 metres (13,000 feet) and need a 7-8 hour climb to reach. After navigating the rocky terrain, you’ll arrive at Kheerganga’s hot spring. All your concerns and pains will be wiped away with a plunge in the warm water! The journey begins at Barshani. We travel from Kasol to Barshani by road. From there, the hike to Kheerganga begins. From Barshani, a route goes to Tosh village, which really is 3 kilometres distant. Although it is possible to hike to Kheerganga in one day, it is neither practical nor recommended. If you are a seasoned hiker, you should be able to complete it if you begin early enough.
Regardless of the path you follow, the total distance covered on the Kheerganga hike is 12-13 kilometres. Kheerganga Trekking may be done in two ways from Barshaini: Barshaini is a small town with a taxi station, a few very modest accommodation choices, and dhabas. From here, a hardly motorable road leads to Tosh, which is about 2 kilometres from Barshaini. A hydropower project is being built here, which has detracted from the natural beauty of the area. Once the plant is operational and a pond is created, it is hoped that much of it will be restored.
1) From Barshaini’s bridge, turn right and trek up to Kalga
village. This path, which passes through lush forests, is a little longer but easier to climb, making it ideal for novices and infrequent trekkers.
2) The second route passes via Nakthan hamlet and requires a left at the Barshaini bridge.
This is the quicker and more picturesque path, but it is also the most challenging because it is extremely steep in spots. This Kheerganga hike is moderate, although it is not suggested for those who have cardiac problems. If you begin your trip before noon, you will get in Kheerganga by sunset, where you will camp for the night. Although Kheerganga is not a hamlet, it does have improvised lodgings and campgrounds. Due to the lack of power, several accommodations provide tandoors in eating tents to keep you warm. There is no electricity and transportation is difficult. Because generators power camps and other facilities, staying and eating well may be costly.
Make absolutely sure you book your journey with a reputable company to ensure you receive excellent care while you are here. Professional permanent campground structures are not permitted here temporarily, according to a recent court order. Rudra nath, a few kilometres before Kheerganga, serves as an alternative overnight camping place. There are several cafés and teahouses in Kheerganga, as well as a natural hot water spring known as Parvati Kund. Between 2 and 4 p.m., the last bus from Barshaini to Bhuntar departs. For specific time, check with a taxi station or a dhaba.
FOOD AND STAY DURING KHEERGANGA TREK–
In Kasol, there is a street lined with restaurants providing international cuisines, the most of which will be Israeli. The rising number of Israeli visitors is the actual cause behind Israeli cuisine’s appeal. Take a risk and have breakfast in Israel, lunch in Germany, and supper in China! You will not be sorry. Put on your jacket, put on your hiking shoes, take your trekking pole, and begin your adventure across the valley that even God finds difficult to leave.
BEST TIME FOR KHEERGANGA TREK-
The fact that Kheerganga Trek is accessible virtually all year is one of the reasons for its popularity. Apart from a few weeks during the peak winter season, Kheerganga is open all year. The trip to Kheerganga becomes more challenging during the rainy season. The path is still available to skilled hikers. The journey is best done from April to November, with April/May and September/October being the ideal months.
