Kheerganga Peak: Routes and Best Time to Go

There is a saying, ‘If you want to know yourself, go to the mountains. Traveling helps you self-discover, and the Kheerganga trek in Himachal Pradesh epitomizes beauty and nature, offering you experience and serenity. Situated 3500 meters high in Sylan Hill’s Parvati Valley’s end, Kheerganga Peak is known as the meditation ground of Lord Shiva. It has a hot spring, which is quite famous, and bathing in it is an unparalleled experience. Even during heavy snowfall, people love bathing in it. The trek leads up to the beautiful small Shiva temple, a must-see place. 

Let’s learn more about this trek in detail below. 

Kheerganga Quick Trek Facts

• Duration: 1N/2D
• Maximum altitude: 3050 m.
• Difficulty level: moderate

The legend behind the naming of Kheerganga

A legend says that Kartikeya, Lord Shiva’s son, came to the place after losing a race to Lord Ganesha, his brother. Here, he remained in deep meditation, or Samadhi, for years. To get him back to Kailash, Lord Shiva channeled a kheer stream (rice pudding). Thus, the name came to be, and its meaning is ‘milky white sacred water.

The best time to plan a trek to Kheerganga

The best time for the Kheerganga trek is between May and June and between September and October. It is transition weather, and it is the perfect time to trek as it is neither extremely cold nor hot. It is also the post-monsoon season, so the surroundings will have lush greenery, but there will be less slipperiness. 

Kheerganga Trek: 3 routes

There are three trekking routes to Kheerganga Peak mentioned below. 

Via Nakthan Village

The easiest route to reach the stunning Kheerganga trek is to reach Barshaini. From the bridge here, take a left turn and head towards Nakthan Village. With average hiking speed, you can reach the peak in 3–4 hours. It is a popular route and is crowded too, but you will enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Parvati River while trekking on this route.

Via Kalga Village

The second route is to take the right turn from Barshaini village and reach Kalga village. It is a bit of a challenging route, as it takes you through a pretty dense forest. So, do not trek here alone; go with a guide or someone who knows the route. After hiking up to a few kilometers, you rejoin the original route.

Via Tosh Village

If you are staying overnight at Tosh, you can take this route, which joins the original ones near Nakthan Village. The views here include the Tosh River, which meets the Parvati River at the end. 

Things to keep in mind

• After Kasol, you will not find any ATMs. So, have enough cash with you to make it till the end of the trek. 
• Do not take shortcuts, especially without a guide.
• Do not litter on the trek. Keep it clean and be a conscious environmentalist.
• There are no mobile networks here, so be ready to disconnect from real life.
• When heading towards the hot springs, be mindful of your steps, as they are slippery.

2-day itinerary for the Kheerganga Peak Trek

Day 1:After reaching Barsheni Village, trek to Kheerganga

Once you reach Barsheni on the Parvati River’s bank, you start your trek to Kheerganga. The trek will take you through dense, thick pine forests, which transition into beautiful villages and fields as you move up your trek. On your way, you will also witness the beauty of the Himalayas. Move further up the trek to behold the sights of stunning cascading villages. Halt at Rudra Nag and continue your trek. When you reach the end of your trek, camp overnight here.

Day 2: Kheerganga to Barsheni to Bhuntar 

Wake up to witness a magical sunrise and stunning mountain views. Leave your campsite and trek back to Barsheni.

Must-try things while trekking the Kheerganga peak

Try living in a homestay

You can always stay in a luxury hotel. But when on your kheerganga trek, you should choose a homestay. The trek route has many villages offering homestay options, especially Barshaini and Tosh village. It is ideal for budget travelers, and the experience will be memorable.

Relax at Nakthan Village

As you trek, you will come across many beautiful villages, and one of them is Nakthan. It is advisable that you take some time off from trekking and relax here for an hour. Enjoy some delicious snacks here and take in the beautiful views. 

Take blessings at the Shiva Temple

At the end of the trek, you will reach the small but important Shiva Temple. Do visit it and offer your prayers.

Relax in the natural hot springs

Kheerganga is known for its natural hot springs. It is relaxing and rejuvenating. Just be mindful of your steps. 

Conclusion

Anyone looking to be closer to nature and feel the presence of God should go on the Kheerganga trek. The trek takes you deep into nature. There are no vices chasing yo. there is only peace and calm. As you trek through the green meadows or sleep in the lap of snow-clad mountains with the sounds of waterfalls or nature, you will feel deep peace and happiness. Do not wait anymore! Book a trek to Kheerganga Peak today and have the best time ever.