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December 24, 2020

Fancy a plate of white sauce pasta, a bowl of sweet corn soup and a free jacuzzi – all at a height of 3000 metres. Add to it a climb through the charismatic grey-green mountains along with the thunderous Parvati river. Reach the top and find yourself in the abode of Shiva. Yes, I am talking about the infamous hash land and a land full of mesmerizing passages to behold – Kheer Ganga trek. In my attempt to explore the infamy and the glory, I went on a date with these hills and let my camera talk. Scroll down while I spill the whispers.

Trekking Routes To Kheer Ganga

Kheer Ganga is around 9-10 kilometers from Barshaini which can be covered in three different ways. Here are the routes and ways from which you can opt for the most suitable one.

The best and the easiest route to reach Kheer Ganga is to reach Barshaini and take the left turn from the bridge which goes to the Nakthan Village. This is the most preferred route as it is the shortest one and takes only 3-4 hours to reach Kheer Ganga on average trekking speed. While on this route, you will get to witness the pristine Parvati River on the left side of the trek. As this is the most popular route, one can never get lost here as most of the trekkers opt for this trek.

Via Kalga Village

After reaching Barshaini, walk to the bridge and take a right turn to reach the most famous Kalga Village. As the route goes through dense forests, it might be difficult to keep on track so it is advisable to take a person or a guide who is already familiar with the route. Several people are not aware of this route but if you want to avoid the crowds then this serves as the best option. Moreover, the route joins the original route after a few kilometers.

Via Tosh Village

Another path goes from the popular Tosh Village which joins the original route near Nakthan Village. This route is mostly opted by people who are staying in Tosh for the night and want to go for trekking in the morning. You will get to witness the Tosh river here that ultimately meets the Parvati River.

Kheer Ganga Trek – Planning And Route

Although tourism in Himachal is properly organized but reaching Kheer Ganga is not so easy and that’s precisely why it needs proper planning and iteration. The entire journey can be broken into two phases:

Reaching Bhuntar: Nearest railhead, Pathankot is 150 km. We suggest Delhi-Chandigarh-Mandi-Bhuntar by road. Regular bus services run from Delhi post 6 pm.

Reaching Barshaini: Though accessible by local bus from Bhuntar, private taxi costing INR 900 – 1,000, is also an option. If you have time, avoid a cab. Take a bus from Bhuntar to Manikaran (36 km in 90) and from Manikaran to Barshani (18 km in 40 minutes). Last bus from Barshaini to Bhuntar is at 5:00 pm. A shared cab from Manikaran can be helpful if you are tight on schedule. They usually charge INR 75 – INR 100 per person.

From Barshaini – the base to Rudra Nag, Kalga and Pulga, opt from two routes:

Rudra Nag (13 km): It’s a steep climb, laced with stunning views; perfect for photography enthusiasts and easier to descend.

Kalga (17 km): Easy climb with longer descends, suited for occasional trekkers and those low on stamina. Not a good option for photographers looking for breathtaking landscapes.

I took the Kalga route to save the best for the last.

Must Read: 20 Best Hill Stations In Himachal To Experience Pure Bliss

Enroute Kalga To Kheer Ganga

Beautiful mountains en route Kalga village

A 15-minute climb leads to Kalga – a small village full of stunning serenity amidst apple orchards. Here, there are a dozen, amazingly hospitable, home stays available at throw-away cost.

Charging INR 100 to 500 per day, these homestays with the delicious food they serve, can give any normal city hotel a run for their money. From refreshing teas and Chinese platters to Israeli to local Himachalane cuisine, the chef, who is usually the owner, serves like a sophisticated waiter. The local version of rajma and rice with desi ghee is a delight.