#hotwaterspring

Location – Kheerganga, Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh Best Time to Trek: May to November Height: 2,960m / 13,051ft Trek Level: Easy-Moderate

Pic Credit: http://www.wanderstruck.in

The abrupt valley road climbs past a side valley leading to the village of Malana and through the backpackers’ heaven of Kasol where travelers from all around the globe meet to sample the local “charas” or hashish which is found throughout the valley. From here, the road leads to the Sikh and Hindu pilgrimage town of Manikaran. Next, you can a take a bus or a taxi to Barshaini. Barshaini is the last motorable point and the starting point of the Kheerganga Trek. It starts from Pulga, where the construction of the Parvati Hydel Project, a hydroelectric dam, dominates the landscape. There is a convergence of Tosh River on the left and Parvati River on right at Barshaini.

From here, we began our trek to Kalga Village.We walked through the village which leads to a pleasant trail through apple fields and green meadows. We stayed at Kalga village for a night and let me tell that this was the breathtaking stay better and a 5 star or a 7-star property, where it is just you and Nature.

Next Morning, we began our trek to Kheer Ganga. The beginning of the climb takes you through farms hovering on each other in staircase style which is common in the hilly ground everywhere. A fantastic feeling takes over as you make the climb while sopping in the brilliant blues, calming greens and glaring sun. Our surroundings were so quiet that each chirp of the birds and rustling of dry leaves under our feet could be heard clearly. The calm was occasionally interrupted by trekkers who would pass a smile and say “Hello”. These people were world’s friendliest for sure! Four of us had our own talking to do so a couple of miles were spent admiring aloud and of course selfies and pics.

Then we made a stop at the waterfall. It was the most striking waterfall I have ever seen in my life.

The trail passes through beautiful alpine meadows following the river Parvati uphill.

  As we entered the jungle area the view gets more and more beautiful. There were so much peace and natural beauty all around. As we were getting closer to Kheer Ganga, the path is getting really difficult to travel, it was very slippery, there were waterfalls on the way, slippery narrow paths. Following the roaring Parvati river and crossing some breath-taking wooden bridges, we made it to Kheer Ganga after 5-6 hours of trekking.

Trek to a Nature Lover’s Heart

The moment we stepped in Kheerganga, we felt like we have entered a different world. We saw a huge ground surrounded by tall and majestic mountains crowned with white snow and dense white clouds were all around us. It was totally like heaven on earth, so peaceful and so pure.

As we reached atop the whole view and environment changed drastically and opened up into a flatland that is graced by the occasional tent, the few guest houses and cafes and the temple premises which also comprises of the hot water spring.

As soon as we reached, we threw our bag in the room and rushed to the Hot Spring amidst the Himalayas. (It is said to be a holy spring with healing properties. The pool has one section for men and the other enclosed one for women)

  In the evening, views of the forest and the peaks were simply spectacular. Heavy mist was enclosing the valley but the peaks were shining while the sun was setting down at a distant horizon. As the night approached, clouds disappeared completely to offer us the crystal clear view of the sky and the stars.

After spending a fascinating day in Kheer Ganga we checked into a guest house for an overnight stay.

Woke up in the morning to see the sun splashing its beautiful colors on the mountains. The bath in the hot springs was so special; I stayed there for quite long. The magical sound of morning chants from the shiva temple just 50mtrs from the spring, made the morning just perfect!

I enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast, and bid my goodbyes to the beautiful valley, with a promise to return again, soon!

Things to keep in Mind-

Weather- Weather at hills are unpredictable, it is advised to keep layered clothing .

Stay Hydrated- Water contains oxygen, which can compensate for the low oxygen levels in one’s body. So stay hydrated during the trek. P.S- you will wind a lot many waterfalls on your way.

A comfortable pair of shoes- Since the roads are narrow and slippery, it is advised to carry the comfortable shoes with good grip. Make sure you don’t carry shoes you haven’t worn before.

Enjoy the Nature- Remember you are trekking because you don’t want to be the part of any race, and you want to experience & enjoy nature. Maintain your comfortable pace don’t rush.

Don’t litter- most important, we are the guest here and we must respect nature so it is a responsibility to keep our ecosystem clean.