Kheerganga - 24 KM of Nature, Silence, and Self-Discovery

Alivewanderer
Jun 17
3 min read

Updated: Jun 29

Hello, Reader!

I’m Alamkrutha — a dreamer, traveler, writer, and storyteller.

Welcome to my travel blog, where I share stories of my adventures, moments of self-discovery, and the pursuit of dreams.

April 2016

I was on my very first solo backpacking trip through Himachal Pradesh. Nervous, excited, and running entirely on the thrill of being alone in the mountains, I had just reached Kasol, a place that had long lived in my travel dreams.

While hiking towards Tosh, a tiny village nestled deep in the Parvati Valley, I came across a trail sign.

It read:→ Kheerganga.

I paused. That name "Kheerganga" sparked something in me. I didn’t know what lay in that direction, but I felt it. A quiet pull. That moment stayed with me, and I knew I would return.

November 2016 – Returning to the Mountains with Purpose

Seven months later, I kept the promise I made to myself. I returned to Kasol but this time, my destination was clear. I was here for Kheerganga.

Keeping my budget travel roots intact, I took a Volvo from Delhi to Bhuntar and then a local HRTC bus to Barshaini, the base point at an elevation of ~7,200 ft. After a quick breakfast and a strong cup of coffee, I tightened my shoelaces and set off with my 60lt Backpack, which weighed almost 15 kg.

The Trek – 12 KM of Stillness, Beauty, and Self-Discovery

The trail to Kheerganga is 12 km one way, moderately challenging but extremely rewarding. It snakes through forests, past waterfalls, remote cafés, and serene meadows.But the real journey wasn’t just the trek, it was the solitude.

For a while, I found myself completely alone on the path. No signal, no fellow trekkers in sight, just the crunch of gravel beneath my feet and the whisper of pine trees in rhythm with the Coke Studio songs.

At one fork, I took a wrong turn.I kept walking confidently, but gradually realized something was off. The signs were missing. There were no footprints ahead. My gut twisted. And suddenly, I was alone.Truly alone in a Himalayan forest.

Lost, But Not Defeated

Panic tapped on my shoulder.“What if I’ve gone too far?”“What if I don’t reach before nightfall?”But I didn’t spiral. I paused.Breathed.Listened to the wind, and somehow… I walked myself back onto the right path.

That hour of being lost wasn’t just a detour. It was a reset. I was reminded of how strong I could be in unfamiliar spaces.

Reaching Kheerganga – The Moment That Made It All Worth It

By the time I reached Kheerganga’s summit (9,711 ft), I was physically exhausted but emotionally elevated. The views were otherworldly with mist curling over peaks, pine trees swaying in silence, and a natural hot spring waiting to heal my sore legs.

Soaking in warm water at that altitude, surrounded by surreal beauty, I felt immense gratitude. For showing up. For not turning back. For trusting the journey. I rewarded myself with the delicious Maggi and a hot cup of chai.

Why This Trek Will Stay With Me Forever

Kheerganga wasn’t a spontaneous detour. It was a seed planted in April and nurtured through time, memory, and intention.

It reminded me that some places are meant to stay in your heart long before your feet ever reach them.

And when you do arrive—it feels like you’ve known them all along.

🗺️ Trek Summary:

Base Point: Barshaini (~7,218 ft)
Trek Distance: ~24 km round trip (~3000 ft Elevation)
Elevation at Top: 9,711 ft (2,960 m)
Trek Duration: ~5–6 hours one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: May–June and Sept–Nov
Highlights: Waterfalls, natural hot springs, budget-friendly travel, solo-trek friendly trail