A wise man once said - We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us. There is so much in this world for all of us , if only we could have the eyes to see it and a heart to love it.
This is my story of escaping the shackles of ordinary life to experience the heaven on earth and I invite you to be the part of my journey.
kheerganga is located in the kullu valley/parvati valley and on the edge of approximately 3050 m.
It is believed that the milk used to flow from Himalayas . It is also believed that Lord Shiva meditated here for 3000 years. It is also famous for hot water spring.
https://abhilasha5.blogspot.com/2019/06/an-astonishingly-beautiful-evening-at.html?m=1
My friends and me boarded the bus HRTC Himsuta Volvo that leaves from ISBT Kashmere Gate.
Most of the volvos leaves delhi in the evening and reaches bhuntar next morning aroung 9-10am.
With all the excitement, giggles and fun conversations the night passed by and next morning we reached bhuntar.
From bhuntar you can take a local bus or book a taxi from the bus stand for kasol or manikaran. We took a local bus to experience the local mountain ride and lets be realistic it was economical too (30 rs/ person). After few naps and some bumpy road rides we reached kasol.
We heared the sound of gushing parvati river and saw the lush green hills covered with Pine and Deodar on either side. After covering the distance of 1 km more we reached Manikaran. We stayed at Hotel Shivalik which was 2 mins walk from Manikaran bus stop. We booked it online. The place was very reasonable with neat clean rooms , friendly staffs and good food and nearest point for Barsaini i,e starting point of the trek.
After exploring the local market in manikaran and visiting the famous manikaran saheb we called the day off . Next morning we were all enthusiastic about the trek and left early for "Barshaini" The last Motorable road in the valley. We happily boarded the wrong bus which we were not so proud of which took us back to kasol but we had to go ahead of manikaran.
So from kasol we hired a taxi to reach barshaini. From kasol or manikaran you can easily find taxi's or local buses for barshaini.
https://abhilasha5.blogspot.com/2019/06/mata-vaishno-devi-temple-travel-guide.html?m=1
We saw hydro power projects on Parvati River near Barshaini & Pulga. If You want to return on the same day confirm the bus timings from the locals. We were told that the last bus timings for returning
Barshaini to Bhuntar was either 2 pm or 3 pm.
After reaching to barshaini we bought some refreshments and wodden trekking pole 10rs/person.
Then we headed towards the trek.
1)Nakthan village - It is the Shortest most popular and most preferred route. It takes 4-5 hours for a person with average trekking speed. The path of Nakthan trial is well marked.
2)Kalga village - From the bridge, take a right to hike up and reach Kalga village. This route passes through very dense forests and it is possible for people to lose their way. Most of the people don't know about it so its used by very less trekkers.
3) Tosh village - This route is used by those tourists who wants to stay in Tosh and want to trek the next morning.
The Route : We choose the 1st route for our trek.
We Started our trek in energized way. The trekking pole was very helpful for us to climb the difficult trials.
Sometimes All you need is the plan, the map, and the courage to press on to your destination. We saw gorgeous apple orchards on our way. Plucking them was not allowed. The valley was a traditional Himachali village . It had small wood and stone homes.
We saw small children Playing , Simple people sharing fleeting smiles , Beautiful woman waving traditional shawls with embroidery.
We bought energy drinks/beverages as it was important to keep ourselves hydrated.
You can find many small shops throughout the trek. They offer Maggie, parathas, juice's , water, etc the price is on the higher side which is quite reasonable as they have to trek daily for the supplies.
After trekking for a while we reached Rudranag Temple. A beautiful water fall is very close to the temple. The wonderful sound of Parvati river rushing through the valley is like treat for the ears. There are fine views of pine forests towering near the mountain peaks.
During the trek we met a shepherd going with their flock of goat and sheep.
After the water fall the trail becomes little difficult for the first time trekkers. The path is well marked with directions so there is very less chance for anyone losing there way. I took it slow. It is not a race. Everyone has their own pace, so walk slow and steady, enjoy the scenery of the forest .The uphill climb is definitely very tiring, the good thing is that there are nice places to sit in the shade of trees where the cool breeze helps you in relaxing. We kept ourself hydrated, drank water and juices throughout the way so that No one falls sick.
A trip to kheerganga is incomplete without spending a night camping under the stars.
We Took a tent named fire and ice .They charged 300/ person. It was a very spacious tent with warm blankets and pillows . The host was a helpful man. We had our tea and Maggie and relaxed a bit inside the tent.
There are no network in kheerganga. We went outside to find signal to call at our home. Bsnl had signals. Sun was set it was Star gazing time. If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night I'll bet they'd live a lot differently.The sky was clear and there were countless stars sparkling at that night. It is very difficult to find one star in the world made up of concrete buildings.
You can find many cafes in kheerganga for food . Mouth watering beaverages and snacks are available at every cafe. We had dinner and played antakshari , shared our experiences , talking to each other then went asleep.
Next morning I woke up to the chilly morning breeze with a splendid view of sunrise and flying birds. It was time for Rejuvenate ourselfs in the natural hot water spring. A hot water bath during the dawn to relax our sore muscles and enjoying the beautiful mountains is a deal worth grabbing. We relaxed for a while then returned back to our tents. After having our breakfast we trekked downwards It took us 2-3 hours and trekking back was relatively easy. After reaching barshaini we took a cab and returned to Manikaran from there we headed back to delhi.
1) First aid kit
2)Warm clothes
3)Sunglasses
4)Water-bottle
5) trekking shoes and trekking pole.
This is my story of escaping the shackles of ordinary life to experience the heaven on earth and I invite you to be the part of my journey.
kheerganga is located in the kullu valley/parvati valley and on the edge of approximately 3050 m.
What is so special about kheer Ganga?
It is believed that the milk used to flow from Himalayas . It is also believed that Lord Shiva meditated here for 3000 years. It is also famous for hot water spring.
The best part? The feeling of being immersed in warm water with mountains around that were covered with snow.
 |
| Snow capped mountains |
Reaching Bhuntar on the Delhi-Manali Highway -
It doesn’t matter where you go or what you do on the weekends, as long as you’re with your friends, you’re guaranteed to have a crazy fun time. |
| My friends |
My friends and me boarded the bus HRTC Himsuta Volvo that leaves from ISBT Kashmere Gate.
Most of the volvos leaves delhi in the evening and reaches bhuntar next morning aroung 9-10am.
With all the excitement, giggles and fun conversations the night passed by and next morning we reached bhuntar.
From bhuntar you can take a local bus or book a taxi from the bus stand for kasol or manikaran. We took a local bus to experience the local mountain ride and lets be realistic it was economical too (30 rs/ person). After few naps and some bumpy road rides we reached kasol.
 |
| Parvati river |
We heared the sound of gushing parvati river and saw the lush green hills covered with Pine and Deodar on either side. After covering the distance of 1 km more we reached Manikaran. We stayed at Hotel Shivalik which was 2 mins walk from Manikaran bus stop. We booked it online. The place was very reasonable with neat clean rooms , friendly staffs and good food and nearest point for Barsaini i,e starting point of the trek.
 |
| View from shivalik hotel |
 |
| Ancient Temple located in manikaran market |
 |
| We all are wearing raincoat called as poncho. |
So from kasol we hired a taxi to reach barshaini. From kasol or manikaran you can easily find taxi's or local buses for barshaini.
 |
| Off to kheerganga |
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| Off to kheerganga |
Barshaini :
Barshaini is a very small village with a few basic food joints, homestays, and a taxi stand.
The parvati river flows adjacent to the village . It Thunders down the gorges and is visible from Barshaini.We saw hydro power projects on Parvati River near Barshaini & Pulga. If You want to return on the same day confirm the bus timings from the locals. We were told that the last bus timings for returning
Barshaini to Bhuntar was either 2 pm or 3 pm.
After reaching to barshaini we bought some refreshments and wodden trekking pole 10rs/person.
Then we headed towards the trek.
 |
| Starting point for trek i.e Barshaini village |
There are three routes from Barshaini to go to Kheerganga.
1)Nakthan village - It is the Shortest most popular and most preferred route. It takes 4-5 hours for a person with average trekking speed. The path of Nakthan trial is well marked.
2)Kalga village - From the bridge, take a right to hike up and reach Kalga village. This route passes through very dense forests and it is possible for people to lose their way. Most of the people don't know about it so its used by very less trekkers.
3) Tosh village - This route is used by those tourists who wants to stay in Tosh and want to trek the next morning.
The Route : We choose the 1st route for our trek.
We Started our trek in energized way. The trekking pole was very helpful for us to climb the difficult trials.
Sometimes All you need is the plan, the map, and the courage to press on to your destination. We saw gorgeous apple orchards on our way. Plucking them was not allowed. The valley was a traditional Himachali village . It had small wood and stone homes.
We saw small children Playing , Simple people sharing fleeting smiles , Beautiful woman waving traditional shawls with embroidery.
 |
| Old traditional village of himachal pradesh |
 |
| Waving traditional shawls. |
We bought energy drinks/beverages as it was important to keep ourselves hydrated.
 |
| The trials |
 |
| Best companion while trekking |
You can find many small shops throughout the trek. They offer Maggie, parathas, juice's , water, etc the price is on the higher side which is quite reasonable as they have to trek daily for the supplies.
After trekking for a while we reached Rudranag Temple. A beautiful water fall is very close to the temple. The wonderful sound of Parvati river rushing through the valley is like treat for the ears. There are fine views of pine forests towering near the mountain peaks.
During the trek we met a shepherd going with their flock of goat and sheep.
After the water fall the trail becomes little difficult for the first time trekkers. The path is well marked with directions so there is very less chance for anyone losing there way. I took it slow. It is not a race. Everyone has their own pace, so walk slow and steady, enjoy the scenery of the forest .The uphill climb is definitely very tiring, the good thing is that there are nice places to sit in the shade of trees where the cool breeze helps you in relaxing. We kept ourself hydrated, drank water and juices throughout the way so that No one falls sick.
Finally We reached kheerganga . I was very exhausted . Couldn't feel my legs and there was a lot of panting too. The first glimpse of kheerganga was very scenic. The sun was about to set . The clouds were floating in the sky and it added colour to the sunset sky.
We Took a tent named fire and ice .They charged 300/ person. It was a very spacious tent with warm blankets and pillows . The host was a helpful man. We had our tea and Maggie and relaxed a bit inside the tent.
There are no network in kheerganga. We went outside to find signal to call at our home. Bsnl had signals. Sun was set it was Star gazing time. If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night I'll bet they'd live a lot differently.The sky was clear and there were countless stars sparkling at that night. It is very difficult to find one star in the world made up of concrete buildings.
You can find many cafes in kheerganga for food . Mouth watering beaverages and snacks are available at every cafe. We had dinner and played antakshari , shared our experiences , talking to each other then went asleep.
 |
| Camps at kheerganga |
 |
| Lush green forest |
Next morning I woke up to the chilly morning breeze with a splendid view of sunrise and flying birds. It was time for Rejuvenate ourselfs in the natural hot water spring. A hot water bath during the dawn to relax our sore muscles and enjoying the beautiful mountains is a deal worth grabbing. We relaxed for a while then returned back to our tents. After having our breakfast we trekked downwards It took us 2-3 hours and trekking back was relatively easy. After reaching barshaini we took a cab and returned to Manikaran from there we headed back to delhi.
Coming back from mountains year after year , I ask myself a question - why don't I live here ? life in the mountains are simple and it teaches you to appreciate the smaller things in the world.I wish everyone had a chance to spend some parts of there life on these mountains.
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| Local himachal kid |
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| Snow capped peak |
Things to carry -
1) First aid kit2)Warm clothes
3)Sunglasses
4)Water-bottle
5) trekking shoes and trekking pole.
Very good work...keep it up...
ReplyDeleteThank-you so much 🙂
DeleteSuperb job 👌🏻
ReplyDeleteThank-you so much 🙂
DeleteReally good 👍👍👍👍
ReplyDeleteThank-you sipu 😀
ReplyDelete