Your adventure through the Kheerganga hike will take you on a discovery tour of Parvati Valley and one of its many mysteries. The vistas on this walk, which takes you deep into Himachal Pradesh, are energizing, slowly revealing the richness of the landscape. Additionally, this excursion provides you with several opportunities to learn about and experience the beautiful and distinct culture of the area.
‘Kheerganga’s Mythology’
Kheerganga has a long and illustrious history as a sacred site for both Hindus and Sikhs. Now, before we go into the trip guide, let’s take a closer look at it.
The Kheerganga temple was built by Shiva and Parvati’s son, Kartikeya, as a place for meditation and devotion. It was Parvati’s desire to prepare a meal for her son when his parents planned to pay a visit to him. The existence of hot water springs in the area is said to have led to Parvati cooking rice pudding (Kheer) in the water itself, according to local folklore. Because of this, the river’s grey tint and milkfish complexion are a result of it!
Story of Kalyug
When Shivji and Parvati Ji came to this location in Satyug, Kheer emerged out of nowhere. Parvati Ji, on the other hand, requested that Purushotam change the Kheer into water, knowing that the inhabitants of Kalyug (i.e., us!) would battle over the dessert.
On his way to Kheerganga, Gurunanak
A visit by Guru Nanak Singh Ji to his devoted disciple – Bhai Mardan – took place during the festival of Udasi at Kheerganga during the month of Udasi. Bhai Mardana was hungry on one of these visits, but there was nothing to eat. Aata (flour) was collected from the Langar under the direction of Guru Nanak Ji’s Bhai Mardana. The chapatis couldn’t be cooked since there was no fire around.
In this location, Guru Nanakji requested that Mardana remove a massive stone. Which resulted in the appearance of a hot spring. Rotis began to sink as soon as Mardana dipped it into the water. Following the counsel of Guru Nanak Ji, Mardana prayed to God for the Rotis to float back up, and when this occurred, he used the money he earned to feed other people. However, the Rotis did float back to the top, having been completely cooked through.
How to get to Kheerganga Trekking Trailhead
To begin the hike to Kheerganga, you will need to go to Barshaini, which is readily accessible by road from Kasol.
Using the Air Transport System
Located in Bhuntar, the Kullu Manali International Airport is the closest airport to Kasol. Apart from the fact that the frequency of flights to Bhuntar is low, the dependability of these flights is also under question. Taxis and buses are available to take you to your next destination from here.. Mohali Airport (Chandigarh), located around 300+ kilometers away, is the next (safer, more trustworthy) choice.
In a railroad car
Trains depart from Joginder Nagar railway station, which is the closest station. Take a taxi from here to Kasol, and you’ll be there in less than 4 hours.
To travel into the Parvati Valley via road is, without a doubt, the most convenient option. Roughly 565 kilometers separate Delhi from Kasol and need a total driving duration of approximately 12 hours. To make the travel smooth and memorable, make a tonne of pit stops.
For the most part, the roads leading to Kasol from Delhi are in decent shape. Parvati Valley’s popularity, particularly among international visitors, is entirely due to this fact. In spite of the lengthy road travel to Parvati Valley, the scenery is breathtaking, and it more than makes up for it.
Using a Public Transportation System
A large number of public transportation buses depart from the ISBT in Delhi for the nighttime trip to Bhuntar in Rajasthan. Beginning at INR 1500, Volvo/Mercedes buses will be available for hire. A bus ride from Chandigarh to Delhi will take around 8 hours and 30 minutes.
When leaving Bhuntar, you’ll need to change buses and board one bound for Manikaran, where you’ll disembark in Kasol a short distance later.
When taking a taxi, be prepared to bargain, especially if you’re getting off at the railway station. Taxis are accessible at all main locations (airports, railway stations, bus stops). Be prepared to negotiate, particularly if you’re getting off at the railway station. However, booking a pre-paid cab service would be the most convenient method to go about this situation right now. Shared taxis may also be arranged at this location.
Itinerary for the Kheerganga.
Depending on your fitness level, the 13 km trek from Barshaini to Kheerganga. Should take you between 4-6 hours to complete. You should also have a look at the list of goods. You absolutely must bring with you on your hiking vacation.
Reach Kasol on the first day.
Arrive at Kasol through your favorite means of transportation and take in the hippy vibes of the community while doing so. Hemkund is a charming tiny hamlet in Himachal Pradesh. That is teeming with foreigners and has an intrinsic charm that is hard to find anywhere else in the country.
Get to Barshaini and begin your Kheerganga Trekking adventure on day one.
Early morning departure is recommended; nevertheless, it is recommended that travel plans to Barshaini be made the day before since it becomes difficult to hail a taxi/catch the bus in the early morning hours of the following day. A good moment to step up would be at number 6.
Kheerganga Trekking offers a variety of options.
Choose one of three primary roads that go through the city. To paraphrase a well-known proverb, “I chose the route less traveled. it made all the difference” or anything along those lines.
