Introduction
A walk through the woods as a gentle breeze caresses your cheeks, the commingling sound of feet crushing dried leaves and birds chirping as the sunlight peeking through the foliage illuminates the vicinity. Magical, isn’t it? The enchanted pine forests en route to Kheerganga evoke such reactions from most travellers because of the unique opportunity it offers them to reconnect with mother nature.
At an elevation of 2960 metres, a trip to the terminus of Kheerganga Trek takes you through a rich topography. Nestled in the lap of the scenic Parvati valley of Himachal Pradesh, this is considered as one of the most popular treks in North India that people take part in to attain peace of mind. A 12 km journey can usually be covered in a day’s time. However, if your plan is to explore the local settlements and rest for the night, a two-day trek seems more appropriate.
Kheerganga Trek – A Rewarding Journey
The entire landscape of this region is extremely diverse , with each element contributing to its magnificence. From apple orchards to gushing rivers, from cascading waterfalls to dense woodlands, you encounter various creations of nature depending upon the route you choose. The base camp for the trek is the Barshaini village where you can stock your supply of food, medicines and other essentials since beyond this place, there is no motorable path. Nakthan village, roughly 4 hours away from the base, is famous for its postcard-worthy panoramic visuals of the valley. If the journey becomes a little overwhelming then trekkers can avail the lodging facilities in the nearby village of Tosh and continue it the next day after re-energizing themselves. This route is mostly favoured by people because they can capture stunning images of the terrain and make multiple stops during the journey at tourist attractions like the majestic Rudra Nag waterfalls and the sacred temple nearby where devotees can seek blessings.
Kalga Village- Navigating the Enchanted Forest Grounds
Those who choose the third route traverse the road not taken because it does not offer glimpses of the picturesque lands. That being said, there is something incredibly warm about a place that radiates an old-world charm. With scores of apple trees and elegant wooden houses, this offbeat location has created a unique identity for itself. One needs to climb close to 120 uneven steps, taking a good half an hour to reach the entrance of the village. The warmth does not lie only in the aesthetics but also in the local culture. Delicacies unique to the state of Himachal Pradesh such as ‘Sidu’(steamed bun using wheat flour), ‘Dham’(full-course meal) and the local form of Kachori referred to as ‘Babru’ are well-known. After spending the night, one embarks on a journey through the woods.
Once you are inside the forest, prepare to be awestruck by the beauty around you. The mighty trees provide much needed shade from the scorching sun. The greenish tint to the surroundings remains almost throughout the year, lending a certain vibrancy to the place. Home to an impressive assortment of flora and fauna such as Rhododendrons and the Himalayan Langur , respectively, as well as birds such as the Himalayan Monal, this region boasts of a rich biodiversity. Amidst the tall trees are small streams with wooden log bridges which adds value to its overall appearance.
The ideal time period for gaining the most out of this experience usually ranges from April-May in the first quarter and from September end – mid November in the latter half of the year. It is generally advisable to avoid monsoon months because the ground gets covered by moss making it slippery and prone to mishaps. Also, there are increased chances of landslides occurring in this area during those months. Tourists need instructions from experienced tour guides who can caution them accordingly. Other than this, there is a tendency among trekkers to become dehydrated during this trek so ensure that you carry sufficient water with you.
Kheerganga Trek – Memories to Cherish
The Kheerganga trek never disappoints and truly defines what enchanting means when trekkers reach the top. Endowed with natural hot springs and surrounded by spectacular Himalayan ranges, this spot is a treat for the sore eyes and most importantly, the sore muscles. The Parvati Kund and the Shiva temple are associated with Hindu mythology and thus a must-visit location for devotees in search of spiritual gains . At night, there are provisions to set up tents, rejoice around a campfire and finally fall asleep while stargazing. In the morning, it is an absolute delight to wake up to glorious sunrise and morning skies as the trekkers prepare for descent.
Conclusion
Away from the hubbub of hectic city life, the enchanting pine forests on the way to Kheerganga helps us introspect and reflect. Over the years, human beings have abused and over-exploited the environment to such a great extent that now we are bearing the brunt of our misdeeds. Spending time amidst nature allows you to understand how important it is to ensure its sustenance and bring about a proactive change in the way we interact with it for our betterment and to save our planet.
