If there's one trek that captures the magic of the Parvati valley, it's Kheerganga. A steady climb through pine forest and past waterfalls leads to a high meadow with a natural hot spring, where you can soak in steaming, mineral-rich water with snow peaks all around. It's the perfect overnight adventure from a Naggar base.
The trek
The walk to Kheerganga starts at Barshaini, the last roadhead in the upper Parvati valley, about 15 km beyond Kasol. From here it's roughly 12 to 13 km one way to the top, climbing to around 2,960 m (9,600 ft). Most walkers take five to seven hours up, depending on fitness, through a beautiful changing landscape of riverside trail, forest and open meadow. The path is well-trodden and considered moderate — a great choice for fit beginners — though there are steep, rocky sections, so take your time.
There are two common routes from Barshaini, one via Kalga village and one via Nakthan and Rudra Nag. Both meet near the top. The Kalga side is gentler at the start, while the Nakthan route passes the lovely Rudra Nag waterfall.
The hot springs at the top
The reward is the famous Kheerganga hot spring — naturally boiling water cooled into a bathing pool, milky-white and said to have healing properties. After a long climb, easing into the warm water while clouds drift across the meadow is an experience travellers remember for years. There's a small temple here too, and the spot has long been associated with Shiva and his son Kartikeya in local legend.
Getting there from Naggar
Barshaini is roughly a three-to-four-hour drive from Naggar via Bhuntar and Kasol. Because the trek itself takes the best part of a day, Kheerganga works best as a two-day trip: drive down and trek up on day one, stay near the top, and descend the next morning. Tented camps operate near the meadow in season, so you don't need to carry full camping gear.
Practical tips
- Best season: March to June and mid-September to mid-November. The trail can be snowbound and dangerous in deep winter.
- Start early: begin the climb by mid-morning at the latest so you reach the top well before dark.
- Pack: good shoes, warm layers for the night (it's cold up top even in summer), a rain jacket, water and snacks.
- Leave no trace: the Parvati valley's beauty is fragile — carry your rubbish back down with you.
It's a trek that asks a little effort and gives back a great deal. If you'd like a calm valley base to rest before and after, Ghar in the Hills in Naggar is an easy starting point for your Parvati valley adventure.
Plan your climb
Lace up, fill your bottle and set off for one of Himachal's most loved treks. When the hot springs and the long descent are behind you, book a restful night at Ghar in the Hills and let the mountains do the rest.
