Kheerganga Trek Guide: Route, Time, Rules & Cost
Route, time, camping rules, cost and best months for the Kheerganga trek.
What is the Kheerganga trek?
Kheerganga is a wide, open hilltop at about 2,960 m in the Parvati valley, near Kasol. At the top there is a natural hot water pool and a small Shiva temple, with snow mountains all around. The Kheerganga trek starts at Barshaini, the last village on the road, and goes up through forest, small villages and waterfalls.
It is the most loved trek near Kasol, because it is not too long and the hot pool at the top feels like a big reward.
No camping at Kheerganga
In July 2024, the forest department banned camping at Kheerganga and removed the tents, to keep the place clean. So it is now a day trek: go up in the morning, enjoy the top and come back down the same day. Do not book any "Kheerganga camping" package.
Kheerganga trek route, step by step
Most people take the Nakthan route. It is the main path, and it has small dhabas on the way for tea and water.
Cross the bridge at Barshaini and climb past the dam to Nakthan, a small village with homestays.
The path goes along the hill to Rudra Nag, a small temple next to a pretty waterfall. Good place to rest.
Cross a bridge and walk through a thick forest of pine and other trees. Small dhabas sell tea and Maggi.
The last part is the hardest and steepest. Go slow, and the forest opens onto the wide green top.
Times and distances are rough. Your speed may be faster or slower.
How to do Kheerganga in one day
Since you cannot stay at the top, start early. This gives you time to enjoy the hot pool and come down before dark.
- Night before
Stay in Barshaini, Kalga, Pulga or Nakthan. You save 1 hour in the morning.
- 6:00 am
Start walking from Barshaini with water, snacks and a rain jacket.
- 10:30 am
Reach the top. Take a dip in the hot pool and visit the small Shiva temple.
- 12:30 pm
Have lunch at the top and start coming down by 1 or 2 pm at the latest.
- 5:00 pm
Reach Barshaini, then go back to Kasol or rest in a nearby village.
Who can do the Kheerganga trek
Good for you if…
You can walk 10 to 12 km in a day and climb stairs without getting very tired. First-time trekkers do it every week.
With kids or older people
It is long for small kids and older people. Take a guide, walk slowly and turn back if anyone feels unwell.
Skip it if…
You have knee, heart or breathing problems. Try the easy walk to Chalal or the drive to Tosh instead.
Where to stay and trek cost
Where to stay the night before
- Barshaini: where the road ends and the trek starts
- Kalga: quiet apple village, a short walk from Barshaini
- Pulga: small village with a pretty forest walk
- Nakthan: on the trek path, saves time in the morning
- Kasol: more hotels and cafes, but 45 minutes away by road
What it costs
- Shared taxi Kasol to Barshaini, per seat ₹100–150
- Homestay room the night before ₹700–1,500
- Forest entry fee at Barshaini About ₹100
- Local guide for the day Ask first
- Tea, Maggi and water on the way ₹200–400
Prices are a rough idea and change with the season. Carry cash, as there are no ATMs on the trek.
Best time for the Kheerganga trek
Green = best months. Yellow = possible, but be careful. Grey = snow or heavy rain.
In March there can still be snow on the last part. In July and August the path gets slippery and streams can rise after rain. For weather in Kasol each month, read our guide on the best time to visit Kasol.
What to carry for the trek
Must carry
- Trekking shoes with good grip, not sports sandals
- 2 litres of water and some dry snacks
- A light rain jacket, even if the sky is clear
- A warm layer for the top, it gets cold
- A towel and spare clothes for the hot pool
- Photo ID and some cash
Good to know
- Mobile signal is weak or missing on most of the path
- Carry a small torch or phone light, just in case
- Do not leave plastic or bottles on the trail
- The hot pool has separate parts for men and women
- Do not take short cuts off the main path
Want more to do in the valley? See our list of things to do in Kasol, or book the Kasol tour package and we can add the Kheerganga day for you.
Kheerganga trek: your questions answered
How long is the Kheerganga trek?
The Kheerganga trek is about 12 km one way from Barshaini. Most people take 4 to 6 hours to go up and 3 to 4 hours to come down.
Can we camp at Kheerganga at night?
No. In July 2024 the forest department banned camping at Kheerganga and removed the tents. It is now a day trek. Stay the night before or after in Barshaini, Kalga, Pulga or Nakthan.
Is the Kheerganga trek hard?
It is a moderate trek. The path is mostly clear, but it goes uphill for many hours and some parts are steep and rocky. If you can walk 10 to 12 km in a day, you can do it.
What is the best time for the Kheerganga trek?
April to June and September to November are the best months. In July and August the path is slippery from rain, and from December to March it is covered in snow.
Do I need a guide for Kheerganga?
The path is easy to follow in good weather, so many people go without a guide. A local guide is a good idea for first-time trekkers, families and anyone going early in the season.
How far is Kheerganga from Kasol?
Kasol to Barshaini is about 16 km by road, which takes around 45 minutes. From Barshaini, the trek to Kheerganga is about 12 km on foot.
Want help with the Kheerganga trek?
We can book your stay in Kasol and near Barshaini, a cab to the start point and a local guide for the trek.