Nested in the heart of Himachal Pradesh the trek from Kasol to Kheerganga offers an unforgettable adventure. Surrounded by lush forest, gushing river, and towering peaks this scenic route is perfect blend of nature, spirituality and excitement.
Manikaran
We began our journey from Kasol and firstly we made our way to Manikaran which was 4-5 km. We were going there for a bath in the warm holy water of the natural hot spring. It was incredibly relaxing offering both a spiritual and physical rejuvenation before continuing our trek to Kheerganga.
Holy water bath
It was October and the crisp cold air made the thought of the warm bath even more tempting. We reached the holy hot spring in manikaran and at first the water felt too hot to even dip our feet in but with a little patience we slowly eased in. The warmth was incredibly soothing. It’s believed that the holy water have therapeutic benefits espically for joint pain.
After our relaxing bath we entered the temple for darshan and were greeted by a majestic Shiva statue. It was a serene sight filling us with piece. Nearby we saw hot boiling water where people were dipping small bags of rice in it. It is a traditional belief that making a wish while immersing the rice bags in the water grants blessing.
Barshaini
We parked our car and began a 12 km trek into the jungle. With every twist and turn the path grew more rugged but the beauty of untouched nature made every struggle worth it. The journey got interesting.
The trail grew steeper as we ventured deeper into the jungle with massive stones blocking our way. Some of these rocks resembled cave entrances their dark mysterious opening tempting us to explore. Navigating through them was challenging.
As we moved forward another challenge awaited us a landslide had broken the path leaving a jagged treacherous gap. The rugged terrain seemed impassable but the local had built a wooden staircase stretching across the damaged area. The long narrow stairs swayed slightly underfoot adding to the thrill and tension to the moment.
As we crossed the wooden staircase another thrill awaited us a narrow bridge stretched ahead with no safety barriers and only a single support in the middle. The rest of the bridge hovered precariously above the rushing waterfall below. The roar of the water echoed adding to the intensity we paused mesmerised by the breathtaking views capturing pictures of the cascading falls and the sheer drop beneath our feet. The heart pounding moment was one of both beauty and fear unforgettable in its rawness.
On our journey we reached a stunning water that locals called Dudhsagar waterfall. The water cascaded down in a smooth white flow resembling milk as it tumbled over the rock. The freezing glacier water splashed around us sending cool mist into the air. Surrounded by lush greenery the sight was both peaceful and powerful a perfect reminder of natures unspoiled beauty.
As we walked a few more minutes we came across a heart wrenching banner it commemorated a young boy who had tragically lost his life on the trek when his foot slipped on the rough unprotected path. The area had been especially hazardous at the time with no safety barriers. Now the authorities had made the path much safer with the good barriers.
After crossing the dense forest we reached an open valley where the trees gave way to vast sweeping landscape. The air was crisp and the surroundings were breathtaking. At the top of the valley several camping options awaited offering stunning views of the rolling hills and distant peaks.
We were filled with excitement as we reached the valley overwhelmed by its beauty. We were exited to capture the every moment what happen there. Each frame seemed to hold the essence of our happiness as we basked in the tranquility of the surroundings. It felt like the free moment of relaxation free from the worries of the world just enjoying the peace around us.
At a final point of our journey we visited a temple where we took darshan. Inside there was a sacred Shivling exuding peace and divinity. The atmosphere was serene and the presence of the Shivling evoked a deep sense of devotion.
This was the end of our trek as we reached the top where a natural hot water spring awaited. The soothing warmth of the water was a welcome relief after the long journey swimming in the hot water was a unique experience offering both comfort and tranquility. The view from the hot pool was awesome with the snow covered mountains.
At night we stayed at a cozy place costing 600 rupees per person. The hospitality was exceptional and the service felt a lasting impression. The staff ensured we were comfortable and the food they served was delicious , fresh and satisfying. The combination of warm service and tasty food made our stay memorable.
Thank you for reading and may your journey be unforgettable.