After completing the Hampta Pass trek, I thought I had seen it all—the high-altitude drama, the biting cold, the majestic river crossings. But wanderlust has its own way of tugging at your soul. This time, it pulled me towards Parvati Valley, to a place where pine trees whisper secrets and mountains hum lullabies. That’s how I ended up on the trail from Kasol to Kheerganga—a trek that might be less intense than Hampta, but no less magical.

This wasn’t about altitude gains or snowfields. It was about energy, vibe, and emotion. And somewhere between the pine forests and hot springs, I found a different kind of peace.

The First Pulse of Parvati: Reaching Kasol

Kasol welcomed me with the scent of pine needles, the sound of the Parvati River rushing past smooth boulders, and cafés filled with a blend of trance music and quiet laughter. Nestled in Himachal Pradesh, this hippie village in the Himalayas felt like a warm hug after the harsh winds of Hampta.

I spent the first day wandering around—trying Israeli food, buying woollen socks from local shops, and soaking in the laid-back backpacker vibe. Unlike the base camps of Hampta, Kasol is alive, buzzing with energy yet grounded in calm.

That evening, I sat by the river, watching dusk paint the valley in gold. I could feel something shift inside me, like my body slowly syncing with the rhythm of the mountains again.

Into the Green: The Trek to Kheerganga Begins

The next morning, we left from Barshaini, the starting point of the Kheerganga trek, located around 16 km from Kasol. The trail began with a wooden bridge, a small dhaba, and the distant roar of waterfalls echoing through the trees.

The path was a blend of well-trodden mud, stone stairs, and occasional wooden planks. The lush forest canopy filtered sunlight in slivers. I remember thinking—this isn’t harsh like Hampta, it’s welcoming, like nature is gently guiding you forward.

We passed through Nakthan village, where locals smiled as we crossed their apple orchards. Kids played by the roadside. The simplicity of life here reminded me of the shepherd camps on the Hampta trail—raw, resilient, and rooted in nature.

Waterfalls, Chill, and Chai: Mid-Trek Magic

Halfway through the trail, we stopped near a majestic waterfall, cascading from a height that made you crane your neck. We dipped our faces in the icy stream and sipped steaming chai from a nearby shack. There’s a special kind of joy in these small moments—a sip of tea, the crunch of a peanut bar, the sound of your own breath in sync with the wind.

The beauty of the Kasol-Kheerganga trek lies in its accessibility. You don’t need to be a hardcore trekker. The journey allows you to be present, to pause, to take it all in.

It was here that I truly started to disconnect from everything else. No messages. No rush. Just the trail, my thoughts, and the anticipation of reaching Kheerganga.

Heaven in the Hills: Reaching Kheerganga

After around 4–5 hours of trekking, we finally reached Kheerganga, and it was nothing like I had imagined. A vast open meadow, ringed by towering pine trees and misty mountains. Small cafés with colorful flags. Tents flapping in the wind. And right in the middle, the holy grail—the hot water spring.

I couldn’t believe I was soaking in a natural hot spring at 9,700 ft, with cold mountain air brushing against my face. It wasn’t just the heat that relaxed me—it was the energy of the place. There’s something almost spiritual about Kheerganga. The legend says Lord Shiva meditated here for thousands of years, and in that moment, I understood why.

As night fell, we lit a bonfire near our tent, lay under a blanket of stars, and felt the Earth breathe with us. It reminded me of camping at Shea Goru during Hampta—the quiet hum of the mountains at night, wrapping around you like a lullaby.

The Descent: Saying Goodbye Is Never Easy

The next morning, after one last dip in the hot springs, we started our descent. The trail felt different now—familiar, like walking back home after a long day. The sunlight filtered differently through the trees. Every corner held a memory, a moment, a snapshot of peace.

We stopped again at Nakthan for Maggi and tea, chatting with other trekkers. Some were just starting, wide-eyed and excited. I smiled, remembering that same feeling from yesterday.

Trekking back to Barshaini felt like leaving behind a part of myself. But the beauty of these mountains is that they never really let you go. They stay with you—in your breath, in your thoughts, and in the way your soul quietly expands.

Why Kasol-Kheerganga Is More Than Just a Trek

If Hampta Pass taught me strength, Kheerganga reminded me to soften. It’s not a trek you do for bragging rights or pushing limits. It’s one you take when your spirit needs a reset.

Whether you're a solo traveler searching for clarity, a group of friends chasing adventure, or someone simply curious about camping in Himachal Pradesh, this trail has something for you.

Kheerganga offers serenity, culture, warm chai, and warm water springs—all wrapped in a cocoon of mountain charm. And Kasol, with its river songs and starlit skies, will make you want to stay longer than planned.

So, if the Himalayas are calling again and you're not yet ready for the high-altitude grind, take this gentler path. Let Kasol and Kheerganga show you that not all treks need to be tough to be transformative.

Because sometimes, all you need is a trail through the trees, a bath in a hot spring, and the stars above to remember who you really are.