Parvati's kheer
Kartikeya is said to have meditated here. Parvati cooked kheer for him, and it was later turned into water. That is why the spring runs milky white.
After the trail · the almanac
The trek in four numbers
Kheerganga is a short, popular trek from Kasol. Since July 2024 it is a day trek: camping at the top is banned.
2,960m
Kheerganga
18km
Up and back, in a day
10a.m.
Reach the top by then
40–45°C
The hot spring
💪 Easy–moderate🌸 Apr–Jun🍂 Sep–Oct☀️ Day trek
Day by day
One long day
Himalaya Shelter measures 9 km each way, which matches the mapped trail. Other guides say 12–13 km.
How high you are on each kilometre
- Day 1Barshaini → KheergangaVia Nakthan and Rudra Nag9 km · 4–6 h♨️ Reach by 10 a.m.
- Day 1Kheerganga → BarshainiSame path down9 km · 4–5 h🛏️ Barshaini, Kalga or Tosh
Stories and nature
Kheer, tents and a park
Five hundred tents
In April 2024 the forest department counted about 500 tents at Kheerganga and garbage along the trail. It banned camping that July. In 2025 it set a limit of 320 visitors a day, against more than a lakh a season.
Khirganga National Park
The forests and peaks above the spring are part of Khirganga National Park, 710 km² set up in 2010.
When to go
Spring and autumn
The forest department opens the route from April to October. Guides add March and November in good years.
April–June
Cool, moderate days.
July–August
Slippery, muddy trail, leeches and mist.
Sep–Oct
After the rains. Recommended by most guides.
Dec–Feb
Snow on the trail. The kund can freeze.
Plan your trip
Getting to Barshaini
Kasol is the base. Taxis and buses run on to Barshaini, where the trail starts.
- Delhi🚌 485 km by overnight bus, about 12 h
- Bhuntar🚌 Local bus toward Manikaran
- Kasol🚕 16 km, 30–40 min
- Barshaini
A taxi from Kasol to Barshaini costs ₹400–600. Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu–Manali), about 31 km from Kasol, but flights are few. Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar, about 4 h by cab.
Cost
A day trip costs ₹1,500–2,500 a person. Registration at the Barshaini checkpost is ₹100; bring photo ID.
Timings
Reach Kheerganga before 10 a.m. and leave by 2 p.m. No camping at the top. Only 320 visitors are allowed a day.
Cash
The last ATM is in Kasol.
Stay on the trail
Shortcuts have led to fatal falls. Since 2011, 116 people have gone missing in the Parbati valley.
For foreign trekkers
What's different for you
No special permit is needed, but one operator charges foreigners ₹800 more for the trekking permit and asks for a passport and visa. Rules change: confirm with the issuing office before you travel. Checked October 2026.
Permit charge
Himalayan Hikers adds ₹800 for the trekking permit for foreign nationals, and asks for a passport and valid visa. Himalayan Hikers
Insurance
Himalayan Hikers' trek insurance covers Indian citizens only. Foreigners must arrange their own. Himalayan Hikers
Missing trekkers
116 people have gone missing in the Parbati valley since 2011. Of the 22 never found, 19 are foreigners. Don't walk alone or off the trail. The Tribune
Good to know
The small things
Cash, signal, water, permits and help on the way. Checked October 2026; confirm with your operator.
Bring cash
The last ATM is in Kasol. There is none between Kasol and Barshaini. Discover with Dheeraj
Little signal
Phones work in Barshaini, Kalga and Tosh. Make your calls there; at the top there may be BSNL only. Treks and Trails
Register at Barshaini
Pay ₹100 a person at the Barshaini checkpost and show photo ID. Discover with Dheeraj
Day trek only
Camping at Kheerganga was banned in July 2024. Reach the top before 10 a.m. and leave by 2 p.m. Sleep in Nakthan, Barshaini, Kalga or Tosh. The Tribune
Water
Carry at least 2 litres. Refill at streams and waterfalls on the way. Treks and Trails
Food on the trail
Cafés in Nakthan serve Maggi and fresh juice. There is a dhaba at Rudra Nag and Shalom Waterfall Café about halfway. Discover with Dheeraj
Power bank
There is no electricity at the top. Bring a power bank. Himalaya Shelter
Temperatures
About 13–28 °C in summer and 3–15 °C in autumn. Treks and Trails
Offloading
Himalayan Hikers carries your bag for ₹800. Himalayan Hikers
Getting to the trailhead
A taxi from Kasol to Barshaini costs ₹400–600 one way. Book ahead for a 5 a.m. start. Discover with Dheeraj
What to pack
Your checklist
Tick items as you pack. Your ticks stay saved on this device.
Clothing
Shoes
Gear
Papers and money
Health
List from Himalaya Shelter: things to carry on Kheerganga trek.
Who runs it
Choose an operator
We found 5 operators selling Kheerganga with a price in October 2026. All still advertise a night at the top, which the forest department banned in July 2024; ask where you will actually sleep.
Prices are base prices from each operator's own page (October 2026); most add 5% GST. Ratings are what each operator shows, not an independent audit. Names marked † show last season's price or one seen only in a search snippet.