Kheerganga Trek

Reaching Kasol is hassle-free as the village is connected to neighboring states through various means of transport.

How to reach Kasol by air 

If you're flying in from your home-city, then the closest airport to Kasol is Kullu Manali Airport. There are daily flights from Delhi to Manali and regular flights from other major cities of the country. From there, you can hail a cab or local bus to reach Kasol.

How to reach Kasol by train

The nearest railway station to Kasol is Joginder Nagar railway station. From there, you can either take a taxi or board a bus towards Manikaran and get down at Kosal. If you can't find a train from your home-city to Kasol, then you can take a train to Chandigarh and reach Kosal by bus or taxi from there.

How to reach Kasol by road

You can even take a bus from Delhi to Kasol which will cost you about INR 1000 - 1500 per seat. If you wish, you can even bring your own car as the road to Kasol is well marked and busy with many buses, cars, trucks, etc. plying the road 24/7.

For the Kasol to Kheerganga trek, you need to wear comfortable clothes that do not restrict your movement in any way. For your head, you should wear a hat/cap along with sunglasses. For your body, wear full-sleeve t-shirts/shirts along with trek pants. Avoid wearing denim jeans. And for your feet, special attention needs to be paid to the shoes you wear; make sure they are sturdy trekking shoes with a good grip, and are broken in before you embark on the trek. During the Kheerganga trek, the nights can get a bit chilly, so you can carry an extra jacket or a hoodie for the night.

How to dress appropriately for the Kasol Kheerganga trek

Days on the Kasol Kheerganga trek will be warm and sunny, while the nights will get a little chillier. You probably won’t need any thermal wear or thick outer clothing as it doesn’t get too cold in the trekking months of April to July and September. Wear a thin, quick-dry, full-sleeved sports t-shirt beneath a regular t-shirt and comfortable, quick-dry trekking pants. Do carry a jacket or fleece sweater in case you feel cold, especially after sundown.

How can I pick the right trekking shoes and socks for the Kheerganga trek?

Choose trekking shoes that have a strong and sturdy sole and fit you perfectly. It’s a good idea to get ones that have ample ankle support for when you need to wear them on longer and harder treks, though it isn’t needed for the Kheerganga trek. Make sure that your shoes are waterproof and don’t get drenched easily.

You can pick any brand based on your budget. Most importantly, make sure that you purchase your shoes at least one month prior to your departure and wear them, exercise in them, walk in them daily to break into them well before your trek begins. This will prevent you from facing any discomfort or getting shoe bites and other injuries.

Carry several pairs of quick-dry trekking socks. Trekking socks go above your ankle and are made from materials that keep your feet dry and less sweaty. Carry thicker quick-dry socks for the night to keep your feet warm, especially in September.

We strongly recommend that you carry antiseptic or wet wipes to clean your feet before changing into your night socks. Check for any shoe bites, blisters, or other injuries and apply bandaids before you sleep so you’re all set for the next day of trekking.

Choosing the right trekking pants for the Kheerganga trek

Your trekking pants need to be quick-dry, water-resistant, and comfortable. The Kasol Kheerganga trek remains relatively warm throughout the trekking season, so ensure that your pants aren’t too warm. Make sure you carry thicker pants for the night in case it gets chilly.

Choosing the right gloves for the Kasol Kheerganga trek

For the Kasol Kheerganga trek, you will need synthetic trekking gloves. They need to be waterproof and quick-dry. The synthetic gloves protect your hand and provide grip. Make sure your gloves fit you well and aren’t too tight or too loose.

How to pick the right head gear for the Kasol Kheerganga trek

For the Kasol Kheerganga trek, we recommend carrying a quick-dry sun cap and a woollen cap.

Your sun cap should fit you well, have a brim at the front, and a flap at the back that covers the back of your neck, protecting it from sunburn. We recommend carrying a few handtowels that you can soak with water and lay them on the back of your neck in case you do suffer from a sunburn.

Your woollen cap should be made from thick and good quality quick-dry material that can insulate heat well. It should fit your head snugly and cover your ears to protect you from cold winds.

Your Kasol to Kheerganga trek operator will provide all the camping and technical equipment required for the trek. However, you need to carry all the personal gear like sturdy trekking boots, strong backpack, etc. The operator will also give you a proper packing list once you book this trek which includes all the things you need to carry, do make sure you do not skip out on any of the items from the said list.

Choosing the right bags for the Kheerganga trek

Check with your operator to choose the right size of the backpack you’ll need to carry, then purchase an appropriately sized rain cover for your bag that fits it well and ensures that it stays completely dry.

A few weeks before your trek, CHECK YOUR BAGS! Fill it up completely and wear it on your back. Examine all straps, zips, and velcros of your bag and make sure they’re in good condition and are able to support the weight of the bag. If you find anything that needs fixing, get the mends done and recheck your bag.

Generally, your backpack will be carried by a porter (don’t forget to cover your backpack before handing it over to them). You will only have access to your backpack when you reach the campsite for the day, which is why you need to carry a daypack for your water bottles, snacks, emergency and prescription medicines, camera, extra batteries, headlamp, basic toiletries, jackets, etc. A few weeks before your departure, check your daypack as you checked your backpack. You will need a well-fitting rain cover for your day pack as well.

Disposable plastic or reusable synthetic bags are essential to keep your wet and soiled clothes separate from other clean items in your bag, so carry a good amount of those to last you the entire trek.

Why do I need sunglasses for the Kasol Kheerganga trek?

The Kasol Kheerganga trek can get sunny and give you slight headaches. To protect yourself from this, we recommend carrying sturdy, UV resistant, plastic-framed sports sunglasses (metal frames tend to get very cold). They should fit you well and not be too tight or too loose.

If you wear prescription glasses, check if your sunglasses have the same updated prescription to ensure you can see clearly through them. Carry sturdy cases to store your sunglasses and prescription glasses.

Why do I need a headlamp on the Kasol Kheerganga trek?

It is strongly recommended to bring a headlamp with you on any trek. It comes in handy if you need to find your way back to your group, find the washroom at night, or trek after sundown due to unforeseen circumstances. Make sure your headlamp fits your head comfortably, is functioning properly, and has new batteries. Do carry some extra batteries just in case you run out.

Do I need a trekking pole/s for the Kasol Kheerganga trek?

A trekking pole can come in very handy on any trek, including the Kheerganga trek. Trekking poles help in evenly distributing the weight so you don't lose balance, and make the trekking hours seem easier. Make sure your pole is sturdy, has a good grip, and is collapsible so you can easily fit it in your daypack. In case you don’t wish to invest in a trekking pole, you can ask your operator to rent one out to you at an additional cost.

What toiletries should I carry for the Kasol Kheerganga trek?

Carry enough of the following toiletries in a waterproof pouch to last you the duration of your trek, and then some more. There is a possibility of not coming across any shops at all where you can purchase these from:

• thick face and body moisturiser
• SPF 50+ sunscreen
• moisturising lip balm with SPF
• body wash
• shampoo
• toothpaste and toothbrush
• anti-fungal and anti-rash creams
• insect repellent
• menstrual products and ample thick plastic bags to dispose of used sanitary napkins or tampons. Please do not litter. Ask your trek guide about the appropriate disposal methods. We do not recommend carrying menstrual cups or reusable pads/period panties as it will be difficult to wash and disinfect them while on the trek.
• prescription medicines
• wet wipes
• dry tissues
• sanitiser
• face masks

What water bottle or hydration pack should I carry for the Kasol Kheerganga trek?

We recommend carrying at least 2 one-litre reusable water bottles per person. It’s preferable if one of your bottles is thermally regulated as you may need to sip on warm water or soup when it gets cold (your trek staff will give you the boiled water or soup).

If you don’t want the bulk of carrying water bottles, you can opt for hydration packs that you can wrap around your chest and back. They should be able to hold at least 500ml of water and should fit you well. We would still recommend also carrying at least one thermal flask for the hot water/soup.

Do I need to carry a pen knife for the Kasol Kheerganga trek?

Yes, you should always carry a basic pen knife with a pair of scissors, a knife, toothpick, screwdriver, etc. You can use it to dislodge peddles stuck in your soles, make minor fixes to you backpack and daypack, cut open snack packets and fruit, and more.

What should I carry in my medical kit for the Kasol Kheerganga trek?

Carry any pills prescribed to you, the same brand that you’re used to. We don’t recommend starting any new medication while on a trek in case it doesn’t sit well with you. Pack enough to last you all the days of your trek and then some extra in case your trek gets stretched beyond what was planned. Though your trek guide will be carrying a first aid kit, you should also carry a personal first aid kit with gauze, sprain bandage, antiseptic liquid, cotton, muscle relief spray, and loads of band aids.

Also carry altitude sickness pills (please consult your trek guide before taking one) and pills for headaches, an upset stomach, cold, cough, allergies, and nausea. Do check your medical kit for stock and expiration dates well in advance.
 

The Kasol to Kheerganga trek is an easy trek suitable for beginners. To prepare for this trek, you need to start training your body a few weeks prior to the trek by doing some exercises like cycling, running, cardio, etc. This is to improve your endurance levels so you can trek for a few hours without needing a break.

How to prepare for the Kasol Kheerganga trek?

Though the Kasol Kheerganga trek falls under the easy to moderate bracket, keep in mind that you will be trekking uphill for several hours each day, nearing an altitude of 12,500 ft above sea level. In the weeks leading up to your trek, increase your cardio exercises, climb several flights of stairs, practise yoga and breathing exercises to regulate your breathing, and go for a few short runs once you’ve built onto your stamina.

If possible, go on a few short treks around your city. Lastly, and most importantly, don’t forget to rest well before your trek to avoid overworking and tiring yourself on the actual trek.

What documents do I need to carry for the Kasol Kheerganga trek?

Any permits or forest entry formalities required for this trek will be arranged by your trek operator. You will simply need to carry a government-issued ID. Please ask your operator about the latest COVID-19 guidelines and carry the required vaccination certificates or RT-PCR reports.

What kind of food will be provided on the Kheerganga trek?

Your trek support team will include a cook who will make fresh meals for participants while on the trek. Typically, you will have your meals in the common dining tent that will be pitched at your campsite or enjoy a packed meal if you’re trekking around mealtime. 

Safety protocols and advisory on the Kasol Kheerganga trek 

In case of minor emergencies while on the trek, your trek guide will be available to assist you. A basic first aid kit will be available, but please ensure that you carry your personal medication for the trip. In case you are feeling unwell or seem unfit to carry on with the trek, you may be asked to stay at the base camp.

This is at the discretion of your trek leader and is a decision made to ensure your safety while on the trek. Consumption of alcohol, tobacco products, vape pens, or any other intoxicants is strictly prohibited.

Is there an ATM on the Kheeranga trek?

The last ATM you’ll find will be at Kasol. Please ensure that you withdraw ample cash to keep your personal expenses going for the next few days.

Is there any electricity on the Kheerganga trek?

There is no electricity beyond Kasol. Your campsites further away may or may not have the facility to charge any devices. We strongly suggest you carry extra batteries for your cameras and large, fully charged powerbanks to charge any devices you’re carrying (don’t forget to pack their respective cables).

Will I get any network/connectivity on the Kasol Kheerganga trek?

The network connectivity on the Kheerganga trek is extremely sparse. The last place you’re likely to get any network connection is at Kasol. Amongst all providers, BSNL will give you the best connectivity. We recommend informing your family and friends of your travel plans before you reach or while you’re at Kasol.

What is the cancellation and refund policy of the Kasol Kheerganga trek?

The cancellation and refund policy will depend upon the operator you choose for your trek. In general, no shows don’t receive any refunds. Detailed cancellation and refund policies are available on our website’s trip booking pages.

What is the COVID-19 protocol for the Kheerganga trek?

To ensyre the safety of all travellers, everyone joining the trek needs to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. You may not be allowed to join the trek in case you aren’t fully vaccinated or don’t have your valid certificate. Trekkers will be required to maintain social distancing of 6 feet from one another, but families/groups can stay close to each other.

Please make sure you maintain a distance of 6 ft from other groups, families, or individuals. Before you depart for the trek, your temperature will be thermally screened. If at any point of the trek you feel unwell or symptomatic, please inform your trek leader and they’ll provide you with the next steps of action. Please contact your trek operator for more information on additional COVID-19 protocols.