Introduction

The state of Himachal Pradesh is often referred to as 'Dev Bhoomi' or the Land of God. It is said that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were so enthralled by the unfiltered and raw beauty of this landscape that they resided here for over a thousand years. Another lore suggests that the solitude he found here helped the former meditate for 3000 years like an ash-smeared sadhu or yogi. Such religious beliefs as well as the tranquil atmosphere adds to Parvati Valley's mystic aura. 

Situated at the intersection of rivers Beas and Parvati, one needs to head eastwards from the town of Bhuntar in the Kullu district of the state. At an elevation of 1800 metres above sea level, it offers a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. To arrive at this location, you would have to board a bus to Manali but get down at Bhuntar, which also has an airport making it convenient for travellers. Popularly referred to as a backpacker's paradise, Parvati valley is home to most of the tourist attractions and most of the renowned trek routes such as Pin Parvati trek and Sar Pass trek are accessible from this area.For adventure junkies or beginners, the famous Kheerganga trek also begins here.

Valley of Villages- A Vibrant Experience

From Bhuntar, one needs to head towards the beautiful village of Barshaini to start his or her journey to the Kheerganga peak. Throughout this excursion, you will come across several villages which will enrich pages of your travel diaries with their hospitality and local culture along with the scenic landscaped vistas.

The first route towards Kheerganga takes you through the village of Nakthan which is apparently a dream for photographers. The terrain interspersed with small streams and green meadows paints a beautiful picture. Local dishes such as Siddu ( made from wheat flour), Babru (local version of Kachori) and Thenthuk ( noodle soup) are readily available in the guesthouses ensuring a fulfilling stay.

The second destination is the Tosh village which offers budget-friendly accommodations for overnight hauls.  A traditional feast ,known as Dham, is recommended by many. Apart from the Kheerganga trek, this place serves as the base for other treks to the Tosh Glacier and the Tosh Nalla.

Kalga is the ideal location for admirers of green wonders of nature- the dense alpine woodlands as well as the carmine apple orchards. Since most people prefer to travel on the aforementioned routes, this offbeat place is perfect for taking a moment to appreciate your surroundings and spend time with yourself. During your stay, ensure that you've tried the Himachali trout fish preparations otherwise you'll miss out on a lip-smacking meal!

Some say that the residents of Malana village are the descendants of the Greek soldiers in Alexander The Great's army while some believe that they are spiritual beings who worship Rishi Jamadagni. Whatever the reason may be, it is believed that the oldest parliamentary system was established here and hence, the village has its own set of customs and traditions. 

Known for the magical Fairy forest, this village is also considered as a party hub and has a unique cafe culture. When in town, do indulge in local delicacies such as Chana Madra and Babru.

These are the few frequently visited villages in the valley. Apart from these, the pilgrimage town of Manikaran and the Mini Israel of India, Kasol are also located here.

Kheerganga Trek: Revealing a Diverse Topography 

The 12 km journey towards the Kheerganga peak is truly rewarding because on one side lies the majestic Himalayan ranges and on the other you have the gushing Parvati river. A little further along the Nakthan route is the cascading serpent-like water body, the Rudra Nag waterfalls where people can enjoy the cooling waters after a hike. The second route through Kalga gives you an opportunity to take a walk through the surrounding forests, rich in flora and fauna. Once you reach the top, people unwind in the hot natural springs enjoying the splendour of the mountainous region. 

The mysticism of the place lies in its spiritual and mythological roots. The Parvati Kund and the Shiva temple witness a significant number of pilgrims who come here to offer their prayers and indulge in a gratifying experience.

Kasol- Towards the end of the journey 

After a night of bonding with fellow trekkers over stories shared around a campfire and  sleeping in tents, the rays of the morning sun lend a gorgeous hue to the sky, making it the perfect backdrop for the mighty ranges. As you descend, it is highly recommended that you spend a day or two in one of the most famous hamlets of Himachal Pradesh, Kasol, exploring the famous Israeli culture of the town. The Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, the Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, the Bijli Mahadev Temple are some of the most prominent tourist attractions. Curate the best itinerary to make the most of your visit.

Conclusion 

 The urban cityscape hardly gives you an opportunity to take a moment to breathe and it can become overwhelming for most of us. The Kheerganga Trek allows us to refresh ourselves amidst nature and leave our worries behind for a while. Book your trek without a wasted second to experience the charm of the mystic Parvati Valley and let it work its magic on your soul.