Sharayu Jakhotiya

Trek: Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL) August 2017 Highest Altitude: 13750 Duration: 8 Days Skill: Moderate Endurance: Difficult Trek Organizers: Trek the Himalayas Trek Guide: Pawan Co-guides: Riyaz Bhai and Farooq Bhai Trekkers: Sanjeev, Suresh, Ravi, Prasad, Vasant, Sagnik, Chandan, Rajat, Sweta, Veena, Munnabhai, Zubair, Meenakshi, Akshay, Hiren, Mario, Mayuri, Sharayu Head Cook: Kashi I skipped along the final few yards and ran towards the tents which had already been set up. Not many people from the group had reached yet as a plonked my bag down on the rock outside one of the tents and sat down next to it. The camp was right next to the Nandkul lake and the shards of sunlight were filtering in through the clouds and mountains to give an ethereal glow to the water. I stared and stared till my eyes burnt and I had to look away for a second. Even after witnessing so many beautiful lakes their beauty still managed to enthral me. It was a weird feeling.

I had never heard of Kheerganga and its hot water springs before I decided to go on a trip to Parvati Valley. Little did I know that it was going to be one of the most unique trekking destinations I would be going to. As soon as I booked my travel, I searched for Kheerganga on Instagram and some photos did turn up. Though there weren't many and those which were there were kind of misleading for women (I will come to why in a little bit). I had visited the hot springs of Manikaran (a little ahead of Kasol) and though I was impressed as a child by looking at the hot boiling water coming from nowhere, I couldn't fathom going there as an adult. The throng of travellers or revellers dissuaded me from taking a halt at the holy place. But Kheerganga was a whole different story. One has to trek 15 kms through Parvati valley to reach the place which guaranteed that the place wouldn't be buzzing with weekend travellers who travel only for relaxation. We were put up in P