Kheerganga wasn't a planned trek.

It was my first time in Manali, and after exploring around, I still had a couple of days left. I wanted to do something adventurous, so I suddenly decided to join a local operator for the Kheerganga trek.

And there was one small detail — it was my first trek, and I was going alone. 🎒

I had no idea what to expect.

But the moment the trek started from Barshaini, that nervousness slowly disappeared. Our guide had a great playlist 🎶, everyone was singing along, and within a few steps, strangers started talking to each other.

People who had come in groups started mixing with solo trekkers. When someone asked me, “Aap kiske sath aye ho?” and I said, “Akele,” they were genuinely surprised.

Somehow, I didn't feel alone anymore. ❤️

🌲 The Trail

The trail was beautiful — lush green pine forests, narrow little paths, flowing rivers and waterfalls.

At some places, multiple trails crossed each other and we weren't even sure which way to go. We laughed, sang, danced, crossed streams and even drank cold water straight from a waterfall. 💧

And then came the black ice.

It was slippery, unpredictable and honestly a little scary. Every step needed attention, but somehow that made it even more exciting. That little fear and adrenaline rush became one of the most memorable parts of the trek. 🧊⚡

It felt less like a trek and more like a group of strangers slowly becoming friends.

🫓 The Two Parathas

Since it was my first trek, I had packed two extra parathas thinking, “What if I don't find food at the summit?”

Thankfully, food was available.

But before dinner, I found two people who were hungry, so I offered them my emergency parathas.

Those two parathas somehow became the beginning of two very good friendships. 🫓❤️

🔥 A Night to Remember

That evening was even more special because it was Makar Sankranti. At the summit, we had a special dinner, followed by a bonfire. 🔥

People started singing, rapping, beatboxing and jamming together. 🎶

We had met only a few hours ago, but that night it felt like we had known each other for years.

The next morning, we explored the hot water springs near the Shiva Temple and then went towards Kartikey Cave. One of the friends we had made had a great camera, so we spent some time taking pictures 📸 and enjoying the mountains before starting our descent.

🏘️ The Way Back

The way down had its own charm.

While descending, we passed through Nakthan Village. There was a small village wedding happening, while little children were walking to school. Watching everyday life unfold around us was beautiful.

And I suddenly realized:

For us, this was an adventure. For them, this was simply home. 🏔️

I had a bus to catch, so while most people were descending slowly and tired, a few of us still had plenty of energy and raced our way down. 🥾

We finally reached the dhaba where we had started, had some hot Maggi 🍜, laughed about the trek, and boarded the bus.

And the best part?

Three of the people I had met on the trek travelled with me all the way to Delhi. 🚌❤️

I had started Kheerganga alone.

I came back with friends, photographs, stories, and a completely different feeling about solo travel.

Sometimes you go to the mountains looking for an adventure, and come back with people who become part of the memory. 🏔️❤️

Stories From Kheerganga Trek

🏔️ Kheerganga — My First Solo