Kheerganga- Backpacker's Paradise!

Kheerganga- Backpacker's Paradise!

I was traveling solo but never felt so- joined by some colorful characters and their epic stories.
The trek started at 1600hrs from Barsheni which was obviously late. When you are trekking in a group then the slowest buddy decides the pace of the group. So soon it became dark and we were still on our way to the camping site.The trek became tricky as it was getting darker.After trekking for almost 3 hours, we reached our campsite which was at Rudranag village.
There were people from other groups as well. We enjoyed the bonfire and the dinner served by our camping manager. It was time to go to our respective tents. But no! We went to our guide's tent. Everybody was sharing their epic stories-it was a magical night. The guys from Delhi drank all night as they were heading back to Delhi the next day.
But I had already made up my mind to reach Kheerganga the next day. Next morning, out of almost a crowd of 100 only 4 stayed back to trek to Kheerganga, while others started their journey back to their home.

So we 4 and a local trek guide Sam started our trek at around 1100 hrs to Kheerganga. Sam advised me to drop my backpack at some local shop as it won't be easy to trek further with the large backpack. So, I dropped my bag near Rudranag temple where we also had chai. There was a waterfall which was half frozen. After the halt we resumed our trek. During our trek we crossed many tricky hurdles. The most tricky hurdle was to walk on the black ice. Walking on the black ice is not a cakewalk even for the local people. At some places, there were space only to put one foot at a time, that too over black ice. It was damn risky.My fellow trekker fell several times but was safe.
Slowly and steadily, we finally reached the summit at around 1300hrs.Everything was covered under thick snow. The day was sunny but the cold breezes were still able to chill our spine.It was time to refuel our energy. We had Maggie and omlete.
There's a Parvati Kunda which is a hot water spring and known for its rejuvenating properties.
Ascent was exciting but the descent was mandatory.We decided to descent on the same day and started our trek back to Barsheni at around 1500 hrs.
We were very careful as it was slippery and gravity was ready to take over us. After 1700 hrs it starts getting dark in hills. Also, the forest cover made it difficult for the light rays to reach the ground.
We reached back to Rudranag where we stayed last night. I picked up my backpack. The guide waved goodbye to us and now we 4 were on our own uptil Barsheni. It was dark and we were having a hard time finding our way to base.
At around 1900 hrs, we reached the base Barsheni.
I waved goodbye to my fellow trekkers and left for my next stay at Pulga.