The Call of Kheerganga: Aanchal’s First Trek into the Himalayas with Thrillophilia
“You never know until you try,” they say. And for me, the moment of TRYING finally arrived at Kheerganga, a place where the mountains meet the moonlight and the heart learns to let go.
I did not consider myself the “adventurous type”. Between business meetings, project deadlines, and the usual Delhi hustle, trekking to a remote Himalayan peak was never on my radar. But one evening over coffee, my friends brought up the idea. The more they spoke about the hidden trails, starry skies, and natural hot springs of Kheerganga, the more the charm of the unknown took hold of me.
“I am in,” I agreed, and with that, we booked the trek through Thrillophilia.
Stepping into the Unknown
When we began our climb, the air was thick with excitement. The forest trail welcomed us with its tall pines, and the sound of mountain streams replaced the noise of the city. I was captivated by the sheer beauty of it all - the way each twist in the path revealed a new view, a glimpse of mountains painted against the sky.
As the terrain grew steeper, I felt the weight of the challenge. My legs ached, and my breathing grew shallow, but my friends kept me going with their laughter and encouragement.
“Keep going, Aanchal! It is just a bit further,” one of my friends said, his voice lifting my spirits. And then there was another friend, who stayed by my side to offer tips and stories about the mountains. His presence made each step feel less daunting and more like a shared journey.
A Pause Under the Stars
As soon as we reached the campsite, night had already settled to cast a deep blue hue across the landscape. We gathered around a fire, grateful for its warmth, and settled into a comfortable silence as the stars began to appear.
One of my friends broke the silence with a story, a local legend about the origins of Kheerganga.
“They say these mountains have seen everything - love, loss, hope, and despair. But they always remain unchanged.”
His words struck a chord, and as I looked up, the sky seemed to expand, making me feel both grounded and free.
The air grew colder, but the warmth of our group’s laughter filled the night. For a moment, I felt that the usual worries of my life - the deadlines, the emails, and the constant race to keep up - had faded away. And, it was replaced by something simpler and something real.
Rising to the Summit with Strength in Every Step
The next morning, we set off before dawn, each step taking us closer to the summit.
This last stretch was the toughest one: steep, rocky, and relentless.
But something inside me had shifted. Every difficult step now felt like a reminder of what I could achieve. I could feel the exhaustion, but also a sense of resilience, a strength I had not realised I possessed.
At one point, I stumbled, catching myself just in time. My friends reached out to steady me.
“You have got this, Aanchal. Just a bit more.” Her support gave me that last burst of energy I needed, and as I climbed, I could finally see the summit emerging from the clouds. The feeling of victory was exhilarating, like conquering not just the mountain but my own doubts and limitations.
A Soak in the Hot Springs
As we reached the top, we were greeted with a panoramic view that was magically gorgeous. Snow-capped peaks stretched as far as the eye could see, and a cool mist covered the valley below.
But the highlight was the hot springs - natural pools of warm and mineral-rich water situated at the top. Eager to soak our tired bodies, we slipped into the springs and sighed with relief as the warmth soothed every aching muscle.
Floating in the water, I looked around at my friends, every one of us lost in our thoughts.
“Can you believe we actually made it?” one person said, her voice filled with awe and pride.
I smiled, understanding exactly how she felt.
Here, surrounded by mountains and the quiet of Kheerganga, I realised that this journey was more than just a physical trek. It was our chance to reconnect - with nature, with my friends, and perhaps most importantly, with myself.
Finding Peace in Every Step Down
After spending some time at the hot springs, we began our descent. Everyone was reluctant to leave.
The mountain had given me something I could not quite describe, but it was rare and deeply meaningful. I had come to Kheerganga with the simple hope of sharing an adventure with friends, but I was leaving with so much more - a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of calmness, and memories that would last a lifetime.
On our way down, one of my friends walked alongside me.
“You know, the mountains will always be here,” he said. “Whenever you are ready to come back, they will welcome you.”
His words lingered, and as I looked back one last time, I promised myself I would return, even if just to relive this feeling.
Read more: Himachal Trek Reviews