Kalga is a village in the quaint district of Himachal Pradesh that is best known for being the starting point of the famous Kheerganga trek.
However, not many know that the village itself is a dreamy paradise for solo travelers and budget backpackers. If you too are someone who prefers the hilly lifestyle over crowded cities, here’s what you need to know about this beautiful village in Himachal Pradesh.
Kalga Himachal Pradesh: How To Reach, Where To Stay, Weather, And More
How To Reach Kalga
Air Route
If you’re planning to reach Kalga, a good way of reaching the place is by first flying down to Delhi, Chandigarh, Bhuntar, or Amritsar. These airports are well-connected to other major airports in India such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Bangalore, etc.
Once you land at these airports, you can take a bus or a cab to reach Parvati Valley. It wil take anywhere between 9 to 15 hours depending on where you start your journey and the weather conditions.
Road Route
From cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, or Dharamshala, you can get a bus to Bhuntar. Once you reach Bhuntar, you can easily get a bus to reach Barshaini and it is from here that you’ll be able to get to Kalga.
If you don’t get a direct bus from these cities to Barshaini, you can instead get down at Manikaran and then take another bus to Barshaini.
Once in Barshaini, you must cross the dam built on the Parvati river and then hike upwards to reach Kalga. This route is not very difficult and only takes about 30 minutes of hiking.
Alternatively, many also prefer reaching Kalga from Kasol. Regular buses ply from Kasol to Barshaini, so you can first halt at Kasol for an overnight stay, explore the markets and spend some time here before heading towards Kalga.
Rail Route
Your nearest railway station to Parvati Valley is in Pathankot, Punjab. There are several trains that halt at this railway station from cities like Delhi, Amritsar, Kota, etc. From Pathankot, you can easily get a bus to Bhuntar and then to Parvati Valley.
This journey is not very popular among tourists and hikers as they prefer the common routes leading from Barshaini to Parvati Valley.
Best Time To Visit Kalga
Summer Season
It is the summer season of Kalga that is the most pleasant among all the different seasons. The weather is warm – not too sunny – just enough for you to bask in the sunlight.
But it’s also quite enjoyable as trek routes open up and meadows flourish. This is when the village as well as Parvati Valley sees an influx of hikers, tourists, and adventurers. If you love the sunshine and bright, warm days, this season is perfect for you!
Winter Season
If summer doesn’t excite you, the early winter season is a good time to visit Kalga. The duration between late-October and most of December is ideal for a Kalga trip.
This is when daytime temperatures are in single digits, the air is misty and cool, and the scenery looks straight out of a fairy book.
Winter is a comparatively less-visited season than summer, so you can expect lower fares and prices for services like hotels and food.
Monsoon Season
The small village of Kalga is best enjoyed in the summer and early-winters, however, if you seek a unique, offbeat experience, you can also visit the village in the monsoon season.
Be careful as that comes with its own risks – weather is unpredictable in the rainy season. You wouldn’t want to get stuck somewhere while a sudden downpour washes away all your travel plans.
Kalga weather in the monsoon season is such that you need to be prepared for a lot of problems.
Be it a sudden landslide, water flooding in low-lying areas, or the Parvati river overflowing with all its might – monsoon clearly isn’t the most ideal but a rather challenging season to visit Kalga.
If this weather still excites your inner adventure junkie, we recommend taking extra precautions. Like keeping a tab on local weather updates, planning out your itinerary, carrying a first-aid kit, and keeping emergency contacts handy, just in case!
Where To Stay In Kalga
There are decent homestays and hotels in Kalga where you can usually spend a night for INR 800 onwards. Here are Kalga hotels and homestays that you need to bookmark for your next trip:
Holy Cow Cafe
This homestay-cum-cafe in Kalga is the perfect two-storied wooden homestay for a cozy staycation in the mountains.
Not just amenities like a warm bed, hot water, and breakfast, Holy Cow Cafe also contains a firepit where you can vibe with your friends and family on a chilly winter night. Moreover, Holy Cow Cafe is a pet-friendly property, so you can bring your furry friends along for an adventure!
Contact: instagram.com/holycowcafe/
The Forest Park Homestay
Imagine waking up in the mountains and looking out of your window as you take in mesmerizing views of pine forests. This scenario can easily become a reality if you book your stay at The Forest Park Homestay.
It is a two-storied property with amenities like a dining area, balcony, warm water, homely food, and many others. The Forest Park Homestay is the perfect hotel to stay at when exploring Kalga for a luxurious getaway.
Contact: 08894084521
Tafreegram
An enchanting stay with a view of bright red apple orchards – that’s Tafreegram for you. If you’re looking for a cozy homestay with some of the best amenities in Kalga, Tafreegram is the right place for you.
It has four rooms as well as its own in-house restaurant. With a shared lounge and a garden for soaking yourself in nature, Tafreegram is a great place to stay at, especially if you’re planning to set out on a trek to Kheerganga.
Contact: instagram.com/tafreegram
Places To Explore Near Kalga
While Kalga is definitely enjoyable on its own, there are a lot of places to explore nearby. Here are a few places that you must not miss out on when in Kalga.
Kasol: Located in the Parvati Valley, this small town is famous not just among Indians but also foreigners. It is known for its cafes and adventure activities as well as for being the starting point of many treks. These include Kalga, Chalal, Tosh, and Kheerganga.
Tosh: A scenic town surrounded by the mighty Himalayas, Tosh is one place that you don’t want to skip when visiting Kalga. It is a breathtaking destination to visit from Kalga or Kasol and is especially popular among travelers.
Manikaran: If you are on the lookout for a great spiritual place to unwind at while you’re reaching Kalga, Manikaran is the place to be. It’s known for its famous Gurudwara as well as hot springs. You can spend a day in Manikaran to explore the hot springs, the Gurudwara, and other places in the small town.
Pulga and Tulga Village: These villages that seem like they are twins are located right next to Kalga. Step foot into Pulga and Tulga and you’ll be delighted to see the sprawling apple orchards. These villages make for an easy one-day trip from Kalga or Kasol.
Summing Up
You might’ve heard of Kasol and Dharamshala for being the ultimate go-to destinations for a relaxed staycation, but Kalga is another destination that deserves more attention.
With its stunning landscapes and affordable accommodation, spending time in Kalga would definitely be relaxing.
So, when are you visiting Kalga?
FAQs
What Is Kalga Famous For?
Kalga is most famous for being the starting point of the Kheerganga trek. Apart from that, this town is popular for its sprawling orchards and lush green landscapes.
Which Dam Is Near Kalga?
The Parvati Dam built on the Parvati river is a dam near Kalga. Travelers must cross the dam to reach Kalga.
Is Kasol Safe In Winters?
Yes, Kasol is a safe place to visit regardless of the season. However, Kasol is known for its harsh winters, so we advise you to take necessary precautions and follow weather updates.
