Barshaini

Barshaini is the last place as far as where the road goes in Parvati Valley. It is only 14 km beyond Manikaran and the road is constantly kept company by the Parvati river. Barshaini is a small village but it has all basic facilities including a medical shop, some guesthouses and dhabas, a taxi stand and an alcohol shop. The trail to Kheerganga, Tosh and the trio of Kalga-Tulga-Pulga all start from Barshaini. The recent construction activity of a bridge and dam over Parvati river has marred the natural beauty of this village, but it still calls for a must-visit.

From Barshaini, the walking trail begins; it is a 30 minute walk to the villages of Kalga, Tulga and Pulga. The path diverges from the overbridge built over the Parvati river. The villages and their houses are visible amidst lush fields and trees. There are dramatic views of clouds over the valleys under the gaze of snowy peaks.

Kalga and Pulga villages are more tourist friendly than Tulga - and both have lots of cheap guesthouses. Pulga is lined with narrow stone lanes and rickety wooden houses with a very primitive village feel. Kalga village is perched above the dam project, and has many guesthouses set in the midst of apple orchards.