Barshaini is where the road up the Parvati effectively ends, beside the dam of a hydroelectric project. Across the river, a short climb above the dam, three villages share a forested shelf at a little over 2,200 m: Kalga, Tulga and Pulga.
None has a road. Kalga is spread through apple orchards, with homestays in the trees. Pulga is the largest and most traditional, and behind it stands the “fairy forest”, a grove of huge old deodars. Tulga, between them, is the smallest. Paths of 15–30 minutes link all three.
Top things to do in Pulga, Kalga & Tulga
Pulga’s fairy forest
A few minutes behind Pulga, the path enters a stand of very tall, very old deodar cedars with a soft floor of needles and moss. It is a place for a slow walk or a quiet hour. Leave no trace, and light no fires.
Kalga’s orchards
Kalga’s houses and homestays are scattered among apple trees: white blossom in April, fruit in late summer, gold leaves in October and November.
Walk the three-village loop
Barshaini → Kalga → Tulga → Pulga → Barshaini makes an easy half-day circuit on village paths, with a waterfall between Tulga and Pulga.
Start for Kheerganga from Kalga
One of the two main routes to Kheerganga leaves from Kalga and stays in forest most of the way. It is longer but shadier than the Nakthan route.
How to get to Pulga, Kalga & Tulga
- To Barshaini: by local bus or taxi from Kasol (about 16 km, roughly an hour).
- On foot: from Barshaini, cross the bridge by the dam. Kalga is a steep 20–30 minutes up; Pulga 30–40 minutes on a gentler path. Signs and locals will point the way.
- Luggage: you carry it. Pack light, or ask your homestay about a porter.
Insider tips
- These villages suit people who want to stay several days and do little. Expect simple rooms, wood stoves and home cooking.
- Bring cash from Kasol or Bhuntar; there is nowhere to withdraw money.
- Paths are unlit and confusing in the dark. Arrive in daylight.
- In winter the villages are often under snow and many homestays close. Confirm before you climb up.
Tours that include Pulga, Kalga & Tulga
These guided trips cover Pulga, Kalga & Tulga or combine easily with a visit:
Private multi-day trek 4-Day Kheerganga Trek & Kasol Riverside Tour
The only Kheerganga trek currently listed on GetYourGuide under Kasol itself: four days that pair the valley’s best-known trail — forest, waterfalls, the hot-spring pool and a night camping in the mountains — with riverside time in Kasol. It runs as a private group with pickup available and meals included.
- The 12 km forest trail from Barshaini to Kheerganga
- Hot springs at the top and a night in mountain camps
- Time by the Parvati river in Kasol, with meals included
Small-group trip Delhi: 3-Day Kasol & Tosh Hidden-Trail Himalayan Escape
A small-group long weekend from Delhi built around two bases, Kasol and Tosh, with guided hikes on lesser-used trails, time in the Israeli-style cafés and a bonfire evening. A good fit if you want the valley’s atmosphere without organising buses and beds yourself.
- Kasol’s café culture and quieter trails away from the main street
- Tosh, the highest road-end village in the valley
- An evening bonfire with a Himachali dessert
