Khait Parvat: The Mysterious Hill in Tehri Uttarakhand

Hidden in the heart of Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal district, Khait Parvat—soaring to around 3,200 m—is a Himalayan gem unlike any other. Often referred to as the “Country of Fairies,” this offbeat peak is steeped in mystique and mythology. Surrounded by lush alpine meadows and dense forests, it offers panoramic views of iconic summits like Kedarnath, Shivling, and Meru. But what truly sets Khait Parvat apart is its aura—whispers of divine sisters, tales of supernatural energies, and an eerie, sacred silence that hangs in the air. Here, the raw beauty of nature meets the pulse of ancient folklore, creating an experience that’s as spiritual as it is scenic.

Where Is Khait Parvat Located?

Khait Parvat Legends & Mystical Stories

Fairies—or “Aanchari”

Local lore speaks of nine sisters, divine forest spirits known as Aanchari or Bharadi, who invisibly inhabit the mountain’s nine ridges. It’s said they:

• Dislike loud noise and bright colors, and traditionally any flute music, vivid clothing, or disturbance invites their wrath—or worse 
• Protect surrounding villages, their aura said to fend off evil. 

Jeetu Bagdwal: The Flute Player

The tale of Jeetu, a shepherd whose flute attracted the fairies, ends in his mysterious disappearance—taken forever into their realm 

“Jitu Bagdwal and Khait Parvat’s tale is like ‘Spirited Away’.” 

Legends of Royalty

Different narratives weave fairy origins with royalty. One recounts King Asha Rawat’s nine daughters ascending this peak to become fairies, another ties the myth to Ravana’s daughter Mandodari’s supposed offspring. Their transformation enshrined in local memory and ritual at the Khaitkhal temple

Mysterious Energy

Visitors and even researchers reportedly sense supernatural energies: flickering orb-lights, strange flickers, perpetual silence, birds absent near the summit—some point to scientists from Massachusetts University detecting unusual ambient energy 

Why Is Khait Parvat Trending in 2025?

• Famous on social media: People are sharing Instagram reels, YouTube videos, and blog posts about the mountain’s fairy stories and spooky feel. That’s making it more popular.
• Known as a haunted place: It’s often called one of India’s most haunted spots, which makes curious travelers want to visit and see it for themselves.
• Peaceful and less crowded: Unlike busy tourist places, Khait Parvat is still quiet and natural. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the mountains without crowds.

Top Reasons to Visit Khait Parvat

Amazing Himalayan Views: From the top of Khait Parvat, you can see famous peaks like Kedarnath, Meru, and Draupadi Ka Danda. The view is breathtaking and perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

• Peaceful Spiritual Vibes: The mountain is known for its spiritual energy. There’s a small temple at the top called Khaitkhal Temple (Maa Khaitwali Devi). The place feels very calm and magical, with lots of old legends and stories from the locals.
• Offbeat Trekking Experience: The trail is natural and untouched—there are no shops or buildings. It’s perfect for people who love peaceful, quiet trekking away from crowded tourist spots.

How To Reach Khait Parvat

By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant (Dehradun) ~130 km away .
By Rail: Rishikesh station, ~110 km distant, with onward taxi/bus • limit point.
By Road & Trek: Drive via Rishikesh → Tehri → Ghansali → Bhatwara/Musankiri; final 5 km trek to summit . Optionally start from Khet village (~3 km trek) 

Khait Parvat Trek Itinerary (4 Days)

Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatization

• Reach Ghansali (via Rishikesh or New Tehri by taxi/bus).
• Drive to the base village – usually Musankiri, Bhatwara, or Khet (approx. 20–25 km from Ghansali).
• Check into a local homestay or guesthouse.
• Rest and acclimatize to the altitude.
• Explore the village, interact with locals, and learn about the legend of Khait Parvat.

Day 2: Trek to Bhawa Bugyal (Meadow Camp)

• Start your trek early morning from the base village.
• Trek distance: ~5 km, duration: 3–4 hours.
• The trail passes through dense forests, pine trees, and alpine ridges.
• Set up camp at Bhawa Bugyal, a scenic alpine meadow.
• Relax, enjoy mountain views, and prepare for the summit the next day.

Day 3: Summit Khait Parvat & Return to Camp

• Begin the final ascent to Khait Parvat summit before sunrise.
• Trek distance: ~3 km, moderately steep.
• Visit the sacred Khaitkhal Temple (Maa Khaitwali Devi) at the summit.
• Take in panoramic views of Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath, Meru, Draupadi Ka Danda, and more.
• Spend quiet time for reflection or photography.
• Return to Bhawa Bugyal camp by late afternoon or evening.

Day 4: Trek Back & Depart

• After breakfast, trek back to the base village (~5 km).
• From there, drive back to Ghansali, and continue onward to Tehri, Rishikesh, or Dehradun depending on your travel plan.

Best Time to Visit Khait Parvat: Month-Wise Guide

Stay Options Near Khait Parvat

In Base Villages (Musankiri, Bhatwara, Khet):

• These small villages near the starting point of the trek offer basic homestays and dharamshalas (simple lodges).
• Ideal for:
  • Spending a night before the trek begins.
  • Experiencing local Garhwali hospitality and food.
• Facilities are basic—expect clean bedding, local meals, and friendly hosts, but not luxury.

On the Trek Route (Bhawa Bugyal or Summit Area):

• No hotels or lodges on the trail or near the summit.
• Camping is the only option once you begin the trek.
• You must carry your own tent, sleeping bag, and supplies or go with a trekking group that provides this.
• Bhawa Bugyal is the most common campsite—it’s a flat, open meadow with stunning views and space to pitch tents.

Key Tips:

• Book homestays in advance during the peak season (April–June and Sep–Nov).
• Carry warm clothes and blankets even for homestays—the nights can be chilly.
• If camping, make sure to bring:
  • A good quality waterproof tent
  • Sleeping bag suitable for cold weather
  • Portable stove or dry food
  • Trash bags to leave no waste behind

Nearby Attractions to Explore Around Khait Parvat

Exploring Khait Parvat also gives you a chance to visit some beautiful and spiritual places nearby:

Tehri Lake & Dam

• Distance: About 60–70 km from base villages
• Why Visit:
  • One of the largest man-made lakes in Asia
  • Offers boating, jet-skiing, and water sports
  • Surrounded by hills, it’s perfect for relaxing and photography
• A great place to visit before or after your trek

Chandrabadni Temple

• Type: Spiritual & mythological site
• Located on a hilltop, believed to be where parts of Goddess Sati fell in mythology
• Offers panoramic Himalayan views
• Popular among pilgrims and trekkers alike

Surkanda Devi Temple

• One of the most famous temples in the Garhwal region
• Requires a short but steep trek from Kaddukhal
• Offers stunning views of the snow-covered peaks and Doon Valley
• Especially crowded during the Ganga Dussehra festival

Devprayag

• Sacred river confluence where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers meet to form the Ganga
• Has ancient temples, peaceful ghats, and great spiritual energy
• Ideal for a short cultural stopover while returning to Rishikesh

Ghansali

• Gateway town to the Khait Parvat region
• Surrounded by lush forests and hills
• You’ll likely pass through Ghansali on your way to the trek
• Has a few temples and local markets worth visiting

Trekking & Activities at Khait Parvat

• Trekking: 5 km ascent/descent with moderate difficulty. 
• Camping: Under starry skies in alpine meadows. 
• Nature & Wildlife: Birdwatching, forest exploration. 
• Photography: Himalayan landscapes & folklore ambience. 
• Cultural exchange: Listen to village tales; worship at Khaitkhal temple.

Khait Parvat Facilities & Tips for First-Time Trekkers

Because Khait Parvat is an offbeat and remote destination, the facilities here are very basic. Here’s what you can expect:

Limited Facilities in Base Villages

• In villages like Musankiri, Bhatwara, and Khet, you may find:
  • A few small tea stalls or local shops
  • Basic homestays or dharamshalas
  • Simple food like dal-rice, chapati, vegetables

Tip: Don’t expect restaurants, cafes, or supermarkets—carry essential snacks, medicines, and personal items.

No Facilities on the Trek Route

• Once you start the trek from the village, there are:
  • No tea stalls or shops
  • No clean drinking water sources
  • No restrooms or shelters

Important: Carry your own water bottles, food, and camping gear if you’re planning to stay overnight.

Local Guides and Porters

• You can usually hire local guides or porters from the village.
  • They know the route, stories, and safe paths
  • Also help with carrying tents, food, or heavy bags

Tip – Hiring a guide is highly recommended, especially for first-time visitors or solo travelers.

Mobile Network & Connectivity

• Very weak or no mobile signal on the trail and at the summit.
• Signal may be available only in some lower villages, that too for select networks (BSNL, Jio in some spots).

Tip – Download offline maps and inform family before your trek begins.

Important Travel Tips for Visiting Khait Parvat Safely

• Cultural respect: Avoid loud noise, bright colors, and instruments. Don’t pick flowers or uproot anything—believed to anger fairies 
• Gear up: Sturdy boots, trekking poles, sun protection, warm clothes for nights.
• Water & Food: Carry enough; none on the trail.
• Navigation & Safety: Hire a guide, beware of patchy trails and altitude effects; don’t hike solo.
• Check weather & permits: Especially around monsoons or early spring.
• Night caution: Locals caution about strange sightings at dusk/full moon—trust instincts. 

FAQs About Khait Parvat

Sanya Sharma

Sanya Sharma is a postgraduate in Geography and currently pursuing an MBA in Travel and Tourism Management. She is passionate about tourism development, cultural exploration, destination branding and creating meaningful travel experiences with a focus on responsible tourism through research and storytelling.