Chamba Trek
Trekking and Camping in Himachal Pradesh
Chamba trek over Indrahar pass is a challenging and rewarding trek that takes you from Mcleodganj in Kangra valley to Chamba valley in Himachal Pradesh. The trek crosses the Indrahar pass, which is a mountain pass in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 4,342 meters. The trek offers stunning views of the Pir Panjal and Mani Mahesh ranges, as well as the plains of Punjab and Haryana. The trek also passes through dense forests, meadows, glaciers, caves, and villages, where you can experience the culture and hospitality of the local people.
The trek is about 35 km long and takes about 5 to 6 days to complete. The trek starts from Dharamkot, a village near Mcleodganj, and passes through Triund, Laka Got, Lahesh Cave, Indrahar Pass, Chata Parao, Kwarsi, and Siur, before reaching Bharmour, a town in Chamba district. The trek can be done from March to December, but the best time is from June to October, when the weather is favorable and clear. The trek requires good physical fitness and stamina, as well as proper acclimatization and guidance.
Tour Program
Trekking and Camping
Chamba Trek Itinerary
Day 1
Mcleodganj to Triund (9 km, 5-6 hours). Trek through mixed forests of oak, rhododendron and deodar trees to reach Triund, a meadow with views of the Kangra valley and the Dhauladhar range.
Camp overnight at Triund
Day 2
Triund to Lahesh Cave (4 km, 3-4 hours). Trek further up to Lahesh Cave, a campsite at the snout of a small glacier. Enjoy the views of the snow-capped peaks and the glaciers.
Camp overnight at Lahesh Cave
Day 3
Lahesh Cave to Indrahar Pass (4 km, 3-4 hours) to Chata Parao (4 km, 2-3 hours). Trek to the Indrahar Pass, which is the border between Kangra and Chamba districts. Enjoy the views of the Pir Panjal and Mani Mahesh ranges.
Descend to Chata Parao, a green pasture and a camping ground
Day 4
Chata Parao to Kuarsi (14 km, 5-6 hours). Trek through dense forests of pine trees and cross several streams and villages. Reach Kuarsi, a small tribal village surrounded by thickly wooded pine trees.
Night stay in the village and enjoy the hospitality of the villagers
Day 5
Kuarsi to Machetar (16 km, 5-6 hours) to Chamba (80 km, 3-4 hours). Trek downhill to Machetar, a road head. Take a taxi or a bus to Chamba, a town in Chamba district. Explore the town and its attractions, such as ancient temples, museums, and markets.
END
Is it safe to trek in Himachal Pradesh?
Trekking in Himachal Pradesh is generally safe, as long as you follow some basic precautions and guidelines. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience in Himachal Pradesh:
Choose a trek that suits your fitness level, experience, and interests. There are many treks in Himachal Pradesh, ranging from easy to difficult, short to long, and scenic to adventurous.
Hire a local guide or join a reputable trekking company, especially if you are a beginner or planning to do a multi-day or high-altitude trek. A guide can help you with navigation, safety, logistics, and cultural insights. You can also meet other trekkers and share the costs and experiences.
Prepare well for the trek by packing the essential gear, clothing, food, water, and medicines. You should also check the weather forecast, trail conditions, and permits before you start the trek.
Follow the trekking etiquette and respect the local culture, environment, and wildlife. You should also avoid littering, smoking, drinking, or playing loud music on the trek.
Exploring Chamba
Exploring Chamba is a delightful experience, and there are several ways to make the most of your visit. Here are some recommendations:
Heritage Walks: Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Chamba. Explore ancient temples, historical buildings, and traditional architecture. Don’t miss the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, which is a masterpiece of the Shikhara style.
Khajjiar: Known as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” Khajjiar is just a short drive from Chamba. Enjoy the lush green meadows, serene lake, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. You can also try horse riding or zorbing here.
Chamera Lake: Head to Chamera Dam and enjoy a boat ride on the tranquil waters of Chamera Lake. The scenic beauty and peaceful ambiance make it a perfect spot for relaxation.
Bhuri Singh Museum: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Chamba at this museum. It houses a fascinating collection of artifacts, sculptures, and paintings.
Trekking: If you’re an adventure enthusiast, explore the nearby trekking trails. The Manimahesh Lake Trek and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary Trek offer stunning vistas and a chance to connect with nature.
Shopping: Visit the local markets to buy exquisite Chamba Rumals (hand-embroidered shawls), traditional jewelry, and handicrafts. The Chaugan Bazaar is a great place to shop.
Temples: Chamba is dotted with ancient temples. Apart from Lakshmi Narayan Temple, visit the Champavati Temple, Bhuri Singh Museum, and Hariraya Temple.
Remember to savor the local cuisine, interact with friendly locals, and capture the scenic beauty of this hidden gem in Himachal Pradesh. 🏞️🌸
How to Reach Chamba Trek Over Indrahar Pass
There are different ways to reach Chamba trek over Indrahar pass, depending on your preferred mode of transport. Here are some options:
By flight: The nearest airport to Chamba trek over Indrahar pass is Kangra Airport in Gaggal, which is about 67.6 km away from Mcleodganj. However, this airport has limited flight connectivity, so you may have to book a flight to Chandigarh, Amritsar, or New Delhi and then take a bus or a taxi to Mcleodganj.
By train: The nearest railway station to Chamba trek over Indrahar pass is Pathankot, which is about 142 km away from Mcleodganj. You can take a train from major cities like Delhi or Chandigarh to Pathankot, and then take a taxi or a bus to Mcleodganj. You can also take a toy train from Pathankot to Ahju, which is only 3 km away from Mcleodganj, but it is on a narrow-gauge line.
By road: You can also take a direct bus from major cities like Delhi or Chandigarh to Mcleodganj. There are regular bus services, both government-operated and private, that ply to and fro Mcleodganj. You can also hire or rent a cab or a taxi to Mcleodganj from nearby places.
Once you reach Mcleodganj, you can start the Chamba trek over Indrahar pass from Dharamkot, a village near Mcleodganj, and follow the trail to Triund, Laka Got, Lahesh Cave, Indrahar Pass, Chata Parao, Kuarsi, and Bharmour. You can also take a cab to Galu temple, which is the starting point of the trek, and save some time and energy.
For bookings and inquiries, contact +91 9736018883