Overview

Imagine you are walking through lush green fields, listening to the gentle gushing of streams flowing nearby while the view in front of you is that of majestic snow-capped mountain peaks. What a magnificent sight it would be!! That's exactly what Indrahar Pass Trek offers. The Indrahar Pass forms the border between the Kangra and Chamba districts and lays bare the stretch of the Dhauladhar range which has a beautiful glimpse of hamlets below. It also unravels the tranquil waters of Lake Mankiani and Kareri. 

About Indrahar Pass Trek

The Indrahar Pass Trek is one of the easy to moderate treks in Himachal Pradesh. It starts from McLeodganj, which is the seat of Dalai Lama, to Triund at 2,875 meters. The Kangra Valley and the town of Dharamshala below may be seen magnificently from the trek to Triund via the villages of Dharamkot and Galu Devi. The Kangra Valley and the far-off Punjabi plains are shrouded in a blue haze to the south, and to the north, wave after wave of mountain ranges rise, including the Pir Panjal, Kishtwar, Bara Bangahal and Manimahesh. The trail descends further to Chhata, going over a black boulder and through an uncontrolled stream before emerging into a stunning valley covered with numerous varieties of wildflowers.The path snakes from Chhata to Kuarsi through Kuarsi Nala and branches off at Brehi on the way to Lamu and Donali. Brehi leads to Minikiani Lake, and the track passes through a dense forest via Drakund. After crossing the Minikiani Lake, the route passes through Kareri Lake and then to the camp at Kareri followed by the downhill trek to McLeodganj.

Main Highlights of Indrahar Pass Trek

- Beautiful vistas of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar mountain ranges are in abundance.       

- View notable summits including Arthur's Seat (4525 m), Moon (4666 m), and others.       

- Camping in the natural rock shelter known as Lahesh Cave       

- Beautiful Chamba Valley       

Difficulty level of Indrahar Pass Trek

Indrahar Pass Trek is a moderate to challenging level trek that requires good physical fitness. The trek includes high-altitude acclimatization, rocky terrain, and severe ascents and descents. It is important to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness which can be really worrying.

Best Time for the Indrahar Pass Trek

There are chances of snow on high passes during the early months of the year which significantly melts by August. During monsoon, the Kangra and Dhauladhar range remains affected due to rain. The trekkers can experience good weather with minimal snowfall during the months of September and October.

Camping

One of the most daring and soul-stirring aspects of the Indrahar Pass journey is camping in the bush. Imagine going to bed under a million stars and waking up to the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling. The excitement of spending the night cooking food over a bonfire with your fellow hikers while exchanging stories is just next-level happiness.

Travel Itinerary for the Trek

- Delhi – McLeodganj       

- Arrive at McLeodganj       

- McLeodganj – Triund – Trekking of 10 km to Triund via Dharamkot       

- Triund – Lahesh Cave – To reach the cave, you will have to cross the bridges and walk on the flowering ground, under Oak and Conifer trees silhouettes. Overnight camping at Lahesh Cave campsite.       

- Lahesh Cave – Indrahar Pass – You will experience trekking on the snow field of the Indrahar Pass. Trekking uphill will be a bit harsh as there is steep climbing of 300 – 400 m. Once you reach the pass, it will all be worth the effort as you will see a rewarding view of Pir Panjal Range in the north and Mani Mahesh Kailash peak in the east. Then there is the trekking back to Chatru Parao.    

- Route from Chatru Parao – Quarsi – Machetar – Chamba       

- Chamba - Pathankot - Delhi       

Conclusion

A gateway to both natural wonders and cultural richness is the Indrahar Pass Trek. It's an opportunity to escape the stress of daily life and lose yourself in the tranquility of the mountains. Although the trek may seem challenging, it also renews your spirit. Camping along the trail establishes a deeper connection with nature. How soothing it could be to sleep listening to a mountain stream and waking up to the first rays of dawn illuminating the peaks. The Indrahar Pass is a transformative journey. It's a journey that allows you to disconnect from the daily chaos and reconnect with the beauty of nature. The Indrahar Pass Trek is waiting to unravel its wonders to you. So, what are you waiting for?