Indrahar Pass Trekking in Dhauladhar Himalayas, Himachal

Uniqueness

Trek starting point: Mcleodganj 

Trek ending point: Mcleodganj 

Peak height: 3700mts / 12150 ft.

Trek distance: Around 70 Km round trip

Time to trek: 5 - 6 Days

Camping site: At the base camps

How to Reach

By Road: Dharamshala is very well connected to all the major nearby cities.

By Rail: Nearest railway station is Kangra Mandir at a distance of 22 km from Dharamsala. All trains won’t stop here. The major rail junction is Pathankot, which is about 85 km away from Dharamsala. Pathakot is well connected to all major cities in India. Pathankot is well connected to all major cities in India by rail.

By Air: Gaggal airport (also known as Dharamsala airport) in Kangra valley is the nearest airport. The airport is 15 km away from Dharamsala. This airport connects domestic flights to Delhi. International travelers have to connect through Delhi Airport, which is about 520 km away from Dharamsala. Delhi Airport is connected to all major cities in India and abroad.

Things/Equipment to carry

1. Day Pack (Ruck sack) 

2. Cap (Sun hat)

3. Trekking (Hiking) boots with anklets

4. Raincoat or Poncho

5. Small Towel

6. Water Bottle

7. Sun cream / Cold Cream / Lip cream

8. Torch (Flash) light

9. Change of thermal wear / clothes / underwear / Socks

10. Woolen clothes and woolen Socks

11. Batteries

12. Toiletries

13. Light weight wind sheeter / Jacket / Pullover (Sweater)

14. Slippers or Sandals

Itineraries

Day 1: Mcleodganj (1770m) to Truind (2800m): 9km, approx: 4hours

Day 2: Acclimatize to the high altitude at Truind, walk around the area.

Day 3: Truind (2800m) to Lahesh cave (3500m); 6 kms, 5 hrs.

Day 4 : Lahesh cave (3500m) to Chatta Parao (3700m), 7 kms, 6 hrs

Day 5 : Chhatta Parao (3700 m) to Kwarsi(2730m), 14 km, 4 hrs

Day 6 : Kwarsi (2730m) to Lamu and Choli village. 8km approx, 4 hrs

Details

Himachal Pradesh is richly endowed with diverse attractions for all kinds of adventure sports in addition to picturesque scenic spots. Breathtakingly enchanting trekking areas are spread over Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges between 1500 nits. to 6000 nits. It is an extremely thrilling experience to go through the low scrub land, paddy field, vast expanses strewn with pine needles, sprawling oak jungles, and the majestic Himalayan cedar trees (Deodar) and the swift rivers with ice cold water. Trekking in Himachal is bound to be a memorable experience because of the complete sense of communion with nature as well as the great warmth of mingling with gentle hill folks 

Indrahar Pass is a mountain pass in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. Located at 32°17.852′N 76°22.872′ECoordinates: 32°17.852′N 76°22.872′E and an altitude of 4,342 meters (14,245 ft.) above mean sea level, near the tourist town of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, Indrahar pass forms the border between Kangra and Chamba districts. It is part of a very popular trekking route from Dharamshala. It attracts substantial tourist traffic during the trekking season between April–October. The trekking trail to Indrahar pass starts from Galu temple near Dharamsala and passes through the popular camping ground of Triund, Laka Got, and Lahesh Caves. Popular camping stops are Triund at 2842 meters and Lahesh Caves at 3475 meters.

Day 1: Mcleodganj (1770m) to Truind (2800m): 9km, approx: 4hours 

Mcleodganj to Truind, gradual trek. The trek offers you panoramic views of Bhagsu village, Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Kangra valley and distant views of shivalik hills and plains of Punjab. 

Overnight at camp at Truind. 

Day 2: Acclimatize to the high altitude at Truind, walk around the area. 

Overnight camping. 

Day 3: Truind (2800m) to Lahesh cave (3500m); 6 kms, 5 hrs. 

Where the snow line starts, this trek mostly used by Gaddis (shepherds) is a moderate climb begins with rocky path with oak, tosh and birch wood, vegetation enroute ends at the elevation of 3200 km. And snow line starts. Hot lunch will be served at local café before Illaqua. Lahesh cave 3550m a natural rock cave shelter. After finishing the trek, quite evening, relaxing at campsite. 

Day 4: Lahesh cave (3500m) to Chatta Parao (3700m), 7 kms, and 6 hrs 

It is a day to go across the Indrahara pass. Chatta Parao is at the bottom of the Indrahara pass passing through the soft snow and icy streams usually in the month of May the trek passes over rock faces and steep climbs. Many peaks i.e. Dromedary, Camel's slab, Rifthorn, Arthur's Stool and Mun (4650m), visible on both sides of the pass. There is magnificent view of the Kangra and chamba valleys and a distant view of Middle and Greater Himalayas. From Indrahara pass trek heads downwards to Chhatta Parao overnight stay at the campsite at Chhatta Parao. 

Day 5 : Chhatta Parao (3700 m) to Kwarsi(2730m), 14 km, 4 hrs 

This going to be long and challenging day since passing through the glacier and steep and narrow trek descend to Chhatta Nullah (stream), which is 6km. Passing through the whole stretch we reach Kwarsi a beautiful Gaddi village surrounded by pine trees and lush green fields. After along tiring day relax at the overnight campsite in the village known for its hospitable people.

Day 6: Kwarsi (2730m) to Lamu and Choli village. 8km approx, 4 hrs 

Before leaving Kwarsi visit to Shiva village temple, descend to village Lamu. At some spots the trek is narrow. Choli is a village just a km from Kwarsi which is our last destination of trekking. The village has the connective road to Chamba district (50km) and Bharmour (14km). 

Do some exercise for fitness before come coz you crossing the pass.