Indrahar Pass Trek

Approx trekking distance (Both sides): 100 kms

Base Camp: Lahesh Cave

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Gradient

Highest point of trek: 4,316 m/14,160 feet

Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport

Nearest Railhead: Kathgodam

Region: Kangra District

Starting point of trek: Mcleodganj

Day 1: Arrive and explore Mcleodganj

Arrive at Mcleodganj early in the morning and transfer to hotel. Have breakfast at hotel and the whole day is yours to explore this beautiful city. Relax and get acclimatize with the surroundings while enjoying a leisurely walk around your hotel. Post lunch, visit the monastery where his holiness abodes. Do not forget to explore the famous Mall Road of the town in evening.

Day 3: Mcleodganj to Triund

Distance: 10 kms, Duration: 3-4 hours

Second day marks the actual beginning of your trek from Mcleodganj with a walk to Triund. The trail passes through small semi-nomadic hamlet inhabiting Gaddi Shepherds followed by a dense cover of mixed forest of rhododendron, Himalayan Cedar and Oak trees. After trudging for another 2-3 hours, you will arrive at a ridge upon which is situated Triund. The picturesque views that will treat your eyes on the arrival are absolutely stunning. Standing mightily to the north is Dhauladhar Mountain Range and to the south is gorgeous Kangra valley. Pitch your tents and rest for the day.

Day 4: Triund to Lahesh Cave

Distance: 9 kms, Duration: 3-4 hours

Begin the third of trek by following the ridge right behind the colorful prayer flags. Soon the trail starts to ascend generally through the forest of oak and conifer traversing the vast open meadows. Soon you will arrive at encampment at Laka Got. This small trek from Triund to Laka Got holds importance that helps you to get acclimatize to the sudden steep rise in altitude. This place is perched at the muzzle of a small glacier, which remains clad with snow until the month of June. Trek of another 200-300 m leads you to Lahesh Cave and can be quite tiring. Set up your tents at Laka Got amid the lovely and serene surrounding while enjoying the bonfire and hot tea.

Day 5: Lahesh Cave to Indrahar Pass to Chatru Parao

Distance: 12 kms, Duration: 6-7 hours

Have an early morning breakfast and depart for your next destination of Indrahar Pass. The trail ascends up the hill in the beginning and then levels out. Make sure you have packed the lunch for the way. As you keep walking, you will soon encounter another steep rise of about 300-400 m going towards the crest of the Dhauladhar followed by a trek of 1 km just below the ridge leading directly to Indrahar Pass. The sight that waits at the pass is mesmerizing with Pir Pinjal standing erect in the north while Mani Mahesh Kailash (5656 m) peak in the east. Cherish the beauty of Mother Nature strewn all around and begin the descent towards Chatru Parao, which serves as the campsite of the day.

Day 6: Chatru Parao to Kuarsi

Distance: 15 kms, Duration: 6-7 hours

The fifth day trek commences with a trail towards the true left of the valley for the first few kilometers. As you keep walking along the trail, you will soon be traversing a permanent snow bridge that ascends sharply to an open vast meadow. From here, continue trudging towards the right of the valley and cross the series of meadows on the way. Finally the trail descends to the beautiful village of Kuarsi. Pitch your tents here for the night and rest for the day.

Day 7: Kuarsi to Machetar to Chamba, 16 kms trek

Distance: 16 kms trek, 80 kms drive, Duration: 5-6 hours for trek, 3-4 hours of drive

After breakfast, you will be heading towards Machetar and finally to Chamba today. Begin with a trek down the hill exploring the lifestyle of the Gaddi Tribal people. The trail will lead you into the valley, where located on the mountain top, you can witness the splendid view of the entire region. Continue with your trek down the hill through Barley fields to finally arrive at the road heading to Machetar. From here you can drive till Chamba while enjoying the scenic views of the surroundings. Transfer to hotel after reaching Chamba.