Chanshal–Pabbar Valley Loop: Temples, Ridges & Apple Orchards
7 Days • Chanshal Pass, Dodra Kwar & Forested Villages Download ItineraryThis 7-day circuit is a deep dive into Himachal’s eastern frontier — where deodar forests meet apple orchards, and remote villages like Dodra Kwar preserve centuries-old traditions. From the ridge roads of Kotkhai to the high-altitude drama of Chanshal Pass, this loop is ideal for slow travel, cultural immersion, and offbeat exploration.
Trip Overview
Duration→7 Days
Best Season→April to November (Chanshal Pass open; apple season peaks Aug–Oct)
Total Distance→~500–600 km
Vehicle Type→SUV / High Clearance (essential for Chanshal–Dodra stretch)
Difficulty→Moderate (steep climbs, narrow roads, remote terrain)
Permits→No permits required for Indian nationals
Mobile Network→Jio/BSNL in Shimla, Rohru, Theog; patchy or no signal in Dodra Kwar and Chanshal stretch
Fuel Planning→Reliable pumps in Shimla, Rohru, Theog; top up before Chanshal leg
Day‑by‑DayItinerar
Day 1: Shimla → Kotkhai → Kharapathar
- Distance/Time: ~90 km 4–5 hrs
- Highlights:
- Forested drive through Cheog and Kotkhai
- Visit Giri Ganga Temple near Kharapathar
- Adventure: Short hike to Giri Ganga meadow
- Stay: Kharapathar guesthouse
- Tip: Carry snacks; limited food options en route
Day 2: Kharapathar → Rohru
- Distance/Time: ~40 km 2 hrs
- Highlights:
- Apple orchards, riverside charm
- Visit Shikru Devta Temple
- Adventure: Walk along Pabbar River
- Stay: Rohru homestay
- Tip: Try local siddu and red rice
Day 3: Rohru → Chanshal Pass → Dodra Kwar
- Distance/Time: ~80 km 5–6 hrs
- Pass: Chanshal Pass (3,700 m)
- Highlights:
- Panoramic views from Shimla’s highest motorable pass
- Remote descent into Dodra Kwar
- Adventure: Ridge walk at Chanshal summit
- Stay: Dodra or Kwar village homestay
- Tip: Drive slow — no guardrails, landslide-prone
Day 4: Dodra Kwar → Pabbar Valley → Sungri
- Distance/Time: ~100 km 5–6 hrs
- Highlights:
- Forested descent into Pabbar Valley
- Visit Gadsari, Saru Lake trailhead (optional)
- Adventure: Sunset walk at Sungri ridge
- Stay: Sungri cottage
- Tip: Carry cash — no ATMs beyond Rohru
Day 5: Sungri → Theog
- Distance/Time: ~80 km 3–4 hrs
- Highlights:
- Scenic drive through apple belt
- Visit Stokes Farm (seasonal)
- Adventure: Orchard walk and photography
- Stay: Theog
- Tip: Try Himachali thali at a local dhaba
Day 6: Theog → Mashobra
- Distance/Time: ~40 km 2 hrs
- Highlights:
- Colonial-era charm, pine forests
- Visit Craignano Nature Park
- Adventure: Short hike to Bekhalti Ridge
- Stay: Mashobra boutique stay
- Tip: Book sunset dinner with valley view
Day 7: Mashobra → Shimla
- Distance/Time: ~15 km 1 hr
- Highlights:
- Visit Jakhu Temple, The Ridge, Mall Road
- Finish: Shimla (trip end)
- Tip: Stop at Annandale Army Museum (optional)
📍 Route Map for Your Planner
Shimla → Kotkhai → Kharapathar → Rohru → Chanshal Pass → Dodra Kwar → Pabbar Valley → Sungri → Theog → Mashobra → Shimla
Essentials to Carry
- Documents: DL, RC, insurance, ID proofs
- Clothing: Warm layers, rain jacket, trekking gear
- Footwear: Hiking shoes, sandals for temple visits
- Health: Basic meds, ORS, insect repellent
- Gear: Power banks, torch, offline maps, camera
- Misc: Sunglasses, SPF 50+, lip balm, reusable water bottle
Insider Tip:
- Best season: April–June for bloom; Sept–Oct for apple harvest
- Photography: Chanshal summit, Dodra rooftops, Sungri ridge views
- Local eats: Try siddu, red rice, and apple chutney in Rohru and Sungri
- Eco-ethic: No littering on trails; respect temple zones
- Road caution: Chanshal and Dodra stretches require slow, careful driving
Permits, fuel and checkpoints
- Permits:
- No permits required for Indian or foreign nationals
- Fuel:
- Reliable pumps: Shimla, Rohru, Theog
- Top up before Chanshal–Dodra leg
- Checkpoints:
- Occasional forest check near Chanshal and Dodra
- Timing Tips:
- Chanshal Pass best crossed before noon
- Temple visits close by 6 pm
