Chamba–Sach Pass Loop Forests, Meadows & Cliff Roads
7 Days • Bhandal Valley, Salooni Ridges & Sach Pass Ascent Download ItineraryThis 7-day circuit is a quiet yet dramatic journey through Himachal’s northwestern frontier — where slate-roofed villages cling to pine ridges, and the ascent to Sach Pass offers one of India’s most thrilling drives. From the hidden meadows of Bhandal to the snow walls of Satrundi, this loop is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and slow travelers seeking solitude and scale.
Trip Overview
Duration→7 Days
Best Season→Mid-June to early October (Sach Pass open; meadows accessible)
Total Distance→~500–600 km
Vehicle Type→SUV / High Clearance (essential for Sach Pass and Bhandal stretch)
Difficulty→Moderate to Challenging (steep climbs, narrow roads, remote terrain)
Permits→No permits required for Indian nationals
Mobile Network→BSNL in Chamba, Salooni, Tissa; no signal in Bhandal, Satrundi, Sach Pass
Fuel Planning→Reliable pumps in Chamba, Tissa; carry 20–30 L spare for Sach Pass leg
Day‑by‑DayItinerar
Day 1: Chamba → Bhandal Valley
- Distance/Time: ~80 km 4–5 hrs
- Highlights:
- Forested ascent through Kihar, Koti, and Bhandal
- Slate-roofed homes, pine ridges, and river meadows
- Adventure: Walk to Bhandal meadows and Chamera tributary
- Stay: Bhandal homestay
- Tip: Carry supplies — no shops beyond Koti
Day 2: Bhandal → Salooni
- Distance/Time: ~60 km 3–4 hrs
- Highlights:
- Scenic descent through forested ridges
- Visit Salooni market, local temples, and ridge viewpoints
- Adventure: Sunset walk to Salooni ridge
- Stay: Salooni guesthouse
- Tip: Try local rajma and siddu
Day 3: Salooni → Satrundi → Sach Pass → Bairagarh
- Distance/Time: ~100 km 6–8 hrs
- Pass: Sach Pass (4,420 m)
- Highlights:
- Snow walls, waterfalls, and cliff-hugging roads
- Stop at Satrundi Helipad for panoramic views
- Adventure: Controlled-speed drive with frequent photo stops
- Stay: Bairagarh
- Caution: Landslide-prone; drive slow and avoid late crossings
Day 4: Bairagarh → Tissa
- Distance/Time: ~60 km 3–4 hrs
- Highlights:
- Forested descent into Tissa Valley
- Visit Tissa Fort, local temples, and apple orchards
- Adventure: Walk to Tissa ridge viewpoint
- Stay: Tissa homestay
- Tip: Fuel up here for return leg
Day 5: Tissa → Chamba
- Distance/Time: ~80 km 3–4 hrs
- Highlights:
- Scenic drive along Ravi River
- Return to Chamba town
- Adventure: Visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Bhuri Singh Museum
- Stay: Chamba
- Tip: Explore old bazaar for handicrafts
Day 6: Chamba exploration
- Options:
- Visit Chamunda Devi Temple, Rang Mahal, Chamera Lake
- Walk along Chowgan — Chamba’s central promenade
- Stay: Chamba
- Tip: Try local chukh and mint chutney
Day 7: Buffer / Return
- Options:
- Rest day, shopping, or buffer for weather delays
- Finish: Chamba (trip end)
- Tip: Visit Bharmour (optional extension)
📍 Route Map for Your Planner
Chamba → Bhandal Valley → Koti → Salooni → Satrundi → Sach Pass → Bairagarh → Tissa → Chamba
Essentials to Carry
- Documents: DL, RC, insurance, ID proofs
- Clothing: Warm layers, gloves, rain jacket
- Footwear: Waterproof trekking shoes
- Health: Diamox (if advised), ORS, basic meds
- Gear: Tyre inflator, puncture kit, tow strap, jerrycans (20–30 L), headlamps, power banks
- Navigation: Offline maps, paper backup of routes
- Misc: Sunglasses, SPF 50+, lip balm, snacks, thermos
Insider Tip:
- Best season: Mid-June to early October
- Photography: Sach Pass snow walls, Bhandal meadows, Salooni ridges
- Local eats: Try rajma-chawal in Tissa, siddu in Salooni, and chukh in Chamba
- Eco-ethic: No littering; respect temple zones and village customs
- Road caution: Sach Pass and Bhandal stretches require slow, careful driving
Permits, fuel and checkpoints
- Permits:
- No permits required for Indian nationals
- Fuel:
- Reliable pumps: Chamba, Tissa
- Carry 20–30 L spare for Sach Pass leg
- Checkpoints:
- Police checks near Satrundi and Bairagarh
- Timing Tips:
- Sach Pass best crossed before noon
- Avoid driving after dark in cliff zone
