“Where the Dhauladhars rise like a wall, and the trail carves a path through cloud and stone.”
📖 Overview
The Indrahar Pass Trek is a moderate to difficult high-altitude trail that begins in McLeod Ganj (Dharamshala) and crosses the Indrahar Pass (4,342 m) into the Chamba Valley. Traditionally used by Gaddi shepherds, this route offers a stunning transition from oak and rhododendron forests to glacial basins, rocky ridgelines, and remote tribal villages. With views of the Kangra plains, Pir Panjal, and even Manimahesh Kailash, it’s a trek that blends natural grandeur, cultural depth, and spiritual resonance.
🧭 Trek Profile
Attribute
Details
Trailhead
McLeod Ganj (via Gallu Devi Temple)
Pass Altitude
4,342 m (14,245 ft)
Trek Distance
~35–40 km (one way)
Trek Duration
5–6 days
Grade
Moderate to Difficult
Best Season
May–June & September–October
Region
Kangra ➝ Dhauladhar ➝ Chamba Valley
🥾 Day-wise Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1: McLeod Ganj ➝ Triund (2,875 m)
9 km forest trail via Gallu Devi Temple
Camp at Triund ridge with views of Kangra Valley
Day 2: Triund ➝ Laka Glacier ➝ Lahesh Caves (3,300 m)
Steep ascent past Snowline Café and Ilaqa Got
Camp near Lahesh Caves, a natural rock shelter
Day 3: Lahesh Caves ➝ Indrahar Pass ➝ Chata Parao (3,700 m)
Tough climb over boulder fields and snow patches
Cross Indrahar Pass with views of Manimahesh Kailash
Descend to Chata Parao, a grassy alpine campsite
Day 4: Chata Parao ➝ Kwarsi Village (2,730 m)
Long descent through pine forests and pastures
Stay in Kwarsi, a remote tribal village
Day 5: Kwarsi ➝ Hilling ➝ Siur ➝ Bharmour
Walk through rock-cut trails, cross Ravi River
Reach Bharmour, gateway to Manimahesh Lake
🌄 Trail Highlights
Indrahar Pass Summit: A rocky notch in the Dhauladhar skyline with panoramic views of both Kangra plains and Chamba’s alpine valleys
Lahesh Caves: A natural rock shelter used by Gaddi shepherds—a rustic, spiritual overnight halt
Chata Parao & Kwarsi: Remote meadows and wooden villages that feel untouched by time
Flora & Fauna: Rhododendrons, alpine herbs, Himalayan griffons, and occasional blue sheep
🛕 Cultural & Mythological Touchpoints
Gallu Devi Temple: Trailhead shrine where trekkers and locals seek blessings
Gaddi Traditions: The route mirrors the transhumance path of Gaddi shepherds migrating to Lahaul
Manimahesh Kailash Views: Sacred peak visible from the pass—adds spiritual weight to the journey
🧳 Essentials for Trekkers
Item
Notes
Footwear
High-ankle trekking boots (mandatory)
Clothing
Layered gear for sub-zero nights
Gear
Trekking poles, headlamp, rain cover
Camping
Tents at Triund, Lahesh, Chata Parao
Permits
Forest entry fee at Gallu checkpoint
Guide
Strongly recommended for navigation & safety
🧭 How to Reach
By Road:
Dharamshala ➝ McLeod Ganj (~10 km)
Bharmour ➝ Chamba ➝ Pathankot (return route)
By Train: Nearest railhead: Pathankot (~90 km from McLeod Ganj)
By Air: Gaggal Airport (Dharamshala): ~20 km
🏞️ Extensions & Add-ons
Laka Glacier Camp: A short extension from Triund for snow lovers
Manimahesh Lake Trek: From Bharmour, continue to Manimahesh Lake for a spiritual finale
