Churdhar Peak Trek – A Sacred Ascent to the Moonlit Ridge

“Where the deodars part, the clouds bow, and the gods watch from stone and sky.”

📖 Overview

The Churdhar Peak Trek is a 2–3 day high-altitude forest and ridge hike that culminates at Churdhar (Churi-Chandni Dhar)—a revered summit crowned by a massive Shiva statue and the roofless shrine of Shirgul Maharaj. The peak offers 360° views of the Dhauladhar, Kinner Kailash, Shrikhand Mahadev, and even Bandarpunch and Kedarnath on clear days. The trail passes through the Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to musk deer, monals, and Himalayan black bears.

🧭 Trek Profile

Attribute	Details
Trailheads	Nauradhar (Sirmaur) • Sarain or Pulhwal (Chaupal, Shimla)
Peak Altitude	3,655 m (11,965 ft)
Trek Distance	~16 km (Nauradhar) • ~8–10 km (Chaupal side)
Trek Duration	2–3 days
Grade	Moderate
Best Season	May–June & September–November
Permit Required	No (register locally for safety)

🥾 Route Options

1. Nauradhar Route (Sirmaur District)

• Trail Type: Gradual ascent through pine forests, meadows, and rocky ridgelines
• Campsites: Jamnala, Teesri, Chureshwar Temple
• Highlights: Longer, scenic route with rest stops, local dhabas, and pilgrim shelters

2. Sarain / Pulhwal Route (Chaupal, Shimla)

• Trail Type: Steeper but shorter; through dense deodar forests and alpine clearings
• Highlights: Quieter, less commercialized; ideal for solitude seekers

🌄 Trail Highlights

• Churdhar Summit:
  A windswept ridge with a colossal Shiva statue, trishuls, and panoramic Himalayan views
• Chureshwar Mahadev Temple:
  A roofless shrine dedicated to Shirgul Maharaj, protector deity of Sirmaur and Chaupal
• Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary:
  Spot Himalayan monals, musk deer, langurs, and rare medicinal herbs
• George Everest Connection:
  The peak was used by Sir George Everest in 1834 for astronomical readings—Mount Everest was later named in his honor

🛕 Spiritual & Cultural Significance

• Shirgul Devta:
  Worshipped across Sirmaur, Chaupal, and Solan, believed to grant justice and protection
• Pilgrimage Season:
  During Navratri, the trail sees folk chants, flag processions, and community feasts
• Local Lore:
  The peak is called Churi-Chandni Dhar—“Bangles of Moonlight”—for its snow-streaked ridges

🧳 Essentials for Trekkers

Item	Notes
Footwear	Trekking shoes with ankle support
Clothing	Layered (cold summit, warm base)
Gear	Walking stick, headlamp, rain cover
Camping	Allowed near Teesri or summit; dhabas offer basic shelter
Food & Water	Carry essentials; refill at dhabas or springs
Safety	Trail is well-marked; avoid during heavy snow or monsoon

🧭 How to Reach

• Nauradhar Route:
  • Solan ➝ Rajgarh ➝ Nauradhar: ~80 km
  • Buses and taxis available from Solan or Chandigarh
• Chaupal Route:
  • Shimla ➝ Chaupal ➝ Sarain/Pulhwal: ~100 km
  • Quieter, scenic drive through apple orchards and cedar groves
• Nearest Railhead:
  Shimla or Solan
• Nearest Airport:
  Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti) or Chandigarh

🏞️ Add-On Adventures

• Shirgul Devta Circuit:
  Visit Shaya, Haripurdhar, and Nohradhar—villages with temples linked to the deity
• Chaupal–Kotkhai Apple Trail:
  Explore heritage orchards, wooden temples, and folk shrines
• Snow Trek (Dec–Feb):
  For seasoned trekkers, Churdhar becomes a snowbound pilgrimage in winter