Indrahar Pass Trek Guide 2024: Best Time, Temperature, Map, and Itinerary
Table of Contents
ToggleLocated in serene Himachal Pradesh, Indrahar pass trek is all about stunning landscapes. With deodar forest accompanying the journey, beautiful landscapes, gushing streams, and beauty to behold, Indrahar pass trek is one memorable trek to remember for a lifetime. It shall fascinate all age groups alike.
Any traveller with a passion for the trek will love to experience this trek throughout. The trek stretches from a height of 2,875 meters to 4,425 meters. This is a 9 days trek which shall leave you contempt for the amazing adventures it offers.
It is an easy to moderate level trek so if you want to start your trekking journey, the Indrahar pass trek is an amazing place to start with.
The Indrahar pass trek lies on a stretch of the Dhauladhar range, offering an alluring view of the hamlets below. It also acts as a border between Chamba and Kangra districts.
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Dhauladhar road tracks give travellers a view of the serene waters of lake Mankiani and Kareri, their adventures on the Dhauladhar road tracks and the fascinating range of avifauna at altitudes on different levels. These factors and the culture of Himachal Pradesh combine to give you that extra color for the journey.
AREA | DHAULADHAR, HIMACHAL PRADESH |
DURATION | 09 DAYS |
BEST SEASON | JUNE – MID – OCTOBER |
GRADE | MODERATE |
ALTITUDE | 4375mts/14245ft |
TREK LENGTH | 35 K.M |
Where is Indrahar Valley Trek?
The Indrahar pass is located at an altitude of 4342 meters (14245 ft) above sea level on the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. It is a mountain pass which is famous for its trekking trails. The Indrahar pass works as a dividing wall between the famous districts Kangra and Chamba of Himachal Pradesh. The best visiting period is between May and mid-October.
Indrahar Pass Trek Best Time To Visit
In the starting months of the year that is January to April, there is high snowfall on passes which slowly melts till august. The monsoon brings rain to the Dhauladhar range but as we go up high, the weather becomes quite warm, heart-melting, and sunny (12 to 20 degrees Celsius). At night, the temperature rises to minus ( -2 to 6) degree Celsius.
Hence, the trekkers can experience nice weather with a little bit of snowfall during September and October. As the month of October starts, the temperature varies from 12-18 degrees Celsius, but the night is again comparatively much colder with the temperature falling down to minus 6 to minus 4 ( -4 to -6) degree Celsius.
Indrahar Pass Temperature
In Summer: 20 to 25 degrees C in the day and at night 5 to 10 degrees C
In Winter: 10 to 12 degrees C in the day and at night – 1 to -10 degrees C
Read more: Snow Leopard Trek Ladakh
Indrahar Valley Trek Highlights
- The Dhauladhar and the Pir Pranjal range of mountains are visible as a magnificent view.
- Famous peaks like Arthur’s Seat (4525m), Moon ( 4666m), etc can be glimpsed.
- Camp at Lahesh cave which is a natural rock shelter.
- Chance to visit the beautiful Chamba Valley
- Staying in guest house/camp/hotels at night
Indrahar Valley Trek Location
The Indrahar Valley trek is located in Himachal Pradesh in the mountain range of Dhauladhar. You may arrive at McLeodganj, at the seat of the Dalai Lama, to the Triund. From there the trail continues.
Indrahar Pass Trek Map
How To Reach Indrahar Pass Trek?
By Air:
Kangra Airport, also called Gaggal Airport, is the closest landing near Dharamshala. You can take cars and buses from the airport.
By Road:
All the major cities of North India, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Manali, Srinagar, Dehradun are very well connected to Dharamshala. You can come by state-owned buses, private cabs and taxis.
By Rail:
The nearest Railway station is Pathankot railway station. It is 84.5km away from Dharamshala.
Places to visit near Indrahar pass
The distance between McLeod Ganj and Indrahar pass trek is about 16km. Before you begin your adventurous trek to Indrahar Pass, you can always indulge in sightseeing near McLeod Ganj town.
Namgyal monastery
This beautiful and calm, scenic Namgyal Monastery was founded by the Third Dalai Lama in 1564. It was initially known as Phende Lekshe Ling in Tibet and was originally from the palace of Lhasa. During the Tibetan Revolt in 1959, this historical monastery found its place in Dharamshala. The monastery still preserves the Buddhist sculptures, scripts, rare rituals, and tantric practices.
Manimahesh Lake
This pristine lake surrounded by the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas is one of the must-visit places near McLeod Ganj. It is also one of the major pilgrimage known as Manimahesh yatra. The holy lake is situated at an altitude of 4,080 meters above sea level.
St. John in the wilderness church
The church was dedicated to John the baptist, also the then viceroy of India. It was built in the year 1852 amidst the peaceful valley of McLeod Ganj. The church is about 8 km from Dharamshala. This is a very peaceful place to calm down your soul and be ready for the trek the next day. The church building has a stunning old British church kind of look designed with stained Belgian glass windows.
Kalachakra temple
The Kalachakra temple situated at the heart of McLeodganj is an astonishing example of Tibetan art. The temple represents Tibet’s rich ethnicity and spirituality. The walls and columns of the temple feature Tibetan Thangka paintings. It is one of the most visited sacred places in McLeodganj, Dharamshala.
Chamunda Devi temple
The Chamunda Devi temple is located on the banks of the Baner river and is one of the most visited places in Chambar. The floral and animal carvings on silver sheets crafted back in the 16th century are one of the main attractions of the temple. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, built by Maharaja Umed Singh.
The temple is around 30 mins from McLeod Ganj.
Tibetan museum
The Tibetan museum is a must-visit if you are interested in the works of the Dalai Lama and explore the rich culture of Tibetans. There are various paintings in the museum depicting the Chinese invasion of the Tibetan culture. This is a popular place among historians and photographers.
Kangra Fort
Kangra Fort is about 25 km from McLeodGanj. So if time permits, visit the majestic palace built by the Katoch Dynasty in the 4th century B.C. It features ancient architectures of the Katoch dynasty and has witnessed major wars and invasions. Kangra Fort is a complex of palaces built by the rulers of Kangra.
You can also see a mosque built in the Kangra Fort complex. It was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir after he captured the fort from Katoch ruler in 1621.
Indrahar Pass Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Delhi – McLeodganj (2196 mts/ 7,200ft)
Staying in Delhi in the evening you can take AC Volvo Coach to McLeodganj. It is an overnight night journey.
Day 02: Arriving at McLeodganj
Trekkers will first arrive at Chakki Bank at about 3.30 AM and will further need to take another vehicle to the McLeodganj hotel.
You can explore McLeodganj and its local markets, try out some local cuisine or just have a good sleep in your hotel rooms to get recharged for the trek.
In the evening that follows you will be assigned a guide who shall give you instructions and also a training session. You will also get your instruments for trekking after instructions. Take your dinner and stay in the hotel for the night.
Day 03: McLeodganj – Triund (2994mts/9818ft) , 10kms/3-4 hrs
Wake up and pack your bags for the start of your trekking day with a 10km trek to Tirund via Dharamkot. Then have your dinner at triund camp and stay for the entire night.
Day 04: Triund – Lahesh Cave( 3598mts/11800 ft) 9 kms/ 3-4 hrs
After your breakfast starts for today’s destination, Lahesh Cave. To reach the caves, you will cross the bridges. Walk under the beautiful flowering ground and please your eyes, walk under oak and conifer trees and finally stay at Lahesh Cave camp shire for the night.
Day 05: Lahesh Cave – Indrahar Pass( 4375 mts/ 14,350ft) – Chatru Parao (12kms/6-7 hrs)
Now is the time for your trek on the beautiful pictures que snowfield of the Indrahar Pass trek. After breakfast kick-start your trek up the hill towards Indrahar Pass. it can be a little harsh as it will be a limb of 300 – 400 m steep.
Quite challenging but upon reaching the pass you will be awarded the magnificent view of Pir Panjal Range (4,100 m ) in the north direction and beautiful Mani Mahesh Kailash peak (5656 m ) will be all worth it. After you take in the beauty of the pass, trek back to Chatru Parao, have your dinner, and spend your night at the camp.
Day 06: Chatru Parao – Kuarsi ( 2747 mts / 9010 ft) 15kms/ 6-7 hrs
First, trek to the left side of the valley for a few kilometers, after that you will come across a bridge, cross it and follow the trail to meadow till Kuarsi, and you will end up on the right side of the valley. Dinner and a whole night stay at Kuarsi camp.
Day 07: Kuarsi – Machetar (5886 ft) – Chamba (16kms/6-6 hrs) traveling 80 kms / 3-4 hrs.
Post breakfast, get started for the down the hill trek to Machetar. Drivers will be waiting at Machetar to drop you off at Chamba hotel. You will get your dinner and stay overnight there at Chamba FRH.
Day 08: Chamba – Pathankot – Delhi
Take your breakfast and pack all your luggage. You can head back to Pathankot. From Pathankot, you will board a train back to Delhi at 23:55 hrs. It is an overnight journey.
Day 09: Way Back To Home With Lot’s of Memories
Now finally you are in Delhi and can travel back to your home sweet home. Take a lot of pictures along the way and cherish all the adventures and memories you made.
I hope you had a safe journey. Keep on capturing some photos and videos while traveling and driving through the hills. to capture some photos and videos while driving through the hills.
You will be tired and a bit upset because the trip ended. But I hope you fully enjoyed your trip to Indrahar pass trek.I know you must be feeling quite tired and also sad at the same time because your trip has ended. Till then, keep on trying new trekking activities. We will meet soon with a new trek.
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Frequently asked Question ( FAQ)
How Long Does it Take to Acclimatize?
Suddenly climbing up to great heights can cause some difference in your body and hence you have to be careful. It is nothing to be very afraid of just your body needs to acclimatize to the changing temperature. Hence take proper veg diets rich in carbohydrates and less oily . Have plenty of rest even if you are not tired.
What is the Minimum Temperature During the Indrahar Valley Pass Trek?
The temperature can be as low as 8° C in the months June, July, August and September.
How Difficult is Indrahar Pass Trek?
Difficulty levels of Indrahar Pass Trek are easy to moderate
Can You Tell Me Some Indrahar Pass Solo Trek is Safe?
Yes, the Indrahhar Pass trek is safe for solo travel but prepare yourself and take care of yourself.
How is Indrahar Pass Weather ?
Indrahar pass is fully covered with snow on winter days and snow starts melting around the month of August but after monsoon weather is very good.
Can you go to the Indrahar pass trek without a guide?
If you are a beginner at trekking, then you should definitely avoid going to Indrahar Pass trek without a trek. But if you are a professional, or have been trekking for a really long time, and have an idea how things work you can go without a guide. There are small shops where you can sleep if you are going solo, and can also have food there. Also to go without a guide, you must know how to set up a tent.
How to prepare for Indrahar Pass trek?
Fitness and flexibility are the two most important criteria for any trekking whatsoever. You must have the stamina to walk for hours that too with a heavy backpack on your shoulders. Also, the oxygen levels are a bit lower as the altitude increases. Before trekking, make sure are able to jog 4km within 30 minutes. This is an outstanding way to check if your lungs are efficient or not.
Stretching is important to improve your posture and flexibility. Train your muscles. And always start the day with relaxed muscles.
Is it necessary to have a trekking experience for the Indrahar pass trek?
It is obviously good if you have trekking experience, but for Indrahar pass trek this is not absolutely necessary. The trek is beginner-friendly, with easy to moderate difficulty.
How much does the Indrahar pass trek cost?
The average cost per person for the Indrahar pass trek is around 4000 to 8000 INR. There are several trekking agencies that offer trekking packages.
What is the best time for the Indrahar pass trek?
The best time for the Indrahar pass trek is around April to May. avoid monsoon at all costs because landslides are very frequent here and are very dangerous. Indrahar pass is a perfect summer trek.
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