Buran Ghati Trek

14 Days

Challenging terrain, picturesque landscapes & a thrilling experience in Indian Himalayas… Never a dull moment !! It’s as though someone has combined all the best parts of Indian Himalayan treks and put them together to make this perfect one!

The Buran Ghati Trek is a picturesque and adventurous trek that takes you through the pristine landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, in Lesser Himalayas. This trek goes through dense Oak & Pine forest,  lush meadows, high altitude pass, sacred lake and charming villages. There is not a single moment on this trek where you are disappointed. It’s as though someone has combined all the best parts of Indian Himalayan treks and stitched them together to make this perfect trek!

The trek starts at the ancient village of Janglik, untouched by civilization. The trail climbs out of Janglik and goes into a delightfully deep forest and then bursts into Dayara meadows. The highest point on the trek is the Buran Pass, at an altitude of 15,000 feet, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The trek also offers some of the best & picturesque campsites at Dayara & Litham.

Barua Village, on the other side of the pass, is an old charming village, that would distinctly remind you of Hobbiton from Lord of the Rings! Old houses, fruit-bearing trees, alleyways – it’s a world of its own.

Buran Ghati trek has all the highlights of a tough trek, with an extremely thrilling pass crossing, but put together in a moderate trek. There are rapid scenery changes and except for the day when we ascent the pass, most days trek is of moderate level, which involves ascents, river & boulder crossing. Prior trekking experience and a good level of fitness are recommended, so that you can enjoy the trek!


Highlights

  • Stunning Scenery through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Himalayas. From lush green meadows and dense forests to snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes.
  • Buran Pass, the highest point of the trek, situated at an altitude of 15,000 feet. Panoramic views of Dhauladhar Range & the valley.
  • Chandranahan Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by towering mountains at 13900 feet.
  • Picturesque camping spots at Dayara & Litham. Spending the nights under the starry sky in the midst of nature is a memorable experience in itself.
  • Quaint villages of Janglik & Barua along the way. Interact with the locals, giving you insights into their unique culture & hospitality.
  • The route is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for colorful wildflowers, rare Himalayan birds, and if you're lucky, you might even spot some wildlife like the Himalayan black bear or musk deer.
  • It’s a moderately challenging trek, which makes it perfect for adventure enthusiasts. The steep ascents, river crossings, and the thrill of conquering the Buran Pass add an exciting element to the trek.

Itinerary

You will be received at the international airport by your trek leader. Transfer to hotel in central Delhi and free time to relax.
Later in the evening, walk around the central Delhi vista, exploring an ancient stepwell.
An early group dinner will be organised by the leader.

ACCOMMODATION : Hotel

It’s going to be an early start today, as we’ll take an early morning flight to Shimla, a town in the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India.

You’ll be met on arrival at Shimla airport. Board the awaiting cars to take a scenic drive towards Theog. Theog is known for its apple orchards. In Autumn, you can take a walk through the lush orchards, learn about apple cultivation, and enjoy the scenic beauty. Some orchards offer apple picking experiences as well.

Check into a lovely homestay and soak in the beautiful landscapes.

Altitude: 2100m
ACCOMMODATION : Homestay
FLIGHT : 01 hr
DRIVE : 50 km/ 2 hr

Today you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Janglik. The drive will take you through some remote villages of Himachal Pradesh. Enroute, visit the Hatkoti Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple complex features ancient stone carvings.
As you drive along the River Pabbar, you’ll witness the change in landscape. Cross Pabbar river and drive on the dirt road till Diude. From there, a short hike will take you to Janglik Village, a quaint village.
Janglik village has preserved its ancient heritage and remains untouched by civilization. Once you arrive at the campsite, settle in.
Later in the evening we’ll visit the village and interact with the locals.

Altitude : 2800m
ACCOMMODATION : Dome tents
DISTANCE : 120 km
DURATION : 05-06 hours

The trek begins with a gradual ascent through dense oak & Pine forests, opening up to beautiful meadows. On the way you’ll cross few Shepard huts and sprawling fields. The trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The forest trail is beautiful and you walk in the shade of towering old trees. The trail gradually ascends to the Dayara campsite.
Settle-in at the campsite.
In the evening we’ll take an acclimatization walk.

Altitude: 3400m
ACCOMMODATION : Dome tents
TREK DISTANCE: 04 km
TREK DURATION: 05 hours
TREK GRADE : Moderate

The trail from Dayara to Litham will show you some of the dense forests, lush green meadows & gushing streams, as you cover an altitude of 737 feet in 3 hours.
Ascend through the pine forest and meadows, followed by a gentle descent through a silver birch forest to another meadow. The trail presents stunning views of Dhauladhar range & Guna Pass. Cross the Chandranahan stream to reach Litham campsite, the last meadow on the trek.
This is the most picturesque campsite of the trail. It’s on the confluence of two valleys, having a beauty view, along the gushing stream.
There will be bonfire dinner under the starts.

Altitude: 3600m
ACCOMMODATION : Dome tents
TREK DISTANCE : 05 km
TREK DURATION : 04 hours
TREK GRADE : Easy to Moderate

Today you’ll take an excursion to Chandranahan Lake (13,900 ft), a glacier lake amidst mountains, the source of Pabbar river.
This day involves a steep climb to reach the pristine lake. Take the shepherds trail to reach the Ridge top and head towards the Chandranahan waterfall’s snout. In one hour you can reach the Lake but the trail gets difficult after the snout.
The lake is surrounded by snow-clad peaks and offers a serene and surreal atmosphere. After exploring the surroundings of the lake, you will trek back to Litham campsite for the night.

Max Altitude: 4200m / Camping Alt: 3600m
ACCOMMODATION : Dome tents
TREK DISTANCE: 06 km
TREK DURATION: 06 hours
TREK GRADE: Difficult

Today’s trek will take you from the meadows to the alpine region. Dhunda is a summit campsite with the Buran pass visible from there, surging your adrenaline.
Today’s climb is short, but steep at few places. Dhauladhar range looms over the trail, with perfect green grasslands of Litham on the left & cliffs of Rupin valley on the right.
Pabbar stream will be gushing and the trail gets a sharp ascent into a gorge valley. From here the shepherd’s trail will lead you to Dunda Campsite.
Later in the evening, trekkers will be given a short technical training for next day’s Pass summit.
You’ll practice how to use harness, carabiners & ropes for rappelling down the pass.

Altitude: 4000m
ACCOMMODATION : Dome tents
TREK DISTANCE : 04.5 km
TREK DURATION: 05 hours
TREK GRADE : Moderate

Today's trail is the highlight of this trek, as you conquer the challenging Buran Ghati Pass. Today you'll take on the adventurous steep ascent through boulders, glaciers & snow to the top of the Buran Pass. The pass offers breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks and the vast valley below. The descent from the pass is around 400m on the other side. In summers you’ll rappel down through the steep ice wall at 15,000 ft. In autumn, it’s a steep descent through boulders.
After descending from the pass, you will walk to Munirang campsite, next to the river, where you will spend the night.

Max Altitude: 4572m / Camping Alt: 3500m
ACCOMMODATION : Dome tents
TREK DISTANCE : 08 km
TREK DURATION: 10 hours
TREK GRADE : Difficult

Today’s trail is full of surprising changes in scenery & vegetation as you’ll descend through mixed forests, cross makeshift bridges over the stream, and walk back to civilization.

It is difficult to find another trail where you'll see such diversity in forests, while descending. You’ll come across Maple, and Walnut trees as you trek towards the apple orchards of Barua village, our last stop of the trek, a quaint village with stone & wood houses. From an overhanging rock on the trail, the entire view of the Barua village sitting on the ridge below is breathtaking.

Board awaiting vehicles & drive to Sangla, the apple town of this region. You’ll be staying at a retreat for next 02 nights, on the banks of river Baspa.
In the evening we’ll cross the river and visit a traditional Kinnauri village, to experience their culture & architecture.

Altitude: 2600m
ACCOMMODATION : Retreat / Resort
TREK DISTANCE : 06 km / DRIVE DISTANCE : 30 km
TREK DURATION : 05 hours
TREK GRADE : Easy

Today you’ll have a relaxed morning.
Later you will walk to the nearby village of Rackcham (2900m), It’s a nomadic village, lost in time.
The walk goes along the Baspa river, through forest clad mountainside. The quaint village will surprise you. We’ll spend some time at the village, interacting with local women and eat our packed lunch at a lovely spot along the river.

Board the vehicles and drive back to the retreat at Sangla. Campfire dinner.

ACCOMMODATION : Retreat / Resort
TREK DISTANCE : 08 km
TREK DURATION : 03- 04 hours
TREK GRADE : Easy

Today is a long, but scenic drive to Shimla. Also known as the ‘Queen of Hills’, Shimla is a picturesque hill town that offers glimpse of British colonial-era, through its buildings & museums.
Check in at a hotel.

ACCOMMODATION : Hotel
DRIVE DISTANCE : 220 km
DURATION : 07-08 hours

After breakfast, you’ll check out and will be transferred to the domestic airport to board your flight to Delhi.
You’ll be met on arrival at the airport & transfer to your hotel in central Delhi.
In the evening we will visit the 12th century victory minaret- Qutub Minar. It’s a World Heritage Site and has survived the ravages of time impressively. The Minar of Delhi is surrounded by a lush green garden.

ACCOMMODATION : Hotel
FLIGHT : 01 hr

Day 13 :
NEW DELHI

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, covering Jama Masjid (architectural extravaganza of Shah Jahan). It’s one of the largest mosques in India. You will walk in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi to experience the hustle and bustle of an ancient Mughal city.

After visiting the mosque, you will continue your walk through narrow lanes to a tucked-away Haveli of Lala Chunnamal (1848), in the heart of Chandni Chowk. This Haveli is three stories high, with 128 rooms, and spread over an acre of land- a must-visit historic buildings. The present generation of the family that owns it still lives here! We will have tea/coffee with the family and savor the Indian snacks that are prepared locally, while listening to their stories of the by-gone era.

Evening is free for some final shopping. There are bargains galore to be found in the shops and markets close to the hotel.

The Group Leader will arrange a farewell dinner, where you can look back over the trip.

ACCOMMODATION : Hotel

Morning after breakfast, you’ll be given a transfer to the international airport to board your flight back home.

Difficulty level of the trek ?

Buran Ghati trek is considered a moderately-difficult trek. The trek involves walking for several hours a day, crossing rough terrains, and navigating challenging gradients. It is advisable to have prior experience of trekking at high altitude. A good level of fitness is needed to enjoy the trek comfortably.

What does a typical day of camping on this trek looks like ?

You will be woken with a cup of tea/coffee brought to your tent, followed by a small bucket of warm water for washing. Before breakfast, you pack your gear into your rucksack, which is to be carried by the ponies or porters and will not be available to you until you reach the next campsite by afternoon.
After a wholesome breakfast, you’ll start your day’s trek with packed lunch. You’ll reach the campsite by afternoon. Your tents will already be setup by the time you arrive, for you to rest. You’ll be given afternoon tea/coffee with some cookies & snacks in the Dining tent.
From then until dinner there is time to rest or explore the surrounding area. Dinner is usually served between 6‑7 pm. Trekking evenings afford some of the best memories of your trek, whether it is talking, playing cards, chatting with the crew or joining them in some singing and dancing. You’ll be given hot water bottles in your tent for the night.

Is this a fully supported trek in the Indian Himalayas ?

Yes, this is a fully supported trek, guided by experienced & First-aid qualified woman trek leader & Mountain guide. Support staff includes Cook, helpers, 02 members of technical team & porters.
All safety measures are taken during the trek. We’ll be carrying the following equipment:

–  Walkie-Talkies
–  High Altitude First aid kit
–  Oxygen cylinder
–  Stretcher
–  Micro spikes & Gaters.
–  Ropes, Carabiners, Ice axe, Pitons (during summer only)

Why Fitness Matters in this trek ?

Every high-altitude trek comes with a set of challenges. Steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, snow walks, stream & pass crossings at high altitude.  Even the easiest of treks have some of these challenges if not all of them. Without fitness, trekkers struggle, get injured easily, lag behind, or simply fail to complete the trek.

What is the weather like during the trek?

Buran Ghati Trek can be done either in Summer or Autumn.

In summer months of mid-May to June end, the daytime temperature would be around 15-20 degrees Celsius. At night, the temperature would drop to 0 degrees Celsius.

In autumn months of mid-September to October, the daytime temperatures hover around 12- 15 degrees Celsius. But at night the temperature could drop to sub-zero levels, especially at the higher campsites.

Is there any mobile network during the trek? What about phone charging points on the trek ?

The last place you’ll find a mobile phone signal is Theog / Shimla. There will be no mobile network during the trek. The campsite will have Solar emergency charging ports for the guests. You will be able to charge your phone on the trek.

But we recommend you to carry additional batteries for your cameras and a power bank with more than 10,000 mAh to last you the entire trek.

What kind of Vehicles are used during the trip ?

During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose and the road conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country. Vehicles with seatbelts are provided throughout, except for any local transportation that we have to use on dirt roads, close to the base camp.

Delays & Hindrance

It is possible that a route change may become necessary due to inclement weather, inaccessibility through the mountain passes due to heavy snow, condition of the trail and physical fitness of the clients, political restrictions and other cause beyond human control. The trek leader will take the final call on route change. 

Medical facilities during the tour

This trek is conducted in Himachal Pradesh state, where government & private hospitals are available at Shimla only. During the hike, basic professional medical help will be available. But in case of emergency, arrangements will be made for the guest to be taken to Shimla.

The trek leader, has done first aid course and is competent to give first-aid if and when required. We’ll be carrying High altitude First aid kit & portable oxygen cylinders during the trek.
In case you have an existing medical condition, like heart problem or disability you must consult your doctor before making a booking with us. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in good health and physically & mentally fit to join the trek.

Tipping during the tour

Local tipping is customary in India. We follow a tipping system on all Group Tours. It involves guests contributing to a kitty which is handed over to the tour leader at the beginning of the tour. The tips are distributed for the services everyday on the guest’s behalf. This avoids the need for individual tipping daily throughout your trip.

Any useful tips for the tour

In order to enjoy the trek, you must be physically fit. You must be able to run 05 km in 30 minutes consistently for at least 02 weeks (04 times/week) before the tour begins. This will help you build your stamina for the trek. 

Map

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Buran Ghati Trek
  • Trekking
  • May-June & Sep-Oct
  • 13 Nights / 14 Days
  • 4572m
  • Moderate-Difficult
  • 08 Days
  • 7/10
  • New Delhi
  • Himachal Pradesh