Trekking Chamba Valley - Mountain Expeditions, Himachal Pradesh

Chamba Valley, though not so popular amongst trekkers, is ideal for small parties. It is a 'U' shaped valley surrounded by the majestic Pir Panjal Range to the S and NE. Dhauladhar Range to the S and SE, and Bara Bangahal Range joining both these ranges to the E. From Chamba one can either cross any of the twelve passes to reach Dharamsala or Palampur in Kangra Valley. Walking along the Ravi river one can also reach Kullu Valley after crossing Kaliheni Pass.

|Trek -I| Chamba-Sach Pass-Pangi Valley (hard)

A moderately strenuous journey of 9-10 days and the most commonly used crossing of the Pir Panjal Range. Local accommodation in the houses or in the villages and eating shops at every halting place make this trek particularly suitable for traveling light. Start at Trela, 80 Km. N of Chamba, regular bus service. Trela is in two parts, Upper and Lower; the camp ground lies between the two beside the Trela stream. A few eating shops also provide basic accommodation. Porters can be hired from either Lower or Upper Trela.

|Trek -II| Kilar-Cheni Pass-Chamba (hard)

An alternative way back over the Pir Panjal from the Chandra-Bhaga to Chamba, this pass lies a few Km SE of the Sach. It is more strenuous and less frequented, taking 4-5days from Kilar to Trela roadhead in Chamba Valley. A Guide should be hired at Sach Khas or Kilar.

|Trek -III| Chamba-Marwa Pass; to Pangi Valley (strenuous)

Infrequently crossed and comparatively low, this pass is quite strenuous over 6-7 days; mainly done by local people at present. Also knwn as chandra Jot. Best period: 10-30 June, and 15 August to 10 October.

|Trek -IV| A few side treks in Pangi Valley (easy)

There are a few short and very enjoyable side treks to the E side of Pangi Valley which can be undertaken in 2 to 5 days.

|Trek -V| Brahmaur-Chobia Pass; to Lahaul Valley (strenuous)

A short strenuous trek of 4-5 days over this high pass located between Bara Kanda (5857m) and the Tent Peak (6113m). Start either from Brahmaur or from Hadsar, 13Km E. Best Period: 15 August to 10 October.

|Trek -VI| Brahmaur-Kugti Pass; to Lahaul Valley (strenuous)

An interesting and adventurous trek of 6-7 days over one of the highest pass in the Pir Panjal, thogh not the most dfficult. Porters and guides can be hired at Brahmaur or Hadsar. Best period : 1-30 June and 15 August to 5 October.

|Trek -VII| Brahmaur-Manimahesh Lake; in Chamba Valley (easy)

A popular short trip of 3-4 days to Manimahesh Lake (4115m), some 25Km from Brahmaur at the foot of Manimahesh Peak. Lord Shiva is believed to reside on this snow-covered mountain. The lake and peak are considered sacred and it is said that no one has been able to climb to the summit. People point out rock projections, human-like in appearance, and say that one is of a hermit, the other of a shepherd, frozen stiff during their futile effort to reach the top. A fair is held at the lake in August every year, providing a rare occasion to see and study the customs and rituals of the local people. Best period : 1June to 10 October.

|Trek -VIII| Holi-Bara Bangahal-Thamsar Pass; to Kangra Valley

Nearly perpendicular cliffs in the Ravi Valley between Holi and Bara Banghal have to be negotiated with great care. The people of Bara Banghal prefer to cross the high Thamsar Pass (4624m) and go Baijnath for their daily needs rather than go towards Holi and Chamba. Though a part of Chamba Valley, Bara Banghal is administratively linked with Kangra Valley. Many streams rising on slopes of the Bara Banghal Range unite here to form the Ravi River. This trail provides an insight into the life of Gaddi People living in the valley.

|Trek -IX| Bara Bangahal-Kaliheni (Sagor) Pass-Manali (strenuous)

A twin pass; the lower Kaliheni (4670m) is normally avoided in favor of the higher and more straightforward Sagor (4833m). This moderately strenuous trek of 6-7 days negotiates glaciers, rocks and cliffs and involves fording several streams. The pass is frequently crossed by local Gaddi shepherds' with their flock of sheep. Kaliheni means black ice-the result of sheep droppings on the icy surface. Essential to engaged an experienced guide at Bara Banghal. Best period: Post-monsoon, 20 August to 5 October.

Principal Peaks & Passes in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal is a paradise for walkers, trekkers, hikers, skiers, rafters, climbers and mountaineers. Innumerable treks originate or culminate in the beautiful valleys of Kullu and Manali. There are several peaks in Himachal Pradesh that challenge the mountaineers. Main peaks in Dhauladhar range are Mun (4610 m), Toral (4686 m), Dromedary (4553 m) and Riflehorn (4400 m). Kinnaur & Spiti Region has Leo Pargial (6791 m.)

Hotels in Himachal Pradesh +Tours To Himachal Pradesh