BURAN GHATI PASS TREK

Buran Ghati is a high-altitude crossover trek combining traditional Himalayan villages, dense forests, expansive alpine meadows, a high-altitude lake and a dramatic pass crossing. The route begins at Janglik and crosses Buran Ghati before descending into the Kinnaur side at Barua.

WHY BURAN GHATI?

The trek gradually changes character as you climb higher: forest trails around Janglik, open meadows at Dayara, the alpine landscape of Litham and Chandernahan, rugged high-altitude terrain around Dhunda, and finally the demanding Buran Ghati crossing at approximately 15,000 ft.

Janglik forests → Dayara meadows → Litham Valley → Chandernahan Lake → Dhunda → Buran Ghati Pass → Manirang → Barua

You experience forests, alpine meadows, high-altitude lakes, rocky terrain, snow sections and a 15,000-ft mountain pass
in one journey.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Janglik Village — Begin from a remote traditional mountain village.
• Dayara Meadows — Vast alpine grasslands with panoramic mountain views.
• Chandernahan Lake — High-altitude lake reached during the acclimatization day.
• Dhunda Base Camp — The final major camp before Buran Ghati.
• Buran Ghati Pass — Approx. 4,575 m / 15,000 ft.
• Technical Terrain — Rope assistance/rappelling may be required depending on conditions.
• Barua Village — Finish in the beautiful Kinnaur Valley.
• 10+ Years Local Himalayan Experience — Northern Trails brings deep local knowledge of trails, terrain, villages and mountain conditions.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Distances and altitudes are approximate and can vary according to the exact campsite, weather, snow conditions and route selected by the trek leader. The Buran Ghati crossing may involve steep snow/ice, rock and technical terrain. Rope assistance or rappelling may be required depending on current conditions. The trek leader’s decision regarding route, technical sections and safety will be final.

WHY TREK WITH NORTHERN TRAILS

10+ YEARS OF LOCAL HIMALAYAN EXPERIENCE

Northern Trails is built around local mountain knowledge and more than a decade of experience exploring Himalayan trails. Our team understands the local terrain, villages, weather patterns and changing trail conditions, helping deliver an authentic and carefully managed mountain experience.

• Local Himalayan experience
• Experienced trek leadership
• Shimla-to-Shimla Northern Trails transport
• Planned acclimatization
• Support on technical sections when required
• Authentic villages and mountain trails

Buran Ghati should be treated as a serious high-altitude trek. The route involves long trekking days, steep ascents and descents, rocky/boulder sections, rapid altitude gain, potential snow and ice, and a technical pass crossing.

• Starting altitude is already around 9,000 ft
• High-altitude camps above 13,000 ft
• Long trekking days
• Steep ascents and descents
• Rocky/boulder sections
• Rapid altitude gain
• Potential snow and ice
• Technical pass crossing
• 11-km Buran Ghati crossing day

The pass section can change considerably with the season. May–June can have snow/ice, while September–October can expose rock and scree.

Recommended for: Fit beginners with good preparation and previous hiking experience, and experienced Himalayan trekkers. For anyone without previous high-altitude experience, Northern Trails should assess fitness before confirming the booking.

FITNESS REQUIREMENT

You should be able to comfortably:

• Walk 6–8 hours
• Handle continuous uphill/downhill sections
• Walk with a daypack
• Trek on uneven and rocky terrain
• Maintain a steady pace at altitude
• Handle cold and changing weather

Recommended preparation — start 4–6 weeks before the trek

Cardio: brisk walking, jogging, cycling, stair climbing.
Strength: squats, lunges, step-ups, calf raises, core exercises.
Hiking: gradually build up to 8–12 km weekend walks, preferably on hilly terrain.

ACCLIMATIZATION

The itinerary includes a dedicated Chandernahan Lake excursion from Litham and back. This allows trekkers to gain altitude during the day while returning to the same campsite for the night.

Litham → Dhunda (~13,300 ft) → Buran Ghati (~15,000 ft)

This gradual progression is an important part of the itinerary. The official route also includes the Chandernahan excursion before moving to Dhunda and the pass.

ALTITUDE PROFILE

anglik: ~2,800 m / 9,200 ft

↓

Dayara: ~3,400 m / 11,150 ft

↓

Litham: ~3,600 m / 11,800 ft

↓

Chandernahan: ~4,000–4,300 m / 13,100–14,100 ft

↓

Dhunda: ~4,050 m / 13,300 ft

↓

BURAN GHATI: ~4,575 m / 15,000 ft

↓

Manirang: ~3,400–3,600 m / 11,150–11,800 ft

↓

Barua: ~2,500 m / 8,200 ft

Exact elevations can vary slightly by campsite and GPS/trail reference.

DAY-WISE TREK DISTANCE

SAFETY

Buran Ghati is a high-altitude trek and conditions can change quickly.

Northern Trails will monitor:

• Weather
• Snow conditions
• Trail conditions
• River/stream crossings
• Pass conditions
• Group fitness
• Altitude-related symptoms

The trek leader’s decision will be final regarding the route, pass crossing, technical sections, turnaround and safety. Trekkers should never attempt the pass crossing independently.

PERMITS & LOCAL REGULATIONS

The trek is subject to applicable Forest Department, local administration and trekking regulations. Permit requirements and operating conditions can change seasonally, so Northern Trails should confirm the applicable permissions before each departure.

The Himachal Pradesh government maintains an official trekking portal for route information and trekking management.

TRANSPORT

SHIMLA → JANGLIK

Pickup: ISBT Shimla

Vehicle: Northern Trails Taxi / Tempo Traveller

The mountain drive generally takes several hours depending on road and weather conditions.

BARUA → SHIMLA

After completing the trek, the Northern Trails vehicle picks up the group at Barua and drives back to Shimla.

ACCOMMODATION

Janglik → Dayara → Litham → Litham → Dhunda → Manirang

Accommodation is in camp/tent-based stays, subject to the actual campsite and local conditions. At Janglik and/or Shimla, accommodation should be specified separately according to the package.

FOOD

Breakfast: Tea/coffee + breakfast

Lunch: Packed/hot lunch depending on the day’s route

Evening: Tea/snacks

Dinner: Hot vegetarian meal

For the difficult Buran Ghati crossing day, early breakfast and packed lunch are particularly important.

MEDICAL & ALTITUDE SAFETY

At high altitude, trekkers may experience symptoms such as:

• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath

Trekkers should report symptoms to the trek leader immediately. Do not hide altitude-related symptoms in order to continue the trek.

Northern Trails should maintain a clear evacuation/medical protocol and emergency contacts for each departure.

RESPONSIBLE TREKKING

LEAVE NO TRACE

• Carry waste back
• Never litter
• Do not damage alpine vegetation
• Do not light unauthorized fires
• Keep water sources clean
• Respect local communities and shepherds
• Leave campsites cleaner than you found them

Total trekking distance: approximately 42–45 km.

WHAT NORTHERN TRAILS PROVIDES

WHAT TO PACK

Footwear

Good-quality high-ankle trekking shoes with strong grip are essential. For snow conditions, Northern Trails should advise trekkers regarding additional traction equipment based on the actual route conditions.

MAY TO JUNE — SNOW & ADVENTURE SEASON

This is the season to choose if you want the classic snow-covered Buran Ghati experience. Higher sections can retain substantial snow, particularly around Dhunda and the pass. The steep snow/ice descent can be present, making the crossing more technical and adventurous.

• Snow around higher camps
• Potential rope/rappel sections
• Green meadows at lower elevations
• Alpine flowers later in the season
• Very cold nights at high camps

Best for: Experienced trekkers and adventure seekers who specifically want snow.

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER — AUTUMN SEASON

An excellent choice for clear mountain views, photography and more stable post-monsoon conditions. The snow wall usually gives way to rocky/scree terrain, although early-season or late-season conditions can vary. Autumn colours start appearing across the valleys.

• Clearer Himalayan views
• Autumn colours
• Excellent visibility
• Possible early snow in October
• More exposed rocky terrain around the pass

Best for: Trekkers who want spectacular views and autumn landscapes.

JULY–AUGUST — NOT RECOMMENDED

Peak monsoon can bring heavy rain, slippery trails, landslides and difficult road access. Winter conditions can make the high pass inaccessible. Northern Trails operates according to actual trail, weather and local authority conditions—not simply the calendar.

DAY 1 — ISBT SHIMLA → JANGLIK

Drive: Approx. 150–180 km | 7–9 hours | Janglik: ~2,800 m / 9,200 ft

Meet the Northern Trails team at ISBT Shimla and board the Northern Trails taxi/tempo traveller. The drive follows the scenic Pabbar Valley towards Rohru and Janglik, passing forests, apple-growing areas and traditional Himachali villages. Reach Janglik by evening, settle in and attend the trek briefing.

Stay: Janglik | Meals: Dinner

DAY 2 — JANGLIK → DAYARA

Trek: 7–8 km | 5–6 hours | Dayara: ~3,400 m / 11,150 ft

The trek begins from Janglik. The trail climbs through Himalayan forests and gradually opens into broad alpine meadows. The arrival at Dayara Thach is a defining visual change, with open grasslands and mountain views replacing the forest.

Stay: Dayara Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 3 — DAYARA → LITHAM

Trek: 5 km | 3–5 hours | Litham: ~3,600 m / 11,800 ft

Leave Dayara and continue towards Litham through meadows, streams and alpine terrain. The valley becomes more dramatic as the route approaches Litham, which is the base for the Chandernahan excursion.

Stay: Litham Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4 — LITHAM → CHANDERNAHAN LAKE → LITHAM

Trek: 6 km round trip | 5–7 hours | Highest: approx. 4,000–4,300 m / 13,100–14,100 ft

Today is dedicated to acclimatization and exploration. Climb from Litham towards Chandernahan Lake through rugged high-altitude terrain. Spend time at the lake before descending to Litham. The day adds altitude exposure without moving camp and prepares the group for the higher sections ahea.

Stay: Litham Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 5 — LITHAM → DHUNDA BASE CAMP

Trek: 6–7 km | 4–6 hours | Dhunda: ~4,050 m / 13,300 ft

The route enters the high-altitude zone. Green meadows gradually give way to rocky terrain and moraines as you approach Dhunda. This is the final major camp before Buran Ghati. The trek leader conducts a detailed briefing for the pass crossing and technical sections.

Stay: Dhunda Base Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 6 — DHUNDA → BURAN GHATI PASS → MANIRANG

Trek: 11 km | 8–11 hours | Highest: 4,575 m / 15,000 ft

An early start begins the most demanding day. The trail climbs from Dhunda towards Buran Ghati, with the final approach becoming steep and challenging. Depending on season and conditions, snow, ice, loose rock and rope-assisted sections may be encountered. Cross Buran Ghati at approximately 15,000 ft, then descend towards Manirang. This is the defining day of the trek.

Stay: Manirang / River Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 7 — MANIRANG → BARUA → SHIMLA

Trek: 7–8 km | 2–4 hours | Barua: ~2,500 m / 8,200 ft

Complete the final descent towards Barua through the greener Kinnaur landscape. Meet the Northern Trails vehicle at Barua and begin the drive back to Shimla. The trip concludes at ISBT Shimla.

Meals: Breakfast