Buran Ghati Trek, Himachal Pradesh

BURAN GHATI TREK

The most diverse and dramatic crossover in the Himalayas.

If you asked a seasoned trekker to design a trail that has every element of high-altitude Himalayan trekking in one single route, it would look exactly like Buran Ghati. Starting from the charming heritage village of Janglik with its old wooden homes and apple orchards, the trail climbs through thick pine woods into rolling green pastures of Dayara Thach.

From there, the trail leads up to the sacred glacial cirque of Chandranahan Lake, winds through the high alpine boulders of Dhunda, and culminates in the famous, pulse-quickening descent from the sharp ridge of Buran Pass at 15,000 ft. Rappelling or sliding down the steep snow wall of the pass into the scenic apple valley of Barua in Kinnaur is an adventure you will talk about for years.

It is challenging, visually stunning at every turn, and packed with variety—making it widely celebrated as one of Himachal Pradesh's finest and most complete trekking journeys.

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THE EXPERIENCE

From pine forests & alpine lakes to the thrill of Buran Pass wall

Janglik Litham Buran Pass (15,000 ft) Barua

DAY BY DAY

Your high-altitude crossing, day by day.

A step-by-step walkthrough of the trail from Pabbar Valley to Kinnaur.

Day 0 Delhi → Shimla Overnight Journey

Board your overnight Volvo bus or cab from Delhi in the evening. Travel through the night along the North Indian highways as you leave the heat of the plains behind. By dawn, you will enter the cool, pine-scented hills of Shimla, arriving early morning ready to begin your mountain journey.

Day 1 Shimla to Janglik Village STAY: Homestay / Campsite in Janglik

Meet your trek leader and team in Shimla early in the morning. Board the transfer cab for a scenic 9 to 10 hour drive through the picturesque Pabbar Valley, passing through Kufri, Theog, Kotkhai, and the bustling riverside town of Rohru. As the road winds deeper into the mountains, you follow the gushing Pabbar River all the way to Chirgaon and onward to Janglik.
Janglik is an ancient wooden village surrounded by apple orchards and terraced farms, with traditional Kathkuni homes. Check into your cozy village homestay or camp, enjoy hot local tea, and attend a pre-trek orientation session with your guides before dinner.

After a wholesome mountain breakfast, step onto the trail. Climb out of the village past golden wheat and apple fields, looking back for charming bird's-eye views of Janglik. The trail enters a dense forest of oak, blue pine, and silver birch trees where sunlight dapples through the leaves.
After a steady uphill hike of about 4 to 5 hours (covering 4 km), the trees suddenly give way to the vast, undulating green meadows of Dayara Thach. Grazing horses and cattle dot the pasture, with snow ridges standing tall in the distance. Set up camp, explore the rolling meadows, and watch the golden sunset cast across the valley.

Start the morning with gentle stretches and breakfast. Today’s trek is an easy-going 5 km walk that takes about 4 to 5 hours across wide alpine meadows. You will navigate a few shallow streams and walk alongside the dancing waters of the Pabbar River.
As you approach Litham, the valley turns wider and more rugged, offering grand views of the lofty Gunas Pass peaks on the left. The campsite at Litham sits on a beautiful river terrace framed by high rock faces and small waterfalls tumbling down into the gorge. Rest in the afternoon to prepare for tomorrow’s acclimatization climb.

Today is dedicated to active acclimatization with a steep and rewarding climb to the sacred glacial cirque of Chandranahan Lake. Leaving camp early, cross the stream and ascend the steep snout of the waterfall that feeds into the valley.
After a rigorous 3-hour climb over rocky moraines and snow patches, you reach the pristine, bowl-shaped alpine lake sitting at 13,900 feet. Revering locals hold this lake sacred as the mythological origin of the Pabbar River. Spend time soaking in the stillness and surrounding glaciers before descending back to Litham camp for a hot lunch and well-earned rest.

A sharp, continuous ascent of about 4 km leads from Litham to Dhunda, the base camp for Buran Pass. You leave the lush river valley behind and enter the alpine zone of sharp rocks, snow gullies, and crisp mountain wind.
From the Dhunda campsite, the ridge of Buran Ghati is clearly visible, rising like a formidable wall against the sky. In the evening, your trek guides will demonstrate technical safety skills, fitting crampons or microspikes and explaining how the descent will be tackled tomorrow. Enjoy an early dinner and bundle up warm, as night temperatures at Dhunda often dip below freezing.

Summit day begins under a canopy of stars around 4:00 AM. Climb steadily over boulders and hard-packed snow ridges for 4 to 5 hours to stand atop Buran Ghati Pass. The views from the narrow pass ridge are overwhelming: behind you lies the green Pabbar Valley, while ahead stretches the rugged snowfields and jagged peaks of Kinnaur.
Now comes the signature highlight of the trek: the near-vertical descent down the snow wall. Our experienced mountain leads anchor safety ropes for you to rappel down, followed by a series of exhilarating snow slides where conditions permit. Once below the pass wall, descend through open boulder fields and glacial streams to reach the tranquil River Campsite at Barua Khad for a celebratory dinner.

Wake up to a relaxed morning and enjoy your final camp breakfast. Today is a gentle 5 km downhill walk through dense pine forests, hanging fruit orchards, and traditional wooden footbridges into the peaceful Kinnauri village of Barua.
Say goodbye to your trek crew and board your transfer vehicles at Barua. Drive along the scenic Hindustan-Tibet highway via Karcham and Rampur back to Shimla, reaching by late evening. From Shimla, you can board your overnight Volvo bus back to Delhi, carrying the accomplishment of conquering one of India's most thrilling mountain passes.

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

A few useful details about the 6-night, 7-day Buran Ghati route, from the forests around Janglik to the high pass and descent into Kinnaur.

Have a question about the route or your preparation? Please reach out directly to our team.

This is a moderate-to-difficult, high-altitude trek that reaches 15,000 ft and covers around 40 km over several walking days. Expect sustained climbs, uneven ground and a long pass-crossing day.

Build up with regular walks, uphill hikes and cardio before departure. Previous multi-day trekking experience can help; contact the team if you are unsure whether the route suits your current fitness or experience.

The route crosses Buran Pass at about 15,000 ft, followed by a steep descent on the Kinnaur side. Snow cover and trail conditions vary by season, so the exact crossing and descent method depend on conditions on the day.

Follow your trek leader's instructions throughout this section. Snow sliding or other technical procedures are not guaranteed; ask the team before booking which safety equipment and support are included for your departure.

The itinerary starts at Janglik, continues through Dayara Thach and Litham, and includes an excursion to Chandranahan Lake before the climb to Dhunda, the pass base camp. Buran Pass reaches about 15,000 ft.

Take the pace set by your trek leader, drink regularly and tell the team promptly if you feel unwell. Ask before departure what acclimatisation and emergency-support arrangements apply to your group.

The route uses overnight camps around Janglik, Dayara Thach, Litham, Dhunda and the river camp beyond the pass. Facilities are basic and can vary with the campsite and weather.

Keep the trail clean: carry personal waste back out as directed by your trek team, and follow local guidance for toilets and washing at each camp.

Water sources and access can change along a high-altitude route. Carry a reusable bottle and confirm with your trek team how drinking water is handled at camps and on walking days.

Weather can shift quickly around the pass. Pack warm layers and rain protection, and expect the leader to adjust plans if conditions affect safety or access.

Expedition requirements & eligibility

Buran Ghati is a demanding, multi-day trek with long ascents, uneven trails and a crossing at around 15,000 ft. Prepare with regular walking and uphill training, and be ready for several consecutive days on the trail.

Previous trekking experience is useful, especially at altitude, but suitability depends on your fitness and the conditions for your departure. Discuss your experience and any health concerns with the team before booking; seek medical advice if you are unsure about high-altitude travel.

Unsure whether this trek is right for you? Talk with the team via expedition support.

Mandatory equipment & packing system

Conditions can be cold and changeable at high camps such as Dhunda and the river camp. Pack warm layers, a waterproof outer layer, gloves, a warm hat, sunglasses and a headlamp.

Wear broken-in trekking boots with good grip and bring personal medication and a reusable water bottle. Confirm technical equipment and any rental arrangements with the team before travel.

FOOTWEAR Sturdy Trekking Boots Choose well-fitting boots with reliable grip and break them in before the trek.

BACKPACK Daypack + Rain Protection Carry water, warm layers, snacks and essentials; use a rain cover or waterproof liner.

INSULATION Warm Layering System Bring insulating layers and a windproof, waterproof outer shell for exposed camps and changing weather.

HARDWARE Headlamp & Personal Essentials Pack spare batteries, personal medication, sun protection and any items listed in your departure briefing.

Pricing, schedules & payment terms

The trek price is available on request. Before confirming, review the written trip details for the final price, inclusions, accommodation, transport, meals and any costs not covered.

For current dates, availability and payment details, contact the team through our support desk.

Cancellation, rescheduling & refunds

Weather, snow, road access and safety can affect a high-altitude itinerary. The route or pass crossing may need to change if conditions are unsuitable. Read the trip-specific cancellation and change terms before making a payment.

For questions about changing or cancelling a booking, contact the team or review the applicable policy via notify our operations desk.