McleodGanj.Dharamsala.Kangra valley

"Close to Heaven"

1. Trekking in Dhauladhars
2. Birdwatching in Kangra Valley
3. Angling( Fishing) in Kangra Valley
4. Cycling in Kangra Valley ( Dharamsala Around )

Trekking in Dhauladhars ( Dharamsala, Kangra Valley ) ( Hiking in Dhauladhars)

Trek Routes (+ Trek Notes)

Source of Information : Regional Mountaineering Institute, McleodGanj includes Trek Notes.

Mcleodganj- Triund- Illaqua Gote- Mcleodganj
Trek Moderate
Meximum Heght 3150 Mtrs.
Requirement Little experience in Trekking essential
Period April to November
Duration 04 NIGHTS & 05 DAYS

day 1 Mcleodganj- Gunna Devi (2310 mts.)- 8 kms. pass through Tibetan Children village, Dal Lake and then to Balh Nullah. Naddi to Balh Nullah is a thick deodar and oak forest and sight of a leopard is very common feature. After a steep climb so an hour one reaches at Galu on top and enjoys views on all sides. From here a 4 kms Trek facing the sun traverses towards Gunna Devi and the Kali temple.
day 2 Gunna Devi- Jeri Gote via Kanjrala (3000 mts.)-12 kms. Very thick forest of mixed variety. Lot of medicinal plants and wildlife in abundance. This is also called bear and leopard prone area; Kanjrala has a flat green meadows where shepherds camp with their flocks of sheep and goats. Form here a steep ascent is followed unto Relu Gote and then a gentle climb and traverses to Jeri Gote, which abruptly opens after a long jungle walk. Jeri Gote is located at the base of Bhimaghasutri Pass. `
Day 3 Jeri Gote- Illaqa Gote (3150 mts.) 8 kms. In the month of June the whole Trek is partially covered with snow up to Illaqa Gote that offers a view of the Pass and the Men Peak and other snow capped peaks.
Day 4 Illaqa Gote- Triund (2975 mts)- 10 kms. Triund is base camp for Trekkers going to Cahmba and Bharmaur. Lasu green meadows, closets view of Dhauladhat, sunset and panorama of Kangra valley, plains of Punjab and Shivalik range are the unique sights from this place. There is water scarcity at Triund.
day 5 Triund- Mcleodganj (1760 mts.)- 9kms.a lovely Trek descends down the valley. Well-defended trail with picturesque scenes of Mcleodganj, Bhagsu and Dharamsala town.

Dharamsala- Chhota Bhangal over sari Pass Kullu
Trek Moderate
Meximum Heght 3760 Mtrs.
Requirement Experience in Trekking essential
Period May- June, September- October
Duration 06 NIGHTS & 7 DAYS

day 1 Dharamsala- Bir, by jeep – 4 hours, Bir is emerging as a popular tourists destination now because of Buddhist monasteries. There are good Tibetan settlements, and foreigners are attracted to study the Tibetan Culture. There is beautiful tea garden and tourists enjoy the Kangra tea flavor.
day 2 Bir- Billing (2800 mts.) Billing is located on a ridge without any vegetation. There is a forest bungalow, which serves as a resting place for Trekkers and tourists. Billing is famous for conducting hang- gliding, Para-gliding competition. It gives a panoramic view of the valley below. From this place one can choose to go to Barabhangal after a loosing Thamsar Pass.
day 3 Billing- Kothi Kohar village- 14 kms. Kothoi Kohar falls in the backward area of Chhota Bhangal enroute one can see many species of herbal plants. The catchments area of the nearby village i.e. Rumbling river and other tributaries from the Uhi river which later merges at barot in to Lama Dugh river which descends from Lohardi.
Day 4 Kothi Kohar- Lohardi- 19 kms. Bus able route and frequently of buses is limited to 3-4 buses a day. Lohardi is a lovely village on the left side of the Lama Dugh River. This area is becoming more and more popular amongst foreign tourists for its quietness and exquisite beauty. Lohardi is now coming up with a small town. At a distance of 4 kms. Village Swar is perched on a hillside and has terraced field of potato cultivation and apple orchards. This region is visited by botanists for collection of rare species of medicinal plants of their interest.
Day 5 Lohardi- lahesh Cave (3200 mts.)- 14 kms. This Trek is moderate one and is visited by the local people and Trekkers to cross Sari Pass, which paves the way to Kullu valley. Lahesh cave can accommodate 3-4 persons in emerging. To have a tent at this place will be a pride possession for a comfortable sleep.
day 6 Lahesh Cave- Tenu village (2750 mts.)-12 kms. Tenu village is the last village of Kullu valley. People are utmost orthodox cal and do not compromise with their customs and traditions. One can have good look of the Kullu valley all along the route
day 7 Tenu village0 Solang Village- 18 kms. , And to Kullu by bus, the Trek descends to Raghol village and many small villages come in intervals. Sori Nullah meanders all along the Trek route, which terminates at Solang village, which is the bus, head for Lagg valley people, Lagg valley has apple orchards in abundance.

Trek to Indrahara Pass: (4350 Metres)

Grade: Moderate
Trek to the pass is steep and goes over soft snow and a number of icy streams covered with hard snow have to be negotiated. Such type of conditions is mostly during the end of April, May and June. This trek passes over rock faces and at certain points involves very steep climbing. Inclement weather with zero visibility obstructs the movement of a trekker. This pass provides a very scenic view of both Kangra and Chamba valleys and offers distant view of the Middle and Greater Himalayas. The other side of the pass remains snow-covered until the middle of July.
Day wise itenary of the Trek: 

Trek to Kareri Lake: (3300 Metres)  

Grade: Easy  
Kareri Lake is at a low altitude and is a easier trek. It is frequented mostly by Gujjars and Gaddis from the nearby villages because of extensive pasturelands. Clusters of dense conifers and different kinds of perennial flowers are a rare treat offered by this place.
Day wise itenary of the Trek:                                                       

Trek to Thamsar Pass (4704 Metres)  

Grade: Difficult
  This pass is of exceptional beauty and one can behold from here both sides of the Kangra and the Ravi valleys. Mules can also cross this pass. It is mostly frequented by gaddis and trekkers to enter into Ravi valley. From this pass, a gradual trail descends to a vast snowfield to the north.
Day wise itenary of the Trek:

Barot- Dansar Lake- Chhota Bhangal
Trek Moderate
Meximum Heght 4150 Mtrs.
Requirement Limited past experience in Trekking essential
Period May- June, September- October
day 1 Dharamsala (1800 mts) walk around and do the acclimatization.
day 2 Drive to Barot, there enjoy 5 kms trolley ride unto the winch camp gives a fantastic thrilling experience to enjoy beautiful valley FROM A HEIGHT. After the winch camp 3 kms Trek is all along the trolley line and then 3 kms. Downhill Trek to Barot. This is the loveliest Trek extending view towards Bara Bhangal region; one can have a rare and exquisite view of the Barot town and reservoir from the top hill
day 3 Barot- Marahad- 15 Kms, buses are available from barot to Lohardi. The Trek starts from Lohardi to Potang and then to Morad- a place where lot of timberwork is done. Morand valley is similar to the valley of flowers in Garhwal with plenty of wild flowers. Trek is easy and photogenic with greenery all around.
day 4 Marand- camping ground below the lake (3150 mts)- 15 kms. from Marahad the first camping place comes after a 3 hours strenuous climb between thickly wooded forest and bushes. A very flat area below the lake with numerous rivulets forms a beautiful camping ground. Bansar Lake has a circumference of about 800 mts. Just below the peaks at an elevation of 4150 mts. This lake is visited by devotees of the Lord Shiva to take holy dip in the sacred water for fulfillment of their desires; this pilgrimage comes after the Manimahesh yatra.
Day 5 One has the choice to land to Kullu valley over sari Pass route or come back to Barot the same day.

Trek to Nag Dal (4150 Metres)  

Grade: Difficult  
Nag Dal known as a Cobra Lake  was explored by the King of Alwar(Rajasthan).When he visited the lake as per the advise of Priest to bring water from Holy Lake to have rains in his kingdom. The King did so and during this course had a scuffle with  Cobra King resulting which the water  spilled near Bhagsu. The King prayed to the Nag Devta to bless his Kingdom with rain as it suffered with acute drought conditions. The Nag Devta became benevolent to the King and blessed him with rain. This lake is now visited by hundreds of people for a holy dip and people worship Nag Devta on the occasion of Janmashtmi. 
Day wise itenary of the Trek:   

Trek to Singhar Pass (4473 Metres)  

Grade: Very Difficult

Trek Moon Peak: (4610 Metres)

Season: May to November
Moon Peak can be attempted through a ridge on the right side of the Illaqua glacier straightway to the top. The other possibility to scale Moon Peak is to climb the Indrahara Pass (4350 m) and then traverse a ridge on the other side of the pass and approach the peak in most easy way. This route is safe and easier one. The winter ascent to other peaks requires a good technical knowledge and one must have proper climbing gears.
Day wise itenary of the Trek:

Trek Dhauladhar Matterhorn or Gaurijunda (4916 Metres)

Grade: Difficult
Dhauladhar Matterhorn or the Gauri Junda (4916 m) is located to the northeast of Dharamshala and is the highest peak in Dharamshala region. This peak requires technical climbing and therefore one must have technical know-how of mountaineering. The route to the peak approaches from Tang Narwana village to Toral Pass (4575 m) and then to the peak. The other route is from Jia Village to Supdhar, a camping place, below the Talang Pass and then to the peak after having one camp below the peak. The last ascent to the peak is almost vertical and is purely technical.
Day wise itenary of the Trek: 

Trek to Bleni Pass: (3710 Metres)

Grade: Easy
Bleni Pass is at a low altitude and is a easier pass. It is frequented mostly by Gujjars and Gaddis from the nearby villages because of extensive pasturelands. Clusters of dense conifers and different kinds of perennial flowers are a rare treat offered by this place.
Day wise itenary of the Trek:
 

Dharamsala- Minkiani Pass

Chamba
Trek Moderate
Meximum Heght 360 Mtrs.
Requirement Limited past experience in Trekking essential
Period June to October
Duration 04 NIGHTS & 05 DAYS

day 1 Mcleodganj- Kareri villager (1800 mts.)- Shepherds who have smallholdings of terraced fields inhabit 13 Kms., this village. The Trek passes through Tibetan Children village, Dal Lake, Satubari and Ghera along pine trees. Gentle decent unto Ghera and then followed by a steep climb of about 2.5 km to reach the rest house.
day 2 Kareri village- Kareri Lake (3150 mts.) 13 Km., the Trek goes steeply up to Kali Mandir or one can Trek via Rohli which is a longer Trek with mild ascents. The Trek goes all along Kareri Nullah between a valleys thickly wooded on both sides. There is a Naag Mandir (Shiva temple) on the entrance of the dried lake.
day 3 Kareri Lake- Minkiani Gote (over Minkiani Pass-3250 mts.)- 10 kms. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach the pass. Sudden weather change, blizzards and white out conditions are a common phenomena at this pass. Mililani Gote has a beautiful camping area; towards east the Trek goes to the famous Lamdal Lake and north it descends to Chamba valley.
Day 4 Minkiani Gote- Drakund (1900 mts.)- 18 kms. long tiring Trek descends al, along the Lamdal Nullah to Drakund which has a forest rest house surrounded by apple orchards. The best season to visit this place is August and September, Gaddis and Gujjars are seen along with their sheep and buffaloes.
Day 5 Drakund- Dunali – 9 kms, Dunali is located on the Chamba- Bharmaur road. Drive to Chamba, which is a traditional town with famous Laxmi Narayan temples in groups. Bhuri Singh museum, Chogan and Chamunda temple on the top of the town are historic places.

Trek to Toral Pass (4250 Metres)  

Grade: Moderate
Toral Pass (4375 m) lies to the northeast of Dharamshala and is rarely visited by any trekking groups except those sponsored by the Himalayan Heights Adventure. Only shepherds from the villages of Kangra tehsil and Dharamshala take this route with sheep and goats to enter into Ravi valley from June end to end of October. Along this route, there are lush green valleys with meadows spread over vast areas.
Day wise itenary of the Trek: 

Dharmsala- Indrahara Pass- Bharmaur
Trek Difficult Meximum Heght 4350 Mtrs.
Requirement High altitude experience in Trekking essential
Period June to October
Duration 04 NIGHTS & 05 DAYS

day 1 Mcleodganj- Triund (2975 mts.)- 9 Kms., it takes 3 hours to reach Triund, which is known for scenic grandeur presenting closest views of Dhauladhar. Below the valley one can enjoy the sunset and plains of Punjab and Shivalik ridges. The place is unique for stargazers; green meadows give a cozy feeling to a tried Trekker. There is a forest bungalow constructed during the British regime.
day 2 Triund- Lahesh Cave (3350 mts.)- 7 kms. the journey takes 3 hours, the Lahesh Cave is located at the base of Indrahara Pass and it is a big rock overhang to provide shelter for 8-9 Trekkers. One can also camp below the cave in flat open area. The Trek cross all along Illaqa Gote.
Day 3 Lahesh Cave- Chatta Parao (over Indrahara Pass)- 4350 mts., 3-4 hours steep and taxiing climb, this is the most frequented pass. Trekkers and shepherds choose this pass enroute to Chamba and Bharmaur, views towards central Himalayas and great Himalayan ranges is captivating from this Pass. One can have the glimpse of Chamba Kailash from this pass, camping is done at Chatta Parao under the rock shelter or pitch tents below Chatta Parao at Mondore after 3-4 kms.
Day 4 Chatta Parao- Kwarsi (2730 mts.)- 18 kms. Kwarsi is a beautiful village perched on a slope and surrounded by forest of mixed variety. Lush green fields give a nice look; there is a Shiva temple here where Trekkers generally retire for a night rest.
day 5 Kwarsi- Lamu & Choli villages- 14 kms. steep descent , dangerous narrow paths at few places. The Trek joins the bus road below lame village or near Choli village. Buses at intervals are available towards Kharamukh and Bharmaur.Bharmaur- Chamba – by bus, for journey to Dharamsala or Pathankot or visit the famous place Khajjiar and Dalhousie.

Indrahar- Minkiani Pass circuit Trek
Trek Difficult
Meximum Heght 3600 Mts
Requirement Experience in difficult Trekking/ Mountaineering essential
Period May- June, September- October
Duration 09 NIGHTS & 10 DAYS
day 1 Dharamsala- Triund (2975 Mts) 10 Km, gradual Trek and halt near Forest Rest House, water to be fetched one kilometer down the stream
day 2 Triund- Laka Got (3550 mts) 8 km, steady climb up, cave is enough to provide shelter for 30-40 persons near base of the pass
day 3 Laka- Got Chhata Hut (3600 mts) 10 Km, steep climbing to Indrahar Pass and gradual going to other side, from top, peaks of Pir Panjal and Mani Mahesh ranges are visible.
day 4 Chhat Hut- Kuarsi (2750 mts) 16 km, The route involves ascent and descent, view of Mani Mahesh Peaks
Day 5 Kuarsi- Gehra (1925 mts) 18 km, steep ascent and descent, panoramic view of Pir Panjal range
Day 6 Ghera- Drakund (2280 mts) 16 km, An enjoyable Trek through thick forest
day 7 Drakund- Base of Minkiani Pass (3500 mts) 12 km, Steep climbing through forests, the route is rough and locals call this pass as Belani Pass
day 8 Base of Pass- Minkiani Got (3560 mts) 10 km, It is better to climb to Lamdal for a holy dip and then Trek Down to Minkiani Got over Minkiani Pass
Day 9 Minkiani- Kareri Rest house (1980 mts) 22 km, It is going down but very tiring, Charming view from the Kareri Rest house
Day 10 Kareri- Dharamsala (1400 mts) 14 km, All descent down through Bhagsu and Mcleodganj.

Dharamsala – Nayagraon trek
Trek: Difficult
Maximum Height: 3693 Mtrs.
Requirement: Pass trekking experience essential
Period: June to October Duration 7-8 days

Day-1 Drive to Bir by jeep, about 64 kms. From Dharamsala , sight seeing in Bir
Day-2 Bir- Billing and rajgaunda- 14 kms. By road, Bir to Billing is along the road, the trek goes to the North of Billing along a spur above the Uhi river with an easy 2 hour trail to Rajgaunda.
Day-3 Billing- palachak(2770 m)- 12 kms., Billing to Thamsar Jot and further to Barabhangal is a mule track, the Pass is comparatively higher than other passes of Dhauladhar but it is most frequented and well marked and generally used by the people of Baijnath and Barabhangal for want of any transport facility.
Day-4 Palachak- Panihardu (3693 mts.) –9 kms., it takes about 3 hours to reach Panihardu over some Meadows and snow fields during May and June. There is steep climb at places, tent pitching is advised at this place. During summer season tea stalls are put up by the local people.
Day-5 Panihardu- Udeg/ Marhu (3690 mts.)- 17 kms., this is a long haul, one must take an early start to avoid mid day winds and bad weather. The trek is arduous being steep. There is a small glacial lake a little below the Pass, after about 4 hours strenuous climb one reaches Marhu which has a flat land for camping
Day-6 Marhu- Barabhangal (2550 mts.)-18 kms, this is again a long trek which descended steeply over rock cliffs. Many steep ridges have sto be negotiated before reaching Khaner village, it takes about 3 hours to reach Dhardi village. There is one short tricky rock face about 200 ft. above the river, the rest of the trek is normal.
Day-7 Dhardi- Nayagraon (2245 mts.)- 14 kms., a descent along the river at an easy pace and after three hours arrival at a Dhaba (small resturant). The trek leads down towards a steel cable bridge on the south bank one Kilometer above Nayagraon where there is a rest house, Dhardi is being connected by a jeepable road from Nayagraon to facilitate the people of Dhardi and Khaner to reach Barabhangal comfortably.

Day-8 Nayagraon- Deol (2020 mts.)- 8 kms., an easy trekking trail, rather jeepable path, to reach deol, THE BUS HEAD/ Deol is emerging as a big village with few shops and eating places. From Deol one gets bus to reach Kharamukh, Bharmaur or Chamba.

Trek to Jalsu Pass: (3600 Metres)  

Grade: Easy
From trekking point of view, it is an easy route and it is commonly used by trekkers and local people from the Kangra and Ravi valleys. There are Gaddi and Gujjar hutments at Yara and few seasonal hotels and teashops where one can have tea and snacks. The trek is slippery and slushy due to the regular passage of livestock. There are vast green meadows at the top of the Jalsu Pass. It is a very beautiful place for camping.
Day wise itenary of the Trek: 

Trek to Lam Dal (3950 Metres)

Grade: Difficult  
Lam Dal is the biggest and the largest lake in Dhauladhar range.
Day wise itenary of the Trek:                                                            
   

Trek to Dansar Lake (4050 Metres)

Grade: Difficult  
Danser Lake is one of the highest lakes in Dhauladhar. It is locaed at an elevation of 4250 Mts. on the foot hill of Ghora Lotnu Peak. This lake like other lakes of Outer Himalaya is held very sacred for the local people. This trek is one of the finest treks that passes through very scenic places and valleys of Chhotabhangal; the tribal region of Himalayas 
Day wise itenary of the Trek:   

GAG Pass (4243m)

Mcleod ganj to Rawa Village 9Km
The trek from Mcleod ganj Naddi the nearest road head to Gatri and Barlehi villages or go via Ghera and follow the trek across Gaj nullah. Rawa is a small village and the route to the village is will marked and easy one need not camp at rawa villag and can reach bagga if an early start is made in the morning
Rawa to Bagga (2950m) 8Km
This place is located on a ridge and has a place to pitch the tants. A serai is being constructed by the people to help the pilgrims for an overnight stay at this place water can be had from close by stream there is thin vegetation around this place bagga offers panoramic views of the valley below and of the plains as will.
Bagga To Lamdal Lake (over Gag Pass)
A Trek is being developed for the pilgrims who visit lamdal lake. This is the shortest route to lamdal and Gag pass but very steed and arduous. The climb is precipitous and demanding but negotiable. From the pass it takes only 50 minutes to descend down to lamdal lake. The biggest in the hierarchy of mountain lakes in the Dhauladhar range. If one walks to the right of the Gag Pass one can visit a very beautiful small round lake called Chanderkunt & the moon lake located almost on the top of the ridge. It takes abount 50 minutes to reach to this lake. trek to reach lamdal from here within an hour. The view of the lamdal and the valley below to Drakund is most fascinating and eye catching. One has the choice to return through a round trek to Dharamsala over Minkiani Pass descend down to Chamba via Drakund

Birdwatching in Kangra(Dharamsala, Kangra Valley )

Visit Pong bird sanctuary nestled in the sylvan surroundings of the Kangra valley in Himachal, the extensive Pong Dam wetland has emerged as a major habitat for migratory birds in India and has become a popular attraction for bird watchers, anglers and water sports lover.

BirdWatching Festival Kangra Valley

The Bird Watching Festival of Himachal Pradesh is held in the month of January every year. Maharana Pratap Sagar in Kangra is the site of the fest. There are many rare species of birds found in this region. This Festival of Himachal Pradesh dedicated to the birds is organized to attract all the bird lovers of the country to the state.

Maharana Pratap Sagar, the site of the Bird Watching Festival of Kangra is one of the biggest man made lakes of India. This place attracts many Bird Watchers during winters because of the various migratory birds that come here. The biggest attraction here are the ducks from the Siberian region. There are also many other water birds that welcome the visitors to the island. Some of the birds that can be seen here are Black buck, Cheetal and Sukhrab.


The Bird Watching Festival provides a wonderful scope for a family outing. Here you can watch around 220 species of birds belonging to about 56 families. The birds of various colors and origin attract a child's attention quite well.
The Bird Watching Festival can give is the right place for learning with fun.

Birdwatching can also be done during Treks in higher altitude of Dhauladhar Range which allow to watch different species of Birds in the area.

Book : Birds of Kangra by Jan Willem Den Besten

Angling (Fishing) in Kangra Valley ( Dharamsala Around )

Himachal Pradesh the abode of gods the land of snows a tourist’s dream and delight, is also an angler’s paradise. It has some of the finest trout streams in the north.treams in the Kangra valley are well-known for mahseer fishing. Each of these rivers has 32 to 40 km of angling reserve area, where one can fish with joy.Pong reservoir from Dehra to the Dam proper offers excellent fishing for mahseer almost round the year when fishing is open. The Pong reservoir can be approached from Pathankot via Jassur, from Chandigarh via Talwara, and from Dharmsala via Dehta and Nagrota Surian.

Fishing fee are nominal. The trout fishing season is from 31 March to 31 October. Generally best months for mahaseer are those that have an 'r' in their spelling - January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December.

Mahseer Fishing

 After having savoured the delicacies of the trout, let us now come down to the comparatively less high Kangra valley, situated in the lap of the mighty Dhauladhar ranges, irrigated with streams which descend from perennial snows, and interspersed with homesteads buried in the midst of groves and fruit trees. Kangra has been known as the home of the proverbial mighty mahseer to which effect a fairly large account of evidence is available from the vivid accounts of various anglers interested in heavy fish. The river Beas and the Pong Dam reservoir provide attractive fish grounds to the anglers. Besides mahseer, the other fish available is malhi, soal, bachwa, god shingara etc. Although there are many places and rivers and streams where mahseer is available, the following beats are considered the best.

Cycling in Kangra Valley ( Dharamsala Around )

Himachal Pradesh has all the ingredients for classic mountain biking travel and staggering mountain scenery. You can simply peddle at your own pace along hidden trails to rarely visited local villages where traditional rural lifestyle remains preserved and the friendly smile leaves lasting memories. Riding through this region affords an intimacy with your surroundings that is hard to beat: directly in contact with sights, sounds and smells of the kangra valley and it's mountain range, you will truly feel at one with nature.

Cycling from Dharamsala to Tea Gardens in Palampur

Cycling Dharamsala to Pong Dam Lake - Pong Dam Reservoir

Cycling from Dharamsala to Sidhbari - Watch Monasteries and Norbulingka