MENUMENU
Mountain Range: Dhauladhars.
Lakes: Chandernahan.
Passes: Barua Pass
Streams: The trek has many snow fed rivulets, brooks and streams with major river (Pabbar) as its main depository.
Caves: The trails used as major adventurous treks were frequently used by shepherds, traders and travellers in historical era and have many caves in between where they used to stay at night but they are off trek and not used as tent camping at a comfortable place are a great option today.
Forts or Palaces: The region has no forts to boast of but it can rightly brag of two royal palaces at Kotkhai and Local Culture and tradition: People have deep faith in Local Devi-Devta. Women wear suits, Jubbal. Though not open for common public, the present palace are an impressive structure. The one atKotkhai has a sturdy, typically indigenous and unmistakably prominent structure which can be seen while travelling to Jubbal. It stands on a narrow spur formed by two rivulets that run on three sides. The other at Jubbal has a massive wooden door as the main entrance; about 18 ft. high and 7 ft. wide covered with copper and studded with coins- an ancient practice in region which you can see on the wooden doors of every temple. Old furniture, ancient artefacts and a rich Sanskrit and Persian books library with enhance its grandeur.
Villages: After Rohru you will cross Samoli, Seema, Badiyara, Mandli, Chirgaun, Sandhasu, Tikri, Dhamwari, Pekha, Deodi and Tangno before Janglikh. Chirgaun is the last place to have a health centre and then you can have one at Sangla. Although one gets some basic medicines at Janglikh.
Demographics: According to2011 census,the sub district Rohru is home to more than 49 thousand people, among them about 26 thousand (52%) are male and about 24 thousand (48%) are female of whom 70% are from general caste, 30% from schedule caste and 1% consists of schedule tribes. 10% of the children are under the age of 6 have 52% boys and 48% girls. There are about 11 thousand households in the sub district with an average 4 persons each.
Temples: Hateshwari Temple at Hatkoti and Village god temple in Janglikh is must see as are in your way though there are many more to see and appreciate.
Ghrats: These are the traditional flour grinding mills which run by the flow of water. You can see one at Dhamwari.
Art (Wooden/ Stone): Traditional Houses and temples are made up of Deodar wood and stone blocks with minute carvings on doors and pillars. They are earthquake resistant.
Food: Red rice, Siddu(Stuffed Steamed Bread buns), bade (More like Vadda) and Poldu(softer and thicker puri).Dhidhde (ColocasiaFritters) Red Rice of Pejaa is very famous.
Folktales: The region has many folk tales about the origin and origin places of their God and Goddesses and primitive conflict between different villagers. Every village and their god have many tales to be explored.
Local Culture: People have deep faith in Local Devi-Devta. Women wear suits, Dhatu( a scarf)and Sadri (a Jacket) where as Men Wear Kurta Pajama, Sadri and Pahari Topi.
Fair and Festivals: If you will come in April during Baishaki you may see the color of local culture in Local Festivals, Vishu but if you are planning to tour in early September you may attend Jagra.
Public and Private Transport: Till Shimla one can reach by train, bus or plane but to reach Mandli forest rest house or at any other rest house at Rohru, one can take Govt. Buses, private Buses and private tracks are the main modes of transportation but one can hire private taxi also to and from Shimla.
THE BURAN GHATI or BARUA PASS TREK
The Buran Ghati also known as Barua Pass is a place which connects two valleys, Pabbar valleyof Shimla to Sangla or Baspa valley of Kinnaur, physically allowing exchanges of culture, folksongs, tales, merchandise and happiness. During ancient era Local villagers and shepherd used to voyage Barua Pass along with other two Gunaas pass & Rupin pass for livelihood, trading and travelling. The Buran Ghati trek has magnificent sights of alpine lakes, the thicker and denser forests of oak and pines, the extensive green meadows, the sharp edges at high altitudes, the snow-clad peaks all around, the small streams and brooks, the charming villages.It has the most thrilling pass crossing as one needs to rappel down a snow wall at 15,000 ft.
The trek is a gem lying hidden and unexplored near the flamboyant Shimla. It is an offbeat location and takes 6 hours from the Shimla town. One can start their journey by using Rohru or Janglikh as a base. Rohru is 110 km away from Shimla and provide decent facilities to stay and eat. One can reach Rohru by a bus or taxi in three to four hours. The place is a small town with people in traditional attires and leisurely life. During the journey from shimla to Rohru, especially after Kotkhai one can see the beautiful stretch of forest area like Nhyari, Khada- Pathar and historical temples of local devi-devtas like Hateswari Mata at Hatkoti (11 Km prior to Rohru).For those who want to stay in more peace, Janglikh village (40 km away from Rohru) as their base of journey at the altitude of 2751 meters is better option.From square wheat fields along the river and beautiful Himachali homes, you drive past pretty villages and mixed forests until you get to the apple orchards and pine forests around Diude, Tikri and Tonglue reaching Janglikh. Janglikh is a small and peaceful village with just twenty five houses and offer an interaction with the nature, the local people, traditions, attires, food and beliefs. The artistic wooden houses and village temples with their attractive roofs are captivating.
From Janglikhthe trek unravel itself to the mesmerizing scenic beauty. After just 30 minute walk one enter the forest leaving villages, fields and villagers behind. The ways keep surprising with streams, steep climbs in forest patches alternately, giving way tolush greenery of the DayaraThatch (meadow) in the foothill of beautiful mountains.
The route from DayaraThatch to Litham runs through dense forest, green meadows and gushing streams. The clear and sparkling water tempt you to refill your bottles. Before reaching the campsite you’ll be able to see the snow-capped mountains of the Dhauladhars. Beautiful setting of Bhojforest is rare thing to experience. The trek takes a halt and one can see Litham clearly. One can continue its journey towards Dhunda or take an excursion for Chandernahan Lake. Lake is another attraction of Buran Ghati Trek. It is satisfying walk upstream towards the waterfall leading towards the group of seven lakes. The view is panoramic and lets you enjoy it in peace and music of nature. The glacial lake remains frozen for the most part of the year. The trail proffers abundance of flowers& herbs and beauty of numerous glistening streams of water. The trace descends to reach green grasslands of Litham to the left and cliffs of the bordering Rupin valley to the right.
After a sharp climb toU shaped gorge like valley, one gets the first view of the Buran Ghati to their left. After1 hour climb on the well marked trail of shepherds towards passleads you to the top of the Dhunda. The snow capped grey mountains, alpine zone andserene surroundings are captivating. If you take a halt here, you will be camping in the midst of snow-capped mountains encircling all around. The entire campsite of Dhunda is one of the most picturesque camping in the alpine mountains.
After Dhunda the trek is challenging and tests your strength. First it is a descend towards the base of the Pass and then1 hour long climb of steep, rocky flanks of the Buran Ghati passto the top, mostly on snow in September, the snow melts and it is not difficult to climb the pass. Buran Ghati is at 15,000 ft and route is with the altitude of 13,365 ft to 11,800 ft and offers you a thrilling clamber.It take almost 10 to11 hour difficult trek to a narrow shelf on the top with sharp and steep drops on both sides.Here awaits a thrilling and risky first snow field descent of about 100 meters. It is safe to use rope as an ice axe also does not lessen the danger.Thereafter it is a series of descents over smaller ledges to just slide down.Descending on the Buran Ghati trek is quick and lessens the altitude very quickly. A two hour walk leads you to the end of snow line giving way to a ridge of lush green valley front with junipers and lovely flower crested shrubs. The streams and shepherds’ hut enliven the surrounding further. You can have a break at Munirang, a stunningplace for river side camping. The next halt is Barua village which takes at least 6 hours walk. The trek is relatively easy and offers variety of vegetation and diversity. A broad and used path leads to BaruaKhud descending rapidly through the high altitude pines and giving way to mixed forests of other trees. An hour and half later the trail descends to a large gushing stream meeting the BaruaKhud., the trail is greeted with more diverse vegetation as it mount out of the stream. Soon from an overhanging rock on the trailthe trekkers see the breathtakingview of the entireBarua village sitting on the ridge below.
Half an hour later the trail enters Barua village through an arch. One gets a chance to meet the local villagers as life on the trail comes alive after reaching Barua village. Villagers are happy to see you, invite you to tea and hear your stories. The grand pent roof style temples built for local God and Goddess in Barua is a must in the bucket list. The trail keeps rushing fruit orchards. The fruits grown in this part are apples, pears, apricot & peaches
The descent is rapid and easy once you reach the heart of the village. It is just half an hour walk to reach the road bridge over BaruaKhud. One can take a vehicle from Barua too but Karcham, a junction 3KM ahead, is better alternative as it offers transport facility to both Rekong-Peo, 24 km and Sangla 18 km away, for more connectivity to Shimla.
Altitude: 2,276m/7,967ft
Mode of travelling: Train/Bus/Taxi/ Aeroplane
We advise you to reach Shimla a day before the expedition to adjust yourself to the climate and altitude. Roam around leisurely and explore the trees, market and sunset in the mountains. Relax and get ready for the thrill.
Altitude:2,276m/7,967ft –1,525m/5,003ft
Duration:Drive 120 km, 4-5 hours Drive
Mode of travelling: Car/ Bus/Traveler
A pickup will be arranged on sharing bases from Shimla. The first stop will be at Kufri, a beautiful place with higher altitude. Kufri offers an open view of the valley with mountains all around. The journey will be resumed after a hot breakfast. The road by the Giri-Ganga will lead you to the spell bounding dense forest and apple orchards all around. At Kharapather you will see the Jubbal Valley full of apple orchards. The road descends leading you to the historical temple of Hateshwari Mata at Hatkoti. The temple has an Ashtadhatu idol of deviDurga to be worshipped as Mahisashurmardini. The stone temple of Shiva nearby ancientPandavas toy houses is very unique. The temple has a small cave and many stories to tell. Later the Group will head towards the Mandli Forest rest house passing Rohru, Samoli, Seema, Badiyara and Mandli. In evening, a bon fire will be arranged by the riverside to enjoy soul satisfying music of nature.
Altitude:1,525m/5,003ft –2,800m/9,186ft
Duration:Drive 120 km, Trek 2 km, 3-4 hours walk& Drive.
Mode of travelling: Car/ Bus/Traveler
The morning session of the Day2 starts with some technical training activities making you accustomed to the hurdles you face during the Trek. It is followed by some adventurous activities to warm up before the challenge. After the hot Lunch group drives towards next destination Janglikh passing Chirgaun, Sandhasu, Tikri by the river Pabbar to Dhamwari, Peja, Dudidi and Tangno before reaching Janglikh. The journey opens up the beautiful valley in front of our eyes and the forests become denser step by step. For Janglikh the trip offers a wooden home-stay and thus a chance of lots of communication with the people around wearing their traditional attires of Dhatu, Sadri and PhadiTopi. The wooden temple of Local devta nearby is a must watch.
Altitude:2,800m/9,186ft –3,376m/11,076ft
Duration: Trek 4 km, 5-6 hours walk with Moderate ascent
Mode of travelling: Trekking
As DyaraThatch is just 3 hour Treking, the expedition starts late giving you time to roam around the village and see pahari culture. Keep exploring the wooden houses, temples and people around and listen to their stories of prosperity and trade during British Era. After Breakfast the trek starts with a 30 min of climb in between the local housing areas, small fields entering into pine, oak, deodar forests. Take a breath at Mounty thatch or dogri (two houses in local Language) and resume your climbing. After crossing a couple of rivulets and steep climbing of approximately 100 meters, within the forest patch, the forest patch ends leading you to widely open meadows and reach DayaraThatch (A meadow in local language). In the evening climb some hillock for better acclimatization. . It is important for your body to be properly acclimatized to these conditions as you will be gaining more altitude. After coming back from the acclimatization walk, dinner will be served at your campsite. Night stay is arranged in tent on twin sharing basis.
Altitude:3,376m/11,076ft –3,566m/11,700ft
Duration: Trek 3 km, 3-4 hours of easy and gradual ascent and then descent
Mode of travelling: Trekking
The path which follows from Dayara to Litham takes you through
dense forest, green meadows and some gushing brooks. The crystal clear water lets you refill your water bottles. Look up and see the snow-capped mountains of the Dhauladhars. Today you see the Silver Birch (Bhoj) forest and Chandranahan waterfall. You can also spot a clear view of Litham for the first time. After crossing the Chandranahan stream you reach the Litham campsite. This is your stay for the night.
Altitude:3,566m/11,700ft –4,200m/13,800ft
Duration: Trek 3 km (Each way), 6-7 hours of Difficult, Steep ascent and descent
Mode of travelling: Trekking
For Chandranahan you need to start early. The place exposes you to a variety of flora. Chandranahan is a group of 7 lakes, small glacial ponds that is perennially fed by snow flanks of mountains. Cross the stream that you get just before the Litham campsite and enjoy the beauty of nature as you are in front of Chandranahan waterfall. Continue upstream on the shepherd’s trail to a ridge top. 40 meters of demanding climb will take you to the head of waterfall, the origin of river Pabbar. It takes about an hour and a half to get to the snout of the waterfall. A plain walk will take you to the small lakes with clear greenish water at an altitude of 4000 to 4100 meters above sea level. The fifth lake is biggest one and is truly alluring.The surroundings covered with a carpet of purple-mauve primulas and dwarf rhododendrons aremesmerizing. Spend time taking in the sights of the setting before heading back to Litham the way you came. Hot lunch is ready at the camp.
Altitude: 3,566m/11,700ft –4,075m/13,375ft
Duration:Trek4 km, 5-6 hours of moderate trek with mixture of gradual & steep ascent
Mode of travelling: Trekking
The Pabbar is no longer a gently descending rivulet; it is just a runnel now. Start the trek keeping it to your right. Walk on the small patch of stones to reach a small and later a bigger lake to your right. Enjoy the setting and keep walking for one and half hour. Then take a sharper ascent of 2 km to your left on the well marked shepherds’ trail that leads in the general direction of the pass. In one hour be there at the ridge top of Dhunda at 13,300 ft. The top spot is a small patch of land may or may not be covered in snow. The view is indistinct setting of grey and white in front with the green grasslands of Litham to the left and cliffs of the bordering Rupin valley to the right The Dhauladhar range emerges over the trail with the Gunas pass sitting pretty on top of the snowy flanks of the grey mountains. Continue up the left bank until the trail gets into a U shaped ravine like valley and you get the first view of the Buran Ghati on your left. Get the overwhelming views of Buran Ghati and the trail that leads to it. The camp is in an alpine zone. Snow capped mountains flank the campsite on all sides. It is perfect for camping as has two hour short climb to the pass.
Altitude:4,075m/13,375ft –3,600m/11,800ft via 4,550m/15,000ft
Duration: Trek7 km of 10-11 hours difficult trek with, steep ascent and descent
Mode of travelling: Trekking
It is the biggest and longest day of your journey as today you are crossing the pass. Do carry at least 2 liters of water with you. Buran Ghati is at exactly 15,000 ft offers you a moderate but thrilling climb mostly on snow for two hours to reach at. Behind your back, the view of the entire valley is a breathtaking. To your right on the other side of the mountain segregation runs the Rupin valley and the trek to the Rupin Pass. Rest and feel the place as you deserve it. It is a narrow ledge on the top and the drop on the other side is sharp and steep. Get down the other side either through the boulders route on the left or by rappelling over the ice patch. Both ascent and descent is technical so you are suggested to be with your trek leader and guide with expertise in trekking skills and the other support staff as other side of the valley is full of junipers and crested shrubs. Thereafter it is a series of descents over smaller ledges to just slide down. Descending on the Buran Ghati trek is quick and lessens the altitude very quickly with our safety ice traction crampons, ice axes and rope. A two hour walk leads you to the end of snow line giving way to a ridge of lush green valley front with junipers and lovely flower crested shrubs. The streams and shepherd’ hut enliven the surrounding further. Have a break at Munirang, a stunning place for river side camping.
Altitude: 3,600m/11,800ft –2,000m/6,600ft
Duration:Trek 5 km, 4-5 hours of easy, gradual descent
Mode of travelling: Trekking
From Munirang it’s a well marked shepherds trail but you need to carry water along as the way has less water sources. Cross through mixed forest. An hour and half later the trail descends to a large gushing stream meeting the BaruaKhud., the trail is greeted with more diverse vegetation as it mount out of the stream.Descend among beautiful rock phase takes you to a wooden bridge over a high force flowing water source. Walk through and enjoy the carom seeds fields. Soon from an overhanging rock on the trail the trekkers see the breathtakingview of the entireBarua village sitting on the ridge below.Reach Barua village before lunch. Meet some local villagers and look around to the see the temples and houses. You can have lunch at Barua or somewhere on your way to Shimla. Leave for Shimla by 1:00 pm. so that you can reach Shimla by 10:00 to 11:00 pm. Do your further bookings accordingly.
