BURAN Ghati Trek – Himachal

BURAN GHATI TREK – HIMACHAL

Region: Shimla / Rohru Valley
Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Max Altitude: ~4,600m
Price From: ₹12,000

Short Overview

Buran Ghati is one of Himachal’s most dramatic crossover treks — lush forests, ancient villages, alpine valleys, and a near-vertical snow wall descent that defines the trek. This route demands fitness, confidence on snow, and the ability to handle long walking days. Not recommended for beginners.

1. Difficulty Breakdown

Overall: Difficult (because of altitude, long days, snow wall rappelling)

Trail Characteristics

• Mixed terrain: forests, meadows, boulder sections, snow slopes.

• Snow wall (60–70 ft) requires rope-assisted descent.

• Long walking days: 6–9 hours.

Daily Distance

• 6–12 km per day.

Altitude Gain

• From ~2,000m to ~4,600m over multiple days.

Who Should Avoid

• Anyone with knee issues or altitude discomfort.

• People with zero trekking experience.

• Those unable to manage steep snow sections.

Fitness Needed

• Ability to jog 5 km in under 35 minutes.

• Ability to trek 10 km with a backpack.

• Prior high-altitude experience strongly recommended.

2. Itinerary (Day-wise)

Day 1: Shimla → Janglik (Drive)

• Scenic drive via Rohru.

• Stay in homestay.

• Briefing + gear check.

Day 2: Janglik → Dayara

• Gradual ascent through pine and oak forests.

• Enter wide meadows by afternoon.

• Trek: 5–6 hours.

Day 3: Dayara → Litham

• Meadows → river crossing → valley walk.

• Camp with views of Chandranahan waterfall.

• Trek: 4–5 hours.

Day 4: Acclimatization Day (Optional) – Chandranahan Lake Visit

• Steep climb to a glacial lake.

• Helps in acclimatization before the pass.

• Trek: 5–6 hours round trip.

Day 5: Litham → Nalabansh / Dhunda

• Enter alpine zone.

• Snow patches common.

• Camp near Buran Pass base.

• Trek: 4–5 hours.

Day 6: Dhunda → Buran Ghati Pass (4,600m) → River Camp

• Summit day + snow wall descent (ropes required).

• Long day: 8–10 hours.

• Biggest challenge of the trek.

• Overnight at river meadow camp.

Day 7: River Camp → Barua Village → Shimla (Drive)

• Descend through orchards and forest trails.

• Exit trek at Barua village.

• Drive to Shimla and depart.

3. Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• Tents (2–3 per tent)

• Sleeping bags + mats

• All meals on trek

• Guide + technical team

• Ropes, harnesses, snow equipment

• Permits & fees

Exclusions

• Transport to Janglik and return

• Mule/porter services

• Personal gear (shoes, jackets, poles)

• Medical expenses / evacuation charges

• Anything not listed above

4. How to Reach

Nearest Hub: Shimla

Route:
Shimla → Rohru → Janglik (base village)

Transport Options

• Volvo bus to Shimla, then taxi to Janglik

• Shared cabs available but unreliable

• Recommended: private taxi for the group

5. Stay & Food

Stay

• Day 1: Homestay in Janglik

• Day 2–6: Tented accommodation

• Dry toilets at campsite

Food

• Veg meals

• High-calorie food on summit day

• Tea/soup in mornings and evenings

6. Safety & Weather

Safety

• Mandatory rope-assisted descent on the snow wall

• Guide + technical team present

• Weather-sensitive route — cancellations possible

• Emergency exit only through Barua side

Weather

• May–June: Snow on the pass, best time for snow wall

• September–October: Clear views, minimal snow

• Avoid monsoon (July–August)

7. Best Time to Visit

• May–June → Snow + full alpine scenery

• Mid-September–October → Best views, stable weather

• Avoid: July–August (rain, landslides)

8. Packing List

Mandatory

• Trekking shoes (good grip)

• 50–60L backpack

• 3 warm layers (fleece + padded jacket)

• Waterproof gloves

• Rain jacket/pant

• Cap + sunglasses

• Headlamp

• 2 aluminum water bottles

• Gaiters + microspikes (if provided by operator, confirm in advance)

Optional

• Trekking poles (highly recommended)

• Power bank

• ORS sachets

• Camera/GoPro

9. FAQs

Q. Is Buran Ghati suitable for beginners?
No. The snow wall descent + long days make it a difficult trek.

Q. Do I need prior snow experience?
Preferred. Technical team assists, but confidence on snow is important.

Q. What happens if the snow wall is unsafe?
Alternative descent routes may be used or the trek may be rerouted.

Q. How cold does it get?
-3°C to -8°C at higher camps.

Q. Is network available?
Only in Janglik. No network on the trail.

Ready to challenge yourself on one of Himachal’s most exciting treks?