Trek to the highest peak in the Outer Himalayan Range!
Located in Himachal Pradesh, Churdhar Peak is a Himalayan paradise with the trail taking you through coniferous forests, grasslands and a challenging ascent through moraine to reach the peak. The peak offers panoramic views of the Gangetic Basin, Shimla, Sutlej River, Kufri, Kasauli along with the Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary that surrounds the mountain. The trek starts from the village of Nohradhar which is 66 kms away from Solan. The trek can be done in two days and requires you to carry your camping equipment.
This article lays down all the information pertaining to the Churdhar Peak trek and is your go to guide when planning this trail!
The Churdhar Peak Trail
You start your trek from the base village of Nohradhar. You will see a sign board welcoming you to the trek at the bus stop. You can ask the locals if you are confused with the sign boards. As you start out, the trail is steep and covered in rocks. Move up slowly and steadily and make use of a trekking pole. A pair of good trekking shoes and a trekking pole will come in handy on this trek given the varying terrain which will strain your knees.
It is a steady ascent for 3-4 hours until you reach Jamnala. Although the trail is not too steep, this section of the trek will test your endurance. Take quick breaks from time to time to keep yourself energised. Enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and the hike through the coniferous forests and meadows.
Jamnala is a flat sprawling meadow which almost looks like it never ends. The bright blue sky above you adds to the contrast against the green of the meadow. There are a few shops here where you can buy some refreshments.
Continue on the trail to Churdhar Peak. The trail from here is through forests and is clearly demarcated. You will see other people also trekking the route on most days so you are never alone! It’s an easy hike through this path and you will arrive at Teesri after approximately 2 hours.
Teesri is a Gujjar settlement and you will find small shops and even places to stay the night. Spend the night at Teesri. Watch the sun set behind the majestic mountains as you sip on some piping hot tea to end your long day. You can inform the place where you are staying about your food requirements. You can also camp at Teesri if you wish to.
On the following day, start your day early and leave from Teesri by 6 AM. The trail is straightforward from here for about 1 km after which you will arrive at a diversion. You will see there are two paths leading to the top. A path taking you directly to the peak and the other going around the hill and leading to the peak. The direct path is extremely steep and can be difficult to climb without the right equipment. We recommend taking the longer path.
This trail takes you through varying terrain from rocks and forests to meadows. The hike is enjoyable with views of the mountains staying by your side throughout. The trail is a mix of ascents, descents and flat patches which ensure you are never exhausted and the scenery keeps your spirits high. Around 1.5-2 hours into your trail, you will arrive at the meadow where the path again splits. A small trail leads you to a temple where you can offer prayers and have some food. The other takes you to the stunning peak of Churdhar. Visit the temple, soak in the serene aura that it holds and recharge yourself for the last climb.
The last part of the trail keeps getting steeper as you climb up. You will be navigating a lot of boulders on your way so it is safe to say that this is the most difficult part of the trek. Tread this section with extreme care and caution. A small slip can result in a serious fall and injuries. You will reach the peak in 2 hours. The upper ridge of the peak is covered in snow throughout the year.
The peak welcomes you with panoramic views of Kinnaur Kailash, Srikhand Mahadev, Kedarnath and Badrinath. The landscape visible from here is absolutely breathtaking with the towering Himalayas all around you. Spend some time here and cherish the views that are a reward for your difficult climb to the top.
The way back to the base is the same route you took to come up. You can either stay the night in Jamnala or head back all the way to Nohradhar depending on your preference. You will find stay options in Jamnala if you decide to stay the night.
Highlights: Things to Look Forward to on This Trail
1. Views from Churdhar Peak
The Churdhar Peak offers striking views of the Himalayas in the distance along with a bird’s eye angle of the valley below. It is a truly magical sight to witness and we promise you won’t be disappointed!
2. Snow Covered Ridge
The upper ridge of the Churdhar Peak is covered in snow throughout the year and is an exciting sight to see after a climb through dry boulders and rocks that lead to the top.
Challenges: Things to be Prepared For on This Trail
1. Final Ascent to the Top
The final climb to the peak is a boulder section which can be challenging to navigate. Climb on all fours and get a good grip before stepping forward. Take a break if needed.
2. Stretches of Ascents and Descents
There are continuous stretches of ascents and descents that you will encounter on this trek which can strain your knees. Wear good trekking shoes and use a trekking pole to avoid injuries and take some load off your knees.
Difficulty Level and the Bikat Rating Scale
Churdhar Peak is a level 2 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale.
About the BRS: The Bikat Rating Scale rates the difficulty level of all treks and expeditions in our portfolio after taking into account their geographical and climatic conditions.
According to this scale, if you are a beginner who is unsure of your fitness level and don’t know what to expect on a trek, a trek rated one will be a good place to start.
If you liked your very first trekking experience and are looking to test your limits next, the treks rated 2 or 3 will do the job for you.
A beginner who is sure of their fitness level on the other hand is welcome to skip the first two levels and directly start with one of the treks rated 3.
From 4 onwards, the rules change a little. It is mandatory to have trekking experience of the previous level to participate in the next level.
Best Time to do this Trek
The best time to do this trek is from April to May and September to November. April and May see the rhododendrons in full bloom and the views from the top are clear with little cloud cover. September to November are the post monsoon months when the flowers are blooming, the grass is lush green in colour and the streams are full of fresh water.
How to Reach the Base
You can reach Nohradhar by your own vehicle or by public transport.
If you are reaching by public transport, you can take a bus from Chandigarh to Shimla from Sector 43 - ISBT. Get down at Solan Bypass Road and walk to D.C.Office, Solan. You can also hire an auto. The D.C.Office is 1 km away. From here, get a bus towards Rajgarh. You can ask the locals if you need assistance. Another bus from the Rajgarh bus stand will take you to Nohradhar.
Frequently Asked Questions about Churdhar Peak Trek
1. Is there network connectivity on the trail?
You will get signal from all major operators till Nohradhar. From here, the network is intermittent.
2. Are there food stalls on the trail?
You will find small stalls selling snacks and beverages along the trail. Jamnala and Teesri have homestays where you can get meals. It is recommended to carry some dry fruits and granola bars to keep your energy up. There are plenty of water sources on this trail.
3. How long is this trek?
The trek to Churdhar Peak takes 2-3 days to complete.
4. Is this trek for beginners?
You can do this trek if you have an active lifestyle and a good fitness regimen. The trek is moderately difficult and can be challenging for beginners with a sedentary lifestyle and no prior trekking experience.
That’s all about the Churdhar Peak trek! Should you wish to know more or need help planning your weekend adventure to the Himalayas, please feel free to reach out to our team.
