Brief Description
Indrahar Pass is a mountain pass in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. Located at an altitude of 4342 metres/14,245 ft above the mean sea level, near the tourist town of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Indrahar pass forms the border between Kangra and Chamba districts. The trek starts from the small town, Mcleodganj, situated in the outskirts of Dharamshala and goes up to Indrahar Pass. The trail passes through the famous Triund, Ilaqa Pass and Lahesh Caves. The ridges over the Dhauladhar do not lend themselves to easy trekking. Trek to the Indrahar pass is no exception, even though it follows one of the more established trails used by the Gaddi shepherds en route to their summer grazing pastures in the upper Ravi Valley and Lahaul. The ascent to the Indrahar Pass involves a continual climb often over scree or boulders which needs a good fitness level even though it is an easy trek ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers alike. In the south are spectacular views of the Indian plains; to the north is the sacred peak of Mani Mahesh Kailash and the snowcapped Pir Panjal Range. Stay on this page for everything you need to know about the Indrahar Pass trek including Indrahar Pass route map, itinerary, temperature chart, photos, videos, and reviews. Scroll to the end to read Indrahar Pass trek blogs.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Show complete Itinerary
McLeodganj (5,865 ft) to Triund (9,750 ft) - 9 km
Today we start the trek from McLoedganj to Triund covering a total distance of 9 km. The Indrahar Pass trek goes through a mixed forest of oak, rhododendron and deodar trees. First two Kilometers of the trail is a steep ascent but there is a gradual ascent after Galu Devi Temple. The last 1 kilometer is again a steep ascent through the forest taking you to Triund which is a flat meadow on top of a ridge. From here panoramic view of Dhauladhar range on one side and Kangra valley on other is a memorable sight. We camp here for the night. Have dinner and retire for the night. Overnight in tents.
Triund to Laka Got (11,480 ft) - 7 km
On this day, wake up early in the morning as the view from Triund is magnificent at this time. Take a deep breath and absorb the view of mighty Dhauladhar ranges shining through the mesmerizing sunrise. After breakfast, start your trek to Laka Got which will take around 3 to 4 hours to reach. The first milestone in today’s trek is Snowline Cafe, which is around 2 km from Triund and then comes Laka Got. From here, traverse a ridge to reach Laka Got. Laka Got is situated at the snout of a small glacier, which is full of snow and ice in early summer, and the snow melts away during the monsoon. This is our campsite for the night. Have dinner and retire early since tomorrow you will cross the Indrahar Pass. Overnight stay in tents.
Laka Got to Indrahar Pass (14,271 ft) to Laka Got - 12 km
Today we cross the mighty Indrahar Pass. Make sure you begin your trek early in the morning. The distance is the longest today and it is also the most difficult part of the entire trek. So be mentally prepared. The total distance for this day trek is around 12 km and it takes around 6 hours to reach the top, i.e., Indrahar Pass and another 4 hours to come down to Ilaqa Pass. The route from Ilaqa Pass to Indrahar Pass is steep and is completely uphill. The difficulty level varies from moderate to strenuous. There is no vegetation here and the terrain is mostly rocky. The trail leading towards Indrahar Pass from Lahesh Caves is a bit confusing as well. However, with an experienced guide, there will not be any problem. After reaching Indrahar Pass, spend some time there and experience a majestic view of higher ranges and valleys. Make sure you start descending soon enough in order to reach back by afternoon. Do an overnight stay at Laka Got.
Laka Got to McLeodganj (5,865 ft) - 16 km
Start trek in the morning after breakfast and have your lunch at Triund. From Triund, take caution while coming down as the trail is rocky. You don’t want to slip and get your ankle twisted here. It is advised to trek at a normal pace. After reaching Mcleodganj, you can either explore Mcleodganj and its nearby places such as Bhagsunath waterfalls, Namgyal Monastery, and Dal Lake or you can take an overnight direct bus to Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick your question
Eligibility: Experience required
This trek is apt for the first-timers. Those coming for the first time should prepare and read extensively about the trek. A basic knowledge about how to use a sleeping bag, toilet tents, sleeping tents, and mountain mannerisms will come in handy.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
1. Jog/Run for 3 Kms in 30 mins and
2. Hold your breath for 20 seconds
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
Eligibility: Requisite Skills
1. How to choose a right rucksack: It is essential that you choose a right rucksack for the trek since you are going to carry it all the time while trekking. Make sure you don’t make these common mistakes while buying a rucksack.
2. How to pack a rucksack: Trekking in mountains become more fun when your rucksack is well-organized. It also makes it easier for you to carry without being much load on your shoulders. Follow the guidelines on how to pack a rucksack.
About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?
Indrahar Pass is a good first trek in the Dhauladhar with views of Manimahesh Kailash and other peaks.
Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
Pre monsoon - April to June Post monsoon - September to November
Packing List: What to pack
Click here for packing list.
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
The base for Indrahar Pass is McLeodganj, which has easy connectivity with Delhi.
By Road: The road distance from Delhi to McLeodganj is 475 km. There are multiple overnight buses from Delhi to McLeodganj. You can also hire a private taxi.
By Rail: If you are travelling by train, the closest station to McLeodganj is Pathankot, 90 kms away. From Pathankot, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to McLeodganj.
By Air: There are multiple daily flights from Delhi to Dharamshala Airport, 17 kms away from McLeodganj. Taxis from the airport to McLeodganj are easily available.
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
There is coverage for all major networks in McLeodganj and Airtel and BSNL up till Triund.
Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
Bhagsu Falls: Set amidst lush greenery and dreamy sceneries, in an pristine atmosphere, are these falls with much grandeur and breathtaking beauty, that one just cannot miss, while in the area.
Bhagsunath Temple: Surrounded by beautiful pools and lush greenery, this temple is located at a height of 1770 m above sea level and attracts a huge number of devotees and tourists throughout the year.
Namgyal Monastery: Overlooking the mountain ranges of Dhauladhar, the Namgyal Monastery is situated within the Tsuglagkhang complex. This complex also is the proud home to the residence of Dalai Lama, among various other shrines, temples, bookstores, souvenir shops etc.
Dal Lake: Named after the Dal lake of Srinagar, this beautiful small lake is just 3 km from the Mcleodganj town. This lake is surrounded by deodar trees and also has a temple here dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Tibetan Museum: This museum is located inside the Tsuglagkhang complex and has a collection of brilliant forms of Tibetan Art, which include history documents, pottery, handicrafts, paintings etc.
Church of St. John's in the Wilderness: This neo-gothic architecture was built in 1852 and is one of the most important churches in Himachal Pradesh. Located near Dharamshala and on the way to Mcleodganj , this church was built in dedication to John the Baptist.
Norbulingka Institute: The Norbulingka Institute is a centre for practicing and fostering Tibetan art and crafts. The structure itself is a fine specimen of Tibetan style of architecture and design.
Eligibility: Is this trek good for me?
The Indrahar Pass Trek is an easy level trek climbing to an altitude ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers. For beginners, it is an ambitious start to enter the world of trekking. It can get very rigorous for the first-timers. Therefore, it is recommended to the first timers to maintain good physical stamina and read extensively. Any experienced trekker would love to trek to Indrahar Pass for the love of its views and trekking.
Eligibility: Experience required
The Indrahar Pass trek is an ambitious start for the first-timers. Although the trek is doable by beginners, they should prepare and read extensively about the trek.
Eligibility: Requisite skills
- How to choose a right rucksack: It is essential that you choose a right rucksack for the trek since you are going to carry it all the time while trekking. Make sure you don’t make these common mistakes while buying a rucksack.
- How to pack a rucksack: Trekking in mountains become more fun when your rucksack is well-organized. It also makes it easier for you to carry without being much load on your shoulders. Follow the guidelines on how to pack a rucksack.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
- Jog/Run for 4 Kms in 35-40 mins or Walk continuously for 8 Kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) - You would be required to produce a screenshot from a fitness app testifying the same
- Hold your breath for 25-30 seconds
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?
Indrahar Pass Trek
Indrahar Pass Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in the border of Kangra and Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh giving you spectacular views of mountain ranges and peaks in the north and lush plains in the south. The pass climb is steep and arduous making it perfect for all trekkers, both experienced and novice alike. It is a great trek to introduce you to the world trekking.Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
The best months to do this trek are the months of May, June, September and October.
Packing List: What to pack
Click here for text packing list.
Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?
Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
One can expect cellular connectivity a little beyond Mcloedganj until Triund. There will be no cellular network beyond Triund.
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
The Indrahar Pass trek starts from Mcloedganj which is 6 km from Dharamshala. Dharamshala is about 500 km from Delhi and is well connected by rail, road, and air.
By Road: Dharamshala is well-connected to Delhi via a network of state-operated buses as well as private tour operators. Most buses stop at the main bus terminal in lower Dharamshala. An overnight journey from Delhi to Dharamshala takes about 13 hours.
By Rail: The nearest major railway station is at Pathankot, 85 km away. There are numerous trains that go to Jammu and Kashmir that stop by in Pathankot. You can take a taxi or bus from Pathankot to reach Dharamshala. There is also a smaller railway station, Kangra Mandir, just 22 km from Dharamshala but none of the important trains halt here.
By Air: The nearest airport is at Gaggal, about 13 kilometres away from Dharamshala. Gaggal airport connects Dharamshala to Delhi via Air India and Spice Jet flights.
Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
Mcloedganj and Dharamshala are located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. This hillside city is home to the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration (Tibetan government-in-exile). The Dalai Lama Temple Complex is the main attraction of Dharamshala along with the Thekchen Chöling Temple Complex which is a spiritual center for Tibetan Buddhism. Another must visit place would be the Norbulingka Institute which is dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture. A walk to the Bhagsu Waterfalls situated near the Bhagsu village makes a great attraction near Dharamshala. Explore the lovely city of Mcloedganj bustling with cafes and shops.
Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit is 9 years. However, minors aged between 9 to 17 should be accompanied by their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking
Accommodation:
On trekking days, all the trekkers will be accommodated in twin sharing tents. Along with this, there will also be a toilet tent and a dining tent installed at every campsite as we roll.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
You will be provided with good quality gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on the journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?
You can rent the following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack
Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?
On Indrahar Pass trek you can expect snow in the month of June. It is difficult to expect snow post monsoons. Heavy snowfall in winter makes this region inaccessible.
Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
The days are pleasant with temperatures of around 25 - 30 degree Celsius. But the temperature may drop as low as 5 degree Celsius at night. The month of October is significantly colder.
Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior to the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However, offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?
It is not mandatory but it is more convenient with the pole. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
Mcloedganj has a reasonable size market but please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Miscellaneous : Is it safe for solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
There are no pick-up or drop points as you have to reach Mcloedganj on your own and the trek starts from Mcloedganj itself.
Transport: What time will we reach the end point on last day of the trek?
Expect to reach Mcloedganj by late afternoon. Book your further travels accordingly.
Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the expedition?
No mandatory documents are required for the trek.
Why Bikat
Why Bikat
Learning Experience
- We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
- We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
- To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
- These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.
Loyality Programs
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
- Currently we have three levels:
- Basic Membership
- Summiteer Membership
- Leader Membership
Personalized Attention
- Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
- Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
- On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.
Best Expedition Leaders
- Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
- Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Eco-friendly Practices
- Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
- Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
- We follow a rolling campsite model.
- We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.
Safety
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
- To ensure this:
- Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
- The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
- Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
- Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.
Reviews
What's Included
Whats Included
- Food as per menu on the trek.
- Forest Permits/Camping Charges , if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Tents, Sleeping bags, mats
- Technical equipment ,Safety Equipment.
- Trek guide, cook, helpers, porters & mules for carrying common luggage.
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with Wilderness Emergency Responder & Rescue. course from NIM Uttarkashi
Whats Not Included?
- Meals during road Journeys.
- Meals during hotel stays.
- Any expense of personal nature.
- Any expense not specified in the inclusion list.
- Any kind of Insurance
- Portage of personal bags during the trek
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Voucher Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Please note
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
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