Amongst the stretches of Himalayas, where peaks touch heaven and valleys cradle life, lies the Buran Ghati Trek—a mystifying and challenging trail. Often referred to as one of the hidden gems of Himachal Pradesh, the trek is a kaleidoscope of nature’s wonders with lush meadows, ancient forests, sparkling rivers, and a thrilling snow wall descent that pushes the boundary of adventure.
Located in the Shimla district, this trek starts from a quaint village called Janglik and takes you on a journey through a domain where the past speaks of folklore and the present presents itself as a dream. The trek has a charm for surreal landscapes, but its magic lies in its perfect match of serenity and adrenaline, making it a should-do for all the types of trekkers.
Why the Buran Ghati Trek?
Buran Ghati is not just a trek; it’s a journey through time and masterpieces of nature. Here are five compelling reasons why this trek stands out:
The Thrill of the Snow Wall
The pièce de résistance of the trek is the 400-foot snow wall at Buran Pass, 4,600 meters above sea level. It’s a test of courage and technique where you slide or rappel down an icy slope that feels like stepping into a mountaineer’s dream.
Fairy-Tale Villages and Rich Culture
The trek starts in Janglik, that straight-out-of-a-picture-book village with wooden cabins and farm terraces that resemble a rustic Himachal.
The warmth that comes from the villagers through their folklore gives a different glimpse of Himachal’s rustic charm.
Changing Landscapes
From dense oak and pine forests to sprawling alpine meadows like Dayara Thach, and finally to rugged, high-altitude terrain near the pass, the trek is a visual feast. Every day brings something new about nature’s artistry.
Panoramic Himalayan Views
The trek offers sweeping vistas of the Kinner-Kailash range, with snow-capped peaks and endless horizons. The sunrise at Buran Pass is particularly breathtaking as the first light dances across the pristine snowfields.
Untouched Beauty
Buran Ghati is not so crowded like other trails, so it gives you a sense of solitude and a connection with untouched wilderness. It’s an escape into a world where you can truly hear the whispers of nature.
Mythology and History of Buran Ghati
Buran Ghati, like most parts of the Himalayas, is drenched in mythology.
According to local folklore, this pass is guarded by a spirit who protects it from danger. He ensures that every person crossing this pass safely passes through it. The offerings are often left at the base of the pass for these spirits.
Dayara Thach was said to be a pasture ground for divine cattle tended by heavenly beings.
Chandranahan Lake is a sacred place for the locals, as it is considered to be blessed by the moon god, Chandra. Its waters are supposed to have healing properties and therefore, pilgrims frequent it to perform rituals.
Day-Wise Itinerary
Day 1: Shimla to Janglik (2,800 meters)
Road Distance: 150 km
Tourist attractions: A scenic drive through the pine forests and apple orchards in this quaint village of Janglik with its typical architectural style.
Day 2: Janglik to Dayara Thach (3,400 meters)
Distance: 7 km
Time Taken: 5–6 hours
Terrain: Gentle ascent through oak and pine forests, gradually opening into meadows.
Highlights: The scenic Dayara Thach, a broad meadow surrounded by massive peaks that offers excellent stargazing views.
Day 3: Dayara Thach to Litham (3,700 meters)
Distance: 5 km
Time Taken: 4–5 hours
Terrain: Easy track following a river, with first glances at Dhauladhar summits and stunning cascading waterfalls.
Highlights: Campsite at Litham has view of Chandranahan waterfalls.
Day 4: Chandranahan Lake (4,200 m)
Distance: 6 km round trip
Time Taken: 5–6 hours
Terrain: Steep ascent to the sacred Chandranahan Lake situated in the midst of snowfields.
Highlights: It is an otherworldly serenity with the lake, with crystal clear waters reflecting the snow-capped peaks.
Day 5: Litham to Dhunda (4,100 m)
Distance: 4 km
Time Taken: 3–4 hours
Terrain: Gradual ascent through rocky terrain with increased snowfields.
Highlights: Stunning views of Buran Pass and surrounding peaks, setting the stage for the final climb.
Day 6: Dhunda to River Camp via Buran Pass (4,600 meters)
Distance: 10 km
Time Taken: 8–9 hours
Terrain: A challenging climb to the pass, followed by the exhilarating snow wall descent and a descent to the River Camp.
Highlights: Crossing the pass is a thrilling experience, with panoramic views and the adrenaline rush of the snow wall.
Day 7: River Camp to Barua Village (2,000 meters)
Distance: 6 km
Time Taken: 4–5 hours
Terrain: Steep descent through pine forests, ending in the charming Barua Village.
Highlights: The trek ends with a warm farewell from the villagers and a sense of achievement.
Technical Details
Altitude: 4,600 meters at Buran Pass
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Best Season: May–June (Spring), September–October (Autumn)
Temperature: -5°C to 20°C depending on the season
Distance: Approx. 37 km round trip
It’s the connection of the heart and mind: The Buran Ghati Trek is not a destination; it’s what happens between. It is the crackle of campfires under starry skies, the crunch of boots on snow, and the whispering wind that tells tales of ancient times.
As you stand atop Buran Pass, looking at the seemingly endless mountains, you cannot help but feel a sense of humility and gratitude. It is not just a trek through the Himalayas but a journey within, connecting to the inner self in the peacefulness of nature.
The memories of the village children waving goodbye, the aroma of pine in the forest, and the thrill of sliding down the snow wall will linger long after you’ve returned to the chaos of daily life.
Conclusion: A Tale Worth Living
The Buran Ghati Trek is a tapestry woven with the threads of adventure, beauty, and mysticism. It challenges you, rewards you, and leaves you with a treasure chest of memories. For those who seek more than just a trek, who yearn for an experience that touches the soul—Buran Ghati is the answer.
It’s a journey you take, and you find that what was merely a trail becomes a story waiting to happen-and you’ll carry that with you forever.
T R E K I N C L U S I O N S
All meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on last day
– Elaborate spread of veg meals with egg preparations Accommodation on triple occupancy for 8 nights
– Guest House in Sankri on first and last day
– Tents on triple occupancy basis during camping Transport from Dehradun onwards
Tempo Traveler (12 Seat) with Push Back seats Mules to carry camping equipment
Camping equipment
Camping tents, dining tent, Kitchen tent Toilet tents with portable toilet seats Camping stools, table
Sleeping Bags Foam Mattresses
Gaiters, Micro-spikes if needed
Dedicated experienced guide, cook and support staff
Certified Guide with minimum BMC certified & First Aid course
T R E K E X C L U S I O N S / A D D – O N
Any Expenses or services not mentioned in the above inclusions Any costs incurred due to bad weather or roadblocks
Baggage Offload (personal bag up-to 12KG per person) – INR 350 per bag / day
Insurance Coverage for Medical Evacuation, Hospitalization due to Illness or Injury during the trek. Can be upgraded for Missed flights, cancellations, baggage loss.