This trek from McLeod Ganj to Chamba offers one the opportunity to have a close look at the Pir Panjal and Dhaula Dhar mountain ranges. A trek of moderate difficulty the path takes you through some dense deodar and Rhododendron forests, one also comes on to the trail of ancient Gaddi Shepherds who take their frock from the Chamba Valley to the Glades of Lahul and Spiti. The highlight of the trek being the view from the Indrahar Pass from where the Pir Panjal range makes an imposing backdrop in the north while to the south the plains can be see till the far horizon. Also can be seen is the Mani Mahesh Kailash to the East.
This village is inhabited by shepherds who have small holding of terraced fields. The trek passes through Tibetan children village, Dal Lake, Stobari and ghera along Pine trees. Gentle descent up to Ghera and then followed by a steep climb of about 2.5 km to reach the rest house.
The trek goes steeply up to Kali Mandir or one can trek via Rohli which is a longer trek with mild ascents. The trek goes all along Kareri Nullah between a valley thickly wooded on both sides. There is a Naag Mandir (Shiva temple) on the enterance of the dried lake.
It takes about 3-4 hours to reach the pass. Sudden weather change, blizzards and white out conditions are common phenomena at this pass. Minkiani Gote has a beautiful camping area, towards east the trek goes to the famous Lamdal Lake and north it descends to Chamba valley.
Long tiring trek descends all, along the Lamdal Nullah to Drakund which has a forest rest house surrounded by apple orchards. The best season to visit this place is August and September, Gaddis and Gujjars are seen along with their sheep and buffaloes.
Dunali is located on the Chamba - Bharmaur road. Drive to Chamba which is a traditional town with famous Laxmi Narayan temples in groups. Bhuri Singh museum, Chogan and Chamunda temple on the top of the town are historic places. In evening drive back to Dharamshala.
Transport Options (Delhi – Mcleod ganj – Delhi)
For travel to Mcleod ganj and back one can choose between air, rail & road. For air travel, the closest airport is the Gaggal DHM, also known as Kangra Airport, or Dharamshala Airport and is well connected to Delhi and other parts of the country by Indigo, Alliance Air , Spice Jet.
There are frequent Public Transport buses including Volvos available from Delhi to Mcleodganj that cost about Rs. 1200- 1500 per person. These buses depart from Majnu ka tilla every 30 mins. or so and take about 12 hrs to cover the distance. The same is also applicable on the return journey. A private vehicle could also be arranged for if you require the same.
Weather Details
Summer in Mcleod ganj extends from March to June when the temperature variation is recorded to be ranging between 23°c and 27°c. Mercury sometimes reaches up to 38°c but never goes beyond that. During winters the temperature can drop to -1° and the maximum temperature hardly goes up to 20°c.
Please keep in mind that the above information is not exact and does not account for sudden changes. Whatever the temperatures and conditions rest assured we will be prepared to handle it with ease as we use equipment of very high specifications
Minkiani Pass is situated in the Dhauladhar range of Himachal Pradesh, near Dharamshala. The trek typically starts from Kareri village.
The trek is moderate to difficult, requiring good physical fitness due to steep ascents, rocky terrain, and high-altitude conditions.
Kareri Lake, a beautiful glacial lake along the route
Breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar range and Kangra Valley
Diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, and snow-clad peaks
Essential items include:
Warm clothing (layered)
Sturdy trekking shoes
Sleeping bag & tent (if camping)
Trekking pole, gloves, and cap
Sufficient food and water
First aid kit & altitude sickness medication