Buran Ghati Trek: The ultimate Himalayan adventure for nature lovers and thrill seekers

The Buran Ghati Trek, nestled in the Pir Panjal range of Himachal Pradesh, is an enchanting Himalayan journey that blends pristine nature, alpine meadows, dense forests, ancient villages, and adrenaline-pumping adventure. Considered one of the most picturesque and versatile treks in India, Buran Ghati offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for trekkers seeking both beauty and challenge.

Where is the Buran Ghati Trek located?

The trek begins in Janglik, a charming village situated about 150 km from Shimla, and traverses through the beautiful Pabbar Valley in the Shimla district. The trail winds its way through forests of oak and pine, wide meadows, glacial lakes, and eventually leads to the dramatic Buran Pass (also called Buran Ghati) at an altitude of 15,000 feet (4,572 meters).

Best time to visit the Buran Ghati Trek

The ideal time to do the Buran Ghati trek is:

• Summer Trek (May to mid-July): Snow walls and scenic green meadows make this period magical. The pass remains covered in snow.

• Autumn Trek (mid-September to October): The weather is clearer, with golden-hued forests and reduced snow, making it ideal for photographers and beginners.

Avoid the monsoon season (July to August) due to the risk of landslides and slippery trails.

Trek itinerary overview

Here’s a typical 8-day itinerary for the Buran Ghati Trek:

Day 1: Arrival in Janglik (9,200 ft)

Drive from Shimla to Janglik via Rohru. The picturesque route follows the Pabbar River and passes through apple orchards and pine forests. Overnight stay in tents or homestays.

Day 2: Janglik to Dayara Thach (11,000 ft)

The trail begins through lush pine forests and opens up into scenic meadows. The view of snow-capped peaks begins to unfold. Camp at the open grasslands of Dayara.

Day 3: Dayara to Litham (11,800 ft)

The trail gradually ascends through forests and streams to reach the beautiful Litham valley, offering panoramic views of Chandranahan Waterfalls.

Day 4: Acclimatisation at Litham + Chandranahan lake hike (13,000 ft)

A short but steep climb leads to Chandranahan Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by snow. It’s a sacred spot and considered the origin of the Pabbar River. Return to Litham for the night.

Day 5: Litham to Dhunda (13,300 ft)

The landscape turns rugged and alpine, with tall cliffs and icy wind gusts. The basecamp for Buran Ghati is Dhunda, offering up-close views of the snow pass.

Day 6: Dhunda to river camp via Buran Ghati Pass (15,000 ft)

This is the most thrilling day. A steep climb to the summit of Buran Ghati, followed by an exhilarating snow wall descent with ropes and gear. The descent can involve sliding down snow walls, making it one of the most exciting parts of the trek.

Day 7: River camp to Barua village (6,000 ft)

The descent passes through dense forests and finally ends in the charming Barua village. From here, you can drive to Sangla or Shimla.

Scenic highlights of the trek

• Chandranahan Lake: A glacial lake sacred to locals, surrounded by towering peaks.

• Alpine meadows of Dayara and Litham: These lush grasslands are ideal for camping and photography.

• Buran Pass Snow Wall: A thrilling 400–500m snow wall descent, often needing mountaineering equipment.

• Ancient villages (Janglik & Barua): Offering insights into Himachali culture, architecture, and hospitality.

Difficulty level and physical fitness

Grade: Moderate to Difficult
Trek distance: ~37-40 km over 8 days
Altitude gain: Up to 15,000 feet

Buran Ghati is best suited for trekkers with prior high-altitude experience or good physical endurance. Steep ascents, snow crossings, and cold temperatures can be physically demanding.

Fitness tip: Regular cardio, leg workouts, and short hikes should be included in your prep 4–6 weeks in advance.

What to pack for the Buran Ghati Trek

• Sturdy trekking shoes with a good grip

• Thermals, down jacket, waterproof outer layers

• Woollen gloves, cap, and sunglasses

• Backpack (50–60L) with rain cover

• Trekking pole, headlamp, water bottles, and high-energy snacks

• Basic medication and a personal first aid kit

Why choose Buran Ghati over other treks?

Safety tips for trekkers

• Always trek with a certified guide or a registered trekking agency

• Carry altitude sickness medication (Diamox) and stay hydrated

• Avoid littering and respect local customs and nature

• Prepare for extreme weather changes at high altitudes

How to reach the base village (Janglik)

• By road: Drive from Shimla → Rohru → Tangnu → Janglik (8–9 hours)

• By air: The Nearest airport is in Shimla (Jubbarhatti), then take a taxi to Janglik

• By train: Kalka is the nearest major railway station, followed by road travel to Shimla and Janglik

Conclusion: A hidden gem for Himalayan explorers

The Buran Ghati Trek is truly a hidden gem for trekkers who crave dramatic Himalayan landscapes without the overwhelming crowds of popular treks. From icy glacial lakes to thrilling snow descents, and from quaint villages to high-altitude adventures, this trek delivers a complete Himalayan experience.

If you’re seeking a blend of culture, scenery, and adrenaline, the Buran Ghati Trek should be high on your list for your next mountain escape.

Pro tip: Book your trek with experienced operators who provide safety gear and guides certified in high-altitude trekking. Happy trekking!

Feature image by govaayu from Pixabay