Trekking in Dalhousie
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Dalhousie Trekking FAQs
Which are the best treks in and near Dalhousie?
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
2. Dainkund Peak Trek: The 4.5 kilometers long Dainkund Peak Trek starts from Alha, which lies at a small distance of around 6 kilometers from Dalhousie. This postcard-perfect trek takes you through meandering small streams, verdant valleys, colourful flower beds, a stunning ridge and breathtaking thick forests of deodar trees. Leading the trekkers to an elevation of around 2755 meters above sea level, the trek offers mesmerizing panoramic views of picturesque rivers, including Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
3. Kugti Pass Trek: The 60 kilometers long Kugti Pass Trek is known to offer a serene and adrenaline-fueled experience of trekking in Dalhousie. Starting from Pathankot, this trek takes you to an elevation of around 16,700 feet above the sea level. This trek will take you through lush deodar forests, mystic valleys, peach and apple orchards, dazzling streams, cascading waterfalls, and rolling emerald meadows. Upon reaching the Kugti Pass, you will see a small temple with bells, trishuls, and prayer flags. You can also enjoy the breathtaking views of Grechu Pass, Manimahesh Kailash Peak, and Lahaul Valley.
Difficulty level: Difficult
4. Ganji Pahari Trek: Starting from Panchpula, the Ganji Pahari Trek offers an amalgamation of Dainkund Trek and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary Trek. This trek has no vegetation and gets covered with a thick coat of snow during the winters. This 3.5 kilometers trek takes you through charming villages, the Devi Mata Temple, and beautiful natural landscapes. At the summit, the trekkers can get excellent night camping and stargazing opportunities.
Difficulty level: Easy
5. Sach Pass Trek: If you want to explore trekking in Dalhousie, Sach Pass Trek is the best option to start from. The perfect trek for beginners, Sach Pass Trek takes you to an altitude of around 13,779 feet above the sea level, passing through dense forests, snow-clad mountains, lush fruit orchards, quiet hamlets, shimmering rivers, and quaint villages. Nestled in the Parvati valley and starting from Kasol, this trek offers enchanting views of hanging glaciers and snow-clad mountains of the Pir Panjal ranges.
Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
6. Manimahesh Lake Trek: Perched at an elevation of around 13,500 feet above sea level, the Manimahesh Lake Trek is one of the spiritually significant Dalhousie trekking sites. This trek passes through the famous Himalayan destinations of Hadsar, Dancho, and Gaurikund to finally terminate at the majestic Manimahesh Kailash Peak, where you can see the serene Manimahesh Lake and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Set in the Pir Panjal range, the Manimahesh Lake Trek can be covered over an approximate duration of 7 to 8 days.
Which are some famous winter treks in Dalhousie?
Some of the famous winter treks in Dalhousie are:
1. Kalatop winter trek: This is a beautiful trek nearly 12 km from Dalhousie, filled with old trees and amazing views. It is mostly downhill so can be completed in a few hours.2. Khajjiar winter trek: It is a 14 km trek through amazing landscapes of Deodar and Pine trees interspersed with streams.
3. Bakrota Hills: A walk round the hills, where you will feel fresh and calm by the scenic beauty of nature
4. GanjiPahari : This winter trek is good for beginners and is literally called bald hill as it has no much vegetation.
5. Ravi River Trek: Explore walking along the river in Dalhousie expecting great views of Dhauladhar range and flowing water.
Which are some famous summer treks in Dalhousie?
Go on an expedition to discover the scenic beauty of Dalhousie. Some of the famous summer Dalhousie treks include:
1. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: Walk along a path in the protected forest and explore the fauna and flora.
2. Dainkund: Explore the real beauty of nature on the Dainkund trek, which is about a 4.5 km long trek. It is a moderate-level trek and can be best done between April and November.
When is the best time to visit Dalhousie for trekking?
Dalhousie has something to offer you in every season. You should plan to visit Dalhousie depending on what you want to do in this pretty hill-station.
Summers: The best time to plan your Dalhousie trek is in the summer months of March to June. This is the time when the snow starts to dilute and you will be able to witness the lush greenery. The weather is pleasant and the temperature is less than 30 degree Celsius.
How can I reach Dalhousie?
- By Air: The closest domestic airport is in Pathankot which is just 75 kilometres away from Dalhousie but is connected to New Delhi only. The second nearest airport is Gaggal Airport which is in the Kangra district and is approximately 140 kilometres away from the town.
- By Road: Many deluxe, semi-sleeper, luxury and Volvo buses run from ISBT New Delhi covering a distance of approximately 590 kilometres. Most of the buses stop by the roadside dhabas and eateries. Since the road and the highway leading to Dalhousie is well-built, you can also choose to drive your own vehicle and reach here. Generally, the preferred route from New Delhi is Karnal, Ambala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Pathankot. From Pathankot, the hilly terrain starts and the distance is approximately 72 kilometres from Dalhousie.
- By Train: The most cost-effective and convenient way to reach Dalhousie is by train. PathankotChakki Bank Railhead is the nearest railway station from Dalhousie (approximately 71 kilometres).
Is it safe to do trekking in Dalhousie?
Yes, Dalhousie is considered a safe trek, having various hiking locations which range from easy to difficult levels. Trekking trails like GanjiPahari and Bakrota Hills are considered the safest Dalhousie trekking places. You can also enjoy Khajjiar Trek which is near the city and is well-laid for hiking.
Kalatop wildlife sanctuary is another Dalhousie trekking location, which is safe to walk in. It is advisable to hire a trainer and a guide if you are new to the place. However, Dalhousie is a safe destination in North India.
Which is the highest peak for trekking in and near Dalhousie?
The Dain Kund Trek is the trekking trail leading to DainKund Peak. The DainKund Peak is the highest peak point in Dalhousie, situated at 2,755 metres. This trek gets maximum snowfall during the winter season.
It’s one of the most visited places in Dalhousie. Relish the stunning views from such a height or pay homage to the trident perched in Pholani Devi Temple.
Can I do Jalsu Pass? What sort of trek is it?
Yes, Jalsu Pass, also known as the Flower Valley of Himachal Pradesh, can be done, as it is situated at an elevation of 3,900 metres and is the easy link between Chamba and Kangra tribal valley. This trek offers you a glimpse of Dhauladhar Range and PirPanjal Mountain Range.
Enthral the charming views of the massif and nature’s beauty on your way to the top of Jalsu Pass. It is a downhill trek till the last and you will witness huge traffic of pilgrims during the ChambaKailashYatra season.
Can I go for Guna Devi Trek? What is the difficulty level?
If you are older than 9 years, you probably can trek on Guna Devi pass. It is an easy to moderate trek offering a hike through picturesque terrains and stunning views of the valley beneath.
A 7 kilometre day trek that links Gallu temple with Guna Devi temple. Guna Devi Temple is one of the popular religious shrines in the region. ShriGuna Devi Mandir is completely surrounded by forests of oak and deodar.
What things must I carry while going for trekking in Dalhousie?
Trekking in Dalhousie requires you to be well-equipped. You must carry these mandatory items when planning the trek:
- Walking stick
- Map
- Binoculars
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking shoes
- Woolen clothes
- Water, juices and energy drinks
- Easy to eat snacks
- Electric torch and spare batteries
- Scissors
- Sunglasses
- Medical kit : equipped with medicines for motion sickness, fever and food poisoning
- A good compass
- An extra pair of clothes
- Fleece and fur jackets
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