Trekking in Kwarsi
The scenic tribal village of Kwarsi is on the Dharamsala - Chamba trek route. One of the largest village in the area, its surrounded by deodar forest and blue pine trees.
Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Kwarsi is considered to be an ideal camping site on the way to Chamba from Mcloedganj.
The trekking trail:
Mcloedganj - Dharamkot - Triund - Lahesh cave - Indrahar pass - Chatta Parao - Kwarsi - Hilling - Choli - Chamba
From Mcloedganj, the trek route takes you through mixed forests of oak and Rhododendron to Triund, which is famous for its natural beauty and magnificent views.
At Triund, you can halt for the night before moving towards Lahesh cave which is located at an elevation of 3500 m.
The cave is a natural rock shelter and at one time, around twenty people can reside here. Near the cave, there is a small waterfall.
An uphill trail leads you to Chhata Parao via Indrahar Pass. From Indrahar Pass, one can view the Pir Panjal and the majestic Himalayan ranges.
You can pitch your camp at Chatta Parado for an overnight stay before proceeding further.
The trail to Kwarsi follows the Chhata Nallah for some km, and then, you have to climb down while crossing the ridges in-between.
The trail from Kwarsi to Choli leads you through dense deodar forest, and also you have to move ahead through narrow path till Hikkim Nallah.
After crossing Hikkim Nallah, you cross Hilling and Lamu village to reach Choli. At Choli, you can stay overnight and then go to Chamba.
Location
State: Himachal Pradesh.
Exact Location: Kwarsi lies near Chatru Parao village. District: Chamba.
Nearest Town: Chamba
How to Reach:
Kwarsi can be reached from Dharamsala, which is well-connected by road from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla and Pathankot.
Buses and taxis are available from these cities for Dharamsala.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Dharamsala is Kangra Mandir which is at a distance of 22 km.
It is a small station, and not many trains stop at this station.
Pathankot, located 85 km away, is a major railway station close to Dharamsala.
By Air: The nearest airport to Dharamsala is the Gaggal airport in Kangra valley.
The airport is at a distance of 12 km from Dharamsala and reaching here, one can hire a taxi to reach Dharamsala.
Other Attractions
Dharamsala: This pictureque town is divided into the upper Dharamsala called Mcleodganj, the middle Kotwali Bazar and lower Kaccheri area.
Part of Kangra valley, this town is set against the backdrop of the magnificent Dhauladhar Mountains. The place is surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills.
The town is known for being home to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama.
It also plays host to the Tibetan government in exile.
Dalhousie: It is a picturesque hill station built during the British period. It is located at an altitude of 2039 m above sea level.
The place is bounded by alpine vegetation.
Some of the major attractions in Dalhousie are Jandhri Ghat, Satdhara Springs, Subhash Baoli, St Francis Church, and more.
Satdhara Springs is said to have great therapeutic value since it contains mica with medicinal properties.
Facts
Best Time to Visit: August to September.
Keep in your Trek Bag:
- Walking stick
- Hiking shoes
- Woolen clothes
- Water, juices, snacks
- Electric torch
- Medical kit
- A good compass
- An extra pair of clothes
Package Includes:
- Pick up from the Airport / Railway Station
- Breakfasts, lunches and dinners
- Airport transfers
- Group medical kit
- Good quality accommodation
- Trek pack including sleeping bag, down or fiber filled jacket and insulated mat
- Private transportation
- All park entrance fees and trekking permits
- Porters to carry all personal and group equipment