The Buran Ghati trek gives you a real look at Himachal Pradesh. This high altitude trek covers many different places. You walk through forests, meadows, old villages, and past mountain lakes. It is a top Himalayan trek because it has both adventure and culture.
History of Buran Ghati Trek
This path used to be a classic sheep trail. It linked the Pabbar valley near Shimla to the Baspa valley in Kinnaur. Villages like Janglik and Barua are on the route. They still show the traditional way of life in Himachal. This was long before outsiders started using the trail for trekking. The ancient route gives the journey a special feeling. You feel connected to the people who walked these paths centuries ago, moving their flocks between valleys.
Highlights of Buran ghati trek
Trekkers walk through quiet wooden villages. You go through thick pine and oak forests. You see big open meadows like Dayara Thatch. You visit the holy Chandranahan Lake. The highest point is the Buran Ghati Pass. It sits around 15,000 feet. The steep snow descent at the pass is hard work. But the views of both Pabbar and Baspa valleys make it worth it. Seeing the contrast between the green Pabbar side and the drier Kinnaur region from the pass is a major highlight.
Best Time to Go Buran Ghati
There are two good times for this trek. The first is summer, from May to June. You will see fresh snow patches. The wildflowers will be blooming. The second is autumn, from September to October. The skies are very clear then. The weather is stable. This makes crossing the pass safer. Choosing the right season means picking between flowers and snow or clear, crisp views.
Buran Ghati Trek Itinerary (7 Days)
Day 1: Drive from Shimla to Janglik village.
The drive starts from Shimla and it is a very scenic drive with the Pabbar river. The drive is 8 to 9 hours. You will reach an altitude of 9,200 feet . Your stay is in Janglik.
Day 2 Trek from Janglik to Dayara Thatch.
The trek is about 6 to 7 km. It takes 5 to 6 hours. You go from 9,200 feet up to over 11,000 feet. You trek through the woods. And your stay is tents
Day 3: Trek from Dayara Thatch to Litham camp.
The trek distance is just 4 to 5 km. The altitude is around 11,800 feet. You camp in open meadows.
Day 4: This is a rest day near Litham.
You hike to Chandranahan Lake. The round trip is 6 km. It can take 6 to 7 hours. The lake sits at nearly 13,200 feet. This day helps you get ready for the high pass.
Day 5: Move from Litham to Dhunda camp.
This is a 4 to 5 km trek. It takes 4 to 5 hours. You gain a little altitude, reaching about 13,100 feet. You walk deeper into the mountains here.
Day 6: Trek from Dhunda to Munirang camp.
You cross the Buran Ghati Pass. It is about 8 km. But it takes 9 to 11 hours because of the steep climb. The pass is 15,000 feet high. The long descent takes you down to 11,100 feet by the river.
Day 7: Trek from Munirang to Barua village.
This trek is of 5 to 6 km. It takes 2 to 3 hours, going down to 7,700 feet. From Barua, you drive back to Shimla.
Difficulty of Buran Ghati trek
This trek is medium to hard. You need to be fit. It helps to have some experience with high altitude treks. The steep snow descent at the pass is a technical part. You usually need experienced guides for it. The altitude goes up to about 4600 meters. You must take time to get used to the height.
Chandranahan Lake is near the route by Litham. It is a sacred place. Trekkers often visit it on the rest day. The lake is peaceful. It has great views of the peaks nearby. The Buran Ghati trek gives you a full experience. It is a true adventure in Himachal. You see the stunning meadows. You walk past quiet wooden villages. You need fitness and respect for the high mountains. But you get amazing views and a real sense of the Himalayas.
If you are looking for a comparatively easy trek then Hampta Pass Trek can be a great option.