For trekkers seeking an experience that pushes beyond the usual trails, the Himalayas hold countless secrets. While many are familiar with the popular routes, some of the most rewarding journeys remain lesser-known gems. The Buran Pass Trek, also known as Buran Ghati, is one such adventure. This challenging expedition in Himachal Pradesh offers a spectacular blend of lush meadows, dense forests, and dramatic, snow-covered landscapes, culminating in a thrilling pass crossing that tests both nerve and endurance.
The Buran Pass Trek is far more than just a walk in the mountains. It’s a comprehensive Himalayan experience that evolves with each day. You’ll begin in the charming, ancient village of Janglik, journey through vibrant green fields and pine forests, and camp beside the serene Chandranahan Lakes. The landscape then transforms dramatically as you ascend towards the pass, entering a world of snow and ice. The trek’s defining moment is the exhilarating rappel down a steep, 400-metre ice wall from the summit of the pass—a true test of courage that sets this trek apart.
This guide provides a complete overview of the Buran Ghati Trek. We’ll cover everything from the best time to visit and a detailed day-by-day itinerary to essential preparation tips and safety considerations. By the end, you’ll understand what makes this trek one of the most exciting and fulfilling challenges the Himalayas have to offer.
Best Time for the Buran Ghati Trek
Choosing the right season is crucial for a successful and enjoyable trek. The Buran Ghati Trek has two primary windows when conditions are most favourable:
Pre-Monsoon (May to June)
This is the most popular season for the trek. During these months, you’ll encounter a thrilling amount of snow, especially at higher altitudes and on the pass itself. The landscape is a stunning mix of vibrant green valleys and stark white peaks. The days are generally long, bright, and sunny, offering clear views of the surrounding Dhauladhar range. The snow is firm enough for walking, and the famous rappel down the ice wall is a guaranteed highlight. Temperatures are moderate, making for pleasant trekking conditions during the day, though nights will still be cold.
Post-Monsoon (September to October)
After the monsoon rains have washed the landscape clean, the post-monsoon season offers a different kind of beauty. The meadows are a brilliant, lush green, dotted with colourful wildflowers. The skies are often exceptionally clear, providing some of the sharpest, most breathtaking mountain views. The amount of snow on the pass is significantly less than in the pre-monsoon period, and sometimes the rappel may not be necessary if the snow has melted completely. Temperatures begin to drop, especially in October, and the days become shorter, but the crisp air and stunning vistas make it a fantastic time to trek.
Detailed Itinerary of the Trek
The Buran Ghati Trek is typically completed over seven to eight days, starting from the village of Janglik and ending in Barua. This itinerary provides a day-by-day breakdown of the journey.
Day 1: Drive from Shimla to Janglik (2,804 m)
The adventure begins with a scenic 8-9 hour drive from Shimla to Janglik. The route takes you through picturesque towns like Kufri and Rohru, following the Pabbar River. Janglik is a quaint, traditional village with unique wooden houses and a timeless charm. This day is for acclimatisation. You’ll settle into your guesthouse or campsite, meet your trekking team, and prepare for the days ahead.
Day 2: Trek from Janglik to Dayara Thatch (3,387 m)
Your first day of trekking covers a distance of about 7-8 km and takes 5-6 hours. The trail starts with a gradual ascent through pine and oak forests, opening up to beautiful meadows. You’ll cross a few small streams and get your first glimpses of the stunning mountain scenery. Dayara Thatch is a vast, undulating meadow that serves as a spectacular campsite, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Day 3: Trek from Dayara Thatch to Litham (3,578 m)
Today’s trek is relatively gentle, covering around 5 km in 3-4 hours. The trail takes you through more meadows and forests, with the Dhauladhar range dominating the skyline. You’ll walk alongside the Pabbar River before reaching the campsite at Litham. Located at the confluence of several streams, Litham is another breathtaking campsite. From here, you can see the Chandranahan waterfall cascading down a cliff face.
Day 4: Acclimatisation Day and Excursion to Chandranahan Lakes (4,260 m)
This is a crucial day for acclimatisation before you push for the high pass. You’ll take an excursion to the sacred Chandranahan Lakes, a series of seven glacial tarns. The trek to the lakes and back takes about 5-6 hours. It’s a steep climb, but the reward is immense. The pristine, deep blue waters of the lakes, set against a backdrop of snow-clad peaks, create a mesmerising scene. You’ll return to Litham to spend the night, better prepared for the altitude.
Day 5: Trek from Litham to Dhunda (4,075 m)
The trail today becomes more challenging as you gain significant altitude. The 4 km trek to Dhunda takes about 3-4 hours and involves navigating rocky terrain and moraines. This is where the landscape shifts from green to a stark, high-altitude desert of rock and snow. The campsite at Dhunda is at the base of the Buran Pass, offering a direct and intimidating view of what lies ahead.
Day 6: Trek from Dhunda to Munirang via Buran Pass (4,572 m)
This is the longest, most challenging, and most exciting day of the trek. You’ll start before dawn to ensure you have enough time to cross the pass in stable weather. The ascent to the pass is steep and likely covered in snow. From the top of Buran Pass, the views are simply epic, with a 360-degree panorama of Himalayan peaks.
The real adventure begins on the descent. You will rappel down a 400-metre vertical snow and ice wall—a thrilling experience that requires courage and trust in your guides and equipment. After the rappel, the descent continues over snowfields and meadows until you reach the campsite at Munirang, on the other side of the pass. The entire day’s trek can take 9-11 hours.
Day 7: Trek from Munirang to Barua Village & Drive to Shimla
The final day of trekking is a long descent through varied terrain. You’ll walk through meadows, forests, and finally enter the apple orchards surrounding the village of Barua. The descent takes about 5-6 hours. Barua is a picturesque village known for its lush vegetation. From here, a vehicle will pick you up for the long 8-9 hour drive back to Shimla, marking the end of your incredible journey.
Difficulty Level and Preparation Tips
The Buran Ghati Trek is rated as difficult. It requires a high level of physical fitness and some prior trekking experience. The trail covers long distances, involves significant altitude gain, and features challenging terrain, including steep ascents, rocky moraines, and extensive snow-walking.
To prepare for this trek, focus on:
- Cardiovascular Endurance: Engage in activities like running, cycling, swimming, or brisk walking for at least 45-60 minutes, 4-5 times a week. This will build the stamina needed for long trekking days.
- Strength Training: Focus on strengthening your legs, core, and back. Squats, lunges, planks, and calf raises are excellent exercises. Carrying a backpack on long walks can also help simulate trekking conditions.
- Flexibility: Incorporate stretching into your routine to prevent muscle soreness and injury.
- Mental Preparation: Be prepared for long, strenuous days and challenging conditions. A positive mindset is just as important as physical fitness.
What to Carry for the Trek
Packing the right gear is essential for a safe and comfortable trek.
- Clothing: Layering is key. Pack thermal inners, fleece jackets, and a down jacket. You’ll need waterproof and windproof outer layers (jacket and trousers).
- Footwear: Wear high-quality, waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support. Make sure they are well broken-in.
- Backpack: A 50-60 litre backpack is ideal. Also, carry a small daypack for essentials.
- Trekking Gear: Bring trekking poles, sunglasses, a sun hat, a woollen cap, and waterproof gloves.
- Essentials: A headtorch, water bottles or a hydration pack, a first-aid kit, personal medications, and toiletries are must-haves.
Reaching the Starting Point
The trek starts from Janglik village. The most convenient way to get there is to first reach Shimla, which is well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. From Shimla, you can hire a private taxi or take a shared vehicle to Janglik. The journey is long, so it’s best to start early.
Permits and Permissions
As the trek enters a protected forest area, permits are required. If you are trekking with a registered organisation, they will typically handle all the necessary permits and permissions for you. Ensure you carry a valid photo ID and a few passport-sized photographs.
Safety Tips and Considerations
- Acclimatise Properly: Altitude sickness is a real risk. Follow the itinerary, stay hydrated, and communicate any symptoms to your guide immediately.
- Listen to Your Guide: Your trek leader is experienced and knowledgeable. Follow their instructions, especially during the pass crossing and rappel.
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat well to maintain your energy levels.
- Trek at a Steady Pace: Avoid rushing. A slow and steady pace helps conserve energy and aids in acclimatisation.
Why This Trek is an Unforgettable Experience
The Buran Ghati Trek is more than just a physical challenge; it’s a journey that offers a profound connection with nature and a true sense of accomplishment. The constantly changing landscapes, from the idyllic meadows of Dayara to the stark beauty of the high pass, keep the experience fresh and exciting every single day. The cultural immersion in the villages of Janglik and Barua adds another layer of depth to the journey.
But what truly defines this trek is the thrill of crossing the pass itself. The moment you stand at the summit, surrounded by a sea of Himalayan peaks, and then make the exhilarating rappel down the ice wall, is an experience that will stay with you forever. It’s a moment of pure adrenaline, courage, and triumph. For any trekker looking to push their limits and discover one of the Himalayas’ best-kept secrets, the Buran Ghati Trek is an adventure that delivers on every front.