Wanna enjoy the Himalayas’ beauty? Today we present a charming trek in Himachal Pradesh, India. A great way to see the Himalayas’ beauty is to go on the Churdhar trek. Once you reach the top, you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views and a strong sense of success that is hard to beat. The hike takes place in Himachal Pradesh, India, and is about 32 kilometers long. It goes up more than 2,000 meters in elevation. Most people hike over two or three days, and you can do it in several ways. People like the path that starts in the village of Nauradhar the most.
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Quick Facts About Churdhar Trek
- Location: Sirmour district, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Peak elevation: 3,647 m (11,965 ft)
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Duration: 3-4 days
- Best time to trek: May to November
- Highlights: Panoramic views of the Himalayas, dense deodar forests, quaint villages, and a sacred Shiva temple.
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Highlights of The Churdhar Trek
- Panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks: Kinner Kailash, Shrikhand Mahadev, Kedarnath, and Badrinath
- Stunning vistas of the Gangetic Basin, Sutlej River, Shimla, Chail, Kufri, Kasauli, and Chakrata
- Breathtaking meadows and dense Deodar forests.
- Churdhar is a wildlife refuge with a wide variety of plants and animals.
- The peak is home to a giant statue of Lord Shiva.
- The trek is said to have been frequented by saints and sages in ancient times
Time To Visit Churdhar Trek
The Churdhar Trek is a moderate-level trek that can be done from May to November. The best time to visit is May and June, when the weather is pleasant, and the rhododendrons are fully blooming. However, April and October are good times to see the snow-capped peaks. November is the best time for snow trekking.
- May and June are ideal for comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and blooming rhododendrons. You have to be prepared for crowds, as this is the peak season.
- October and November: These months offer cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and fewer crowds than the peak season. You may even see some snow on the peak in November.
- April: You might catch the end of the winter snow and enjoy a special snowy landscape, though there is a risk of covered trails.
- August and September: The monsoon season brings lush greenery and wildflowers, but be prepared for rain and slippery trails.
- December to March: Heavy snowfall makes the trek impossible and potentially dangerous.
Here’s a quick summary:
- Most enjoyable weather: May-June
- Less crowded: October–November
- Snow on the peak: November
- Avoid: December-March
The best time to visit Churdhar depends on your preferences and what you want to get from your trip. Do you have any specific things you hope to see or do on the trek? I can help you narrow down the best time based on your priorities.
Churdhar Trek Itinerary
Day – 1
Arrival and Trek to Jam Nallah
- Morning: Depart from Chandigarh early in the morning and drive to Nauradhar, the starting point of the trek. The drive takes approximately 3 hours.
- Afternoon: Upon reaching Nauradhar, check into your hotel and have lunch. Spend some time exploring the town and acclimatizing to the altitude.
- Evening: Begin your trek from Nauradhar to Jam Nallah, a campsite at 2,855 meters. The trek is approximately 7 kilometers long and takes 3-4 hours.
- Overnight: Stay in tents at Jam Nallah campsite.
Day – 2
Summit Push to Churdhar Peak
- Early Morning: Wake up early and have breakfast. Start your summit push at Churdhar Peak, which stands at 3,657 meters. The trek is approximately 9 kilometers long and takes 5-6 hours.
- Midday: Reach the summit of Churdhar Peak and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the Himalayas. Take some time to relax and soak in the scenery.
- Afternoon: Descend from the summit to Jam Nallah campsite.
- Evening: Enjoy a bonfire dinner at the campsite and share stories of the day’s adventure.
Day – 3
Descent to Nauradhar and Departure
- Morning: Have breakfast at the campsite and pack up your belongings.
- Midday: Descend from Jam Nallah to Nauradhar. The trek is approximately 7 kilometers long and takes 3-4 hours.
- Afternoon: Upon reaching Nauradhar, check out of your hotel and have lunch.
- Evening: Depart from Nauradhar and drive back to Chandigarh.
How To Reach The Churdhar Trek
The Churdhar trek distance can vary depending on the route you take. Here are the three most popular routes and their respective distances:
There are three main ways to reach the Churdhar Trek:
- By car: The nearest town to the Churdhar Trek is Nohradhar. You can drive from Chandigarh to Nohradhar via Solan and Rajgarh. The drive takes about 5-6 hours.
- By bus: There are regular buses from Chandigarh to Solan. From Solan, you can take a bus to Nohradhar. The bus journey may takes about 3-4 hours.
- By train: The nearest railway station to the Churdhar Trek is Shimla. You can take a train from Delhi to Shimla. The train journey takes about 5-6 hours. From Shimla, you can take a taxi to Nohradhar. The taxi ride takes about 4-5 hours.
The Churdhar Trek is a popular trekking destination for people from all over India. The trek is located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh and is about 341 kilometers from Delhi, 130 kilometers from Chandigarh, and 80 kilometers from Shimla.
Here is a breakdown of the Churdhar Trek distance from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla:
- Delhi to Nohradhar: 341 kilometers
- Nohradhar to Churdhar Peak: 16 kilometers
- Chandigarh to Nohradhar: 130 kilometers
- Nohradhar to Churdhar Peak: 16 kilometers
- Shimla to Chaupal: 80 kilometers
- Chaupal to Churdhar Peak: 12 kilometers
Important Things Should Carry On The Churdhar Trek
Embarking on the Churdhar trek requires careful preparation, and packing the right gear is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive list of essential items you should carry:
- Warm layers: High-altitude temperatures can drop significantly, so pack woolen thermals, fleece jackets, and a windproof outer layer.
- Hiking pants: Comfortable and quick-drying pants are essential for navigating the terrain.
- T-shirts: Pack a few breathable, lightweight T-shirts for warmer weather.
- Rain jacket: Be prepared for sudden downpours with a waterproof and breathable rain jacket.
- Wool socks: Warm and comfortable socks are crucial for preventing blisters.
- Hat and gloves: Protect yourself from the sun and cold with a warm hat and gloves.
- Hiking shoes: Invest in sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes with good ankle support.
- Sandals or flip-flops: These can help relax at the campsite
- Backpack: Choose a backpack with enough capacity (50-60 liters) and comfortable straps.
- Sleeping bag: A warm sleeping bag rated for temperatures below freezing is essential
- Water bottle/hydration pack: Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle or hydration pack.
- First-aid kit: Avoid minor injuries with a well-stocked first-aid kit.
- Personal documents: Carry your proof of ID and any necessary permits.
- Camera: Capture the breathtaking landscapes and memories.
- Power bank: Ensure your electronic devices stay charged and take a power bank.
- Trash bags: Leave no trace by carrying trash bags for your disposables
FAQ’S
How difficult is the Churdhar Trek?
The Churdhar Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek. It is essential to be in good physical condition and have some experience with trekking
What is the altitude of Churdhar Peak?
Churdhar Peak is 3,657 meters tall.
How long does it take to complete the Churdhar Trek?
The Churdhar Trek can be completed in 3-4 days.
What is the total distance of the Churdhar Trek?
The total distance of the Churdhar Trek is approximately 28 kilometers.
What is the accommodation like on the Churdhar Trek?
There are a few small villages and campsites along the Churdhar Trek. Most people stay in tents.
What food is available on the Churdhar Trek?
A few small shops and dhabas (restaurants) are along the Churdhar Trek. However, it is best to bring your food and water.
What are the best places to camp on the Churdhar Trek?
The best places to camp on the Churdhar Trek are Jam Nallah and Churdhar Peak.
What permits are required for the Churdhar Trek?
You must obtain a trekking permit from the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department. You can apply for the permit online or at the Forest Department office in Nahan.
What is the best way to get to the starting point of the Churdhar Trek?
The best way to get to the starting point of the Churdhar Trek is by car. You can drive from Chandigarh, Dehradun, or Shimla.
When is the best time to do the Churdhar Trek?
The best time to do the Churdhar Trek is from May to October. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and there is less chance of snowfall