Trekking in Dharamshala

The best time for trekking in Dharamshala is during the summer season from April to June. During this time, the temperature varies from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. The melting snow at this time creates beautiful tracks with blooming flowers against the backdrop of the Dhauladhar Mountains. Moreover, the clear blue skies provide direct views of the Deo Tibba, Indraasan, and Hanuman Tibba peaks. The height and mountain air also make this period suitable for hiking in Dharamshala.

The cost of trekking in Dharamshala ranges from INR 6,500 to INR 15,100 per person for a duration of 3 to 8 days. It includes your accommodations in homestays and tents, meals and snacks, trekking permits, and local transfers. However, the price varies based on several factors, like the difficulty level, the trekking operator, and the number of days of the trek.

Kareri Lake Trek: Situated at an altitude of about 2933 m, the Kareri Lake Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in Dharamshala. In this trek, you will come across lush forests, remote villages, and gorgeous streams.

The exquisite beauty of nature will leave you spellbound. Once you reach Kareri Lake, you will get an unrestricted view of the majestic Himalayan Ranges. The sunrise or sunset over the Kareri Lake is simply magnificent, and on the way back, you can know more about the local culture from the small villages around. 

Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate

Duration: 3 days and 2 nights

Chamba Valley Trek: Panoramic views of the dense forests, stunning meadows, and sparkling streams await you in the Chamba Valley Trek. Undoubtedly, the major attraction of the trek is the Indrahar Pass, which has an elevation of about 14,245 feet. From here, you can witness the ethereal beauty of the Chamba and Kangra Valleys.

Trekking across this beautiful piece of the landscape will give you an opportunity to delve into the culture of the Gaddi people. Moreover, the quaint villages and ancient temples that you come across will etch a place in your memory forever. 

Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult

Duration: 6 days

Indrahar Pass Trek: For an experienced trekker, the Indrahar Pass Trek will be one of the most satisfying treks in Dharamshala. Located at a swaggering height of about 14,245 feet, the beauty of nature encompassing the Indrahar Pass will take your breath away. The trekking pathway to reaching the pass becomes increasingly difficult as the ascent starts. The vegetation of the forest changes, and the terrain becomes rocky.

You will also come across the magnificent meadow of Triund and the breathtaking Lahesh cave. When you reach the Indrahar Pass, you will be awed by the sheer beauty of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal mountain ranges.

Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult

Duration: 4 days

Moon Peak Trek: One of the best treks near Dharamshala to add to your collection of adventures is the Moon Peak Trek. The trekking is best suited for experienced trekkers and can pose a considerable amount of challenge. However, the level of difficulty can easily be overcome when one gets a glimpse of the unadulterated beauty of nature amidst the trail.

The rhododendron and oak trees coupled with snow-laden pathways, make the journey absolutely memorable. With a massive elevation of about 15,125 feet, the Moon Peak offers magnificent views of the Dhauladhar range and the gorgeous Kangra valley. 

Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult

Duration: 6 days

Sar Pass Trek: If you are a first-timer and want to experience the absolute pleasure of trekking in Dharamshala, the Sari Pass Trek is a wonderful choice. The trail connects the Kangra Valley to the lower Kullu region, and the ethereal beauty surrounding the area is absolutely unparalleled. In this trek, you will come across quaint villages, beautiful rivulets, dense forests, and alluring meadows.

The Sari Pass, situated at an altitude of about 3700 meters, is an exquisite example of the bewitching beauty of nature. Lag Valley and Barot Village are some of the vintage landmarks that you will view in this trek.

Difficulty Level: Easy 

Duration: 4 days

Gaj Pass Trek: With the irresistible beauty of nature all around, the Gaj Pass Trek is one of the most enjoyable trekking in Dharamshala. En route to the Gaj Pass, you will witness gradually steep terrains, beautiful alpine forests, snow-laden trails, gorgeous meadows, and the alluring Gaj River.

The Gaj Pass is situated at an elevation of about 4140 m and offers magnificent views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. In this trek, you will often continue the journey alongside the Gaj River that flows owing to the glaciers from the Himalayan ranges.

Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult

Duration: 5 days and 4 nights

Triund Trek: One of the easiest treks in Dharamshala is the Triund Trek. In the majority of the cases, the starting point of the trekking is the village of Dharamkot, and the trekker has to traverse 5.45 km to reach the picturesque Triund Valley. The trail is littered with gorgeous forests encompassing rhododendron, oak, and coniferous trees and the stunning views of the Moon Peak, Arthur's seat, the majestic Dhauladhar range, and the Rifle Horn.

Perhaps, the highlight of this trek is the marvelous sunset amidst the backdrop of the beautiful Triund valley. It is located at an altitude of about 9278 feet and offers passage to other challenging treks like the Indrahar Pass trek, Snow line Trek, etc. 

Difficulty Level: Easy

Duration: 2 days

Minkiani Pass Trek: If you are passionate about exploring the off-beaten pathways, then the best route for trekking in Dharamshala is the Minkiani Pass Trek. With an altitude of about 14,000 feet, the Minkiani Pass offers stunning visuals that will make you want to embark on this trek again and again. The trail encompasses a riveting journey across magnificent rivers, gorgeous streams, and dense forests.

Moreover, you will cross the beautiful Kareri Lake and numerous remote villages. It is the perfect way to know more about Himachali culture. You can admire the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan ranges, hop over boulders to cross streams, and be awed by the diversified wildlife in the area. 

Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult

Duration: 5 days

Lahesh CaveTrek: One of the most picturesque treks near Dharamshala is the Lahesh Cave Trek. The terrain of the trail till the Triund Valley is quite easy, after which the challenges arise. With a height of approximately 3500 m, the Lahesh Cave will give you a glimpse of the prehistoric era. Camping in the cave will offer you an experience of a lifetime, and the journey is filled with stunning visuals of the dense forest and towering peaks of the Himalayan Range.

Moreover, you will also come across the Bhagsu Nag Temple and the alluring view of the snow line. Enjoy the glorious sunrise amidst the raw beauty of nature. 

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Duration: 3 days and 2 nights

By Air: The nearest airport to Dharamshala is at Gaggal. It is 13 kms from Dharamshala. People can book flights from Delhi till here. Alternatively, you can also book flight till Chandigarh and a taxi from there till Dharamshala. The distance between the two is around 250 kms.

By Train: The best way to reach Dharamshala via train is to take a train till Pathankot which is at a distance of around 85 kms from Dharamshala. From Pathankot, you can take a cab to reach Dharamshala.

By Road: Depending on the source of your journey, there are numerous ways to reach Dharamshala. These ways include by bus, by taxi or even by self drive.

1. Triund Trek: Nestled beneath the mighty Dhauladhar range, Triund is a short and easy trek with alluring trails. In the last decade, it has gained immense popularity and can be conveniently covered in 48 hours.  

2. Sar Pass Trek: Connecting the lower section of Kullu and Kangra Valley, Sari Pass trek is an ideal trek for amateurs who are looking forward to a hassle-free trekking experience. The entire trekking trail is a phenomenal amalgamation of dense forest, rolling meadows, rivulets and peaceful villages. 

3. Kareri Lake Trek: At an elevation of about 2,950 meters in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, Kareri Lake Trek is an ideal option to cut off the humdrum of metropolis. Kareri Lake is a scenic Alpine Freshwater Lake, at the foot of the Minkiani Pass and is fed by melting snow of the Dhauladhar Peaks.

Dharamshala is a pristine and pictorial location for avid trekkers. Some of the famous winter treks in Dharamshala are:

Dhauladhar winter trek: This is one of the best winter treks with a moderate difficulty level. Most of the time is spent while walking through the Dhauladhar mountain ranges or in remote villages through the trek.

Triund Hill Trek: it is one of the jewels of Dharamshala valley and is quite popular among tourists. It is situated near the Dhauladhar range. This trek is suitable for all age groups, considerably easy in the beginning, but tourists face difficulty during the ending.

Indrahar Pass trek: On your way, trek through the camping ground of Triund, while marvelling at the beauty of Lahesh Caves, famous as Shepherd’s abode in winters. This trek offers you a glimpse of Dhauladhar range and PirPanjal mountain range

Snow Line trek: Marvel at the pristine beauty of the breathtaking snow clad mountains when you trek on this snowline trail.

Lahesh Caves trek:  Drench in the beauty of Lahesh Caves, famous as Shepherd’s abode in winters. Dharamshala to Chamba valley trek which lets you encounter the views of natural environs.

1. Triund Trek- Triund Trek is one of the famous summer treks in Dharamshala. It is an easy hike to 9,350 feet, where you can enjoy the stunning Dhauladhar views. You can also witness a captivating sunset over Kangra Valley.

2. Indrahar Pass Trek- Known for its challenging train and gorgeous views, Indrahar Trek provides a short yet thrilling adventure. It is a summer heaven that offers valley views of Dhauladhar, Kangra, and Chamba. 

3. Kareri Lake Trek- Kareri Lake Trek is a scenic summer getaway in Dharamshala for nature lovers and photographers. The clear blue skies, green meadows, and the Dhauladhar Ranges provide a perfect setting for the trek.

4. Bhagsu Nag Trek- Located at a height of 7,000 feet, Bhagsu Nag Trek is another popular summer trek in Dharamshala. Trekkers love this trekking journey due to the magical waterfall and the sacred Bhagsu Nath Temple.

5. Laka Glacier Trek- The Laka Glacier Trek is a beginner-friendly summer trek in Dharamshala towards the Kangra Valley. It offers an adventurous experience to witness the stunning Dhauladhar peaks.