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Indrahar Pass Trek Overview
Highlights of Indrahar Pass Trek
Maximum altitude: 14245 feet
Grade: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 4 days
Trekking distance: 35 kilometers
Trail type: A round trail through caves
Rail head: The nearest rail head to the base camp is Dharamshala.
Airport: Kangra Airport, Himachal Pradesh
Snow Season: January to March
Service from: McLeod Ganj to McLeod Ganj (including transportation)
Base camp: McLeod Ganj
Best season: May, June, September, and October
Region: Himachal Pradesh
Who can participate:- The trekker should be at least 15 years of age.- Serious trekkers who are fond of experiencing cold temperatures.- People with enough stamina to cover a distance of at least five kilometers in just 30 minutes.- Should have a backpack holding capacity of 12 to 16 kilograms.- Has an experience in at least one high-altitude trek of 3500 meters.
Short Itinerary for Indrahar Pass Trek
Indrahar Pass Trek Detailed Itinerary
Trek from McLeodGanj to Triund
The Indrahar Pass trek will commence through one of the highly renowned trekking routes in Himachal Pradesh.
The first day of your trek will start at 9 am from McLeod Ganj.
You will have to continue walking to Triund for at least five to six hours.
After reaching the top of Triund, you can spend some time with your fellow travelers, click pictures, and then travel to Mana Village.
The first day of the trek will end with an overnight sleep in the Mana Village.
Trek from Mana to Ilaqa Got
The second day of the Indrahar Pass trek is very interesting as you will start your trek from Mana Village to Ilaqa Got.
The initial phase of the trek will allow you to move through the attractive Lahesh Caves which are situated at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level.
You must move through this cave during the earliest part of your trekking experience as the weather may become a little risky and challenging in the terrains by the afternoon.
Moving further, you will cross the Snowline Cafe. You can spend a few minutes in this cafe and then proceed further.
After walking for another one hour, you will reach your final destination for the day, Ilaqa Got. It is going to be your camping ground for the day.
If you find it difficult to camp around the Ilaqa Got, you will be taken back to the caves.
Enjoy your overnight sleep at the camp in Ilaqa Got.
Trek from Lahesh Caves to Indrahar Pass, Return to Ilaqa Got
The third day of your trek is the most thrilling part as you will be climbing to Indrahar Pass today.
Wake up early in the morning and have a sumptuous breakfast with your fellow trekkers.
Start climbing through the rocky terrains of the Lahesh Caves to the mesmerizing Indrahar Pass at 4300 meters.
After reaching the top of Indrahar Pass, you can sight and relish the sweeping views of the Dhauladhar Range and other gorgeous Himalayan ranges.
Capture the beautiful moments of the Indrahar Pass and start descending to Ilaqa Got for an overnight stay.
Trek from Ilaqa Got to McLeod Ganj
Day 4 is officially your last day of the Indrahar Pass trek.
On this day, you will come back along the trails that you have trekked on the first and second day.
Walk for around four hours to return back to McLeod Ganj.
Your trek to Indrahar Pass will come to an end after your arrival in McLeod Ganj.
What to Pack for Indrahar Pass Trek?
Basic Kit:
- 40 to 60 liters backpack with sturdy straps and supporting frame and a rain cover
- 20 liters daypack and a rain cover
- 2 thermos flask water bottles of one liter each
- A walking stick
- Medical kit after consultation from the doctor
- Snacks, like energy bars, dry fruits, electoral / ORS, and much more.
Clothes:
- 3 pairs of cotton trek pants (avoid shorts, denim jeans, or 3 quarters)
- 3 pairs of collared T-shirts
- 2 pairs of full-sleeved woolens
- 1 hollow full sleeves waterproof jacket or down jacket
- 1 pair of lightweight thermal inners (both upper and lower)
Footwear:
- A pair of old trekking shoes
- 2 pairs of cotton socks
- 2 pairs of woolen socks
Accessories:
- A lightweight raincoat or poncho
- Balaclava (optional)
- Synthetic waterproof hand gloves
- 1 pair of warm waterproof and windproof gloves
- Dark and UV-protected sunglasses with side cover (People who wear spectacles can use contact lenses)
Personal Utilities:
- Sunscreen cream with SPF 40+
- Moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Quick dry towel
- Chapstick or Lip balm
- Small soap
- Toilet paper
- Wet Wipes
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
Others:
- Repair kit with thread and needle
- Headlamp or LED torch
- Camera with all its accessories, like chargers, spare batteries, and much more.
- Cutlery for hygiene purposes
- 2 water bottles of one liter each or 1 water bottle of one liter and a hydration pack
- Plastic covers
- Personal Medical Kit:
- 4 tablets of Avil 25mg for allergies
- 4 tablets of Avomine for motion sickness
- 10 strips of band aid
- Betadine or any antiseptic cream
- 1 small roll of cotton
- 3 to 5 meters of crepe bandage
- 6 tablets of Crocin for fever
- 4 tablets of Combiflam for pain
- 10 tablets of Diamox for acute motion sickness
- 6 tablets of Disprin for headache
- 10 tablets of Digene for undigested food or acidity
- 6 tablets each of Norflox TZ and Lomofen for diarrhea
- 10 tablets of Omez or Rentadine for diarrhea
- 1 small roll of gauze
- 10 packets of ORS
- Moov sprays for aches and sprains
Documents:
- Original and 2 photocopies of government photo identity card
- Medical certificate and disclaimed to be filled by trekker
- Medical certificate by a professional doctor
Know Before You Go to Indrahar Pass Trek
It is necessary for the trekkers to keep all the dos and don’ts in mind when going on a trekking expedition. These important tips will not only help fellow trekkers to stay connected but also prevent them in case of any emergency situation. Following are some of the essential tips that you should keep in consideration during the Indrahar Pass trek:
Wear comfortable shoes for trekking and avoid sports shoes as they can cause shoe bites and blisters on the trekking slope.
It is mandatory to carry a 4-step telescopic antishock trekking pole or inform the authorities if you forget to carry one.
Carry synthetic quick dry pants as they are lightweight and you can layer on other clothing when it gets too cold.
Keep a waterproof rain cover in your backpack in case of a rainy day.
Carry some snacks and tents with you on your trekking expedition as you will not get any place to eat and stay after the Snowline.
Bring your power banks and other battery backups for convenient traveling.
Do not go on the Indrahar Pass trek if you are a beginner as the weather may become a little risky and challenging on the terrains.
Avoid filling your backpack with unnecessary things and carry only the essentials.
Have proper gear and equipment for sub-zero temperatures.
By Air- The closest airport to your starting point of the Indrahar Pass trek is Kangra Airport, also known as Gaggal Airport. You can take a flight from any part of the country to this airport in McLeod Ganj to go on this amazing experience. If you are traveling from beyond the boundaries of the country, you can take a flight to Delhi or Chandigarh and then to McLeodGanj for the Indrahar Pass trekking experience.
By Rail- Although it is time-consuming, railways are another best option to travel to McLeod Ganj. You can take a train either to Pathankot railway station or AmbAndaura railway station. There are plenty of direct trains that operate between Delhi and Pathankot.
By Road- McLeodGanj is very well connected to all the fundamental parts of the country, such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Srinagar, and Manali. You can board an overnight Volvo AC bus or hire a taxi or cab from Delhi to McLeod Ganj. Though it is a time consuming mode of transportation, you can catch gorgeous panoramic mountain views of the surroundings along your way to McLeod Ganj.
In Autumn - The best time to go on a trek to Indrahar Pass is between the months of September and October, just prior to the onset of the winter season. During this time, the temperature ranges between 12 to 18 degrees Celsius and the weather remains pleasant with relatively less rainfall. Although it will be a little cold during the night, the days feel comparatively comfortable. It is advisable not to go on this trekking experience during the monsoon season as the place gets a huge amount of rainfall that causes landslides. During monsoons, the trekking trail gets slippery and makes the overall trekking experience even more difficult.
In Summers - Summers is another best time to visit Indrahar Pass, i.e., between April and May. In summers, the weather is neither too hot nor too cold and the gorgeous scenery looks fantastic under the shining sun and clear sky.
Why Go for Indrahar Pass Trek?
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FAQ's of Indrahar Pass Trek
How Difficult is the Indrahra Pass Trek?
Although the trek to Indrahar Pass is short, it is considered to be the most difficult trek as it includes innumerable sharp ascents and steep climbs. During your climb through the Lahesh caves, you should try to start it as early as possible because the trekking trail on this route gets more risky and challenging by the afternoon. Each of these conditions makes the trekking experience difficult. Thus, only serious and professional trekkers are allowed to go on this route.
Moreover, you should have enough stamina to cover at least four kilometers in just 30 minutes. You can also check your body mass index (BMI) to find if your fitness level matches the difficulty of the trek. If your BMI is within the normal range, you can follow a proper physical fitness regime before going on the trek. On the other hand, if your BMI is not within the normal range, you can consult a medical practitioner before adopting any fitness regime.
Is the Indrahar Pass trek suitable for me?
The Indrahar Pass trek is suitable only for experienced trekkers as it can be vigorous for first-time travelers. Professional trekkers should also follow a good physical routine to keep themselves fit and have enough stamina to cover at least four kilometers in just 30 minutes.
How is the weather in Indrahar Pass?
Indrahar Pass is entirely covered in snow during the winter season. The snow starts melting around the month of August, but the weather becomes better after the monsoon season.
How to prepare yourself for the Indrahar Pass trek?
If you are trekking to Indrahar Pass, fitness and flexibility should always be your top priority. You should have enough stamina to walk for long hours with a lofty backpack on your shoulders. The oxygen level also starts decreasing with an increase in altitude. Hence, you must ensure that you can cover at least four kilometers in just 30 minutes. It will help you identify whether your lungs are functioning properly. You can practice stretching to enhance your posture and flexibility and train your muscles well for extreme conditions.
Can I go to the Indrahar Pass trek without a guide?
Yes, you can go on the Indrahar Pass trek without a guide. However, it is advisable to go with them as they will help you with food, shelter, and several other things in your trekking expedition. They are aware of every condition during the trek and can assist you well on your route to Indrahar Pass.
How is the cellular network connectivity on the Indrahar Pass trek?
The cellular network connectivity is not too good on the Indrahar Pass trek. You can expect some connectivity until Triund beyond McLeod Ganj. There is no network after Triund. Hence, it is advisable to complete all your important calls before going on the trek.
Are there any washroom or toilet facilities on the Indrahar Pass trek?
Yes, you will be provided with toilet tents on your trek to Indrahar Pass. So, you can answer nature’s calls on the trek. However, you will not find any bathing facility on your trekking expedition.
Is there any option to offload my backpack?
If you want to offload your backpack during the trek, it is advisable to request the authorities for offloading a few days before the actual date of trekking through an email so we can make the arrangements in advance. On the contrary, if you want to offload your backpack on the spot, you are required to pay a little more than the usual price. However, it is not safe to offload your backpack as it may be damaging to the ecosystem.
What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us on the trek?
You will be given 4 season tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes as they can easily withstand heavy storms and snowfall. These tents are highly spacious to accommodate three people with their backpacks in the vestibule. The sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that is very comfortable even in -10 degrees Celsius. You can also use fleece liners for enhanced thermal efficiency at temperatures about -17 degrees Celsius.
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