Trekking In Himachal Pradesh
Himachal offers the most amazing and variegated trekking options to the adventurous minded: cold deserts, high mountains, dense forests, alpine pastures. The degree of difficulty can range from 2000 meters to 5500 meters. The duration can stretch from 2 days to 8 days. And true to its unique claim to being the DEV BHOOMI where the Pandavas roamed in exile, every valley has its own Devta, and every track is imbued with its own mythological aura, adding a unique face to one’s travel in the remote areas. The state also has 2 National Park and 32 Wildlife Sanctuaries: many trekking routes pass through these protected areas and there is every chance of spotting the unique wildlife of these temperate forest including the highly endangered snow leopard, western tragopan and musk deer. Although every district of the state can lay claim to popular treks, the prime trekking areas lie in Kullu, Kangra, Chamba, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti and upper Shimla. Brief profiles of some pf the major enjoyable and interesting treks are given below.
Lahaul And Spiti
Chandratal Lake To Baralacha Pass
3 Days. 45 kms. 14500 to 16500 Feet. Moderately Difficult
Chandertal is a glacier lake at 14500 feet located between the Rotang and the Kunzam passes. It is a full day’s drive to the lake from Manali. Bring one’s own gear and provisions from Manali as there is no habitation along the way. Camp the first night at the shores of the lake which is much bigger ( 4 km circumference ), and deeper than it looks. The Chandra river flows next to the lake. First days trek is of 20 kms, following the river upstream. Past the huge riverine island known as Samudra Tapu which becomes one massive block of ice in the winters. Night camp at Topkogongma, next to the stream. Second day begins by fording the ice-cold stream at 7.00 AM Must reach the next, much bigger stream (Topkoyongma) by noon as after that it is too swollen with glacial melt to cross. Camp on bluff overlooking river, height 15500 feet. Third day’s trek much more enjoyable and gentle, over pastures, past the unbelievable majestic Baralacha glacier on the left (west) which is the source of the Chandra river, finally reaching Baralacha pass (16500 feet) after six hours. This is on the Manali-Leh road and one gone can get a vehicle from herwe back to manali. Wildlife Sightseeing: marmot, pica, birds ( horned lark, lammergier vulture, wagtails, black red start, sandlark, snow pigeons, choughs).
Kullu
Tirthan Sainj Trek
5 Days. 72kms. 2200 meters to 3954 meters. Strenuous
The 754.40 square kms. of the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) offer some of the most enchanting mountain trekking in the Himalayas. The GHNP has developed trails and camping sites and franchised a local CBO-SAHARA-to organize the men and materials for the trekkers. The Tithanand Sainj are two of the four rivers that flow through the park, and this trek takes one from the valley of the Tirthan, over the Supakhani jogni to the Sainj valley. Trek begins from a small valley called Gushaini on banks of the river Tirthan, one of the last few rivers in Himachal which still have trout. Follow Tirthanupstream for 8kms. To Rolla (2100m.) which has a forest hut. On day two trek leaves the Tirthan and climbs to the north-east cresting two ridge lines, Rakhundi Top ( 3622m.) and Ghumtarao (3500m.) which is a verdant pasture and camping site. Day three is over alpine pastures dotted with juniper and dwarf rhododendron among which one can spot musk deer. Night camp is at Dhela thatch (3737m.) which has a large trekkers hut, flowing water and magnificent view of the Khandedar massif. This is prime monal and western tragopan habitat. On day four one desends through dense forests of spruce, brown oak, fir, cedar, and then broad leafs-walnut, jamun, maple and horse chest-nut to Shakti where one crosses the Sainj river. Shakti(2200m.) has a fine trekker’s camp with toilets and piped water, on the banks of the river is the middle of the thick green grove of sea-buck thorn. Final day’s trek is the longest-21kms- but almost level along and down the Sainj, most of it through the Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary. One can pick up amazing driftwood on the river bank. About five hours to Neulli- thr roadhead- where on can get taxi or buses for Aut n the main NH 21 to Kullu. Permission for trekking in the GHNP has to be obtained fron the Director GHNP at Shamshi.
Pin Parbati Kullu
8 Days. 175kms. 2500 meters to 5319 meters. Extremely Difficult
A trek that takes one from the Parbati valley in kullu to the pin valley in Spiti across the 5319 meter Pin Parbat Pass, from the lush temperate forest of the former to the barren, cold desert landscape of latter. One needs to be extremely fit and very well prepared for this trek as there is absolutely no hesitation along its entire length. Trek commences from Gwacha, a tiny hamlet high up the Parbati valley, past Manikaran. From there the Route follows the Parbati river upstream for three days with night halts at Khir Ganga (hot spring), Pandupul (steeped in the Pandava mythology) and Mantalai. One passes through amazing forest of betula (bhojpatra) and walnut, make a few risky river crossing on wire-suspended baskets! Only persons you may meet are the migratory gujjars and gaddis. Treeline is crossed just before Pandupul. Mantalai is a huge glacier lake at 4116 meters, it is the source of the Parbati. It is an awesome sight with glaciers flowing down to it from all sides. From here it is another two days of hard climbing to the Pin Parbati pass. The saddle of the pass is covered with a permanent ice-field and must be crossed with great care as it is criss crossed with crevasses. Fifth day’s campsite is far below the pass, on the banks of the infant Pin river at 4200 meters. It takes two more days to reach the first village on the Pin side- Mudh. The entire stretch from the pass to Mudh is in the Pin valley National park which provides a haven for many rare species- snow leopard, Spiti Wolf, ibex and ghural. A road has now reached mud, 12kms, beyond which are Sagnam/Mikkim (3600 meters) a twin village located at the confluence of the Pin and the Paraiho. From here it is a Spectacular drive of 35kms. to Kaza, and then on to Manali over the Kunzum and the Rotang passes.
Pin Parbati Kullu
8 Days. 175kms. 2500 meters to 5319 meters. Extremely Difficult
A trek that takes one from the Parbati valley in kullu to the pin valley in Spiti across the 5319 meter Pin Parbat Pass, from the lush temperate forest of the former to the barren, cold desert landscape of latter. One needs to be extremely fit and very well prepared for this trek as there is absolutely no hesitation along its entire length. Trek commences from Gwacha, a tiny hamlet high up the Parbati valley, past Manikaran. From there the Route follows the Parbati river upstream for three days with night halts at Khir Ganga (hot spring), Pandupul (steeped in the Pandava mythology) and Mantalai. One passes through amazing forest of betula (bhojpatra) and walnut, make a few risky river crossing on wire-suspended baskets! Only persons you may meet are the migratory gujjars and gaddis. Treeline is crossed just before Pandupul. Mantalai is a huge glacier lake at 4116 meters, it is the source of the Parbati. It is an awesome sight with glaciers flowing down to it from all sides. From here it is another two days of hard climbing to the Pin Parbati pass. The saddle of the pass is covered with a permanent ice-field and must be crossed with great care as it is criss crossed with crevasses. Fifth day’s campsite is far below the pass, on the banks of the infant Pin river at 4200 meters. It takes two more days to reach the first village on the Pin side- Mudh. The entire stretch from the pass to Mudh is in the Pin valley National park which provides a haven for many rare species- snow leopard, Spiti Wolf, ibex and ghural. A road has now reached mud, 12kms, beyond which are Sagnam/Mikkim (3600 meters) a twin village located at the confluence of the Pin and the Paraiho. From here it is a Spectacular drive of 35kms. to Kaza, and then on to Manali over the Kunzum and the Rotang passes.
Srikhand Mahadev
5 day’s. 100kms. 1200 meters-5227 meters. Extremely difficult.
On of the most revered peaks in Himachal. Abounding in mythology of Shiva- Paravati and the Pandavas. Sitiuated on the border of Shimla and Kullu. Alternate routes exits but best to start from Sairopa and exit from Baghipul. Base camp is the very comforable trekker’s hostel at Sairopa on the banks of the Tirthan in the Banjar valley. Day one covers 18 kms along and across the furious Palchan Khad to Phlach (9000 feet). Day two is a 22 km. trek: first half is a 2000 meter climb over a carpet of alpine flowers and grasses to the 3950 meter high Pattu Burji; second half is much more strenuois desent over nallahs and ice-bridges to Bhimdwar. Camp site is in a lush valley at 3600 meters encircled by towering waterfalls. Third day’s trek most demanding: one has to climb more than 1600 meters over 8 kms. The last 1300 meters over sheer moraine and huge bolders. There are compensations, however, on the way: majestic but rare Brahmkamal flower can be sighted in dozens, the poignant Nain Sarovar, a glacier lake supposedly born of a teardrop from the eyes of Goddess Paravati, Bhim ki Bahi- huge stone tablets with hieroglyphic marking on them: they are supposed to be the tablets on which Bhim kept account of the Pandavas’ travel! And finally the enormous Srikhand Peak itself- a black, cracked rock monolith 20 meters high- the Shivling, surrounded by a permanent snowfield. It is an unforgetable sight. Return to Bhimdwar for the night. On the forth day one returnss by a different route, over the appropriately named Danda Dhar, down to the deep Kurpen Khad, and on to the quaint forest house at Samatan for the night. The next day it’s a short walk to the road head at Baghipul, five hour drive from Shimla.
Chandrakhani - Malana- Rasol
3 Days. 45 Kms. 2200 Meters- 3500 Meters. Strenuous.
This trek takes one from the Beas valley, over two passes and through the legendry village of Malana. It begins from Rumsu, six kms. Above from Naggar on the left bank of the Beas. Climbing southwards from Rumsu, through dense forest of cedar, spruce and oak, one passes Stellag and Dhan Karari thatches. The view of the Pir Panjal to the north is mind-blowing. First day’s halt is at Chaklani(3300m.) just below the Chandrakhani Pass (3500m.). Chandrakhani is one of the most beautiful Passes in the state, with wide snow covered slopes leading up to it and a thick carpet of birch, spruce and bhojpatra extending almost to the top. Beyond the pass is the Malana valley, ruled by Jamlu Devta who inspires total obedience even today. Unremitting descent of 6000 feet to Milana village. Malana has its own unique customs, religion, architecture and form of democracy where the village Panchayat decides everything. Reputed to be the oldest democracy in the world, its residents descended from the soldiers of Alexander’s armies. No rest house here, so best to camp beyond the Malana stream. Third day’s trek of about 18 kms. Over the Rasol pass (3200m.)which divides this valley from the Parvati valley. Stupendous view of the Malana glacier and high alpine pasture to the east. Steep descent on other side to Rasol village, then 8kms. to Chalal, a much bigger hamlet on right bank of Parbati. Abounds in rest houses, pool parlours and café serving Italian, French and Israeli cuisine! Very popular with young Europeans. Final stretch is a delightful, 2 kms walk on right bank up the foaming Parbati, cross river over a bridge to left bank and arrive at Kasol village, the road-head for Bhunter, Kullu and Mandi. It has forest rest house, HPTDC hotel and private boarding houses.
Hamta Pass
3 Days. 50 kms. 2650 Meters. - 4227 Meters. Moderately Difficult.
Hamta is the eastern-most Pass on the Pir Panjal range which divides the valleys of Lahal and Kullu . This trek route is the shortest line between the Chandra and Beas rivers and was the favoured route before the road over the Rohtang Pass was constructed. Trek commences at Sethan village, 8 kms above Prini on the left bank of the Beas. Trek goes upstream on the left bank of the Alain stream northwards, past Kharmdiari (3400m), Sarotu thatch, Jabri, crosses over to the right bank; a gentle ascending walk of an hour ands at the first day’s camp site- Chhikka (3500m), a pleasant meadow between high bluffs, just above the tree line: common to see a couple of Gujjars ancampments there. On day 2 one continues to follow the Alain north-east, the ascent becoming steeper. After two hours on comes to the huge pasture of Jaura Thatch, carpeted with ferns and alpine flowers, then Balu ka Ghera- a massive, circular depression where the Alain forms a lake. Trek circles the lake, climb a 200m. rock fall and ends at a shelf: this is Ratan Thali the camp site (3900m). to the north are high 6000m peaks- Dharamsura, Papsura- from which hang a myriad glacier. From one of this Alain is born. On day three a stiff one hour climb brings one to the Hamta Pass. The view to the north- Lahal- is amazing. 2000 feet straight below is the Hamta stream, emerging from the Hamta glacier to the east and flowing northwards to the Chandra valley. Descent is initially very steep, but it is then a lovely walk of about three hours on the Alpine grassland on right bank of Hamta to Chandra river. Hamta meets Chandra three kms. above the tiny hamlet of Chatru, which is on the main highway connecting Manali and Kaza.
Bhrigu Lake
3 Days. 28 kms 2200m.- 4270m. Moderate to strenuous
Many beautiful lakes are scattered along the Pir Panjal range on both flanks of the Rohtang Pass. Bhrigu lake, where the sage Bhrigu rishi is supposed to have meditated, is revered by the local people. Trek starts at Whispering Rocks, a few kms. beyond Palchan on the Manali- Rohtang road. Gradual ascent out of the Beas Nallah, over agricultural fields and a succession of “thatches” separated by dense forests of deodar, fir, and spruce under which the rare taxus bacatta can also be seen. One crosses Khanora thatch and Maple thatch, so names because it floor is completely carpeted with the leaves of the numerous maple trees that surround it. A large number of fallen trees here, evidences of the heavy snowfall-3 to 5 meters- that occurs here. After four hours the first campsite is reached- Siyander thatch (3350m), names after the stream that flows on its southern flank, encircled by dwarf rhododendron and kharsu oak groves. To the west, across the Beas far below, the view is panoramic, encompassing the mighty peaks at the junction of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges: Hanuman Tibba, Patalsu, Makarbay, Shakarbay, Friendship Peak, Seven Sisters, Tentu Pass. Day two involves a 1000m. ascent to Bhrigu lake, over alpine pasture in a SE direction, then over rock fields left by the retreating glaciers. The lake is tucked away in a bowl and is not visible until you actually reach it- surrounded by snow fields and topped by a 100m mound on which a holy cairn has been built. The second night is spent in Siyander thatch again, the next day one can return the way one came, or exit to the north, traversing the ridge, crossing the Khanora and Kothi nallahs and descending to Gulaba. We saw nine monal pheasants on this stretch, so it’s a route worth taking!
Kangra District.
Inderhara Pass
5 Days. 60 kms. 2100m,- 4350m. Strenuous
The towering wall of the Dhauladhars behind Dharamshala are cleft with a number of passes providing access to Chamba district- Gaj, Minkiani, Kundli. Inderhara Pass at 4350 meters is one of the most challenging. This trek can be done in four days but one should take one more day to enjoy the sheer majesty of the Dhauladhars. Trek starts at Galu Devi, nine kms from Mcleodganj, and follows a broad path through oak and rhododendron forestr to the splendid pasture of Triund (2975m): there is a forest rest house and good tenting spaces. Triund is on a spur jutting out of the main massif: at nights the lights of Dharamshala are spread out below like a design on a magic carpet. On day two one starts climbing the main range: it is seven kms. to illaqa Got and another two to Lahesh cave (3500m.) a large cave where one camps for the night, just below the pass and above the tree line. An early start the next day will get you to Inderhara Pass in three hours: terrain is rockey and treacherous and caution is advised. A three hour sharp descent brings one to the campsite of Chhata Parao (3700m). from here it is 14 kms. to the village of Kwarsi which has a trekkers hut and forest hut. The last days trek is a gentle descent of 15kms. through grassland to Choli on the Chamba- holi road.
Bara Bangal Via Thamsar Pass.
6 Days. 90 kms. 2000m-5300m. Extremely Difficult.
A challenging trek to the last major land-locked region of the state. Starts from Billing. 8 kms. off the main Pathankot- Mandi highway 30 kms. from Baijnath. (Billing is famous for an international para gliding event held every October). First stage is 14kms of pleasant hiking to the forest rest house at Rajagunda (8000feet) in the Uhl valley. Day two is 16kms. to Panahartu (12000feet), situated in an icy, wind swept gorge which has to be crossed over permanent ice bridges: the river Uhl takes birth here. It is four hour of strenuous climbing to the Thamsar pass next day; on the other side one has to walk and slide across a massive glacier at least a mile wide which feed three lakes from which springs the Thamsar Nalla. Path follows the nalla down to Merh (14000feet) and then Udeg (12000 feet) where on can camp. Nights are very cold at these heights and there are no woods to burn. On the forth day one descends for three hours to the Ravi valley and the large twin village of Bara Bangal. One trekking route goes to the NE fron here to Kullu valley over the Kalihani Pass. A day’s rest at the lovely forest rest house here is adviseable. No one knowswhy these people, who are primarily shepherds, setteled in this remote, inhospitable valley. One exits westwards along the Ravi: the fifth days trek is the most difficult, 32kms. over a succession of ridges, on a barely discernible path hundreds of feet above the river in its gorge, past tiny hamlets of Khanar, Dardi and Khurdu. Spend the night at a primitive but comfortable guest house at Khurdu. Next day it is only 8kms on a gently descending track to Nayagram, on the left bank of the Ravi, from where one can catch a bus for Holi, Bharmour or Chamba. This is an amazing trek but requires a very high degree of physical fitness.
Chota Bangal
2 Days. 30 kms. 2000meters - 2400 meters. Pleasant and easy
Chota Bangal is the area south of the Thamsar Pass, comprisisng the valley of the Uhl and Lambadug rivers. First day’s trek is from Billing to Rajagunda, described above. On day two, instead of going up the Uhl, however, one goes down it, to the south, on the rivers right bank, and then eastward from Slater pass. The pretty little hamlets of rowling, Kothikod and Baragram- all prime vegetable growing areas- can be seen on the opposite bank. The trek drops to 500 feet above the river and goes through the large village of Mayot 6 kms. fron Slater. It has some splendid houses built only from cedar wood. It is 7 kms, futher to Barot, a lovely walk along the Uhl which is shaded by a thick growth of alnus, willow and pine. Barot is an idyllic, tiny village where the mysterious Lambadug joins the Uhl from the north-east. It is also famous for the first hydle project in north-India- Shanon HEP, built in the 1930’s and a trout hatchery. It has four rest houses and a couple of guest houses. From Barot one can take a taxi or a bus to Mandi / Pathankot, or if one so wishes, continue the trek up the Lambadug on to the Sari Pass(3100m) beyond which is the remote Lug valley of Kullu district, or over the ever higher Makori Pass to the north-west to Bara Bangla(3 days).
Shimla District Churdhar.
30kms. 2 Days. 2200 meters- 3636 meters. Moderate.
Also known as the Churchandni, this peak is perhaps the most easily accessible from the plains- Nohradhar, on of its base point, is only about four hours from kalka on a very good road. However, it is advisable to start the trek from the Chopal side, in upper Shimla. Drive up to Sarain, 25 kms. from Chopal and spend the night in a heritage forest rest house set amidst pretty orchards. Next day it is a four hour easy climb through dense deodar and blue pine forests to the famous temple on the peak. (Actual peak, at 3636 meters, is about 100 meters above the temple, in a cluster of rocks, cairns and red prayer flags). Spend the night here, for one gets an unimaginable 360* view at night- the lights of both Chandigarh and Shimla are clearly visible. One can stay in a serai, or pitch tents, or even stay in the wooden hut of the temple priest who gave up a cushy teaching joy and came here more than forty years ago. It is an easy 18km. walk the next day through uninterrupted forest, down to Nohradhar, 30kms. from Rajgarh in Sirmour district. The entire Churdhar range is a wildlife sanctuary. Legends has it that it is on this mountains that Hanuman found the “sanjeevani buti” with which he brought Laxman back to life. Even to the naked eye the mountain has an abundance of medical herbs and plants. Nohradhar has a good PWD rest house and frequent bus connection to Solan/ Kalka/ Shimla/ Chandigarh.
Kugti Pass
4 Days. 60kms. 2320 meters- 5040 meters. Extremely difficult.
Connecting Bharmour area of Chamba and Pattan valley of Lahaul. From road head at Hadsar, follow the Budhil stream for 12kms. to the twin villages of Kugti where on can stay at a small rest house. Day two is 12kms. to Kuddi Got (4000m.), past the famous Keylang or Kartik temple, after a not too easy crossing of the Budhil. The walk is over lovely pasture with a spectural view of the mighty Chamba Kailash on the right. One can camp at the huge overhang cave at Duggi but it is Adviseable to press on to Kuddi Got to shorten the next day’s strenuous climb. The climb to the pass on day 3 is very difficult, over ice-fields, and extreme caution is advised. If the weather takes a turn for the worse it is sensible to abort the trek and return. It takes five hour to the pass and another 4kms. to the camping site at Khardu (3550m.): the descent is over glaciated and scree covered terrains, and very steep. The final day covers about 12kms. to Rappe village on the banks of the Chandrabhaga river, in the pristine Pattan valley with its field of potatoes and pea spread out like a colorful quilt. The river is crossed over a bridge to Shansha village which is on the road connecting Keylong, Udaipur and Manali.
Kinnaur Kinner Kailash Parikrama
4Days, 70kms, 2800meters- 5240meters, Extremely Difficulty
Performed by both Buddist and Hindus, a parikrama second only to that of mount Kailash. August and September are the best times. Trek begins at Thangi on the right bank of the Tedong, about four hours by road from Reckong Peo. It is 10kms. to Lambar (2950m.), all along the steep Charang khad. Day two takes one 20kms. to the larger village of Charang (3400m.), situated just above the confluence of the Charang and Shurtingting streams. There is a rest house here and a gompa where pilgrims receive blessing before moving on. Day 3 (13kms.) involves crossing the high pasture of Charang and ascending up a stream to Lalanti(4300m.), camping on its left bank. Day 2 (27kms.), is the most difficult, ascending more than a thousand meters, over immense rock falls, past the snout of a glacier on the right, and then clawing one’s way up a steep, scree slope to the Charang pass (5240m.). the view from the top is awesome. From the saddle it is a steep descent of almost 2000meters to Chitkul (3400m.), the last village in the Sangla valley and the road-head. Across the Baspa river one can see the huge, verdant pastures known as “kandas” which offer infinite trekking and camping possibilities themselves. High above is the Rupen pass, guarding the western flanks to the remote Dodra Kawar valley. Conclude the trek by worshipping at the temple of the Chitkul Deviand offering thanks. Incidentally, beyond Charang one is prohibited from plucking any wild flowers or shrubs by any edict of the Devi! One can stay at the rest house in either Chitkul or Sangla, 24 kms down the valley. From there it is fantastically beautiful drive down to Karcham, and on to Shimla.
Dodra- Kwar Over Chanshal Pass
3 Days. 55kms. 2400meters - 4220meters. Moderate
Road head/ Base camp is at Larot (2400m.) in the untouched Pabbar valley, about 35kms. from Rohru. There is a good forest house at Larot. First day trek is of 18kms. eastwards over the Chanshal Pass to Dodra village. The western slopes of the Chanshal massif are covered with dense forests, tapering off to velvet- smooth pasture on top. There is a small stone temple on the top. The other eastern flank is barren and rock strewn, but after a descent of about 500meters the forests claim the landscape again. Dodra (2400m.) is a fairly large village with a very basic forest hut. It is perched over the Rupin river, and straight across the valley is the village of Kwar (2300.), 8kms. away and the second days destination. Kwar is a much larger village with its own heli-pad and SDM. It also has a very well furnished, three roomed rest house. The temples at Dodra and Kwar are worth seeing. Their exterior are covered with the mounted heads of various animal, most of them a rarity nowadays. From Kwar one has two options: the easier one is to follow the Rupin downstream for 28kms. in a SE direction, emerging in Naitwar in Uttaranchal. From here one can get a bus for Dehradoon or Chopal/Shimla. The more interesting, and adventurous, journey however, is to aim for the Rupin Pass, beyond which is the Sangla valley of Kinnaur. Continue up the Rupin on day 3, cross it at Jiskoon, and camp at Jiskoon, and canp at Jakha (2600m.), the last village in the valley, now fully converted to the Radhaswamy way of life. Day 4 is a hard, 15km climb to the pasture of Saribassa below the Pass: there are caves where one can camp. Next day one reaches the Rupin pass(4750.) over moraine and scree. From there it downhill all the way to Sangla, over the lovely alpine pasture known as Sangla Kanda.
Chamba
Manimahesh Lake
2 days. 30kms. 2320m.- 4100m. Moderate
It is one of the most religious destinations in the state, visited by thousands each year. It is best to avoid it during the mela period in August- September. Late September to October is ideal. A motor able road goes upto Hadsar, 18km. from the sub-divisional headquarters of Bharmour. Well defined track from Hadsar, gradual ascent of three hours brings up the flat camping ground of Dhancho. One can either camp here or push on to the lake. The climb gets steeper from here, through Bander Ghati, across Gauri nallah, past Gauri kund where it is customary for ladies to take a dip. The track has been much improved by the administration. After four one arrives at the lake, a large water body fed by many streams of snow melt cascading down the flanks of the massive range behind. On a clear day one can see Mount Kailash to the north: the devout consider themselves blessed if they get a sighting of the Peak which is usually wrapped in thick clouds. Camping here is a special experience, especially if the night is clear. One can return to Bharmour in one day.