If you want to hone your trekking skills with a moderately difficult venture, then Indrahar Pass trek is perfect for you. Indrahar is a mountain pass in the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas, and the hike to this place offers splendid scenery. Start walking uphill from either Bhagsunag or Dharamkot, and tread through deodar forests up to the temple of Galu Devta. Ahead, the ascent becomes steeper and the vegetation along the way changes to that of rhododendrons and oaks. Keep walking on a ridge to reach a lush meadow, called Triund, for an overnight stay in tents. At dawn, recommence the Indrahar Pass trekking trip by hiking further uphill.

Stop for tea and some relaxation at the grassland of Illaqa before continuing the journey further. Upon resuming the trek to Indrahar Pass, cross the tree line and notice sparse patches of grass on the mountain slopes. Ascend through hordes of small rocks and large boulders to arrive at Lahesh Cave, an incredible camping place. Live like prehistoric humans inside the cave, and in the morning commence the final climb. Negotiate more rocky terrain to reach the summit of the mountain pass that gives bewitching views of the Kangra Valley and numerous peaks of the Himalayas. Thereafter, begin the all-downhill section of this Indrahar Pass trekking tour to first arrive in Illaqa, and then in McLeodganj following an overnight stay at the former place.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive at Mcleodganj- Begin trek to Triund via Bhagsunag (10 km, 2875 m)

Reach on your own at Mcleodganj base camp and begin the Indrahar Pass trek from the village of Bhagsunag, near the hill town of McLeodganj. The path leads above the villages then it starts climbing. Hike uphill through pristine forests of deodar trees, and see the mighty and almost-vertical mountains of the Dhauladhar Range and Kangra Valley. Keep walking through forests of oak and rhododendron bushes on a ridge that is perpendicular to Triund – another ridge. Pass the latter landform and reach a grassy meadow to set up camps for an overnight stay.

Day 02: Triund to Laka Got (3200 m, 5 kms)​

Today morning, you will hike in order to get acclimatize with the further steep ascent. The terrain becomes rocky and almost barren with a few oak trees and rhododendron bushes scattered on the slopes. You will also walk to the Kunal Pathri temple nestled at the top of the hill. Laka Got is the base of Indrahar Pass and is nestled on a small glacier that usually melts in late monsoon. You will camp above the glacier for an overnight stay.

Day 03: Laka got – Inderhara pass (4300m, 4-5 hrs) – Laka Got​

Early in the morning, begin the longest leg of the trek to Indrahar Pass that will take you to its summit in 4-5 hours. Continue ascending along the north-eastern face of the ridge, and later tread along with a lot of caution as the track becomes rocky, making the journey tough and challenging. Along the way, there are sheer drops of almost 300 feet, and looking down from here is sure to get your heart racing.

All of a sudden, the gradient of the path increases even more, and this is an indication that the destination is now close. On reaching the pass, notice a number of Trishuls, adorned with pieces of red cloth, fixed in a pyramidal pile of boulders and rocks. The views from the top are unbelievable with snow visible on higher reaches and may be some clouds below. If there are no clouds, then the views of the entire Kangra Valley may capture your attention. If you trek in May to June, you will find patches of snow, on which you will have to walk, however during post-monsoon period you will find no snow on the trail, however you can enjoy the magnificent view of the snowy peaks of Pir-Panjal range.

After clicking photos and appreciating the bounties of nature from up here, start hiking downhill to reach the campsite at Laka Got for an overnight stay in tents. It will take three to four hours to reach back to the camp.

Day 04: Laka Got- Triund – Mcleod Ganj 14 km​

In the early hours of the day, begin the final stage of this Indrahar Pass trekking tour that will also be the easiest of all. The distance to be covered today is approximately 14 km, but since it is a downhill journey, it will not take a heavy toll on your body. You will pass through a different route, via Laheta village. Your trek will end in Bhagsu village, near the waterfall. You will have the packed lunch at the waterfall. After that, you will continue to walk till the village, from where you will be taken to McleodGanj via drive, which will take approx. 10minutes to reach. On reaching check-in at the hotel and spend the rest of the time at your own leisure