Buran Ghati Trek

Buran Ghati is one of the best Himalayan treks in India. We can make this simple and tall statement because this trek encompasses every element of a typical mountain landscape – forests, meadows, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and villages. Adding to that is the thrill of an overnight Pass crossing, snow rappelling and snow slides!

This shepherd’s route connects Pabbar valley of Shimla to Baspa valley of Kinnaur. Other two passes in the same mountain range that connect these two valleys are the Guna Pass and Rupin Pass. The Buran valley in fact runs parallel to the Rupin valley. They are separated by just one cliff range.

Best time to do the Buran Ghati trek in the mighty Dhauladhar ranges of Himachal Pradesh is summer or autumn. Rappelling down a vertical snow wall and sliding in snow is possible in the summer months of April-June. In the autumn months of September-October, the ice has melted and the Pass is descended over a slightly tricky stone trail. Both the seasons have contrasting but equally beautiful landscapes. In other months, the weather is too hostile to trek.

We will arrange for your transport from Shimla to Janglik. Your trek begins from this village with greetings from Himachali mountain folks. You cross pine forests to reach Dayara – a sprawling meadow with galloping horses. At Litham, you camp between the river Pabbar and a waterfall. You make an excursion to the source of these two water bodies – Chandranaahan Lake – which is said to be sacred. You proceed to the high-altitude campsite of Dhunda, situated at the foot of Buran Pass. After crossing Buran Pass, also known as Barua Pass, you rest at Munirang or River Campsite. You then descend to Barua village and its farms of peaches, apples, apricots and jeera and return to Shimla.

It is easy to reach Shimla from Delhi or Chandigarh through regular local buses. Or you can take a train from Chandigarh to Kalka, which is the nearest station to Shimla. Being a challenging trek in the Indian Himalayas, Buran Ghati is recommended for people who have done at least one multi-day Himalayan trek.

History of Buran Ghati Trek

Located in Pabbar Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Buran Ghati is known for its natural beauty and spiritual significance. The region is dedicated to Shaivism and other Himalayan deities. Some nearby villages like Janglik and Barua were believed to have divine protectors (gram devtas) and worshipped by Himalayan tribes. Mythologically it is said that a sage once discovered the 'Buran' (Gateway of Winds) here and named the pass after it.

During the medieval period, Buran Ghati region came under the influence of Rajput chieftains and Bushahr State (a regal state based in Rampur). Then, it was used as a transit pass for trading of wool, salt and herbs among the different valleys. It connected the Pabbar Valley with the Baspa Valley in Kinnaur. Buran Ghati was called as a 'secret path' to avoid taxation during inter-clan conflicts. It was also used by the Gaddi community to move their livestock between high-altitude summer and low-altitude winter meadows. 

In the British period, the British recognized the strategic importance of Buran Ghati for navigating and potential escape routes. However, they had limited direct control over the high passes like Buran Ghati. Some British officers have mentioned their journeys to Chini (Kalpa) or Rohru in their travelogues. An old British forest officer has mentioned 'mysterious trail above Barua', possibly refers to Barua Ghati and the surrounding region.

After independence, Buran Ghati remained a hidden gem for a long time. But in recent decades, it was rediscovered by some trekking communities and got recognized for its dramatic ice wall descent and different terrains. Janglik village, which served as a basecamp to Buran Ghati trek, is known for its preserved wooden Himachali architecture.

Highlights of Buran Ghati Trek

• Diverse Terrain: Buran Ghati trek has a variety of terrains- you will cross different types of terrains with passing of each destination. Trek starts with the lush green forests of pine, oak and rhododendron and then it opens into the wide spread meadows like Dayara Thatch. Treks pass by glacial lakes and snowfields and move to dramatic mountain passes. The continuous changes of trek appear visually appealing and physically engaging.
• Stunning Views: Throughout the trek, your eyes are treated with the magical views of the Dhauladhar and Kinnaur ranges. Campsites like Dhunda, Janglik and Litham offer stunning sunrise and sunset views with golden hues. It makes snowy peaks turn golden and pink. On the Barua sides it seems very spectacular with wide beautiful valleys. For photography lovers, it's a pure delight.
• Adventure Elements: Trekking in Buran Ghati Pass is full of adventure. It involves true Himalayan challenges as steam crossings, glacial zones, rapid altitude gain and a rope-assisted descent. Here you will find snow in the summer season. These challenges with breathtaking visuals make trekking more exciting and thrilling.
• Chandranahan Lake: Chandranahan Lake is a cluster of small ponds fed by snowmelt.  It is located at an altitude of 4,200 m. To reach here, you need a hike from Litham over uneven, rocky and often snow-covered terrain. The lake is considered sacred by the locals. In the contrast of snowy ridges, the setting of Chandarnahan Lake seems isolated and stark which gives mystical vibes.
• Buran Ghati Pass: This is the highest point of the trek (4,572 m) and the most thrilling part of the trekking in Buran Ghati. To reach the pass, you have to make a steep ascent which is often through snow. But the real adventure starts while descending- it requires technical rope support and sometimes help of ice axes. Trekkers slide down with the help of experienced guides. It offers a full-blown expedition feel with thrilling adventures.

Difficulty Level of the Buran Ghati Trek

Trekking in Buran Ghati is rated moderate to difficult. The highest point of the trek is 4,550 m and the trail is around 38 km long, passing through diverse terrains. The trek takes one week (7-8 days) to complete. It is suitable for trekkers who have some high-altitude trekking experience or prior trekking experience in Himachal Pradesh. 

Trek starts in the lush green meadows and pine, oak and rhododendron forests of Janglik which also serves as basecamp. Slowly it transitions into alpine zones with wildflowers, snow bridges, stream crossings, high-altitude lakes and rocky sections. The trail also includes long ascents and steep descents, especially steep descents that require technical help of ropes, harnesses and ice axes  – certainly not suitable for solo trekkers. A 70-degree snow wall descent just after the pass is the most challenging part and requires experienced guides and technical support.

Trekkers face rapid altitude gain while trekking in Buran Ghati which often triggers AMS. Proper acclimatization and hydration are mandatory. Trekking requires 7-8 days to complete hence carrying a loaded backpack with all trekking essentials is imperative.

Buran Ghati trek is not suitable for kids, family and beginners. Also, it requires physical fitness, mental strength and optimal training. Trekkers also must be prepared for sudden weather changes and Himalayan risks.

Best time to do the Buran Ghati Trek

Buran Ghati is a trek that caters to all tastes and temperaments. Here’s laying out the seasonal menus, so you can pick what you relish.

• May

Lo and behold sheets of snow to trudge through, roll in, slide over, climb on and also rappel down.

Yes, we mean that all. Buran Ghati is a snow enthusiast’s must do trek in this month, for its snow-scape is versatile and serves as a massive playground of sorts.

One of the play activities is climbing up a steep snow hill, at 2:30am, under the twinkling stars and glowing moon, to reach the Buran Pass. (You read that right).

Standing on the Buran Pass, witness the surreal view of a valley that has just woken up and is beckoning you with swirling mist. You can reach the valley only by rappelling down the ice wall on the other side of the snow hill.

Adventure doesn’t end just there. You then have numerous snow slides to propel you towards your next campsite as you gleefully squeal “wheeeee”.  

Don't forget to look over your shoulder once in a while as you climb the snow hill to reach the Pass, to witness one of the most mesmerizing daybreaks

• June

During this month, you still have that magnanimous snow playground offering all the above activities, including the rappelling and slides. 

But the snow has thawed substantially and also made way for a seemingly endless carpet of green grass, embroidered with yellow, purple and white flowers. 

June is the perfect month to witness the best of both worlds. Sprawling grasslands of the meadows, traversed by adorable sheep and horses, make way for ever-growing snow fields as you head towards the Pass.

• Sep - Oct

In these months, the snow has bowed out. The long-standing ice wall too has melted away to rest awhile. The Pass can now be crossed over during normal working hours by walking down a slightly tricky stone trail, instead of rappelling.

What you might miss of the snow is compensated by the magnificent grasslands of this season, though. After the monsoons, they have now become an even more charming and invigorating shade of lush green. The flowers too are even more animated and causing a riot of colours, standing out against autumn’s green pastures and brown mountains. 

For those who would much rather soak in bright, lively hues of a colourful land instead of a sea of white snow, these are the months to be at Buran Ghati.   

The Buran Ghati trek is a wholesome trek, with the varied seasons simply offering different flavours. And all of them are lip-smacking.

Did we help you by chalking out which season best suits your taste and temperament palette, or maybe even tempt you to try out a new cuisine, let us know by commenting below.

How to Reach Buran Ghati Trek?

To reach the Buran Ghati trek, reach Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) first. You can reach Shimla directly from Delhi and Chandigarh.

• By Road: From Delhi or Chandigarh, take an overnight Volvo or HRTC bus (8-9 hrs) to Shimla. From Chandigarh it takes 4-5 hrs to reach Shimla by bus.
• By Air: From Delhi, there are limited flights to Shimla (Jubbarhatti Airport). However, from Chandigarh, there are no direct flights to Shimla. You can opt for a taxi or cab which usually takes 4-5 hours to reach.

Shimla to Janglik (Base Camp)

From Shimla, take a taxi (mostly shared) to Janglik village. It is around a 160 km journey and takes approx 9-10 hrs to reach.

Start trek from Janglik

From Janglik, the trek to Buran Ghati gets started. It passes through Dayara Thatch, Litham, Chandranahan Lake, Dhunda, Buran Ghati Pass and concludes at Barua village.

Return from Barua to Shimla

From Barua, there are very limited public transports available to Shimla. You can arrange a taxi back to Shimla. Usually trek organizing companies arrange this service.

• Additional Tips
• Stay in Shimla a day before trek for acclimatization.
• Carry valid ID proofs.
• Ensure physical and mental preparedness as trek can be somewhat challenging.