Drive: 15 km, 1 hr

Trek: 12-14 km, 6 hrs

Altitude Gain: 6,500 ft – 8,398 ft

After a hearty breakfast, we will be transported to Taluka by car. The drive is a bit bumpy. The trek commences from Taluka on a stony path. The motorable road in Govind Pashu National Park ends here. With the river Supin gushing through rapids beside us, under the shade of walnut, pine and other trees, the walk is quite pleasant. Often the passing villagers greet us on the way. We also see plantations of the red-coloured Himalayan crop amaranth, locally known as cholai.

A few hours and crossing over a few streams later, we see the village of Gangad across the river on the left. We continue our hike and after about an hour, the quaint village of Osla unfolds itself. Osla is a household name among trekkers. Home to about 200 families, it gives us a peek into Garwahli culture. Seema is a tiny settlement opposite to Osla on the other side of the river. We set camp here or stay in a hut with a local family in the village.

Trek: 12-13 km, 7 hrs

Altitude Gain: 8,398 ft – 11,515 ft

From Osla the trail gradually rises higher and passes through bushes of flowers like orchids, fleece flowers and sunflowers. The ascending path climbs high above the confluence of Supin river and the river from Ruinsara valley.

After traversing higher up along the left side of the river, we camp at a very panoramic spot in Har ki Dun, located at the junction of two valleys – one originating from Jaundhar glacier and the other from beyond Hata glacier.

Trek: 5-6 km, 3-4 hrs

Altitude Gain: 11,515 ft – 13,779 ft

Today we trek at moderate pace to reach Ratha Tho. On the wasy, we pass by Morinda Tal, a small lake. A part of the trek is a bit over boulders but with the views of snow covered peaks and wide valleys, it is a beautiful walk.

Trek: 6-7 km, 5-6 hrs

Altitude Gain: 13,779 ft – 16,076 ft

On this day, we walk higher up. The path is over boulders and quite often snow-covered. The campsite at upper Lamjung is also on snow mostly. From here one gets a beautiful view of the valley behind.

Trek: 10-12 km, 7 hrs

Altitude Gain and loss: 16,076 ft – 17,583 ft – 13,123 ft

We start before sunrise for this day’s trek. As we keep moving higher up, the views open up behind us. After crossing two glaciers and a final ascent over boulders, the cradle shaped Borasu pass lies before us. We descend towards the Himachal side of the pass into a large glacier usually glissading over the initial slope. The trek further is along a tributary of Baspa river. We may find shepherds near the campsite.

Trek: 15 km, 6-7 hrs

Altitude loss: 13,123 ft – 11,253 ft

Today’s trek takes about 8 h. This is an easy walk through flower fields and forests. Overnight in Chitkul Village. The trek ends here. One can get public or private transport from Chitkul or Sangla to Shimla.

The Borasu Pass trek is a bit tough. You should have a good level of fitness and some trekking experience before trying it. It’s not recommended for beginners or people who haven’t hiked much before.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s needed for the trek:

Endurance: You’ll be walking for long hours, sometimes over steep hills. It’s good to be able to comfortably walk for 5-6 hours a day with a backpack.

Cardio Fitness: The high altitude and steep climbs ask for good cardiovascular fitness. It’s a good goal to be able to jog or run 5 kilometers in 30 minutes or less.

Strength: Strong legs and core muscles are super important for handling the uneven ground and carrying a backpack. Regular strength exercises can help.

Mental Strength: The trek can be mentally tough because of the altitude and long walking days. Staying positive and mentally strong is really important.

The difficulty of the Borasu Pass is moderate to difficult but can be safely done with proper preparation and guidance from experienced organizers. Here are safety tips:

1. Altitude Sickness: Proper acclimatization, gradual ascent, and staying hydrated are key to preventing altitude sickness at high altitudes.
2. Terrain and Weather: Steep paths and rocky trails can be slippery. Good footwear, trekking poles, and careful steps help avoid falls.
3. Wildlife: Be alert to wildlife like bears and dogs. Avoid going alone and follow guide instructions.
4. Remoteness: Limited medical help is available, so carry a first-aid kit and emergency communication options.

The Borasu Pass trek usually welcomes participants between the ages of 14 and 16 as the youngest, while the upper limit is typically around 60 years old.

These age boundaries are set for safety reasons. The trek is demanding, with high altitudes and potential risks. Younger participants might not have the necessary physical and mental strength, and they may be more vulnerable to altitude-related issues.

As for the upper age limit, it’s primarily a precaution for safety. Older participants may have underlying health concerns or reduced physical capacities, which could make the trek more challenging and increase the likelihood of complications.

The Borasu Pass trek is in the Western Himalayas, stretching between Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh states. It begins in Sankri village, Uttarakhand, and finishes in Chitkul village, Himachal Pradesh. The journey covers Govind National Park, Rupin Pass, and reaches Borasu Pass at 5,360 meters (17,585 feet) high.

The trek offers a mix of scenery like green valleys, snowy peaks, glaciers, and pretty meadows. It’s a bit tough but totally worth it for the amazing views of the Himalayas and the chance to experience the wild beauty.

The Borasu Pass trek has different temperatures depending on the time and how high up you are. It’s best to go in May-June or September-October when the weather is good for trekking.

In May-June: In lower places, it’s about 15°C to 20°C in the day, but higher up it can get as cold as 5°C to 10°C. At night, especially up high, it can go below freezing.

In September-October: In lower places, it’s about 10°C to 15°C in the day, and higher up it can get to 5°C to 10°C. At night, it’s about 2°C to 8°C in lower areas, and -2°C to 4°C up high.

July and August: It’s not a good time because there’s lots of rain and the weather is unpredictable. It can be between 15°C to 25°C in the day and 10°C to 15°C at night.

November to April: It’s too cold and snowy for most people. In the day, it’s between -5°C to 5°C, and at night, it can go below -10°C.

Using your mobile phone during the Borasu Pass trek can be tricky. Sometimes you might get a signal, especially in lower spots or near villages, but it’s not reliable.

Because of the mountains and the remote areas, it’s hard for mobile signals to reach everywhere. When you go higher up, it’s even tougher to get a signal.

If you need to talk to family or friends, tell them your plan before you start. You can also bring a special phone or locator just for emergencies.

The Borasu Pass trek is considered a moderate to difficult trek, requiring a good level of physical fitness and prior trekking experience. It is not recommended for beginners or individuals with limited hiking experience.

If you’re new to trekking, it’s a good idea to start with easier treks to get used to it before trying Borasu Pass. Make sure to check with your doctor to be sure you’re fit for high-altitude trekking.

Here’s a plan to get ready for Borasu Pass:

Cardio: Do 3-4 cardio sessions each week. Start slow and then go longer and faster. Activities like jogging, running, swimming, and cycling are good.

Strength Training: 2-3 times a week, work on strength. Focus on your legs, core, and upper body. Exercises like squats, lunges, planks, and push-ups are good.

Hiking: Practice with a backpack to get used to how it feels. Begin with shorter hikes and then do longer ones with more uphill.

Altitude Practice: Spend a few days at a place with medium height (2500-3000 meters) before the trek. This helps your body get used to the thinner air.

Always listen to your body, take it easy when you need to, and rest when you feel tired. Getting ready like this will make your trek more enjoyable and lower the chances of getting sick or hurt.