If you have ever dreamt of standing up in the mountains with clouds below your feet breathing in crisp pine scented air and staring at snow peaks touching the sky you are about to discover a trek that might just change your life. That’s what Buran Ghati Trek is all about. It is India’s most versatile breathtaking trail tucked away in Himachal Pradesh. Trek is basically all about dense forests, flowery meadows, charming Himalayan villages, glacial lakes, steep climbs, snow covered passes and even a Repelling descent on ice.
What makes Buran Ghati so special?
All right let’s be honest India has dozens of treks. So why should you choose buran ghati 1st place? It’s diverse every day and feels like a new country: forests , meadows , snow fields, rivers , lakes. It is off the beaten path unlike crowded treks like kedar kantha Buran Ghati is peaceful, raw and pure. It’s challenging but doable if you have been active and want something thrilling but manageable this is your best bet.
Where exactly is Buran Ghati ?
Buran Ghati is located in the district of Himachal Pradesh beginning from the small village of Janglik and ending at Barua village in the Kinnaur region. The trek amid oak and pine trees slowly and climb into the helpline heaven.
Best Time to Do Buran Ghati Trek in 2025
You have two main windows to choose from:
Summer Season (Mid-May to End of June)
- Snow is still around at the pass
- You will get the chance to rappel down a snow wall
- Beautiful wildflowers and lush meadows
- Weather is crisp and clear
Autumn Season (Mid-September to Mid-October)
- Clear skies, dry trails, and fewer trekkers
- Meadows turn golden
- Slightly easier trek since most snow has melted
- Great for photography
Buran Ghati Quick Facts
- Location: Shimla & Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh
- Start Point: Janglik Village
- End Point: Barua Village
- Altitude: 15,000 feet at Buran Pass
- Duration: 6–7 days of trekking (8–9 days including travel)
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Moderate to difficult trek not a cakewalk but not even Everest either. Firstly you need to ask yourself if you are fit enough, can you jog or briskly walk 5 kilometers without collapsing or can you climb stairs for 30 minutes. If you nodded yes you are good to go just train a little walking, stair climbing or yoga and help.
Packing for Buran Ghati , Keep it Smart & Light
Let’s make sure you carry just what you need , nothing extra.
Must-Have Gear:
- Backpack (50–60L)
- Daypack (for shorter hikes)
- Trekking shoes (ankle-high, good grip)
- Walking pole (seriously, saves your knees)
Clothes (Layering is life!):
- 3 quick-dry t-shirts
- 2–3 trek pants
- 1 thermal layer (top & bottom)
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 heavy down jacket (especially for the pass day)
- Woollen cap, gloves, socks (3–4 pairs)
- Raincoat or poncho
Other Essentials:
- Headlamp + batteries
- Water bottle + hydration tablet
- Power bank
- Sunscreen, lip balm
- First-aid kit (including Diamox if prone to altitude sickness)
- Toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer
How Much Does Buran Ghati Cost?
| Item | Cost |
| Trek Package (all inclusive) | ₹14,000–₹18,000 |
| Travel to/from Shimla | ₹4,000–₹6,000 |
| Rentals (shoes, jacket) | ₹1,500–₹2,000 |
| Misc. (snacks, buffer) | ₹ 1,000 |
Day-by-Day Buran Ghati Itinerary
Let’s break the trek into days so you can imagine how it unfolds.
Day 1: Drive from Shimla to Janglik (Base Village)
- Drive: ~9 hours via Rohru
- Altitude: ~9,200 ft
The drive is long but scenic. You will pass apple orchards and riverside roads. Janglik is a cozy wooden village , the starting point of your adventure. You can arrive in Shimla one day earlier to avoid any travel stress.
Day 2: Janglik to Dayara Thatch
- Trek: 5–6 hours
- Altitude: ~11,000 ft
Your first trekking day! You will walk through deep forests, wooden bridges and eventually come to the meadows or huge green open space that is just perfect for chilling and photography.
Day 3: Dayara to Litham
- Trek: 4–5 hours
- Altitude: ~11,800 ft
On your third day you will actually feel that the trail opens up. You will walk beside the streams, see waterfalls and spot wildflowers dancing in the wind. You camp near a river with stunning views of the snow capped peaks. Just dipping your tired feet in the icy stream is painful but it’s completely refreshing.
Day 4: Day Hike to Chandranahan Lake and Return to Litham
- Trek: 6–7 hours round trip
- Altitude: ~13,000 ft
This is a tough but rewarding day. You will climb rocky trails and snow patches to reach Chandranahan Lake, a sacred glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. After soaking in the views, you can head back to Litham.
Day 5: Litham to Dhunda
- Trek: 6 hours
- Altitude: ~13,500 ft
Today, you climb again toward the Buran Pass base camp. The views here are really amazing. You will leave greenery behind and enter helpline territory. The camp is rugged, wild and cold. From here you will see the buran pass looming in the distance. The feeling is completely mixed, nervous but thrilled.
Day 6: Dhunda to River Camp via Buran Ghati Pass
- Trek: 10 hours
- Altitude: Cross 15,000 ft
It is the biggest day of your trek. Starting early, it’s completely freezing. You climb steep snowfields towards the Buran Ghati . Once you reach the top of the endless mountains on both sides. The wind hits your face but your heart is warm with pride. Now comes the famous part: the descent either repel down using ropes or slide down snow gullies on your backside. It’s completely fun but scary too. You can camp at the bottom by a river. Undoubtedly you will be tired but at the end of the day you will be happy.
Day 7: River Camp to Barua Village
- Trek: 5–6 hours
- End of trek
It’s your last day. You slowly descend into forests, cross small bridges and arrive at Barua village, a quiet charming place with wooden homes and curious kids. From here you can drive back towards civilization.
Health and Safety Tips
- Acclimatize: Rest well on Days 1–2
- Hydrate: Drink 4–5 liters of water daily
- Food: Eat light but energizing food (your guides usually provide meals)
- AMS Symptoms: Headache, nausea, fatigue, inform your guide immediately
What About Food?
Surprisingly good!
Most trekking companies provide:
- Hot breakfasts: porridge, paratha, toast, eggs
- Lunch: rice, dal, sabzi
- Dinner: soup, roti, sabzi, noodles
- Tea, coffee, biscuits
Photography & Magical Moments
- Chandranahan Lake at sunrise , surreal!
- Golden meadows at Dayara, perfect for portraits
- Snow slide from Buran Pass , your GoPro moment!
- Starry night at Dhunda – you will never forget it
Accommodation where you will sleep?
You will be camping most nights in twin sharing tents with sleeping bags. The setup is basic but comfortable. The views? Out of the world. Some nights you might stay in local wooden houses. They are completely cozy and authentic.
Yes with proper fitness even the beginners can do the trek. Before going for the trek you need to ensure that you do cardio for at least four to six weeks before.
Most camps have dry toilets. You can carry your own toilet paper.
Trek leaders carry a first aid kit oxygen and also have exit strategies.
Absolutely this is not a divvy trek. You should always go with the reputable group.
Usually not much snow melts by September.
So above all you need to know that Buran Ghati trek is not just a walk in the mountains it’s a full on Adventure that pushes your limits, refreshes your soul and gives you lifelong memories. Whether it’s your first big trek or a new big tick on your bucket list 2025 is a perfect year to do it. You will come back tired but inspired, proud and filled with stories.
