Indrahar Pass Trek — Dhauladhar Crossing, 4 Days

The trek begins at the village of Bhagsunag, approximately 10 kilometers from McLeodganj. The path rises steeply through deodar forest, climbing toward the Triund ridge. The route passes through the base of the Dhauladhar Range's near-vertical faces and the Kangra Valley below. As elevation increases, forest composition shifts to oak and rhododendron, which line a ridge running perpendicular to Triund. After crossing this ridge intersection, the terrain opens to a grassy meadow at Triund (2,875 m), where tents are pitched for the first night.

From Triund, the ascent continues upward with increasingly rocky and barren terrain, scattered with oak trees and rhododendron bushes. The route passes the Kunal Pathri temple at the hill's top before descending slightly to Laka Got (3,200 m), a small glacier base. This day covers approximately 5 kilometers and allows acclimatization before the high-altitude push. Laka Got remains a glacier until late monsoon; the camp is established above the ice for the night.

The longest and most demanding day of the trek begins in early morning darkness. A 4-5 hour ascent takes you to Indrahar Pass at 4,300 metres, following the north-eastern ridge face as the terrain grows progressively rockier and more exposed. The path demands careful footing, particularly where sheer 300-foot drops fall away to either side. As gradient steepens in the final approach, you know the pass is near. At the summit, a distinctive cairn of boulders and rocks stands adorned with red cloth trishuls, a marker visible across the high ridge. The views from this vantage are striking: the entire Kangra Valley spreads below, higher snow-capped peaks rise in the distance, and on clear days the Pir-Panjal range commands the horizon. Weather and season alter the experience—trek between May and June and you'll cross patches of snow underfoot; return post-monsoon and the trail remains snow-free, though the snowy peaks remain equally dramatic. Allow time to rest at the pass, absorb the scale of the landscape, and photograph the views. 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. Though physically demanding, this day crystallizes why the trek commands respect among Himalayan routes. You overnight again in tents at Laka Got.

The final stage of the Indrahar Pass trek begins in the early hours, offering the easiest day of the journey. You'll descend approximately 14 kilometers on a downhill route that, while substantial in distance, is gentler on the body than previous days. The path diverges via Laheta village, taking you through a different landscape as you make your way down. The trek concludes at Bhagsu village near its namesake waterfall, where you'll pause for a packed lunch beside the cascading water. After refueling, continue walking to the village road where your vehicle waits for the short 10-minute drive into McLeodganj. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure to rest and reflect on the trek.