BURAN GHATI TREK
Altitude
15,000 ft (4,572 m)
Duration
7 Days
Difficulty
Moderate to Difficult
TREK OVERVIEW & QUICK FACTS
About BURAN GHATI TREK
Buran Ghati (4,575m) is the quintessential complete Himalayan trek, packing every single element of high-altitude adventure into one extraordinary journey. Located in the Pabbar valley of Himachal Pradesh, this trek is famous for its gorgeous forests, expansive fruit orchards, alpine lakes, and a thrilling rappelling descent down an ice wall.
The journey kicks off from the historic village of Janglik, walking through pristine, fairy-tale forests of oak and pine that open into the magnificent meadow of Dayara. The trail is dotted with babbling brooks and colorful wildflowers that make every step a delight.
Ascending further brings trekkers to the shores of Chandranahan Lake—a glacial tarn fed by surrounding snowfields that serves as the source of the Pabbar river. Acclimatizing by this serene lake surrounded by rugged mountain peaks prepares the team for the big pass day.
The climb to Buran Ghati pass is a thrilling ascent up steep boulder moraines and snow slopes. Standing on the narrow pass ridge offers panoramic views of the Kinner Kailash peaks and a daunting look at the famous vertical drop on the other side.
The highlight of the trek is descending the pass via a vertical 400-foot snow and ice wall. Trekkers are safely rappelled down by guides using climbing ropes and harnesses—an adrenaline-pumping experience that ends in a fun snow slide down to the Barua valley orchards.
Technical Rigor & Safety
Challenging trekking rigor. Features a thrilling vertical rappelling descent down an icy snow wall overseen by technical guides, requiring courage and steady footwork.
Led by certified mountaineering instructors equipped with medical oxygen cylinders, pulse oximeters, high-altitude first aid kits, and emergency mountain communication gear.
THE RAPPEL PASS
“Rappelling down the great white ice wall into the orchard valleys of Barua.”
TREK ITINERARY
Drive Shimla to Janglik Base Camp
Trek Janglik to Dayara Thatch Meadow
Trek Dayara Thatch to Litham Campsite
Excursion to Sacred Chandranahan Lake & Return to Litham
Trek Litham to Dhunda Advanced Base Camp
Pass Crossing: Dhunda across Buran Ghati Pass to Munirang
Trek Munirang to Barua Village & Drive to Shimla
May to Jun, Sep to Oct (Rappelling Windows)
FREE CANCELLATION UP TO 30 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE
May to Jun, Sep to Oct (Rappelling Windows)
FREE CANCELLATION UP TO 30 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS & ESSENTIAL GEAR
Climate & Alpine Zone
Physical Preparation
Terrain Profile
THINGS TO CARRY (ESSENTIAL GEAR)
Technical Mountaineering Hardware Required
This trek requires specialized hardware: Harness, Carabiners, Helmet.
Mountaineering Boots
Mandatory standard item listed specifically for BURAN GHATI TREK based on authentic mountain conditions.
Harness
Mandatory standard item listed specifically for BURAN GHATI TREK based on authentic mountain conditions.
Carabiners
Mandatory standard item listed specifically for BURAN GHATI TREK based on authentic mountain conditions.
Helmet
Mandatory standard item listed specifically for BURAN GHATI TREK based on authentic mountain conditions.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ADVENTURE?
Physical Endurance & Cardio Benchmark
High stamina required. Must be able to jog 5 km in under 30-32 minutes or ascend 1,000 stairs with a 5kg daypack without excessive fatigue. Regular cardio prep for 4-6 weeks prior is required.
Prior Himalayan Trekking Experience
Prior experience of at least one multi-day Himalayan trek above 3,500m (11,500 ft) is strongly recommended due to steep pass crossings and unpredictable alpine weather.
Age Limits & Medical Clearances
Minimum age 12 years up to 55 years. Trekkers with asthma, hypertension, or chronic joint issues must obtain doctor clearance prior to registration.
Alpine Acclimatization & Adaptability
Preparedness for cold nights (-5°C to -10°C), basic mountain campsite living, and rapid weather changes across mountain passes.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Accommodation
High-grade 4-season alpine expedition tents (twin/triple sharing) and guesthouses/homestays at base camp.
Nutritious Mountain Meals
All hot, hygienic vegetarian and egg meals from base camp to base camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks, Dinner).
Professional Expedition Team
IFMGA/NIM certified lead mountain guides, experienced local co-guides, camp cooks, and support staff.
Safety & Emergency Hardware
Medical oxygen cylinders, pulse oximeters, blood pressure monitor, and specialized altitude first aid kit.
Permits & Camping Charges
All mandatory forest department permits, national park entry fees, and camping ground tolls.
Group Camping Gear
Dining tents, sleeping bags rated to -15°C/-25°C, thick foam camping mattresses, and toilet tents.
TEAM SAFETY EQUIPMENT PROVIDED
Available at all high altitude camps for immediate emergency oxygen administration.
Twice-daily blood oxygen saturation and resting pulse rate diagnostics by leads.
Equipped with Diamox, Dexamethasone, HAPE/HACE emergency medicines, and splints.
Direct communication line between forward scout guides, sweep leads, and base camp.
Aerodynamic geodesic storm tents tested to withstand blizzard winds and severe frost.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (BURAN GHATI TREK)
The north side of Buran Ghati Pass drops down a steep 70-degree snow and ice wall. Our certified mountaineering leads install dynamic climbing ropes and belay each trekker individually down the rappel face.
Have a Specific Question about BURAN GHATI TREK?
Every expedition has unique terrain, acclimatization schedules, and weather challenges. Connect directly with our high-altitude lead desk.
Ask Expedition LeadA GLIMPSE OF THE TOP
SUMMIT VISTAS
Witness the world from the roof of the planet. A journey beyond the ordinary, through desolation, zero degrees, and spirit.
