Churdhar trek

The Churdhar Trek, situated in the serene Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India, offers a challenging yet enchanting experience for seasoned hikers. This trek winds through picturesque alpine meadows, dense forests teeming with diverse flora and fauna, and rugged ridges that provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

The Churdhar trek commences with a captivating passage through verdant, emerald forests nestled within the Churdhar wildlife sanctuary. As the trek unfolds, the path gradually ascends, presenting a more arduous terrain characterized by rugged rocks and meandering streams. Nevertheless, the exertion is richly rewarded by the breathtaking spectacle of the encompassing mountains. Trekkers are treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Shivalik ranges, the towering Kedarnath ranges, and fleeting glimpses of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks. Furthermore, the trek provides opportunities to behold the splendor of the Shivalik and Kedarnath ranges, along with the picturesque valleys that sprawl beneath the lofty heights.

The summit of the majestic Churdhar mountain holds great significance for the local residents, who consider it a sacred place. At the peak, a beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Shirgul, a revered deity in the region. Many adventurous trekkers embark on the journey to the Churdhar temple, where they pay their respects and seek blessings before starting their challenging ascent. Once at the summit, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and picturesque valleys, making it an ideal location for photography enthusiasts to capture the natural beauty of the area.

When embarking on the trek to Churdhar, one should be prepared to embark on a physical and spiritual journey. This trek offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in nature, push personal boundaries, and find inner peace.

To begin the journey, one can head to Nohradhar, the starting point of the trek, which is conveniently accessible by road. It can be reached from Solan or other major cities in Himachal Pradesh. For those travelling by train, the nearest major railway station is located in Kalka, while the closest airport is situated in Shimla.

Proper preparation is essential when planning for the Churdhar trek. It’s crucial to ensure that one is properly acclimatized and ready for the physical demands of the journey. This includes wearing appropriate footwear and carrying a well-stocked first aid kit. Additionally, as mountain weather can be unpredictable, it’s advisable to keep an eye on the weather forecast and pack accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.

The journey to Churdhar involves a demanding trek with specific risks, including the potential for altitude sickness and challenging trail conditions. Nevertheless, by carefully organizing and getting ready for the journey, hikers can guarantee a secure and pleasurable trek. It is crucial to adhere to the principles of Leave No Trace and take steps to minimize the impact on the surrounding environment.

Points to consider during the Churdhar trek. 👇

• Churdhar Starting point: When embarking on the Churdhar Trek, it’s essential to commence the journey from the village of Nohradhar, accessible via bus or taxi from Solan.
• Churdhar Difficulty level: The trek is renowned for its moderate to difficult level of difficulty due to steep and rocky sections along the trail. Therefore, hikers need to ensure they are in good physical condition and adequately equipped. Particularly during the winter months, hikers will encounter snow patches and should be prepared with the right gear.
•  Churdhar Trek Distance: The Churdhar Trek spans a distance that typically takes 1-2 days to complete, contingent upon the pace of the hikers. The trek can be divided into 4 stages, each presenting varying levels of difficulty. Throughout the journey, there are multiple camping sites available, providing the opportunity for overnight camping.
• Best time to visit Churdhar: The best time to visit Churdhar is from May to June and September to November. The monsoon season from July to August can be avoided as the trek can be slippery during this time. Also, Winter is not suitable to trek as the trail will be covered with snow and can be dangerous due to low visibility.
• Churdhar Accommodation: There are several small guesthouses and homestays in Nohradhar and other villages along the trail where hikers can spend the night. Camping is also an option, but hikers should come prepared with their own camping gear. Also at  Churdhar Peak, you will get free accommodation during the trek is open. Also, be prepared for otherwise because during the peak time, there is a very large footfall of pilgrims and trekkers and there are chances that the accommodation houses get full. So plan accordingly.
• Churdhar Permits: There is no permit required for the  Churdhar trek.
• Churdhar Weather: The weather during the trek can vary depending on the time of year. In the summer months, the weather is generally mild, with warm days and cool nights. During the monsoon season, hikers can expect heavy rain and mist, which can make the trail slippery and difficult to navigate. In the winter, the trail is covered in snow and can be dangerous due to low visibility.
  
• Churdhar Height: The trek starts at an altitude of 6,000 feet and reaches a maximum altitude of 12,000 feet at the summit of Churdhar. As the altitude increases, hikers can expect the air to become thinner and the temperature to drop. It’s important for hikers to acclimatize properly to prevent altitude sickness.
• Churdhar Temperature: The temperature can vary greatly depending on the time of year and altitude. During the summer months, the temperature can reach up to 14-15 degrees Celsius during the day and drop to around 8 degrees Celsius at night. In the winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing and as low as -8 degrees Celsius.
• Churdhar Food Options: There are small shops and dhabas along the trail where hikers can buy snacks and drinks. However, hikers should come prepared with their own food and water as supplies can be limited. It’s also important to note that during the monsoon season, it’s best to avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables as they may be contaminated with bacteria. After summiting the  Churdhar trek you will get a free dinner at Churdhar Dharamshala.  
•  Churdhar Trek Risks: The  Churdhar Trek involves crossing a few snowy patches, so hikers should be prepared with the right gear. Also, the trail can be slippery and dangerous during the monsoon season. Hikers should be aware of the risks of altitude sickness and take precautions to prevent it. Better to carry a first aid kit.

The Churdhar Trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and surrounding mountains, along with lush forests and picturesque alpine meadows. Hikers will also have the opportunity to traverse through traditional villages and experience the rich local culture and way of life.