description on himalaya shelter's buran ghati trek

The Buran Ghati Trek is a renowned and challenging trek in the Himalayas, located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Here are some key details about the trek:

Location and Overview

The trek connects the Pabbar river valley to the Baspa valley, lying in the south-eastern flank of Himachal Pradesh, within the upper reaches of Shimla and Kinnaur districts25.

Duration and Itinerary

The trek typically spans 7-8 days, starting and ending in Shimla. Here is a brief overview of the itinerary:

• Day 1-2: Trek from Janglik village to Dayara Thach and then to Litham, passing through dense forests and meadows.
• Day 3-4: Excursion to Chandranahan Lake, a sacred alpine lake at an altitude of around 14,000 feet4.
• Day 5: Trek from Litham to Dhunda, marking the beginning of the ascent towards Buran Ghati Pass4.
• Day 6: The most challenging day involves trekking from Dhunda to River Camp via Buran Ghati Pass (15,000 ft). This includes a steep ascent on snow, followed by a risky and steep descent, which can involve rappelling down an ice wall in summer or navigating through boulders in autumn134.
• Day 7: Trek from River Camp to Barua village, followed by a drive to Shimla23.

Difficulty and Altitude

The trek is classified as moderate to difficult, with the highest point being Buran Ghati Pass at 15,000 feet. The ascent to the pass involves a gentle climb followed by a steep and challenging section, while the descent is sharp and steep, requiring careful maneuvering and possibly the use of ropes and ice axes135.

Highlights

• Scenic Beauty: The trek offers breathtaking views of the Kinnaur and Kullu valleys, lush green forests, picturesque meadows like Dayara Meadows, and beautiful waterfalls5.
• Cultural Experience: The trek passes through ancient villages such as Janglik and Barua, providing insights into Himalayan culture and architecture35.
• Chandranahan Lake: A sacred alpine lake surrounded by high snow peaks, which is a significant highlight of the trek4.
• Buran Ghati Pass: The pass is known for its thrilling climb and descent, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges135.

Physical Requirements

The trek requires good physical fitness, and prior trekking experience is preferred. Trekkers need to be able to carry a backpack of 10-12 kg (or 3-5 kg if opting for the off-load service) and have a BMI within the normal range3.

Best Season

The best time to undertake the Buran Ghati Trek is from mid-June to mid-October, when the weather is pleasant and the trail is not covered with snow5.