Why Buran Ghati Is A Moderate-Difficult Trek

There is a good reason behind why Buran Ghati is a moderate-difficult trek. You see, we’ve often had to walk up to trekkers to close their gaping jaws and tear their gaze away from the vast meadows, snow-capped mountains, gorgeous forests, gushing rivers and streams and the beautiful Chandrahan lake.

At Indiahikes, we refer to Buran Ghati as the ‘Grand Buffet of India’s Greatest Treks’ because it offers a little bit of everything, even a chance to rappel down an ice wall! And because of this variety, Buran Ghati trek is a notch more difficult than the easy-moderate treks.

An overview of Buran Ghati Trek

This trek is located close to the border of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It is approximately 150 km from Shimla. And is as culturally immersed as the Har Ki Dun-Ruinsara Tal trek. The trek starts from Janglik (9,200 feet), an ancient village with some of the most unique architecture. And it climbs to 15,000 feet pass crossing in Buran Ghati.

Best time is between May to June or mid-September to mid-October.

If you want to see snow on the Buran Ghati trail, then trek between May to June (summer). However, in September, you’ll witness the lush greenery, clear skies and stunning mountain views. In October, you might just experience the first winter snowfall of the year too!

Sections that raise the difficulty of Buran Ghati trek

Buran Ghati trek is moderate-difficult because it requires great endurance and stamina. In eight days, you gain 5,800ft with an average trekking time of 5-6 hours per day.

First two days of the trek are relatively easier. You climb nearly 2000 ft during the first day and another 700ft on the second day. The second day involves an exciting Himlayan stream crossing en route to the Litham campsite.

After that, there are two sections which test your endurance.

| Excursion to Chandranahan Lake

The difficulty level rises a notch while on an excursion to Chandranahan lake. This stretch includes steep ascents and descents. In summer, you walk across a snow-clad alpine valley. The descent on the way back is steep.

This is why you must begin early in the morning to ensure the descent is covered early during the day. (Ideally, try to get back to Litham by lunchtime).

| Pass Crossing Day

Difficulty rises higher on the pass-crossing day. What initially begins as a gradual ascent on boulders, becomes a steep climb in snow from the base of the pass to the pass crossing. This is followed by a sharp, steep descent – rappeling if you are trekking in summer – and a couple of short descents for about two hours till the end of the snow line.

On the pass crossing day, you will trek for at least 9-10 hours at a stretch without any water sources up until the last 2 hours of the trek. In summer, you slide down the snow while descending.

During the remainder of the trek, you will drop altitude quickly till you reach Barua Village.

How to prepare for Buran Ghati trek

Buran Ghati trek requires a significant amount of mental strength along with physical fitness. If your fitness is in place, the trek becomes enjoyable and allows you to revel in the jaw-dropping scenic changes. Here’s a fitness guide you can follow.

| Apart from cardio, focus on strength training and flexibility too

To prepare well for the difficult pass crossing day, aim to jog 10 km in 60-70 minutes. Make this your fitness benchmark before you begin the trek. As Buran Ghati is a moderate-difficult trek, apart from stamina, focus on strength training and flexibility too.

We recommend regular stretching exercises for your hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors, lower back muscles and shoulders.

This trek is worth all the effort

As one of the most highly recommended treks in India, this trek is ideal for groups and solo trekkers too. It is a treat to watch quick and dramatic changes in scenery. It even offers an opportunity to live and breathe in the historical villages of Janglik and Barua.

So, even though Buran Ghati trek is slotted as moderate-difficult, don’t let that keep you from exploring this brilliant cross-over trek. But make sure to prepare well.

Happy trekking!