A very interesting hike is the Churdhar trek which is to the highest peak in the outer Himalayas, about 3,647 meters. It’s a very beautiful trek with all its landscapes lush green meadows and panoramic views of some of the most famous Himalayan peaks.
This trek is in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh and begins from the small village of Nohradhar. Its an experience, one that both first time trekkers, and experienced trekkers will never forget.
This trek is unique as it ranges from dense pine and deodar forests to open alpine meadows along with snow during the winter months on the snow Churdhar trek.
The Churdhar trek height and isolation make it invaluable for those seeking solace and peace away from the hoard. This has something for one and all it is a beginner looking for a moderate challenge or an experienced trekker who wishes to reach the spiritual summit.
Diverse Landscapes: Among the most fascinating features of this trek are the numerous landscapes you would meet on your journey to Churdhar. Starting from Nohradhar, you will pass through oak, deodar, and rhododendron dense forests and finally open wide meadows.
In winter, the temperature in the Churdhar trek goes very low and turns the trail into a snowy path, thus turning the Churdhar snow trek into a magical winter wonderland.
The Churdhar trek is in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, in the Outer Himalayas. The trek begins from the quaint village of Nohradhar which acts as a base for most trekkers.
Trekkers have at their disposal a beautiful panoramic view from the summit of Churdhar Peak which stands tall at an altitude of 3,647 meters and is the highest peak in the Outer Himalayas.
The Churdhar Peak trek is not just a fantastic piece of nature, but it also holds spiritual importance. On top, there is a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that draws trekkers as well as pilgrims.
The Churdhar trek is moderate. The total distance of the Churdhar trek in one direction from Nohradhar to the summit is about 18 km. The trail is well-defined and steeply ascending; so, people who have experience can undergo this trek, though people with good stamina can give it a shot.
The Nohradhar to Churdhar trek distance would be covered in 7-8 hours depending upon the pace one maintains.
The Churdhar trek difficulty level is easy for most people to handle; however, the ascent can quite be daunting, mainly in the final stretch towards the top.
The snow Churdhar trek in the winter becomes a very challenging one as the paths are covered with snow, adding another layer of difficulty and adventure for the true experts.
It’s a great climb requiring much stamina and strength. Slope with gradual altitude gains in the uneven terrain. The trek, though not technical, asks that long hours of walking and, in the final stretch, a bit of a climb be prepared for.
The Churdhar trek takes about 2-3 days considering the pace one maintains and the route taken. But more or less, the following is the schedule for the trek.
Day 1: One reaches Nohradhar and starts trekking the climb. Around 18 km would be covered, and camped near the temple.
Day 2: Climb to the summit of Churdhar Peak, absorb panoramic views, and back to Nohradhar.
If you want to take it easy, you can divide the trek into three days. In this case, there will be an extra day for rest and admiring the beauty around. The distance time segment for the Churdhar trek will all depend on the group’s pace and the weather conditions.
The best time to visit the Churdhar trek would be from April to June and September to November as the weather would be fine with clear views and lush-green forests.
It offers crisp air and a very spectacular view of the surrounding snow-capped peaks in the post-monsoon period from September to November.
This time around, though, the trek becomes miserably tough, and in some cases, even the temperature can be below freezing point in night at least during the Churdhar trek.
The Churdhar Trek is an almost unknown treasure in the trekking arena, offering stunning views, spiritual significance, and abundant natural beauty. It’s whatever you’re searching for, be it the nature freak, the adventure, or simply a place of solitude. Let’s see some of the main attractions that make trekking to Churdhar Peak a memorable experience.
The best part about the Churdhar trek is the view from the top. The highest seat, at a startling 3,647 meters, provides a panoramic view of the Himalayas. On a clear day, one can see Badrinath, Kinner Kailash, and part of the Dhauladhar range as well.
The Churdhar trek passes through the Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary where many different species of flora and fauna can be found. The trekkers would get to trek through thick oak, pine, and deodar forests, which keep the path cool and picturesque.
The trek is not just concerned with the natural beauty but also has profound spiritual significance. A sacred Shiva Temple awaits you atop the trek of Churdhar Peak, which happens to be a pilgrimage site for locals and devotees of Lord Shiva.
The trek distance is from Nohradhar of about 18 km in one way, and it is an adventure journey with varied terrains and changing landscapes-from dense forests to open meadows that keep the trekkers engaged.
The snow trek to Churdhar during the winters not only looks charming but adds another dimension of adventure to the already thrilling trek. The whole vista is a winter wonderland with snow-path routes and white-capped trees.
The villages on either side of the trek route towards Churdhar, especially Nohradhar, give you a preview of Himachali culture. People from the village are friendly and many guide and extend help to the trekkers.
There is also an ample scope for photography lovers to click memorable landscapes. Be it the rich green forests, open meadows, or the tip of snow-capped peaks, nowhere will be left uncovered to get clicked.
If interested in photography, bring along the camera and capture the natural beauty of this trek.
Churdhar Trek is an adventure that encapsulates a perfect blend of adventure, spirituality, and nature. The panoramic views, rich biodiversity, and the significance of the Shiva Temple-all of these promise a memorable experience to be cherished forever.
Considering its moderate degree of difficulty, varied terrain, and incredible high points, the trek to Churdhar Peak is well-deserved to feature on the bucket lists of trekking pilgrims.
The Churdhar trek is a worthwhile experience combining nature and adventure on the same trip. Here is how the day-by-day breakup of this amazing trek would unravel: information about the route, distance, altitude, and major highlights.
The trek begins from the village of Nohradhar, in Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh, and reaches an altitude of 3,647 m at Churdhar Peak.
Nohradhar is the base village of the Churdhar trek. The small hamlet will give you a serene and quiet beginning to your journey. You can reach Nohradhar from major cities like Chandigarh, Delhi, or Dehradun. The Nohradhar to Churdhar trek distance is about 18 km, and Nohradhar is a great place to rest and acclimatize before the trek.
Churdhar trek weather: The climate here is generally pleasant during the trekking season. It might get a little chilly during the mornings and evenings. April to June are ideal summer months for the visit.
Preparatory work: Collect supplies thoroughly, check out your gear, and prepare ahead for the trek.
This trek route on the first day takes you through dense forests filled with oak, pine, and deodar trees. This route is pretty moderate in its difficulty as it ascends from a gradual slope and may be considered easy for both the beginner and the seasoned trekker.
The trek distance from Nohradhar to Teesri is about 12 km, and you shall traverse through beautiful and serene surroundings with the sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling.
The forest offers you shade and lovely cool breezes that make the tour even more enjoyable.
From the height you ascend, you can enjoy wonderful views of the Sirmaur Valley and even distant snow-topped peaks.
When you are reaching Teesri, you all will want rest. Teesri is a good campsite, and you can pitch your tent here or live in small huts that can provide you with basic shelter.
Today is the day when you will be conquering the trek to the Churdhar Peak. The distance for the Churdhar trek from Teesri to the summit is about 6 km long. However, while ascending high up to the top, the route would get steeper and stiffer in its aspect. Some parts would comprise rocks and boulders along with a rocky terrain that approaches the summit.
Views of the Himalayas are breathtakingly panoramic at the summit, so you can recognize renowned peaks including Badrinath, Kinner Kailash, and Shreekhand Mahadev, along with a Shiva Temple on the summit. Thereafter, on return from the summit, you spend the night at Teesri by trekking back.
On the last day, you’ll be retracing your steps from Teesri to Nohradhar. The descent is much easier and quicker than ascents and will still fatigue you after summit day.
Churdhar trek distance time: You have 12 km more to be covered to reach Nohradhar, and the full trek would take you almost 5 to 6 hours, thus becoming a full day. By the time you reach Nohradhar, you will have completed the whole Churdhar trek, from dense forests to panoramic views of the Himalayas. Rest, rejoice over your successful trek with a hot meal at Nohradhar, and then return home.
The trek starts from Nohradhar and it’s quite straight. The main stop that everybody makes on this trek is Teesri. The return is the same as any other hike since it’s a circular trek. You can refer to any simple map of the Churdhar trek to visualize the major stops: Nohradhar → Teesri → Churdhar Peak → Teesri → Nohradhar.
Churdhar trekking is an exciting affair, but only proper preparation will make it both safe and enjoyable. It doesn’t matter whether you are a trekker or a pro, correct gear, keeping fit, and knowing the right practices for handling situations can make all the difference. Here’s a ready guide for you to prepare for this great journey:
The Churdhar trek ranges from vastly varying altitudes and terrains, so this trek needs well-equipped preparation for all kinds of weather and conditions.
Carry all relevant identification documents and permits (if any are required) to enter the trekking routes. You can check for the latest updates about permits at the base village, Nohradhar.
Pack all these essentials and you are ready for whatever may come across you, from rocky pathways to unpredictable conditions of the weather during the Churdhar trek, or an overnight camp.
While this is a moderate trek, it’s over 18 km from Nohradhar to the Churdhar Peak. It does require a good level of fitness. It does have gradual ascents, steep parts, and more rocky terrain near the summit. If you’ve been exercising in the months leading up to this trek, it would do your soul a lot of good.
These cardiovascular exercises can be running, swimming, or cycling, and these can improve cardiovascular endurance, which is important for long-duration trekking at high altitudes.
Good preparation in terms of fitness ensures that you can trek comfortably, hence taking all the stunning scenery without much physical stress.
Safety is of utmost concern while trekking to high altitudes, such as Churdhar Peak. Some of the most important safety precautions are as follows:
It is highly advised to hire a local guide. This can be specifically important if the route is unknown to you. A local guide will give you the best insight into the terrain, weather, and cultural landmarks on your tour.
Churdhar trek is one of the most scenic and culturally rich destinations, for trekking in North India, which lies in Himachal Pradesh. This place is known for its breath taking views, especially by the snow Churdhar trek in winter, for adventure seekers to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.
It would be prudent to know which point to begin the journey from and then the logistics and transport options that can take someone there, before embarking on this exciting adventure.
Churdhar trek is generally taken out from the small village of Nohradhar. Nohradhar is the base camp of the trek, and from here, one can start climbing towards Churdhar Peak, situated at a giant height of 3,647 meters (Churdhar trek height). Here’s how you can reach Nohradhar from major nearest cities:.
From Delhi: You can either drive or take the train from Delhi to reach Nohradhar. Even though the shortest distance by road and train would pass by the city of Solan, direct buses operate from the ISBT Kashmere Gate in New Delhi to Solan city. From there, you have local taxi or bus services to the village.
From Dehradun: Many trekkers also start from Dehradun to Nohradhar.
From Shimla: For one who might be starting his journey from Himachal Pradesh, there is another option which is Shimla.
Once you have reached Nohradhar, the actual adventure will begin. Of course, everything depends upon how you are comfortable and your group size as to how you would manage the transport.
The trek commences when you reach Nohradhar. The Nohradhar to Churdhar trek distance is approximately 15-18 km on one side, whichever route you take. It would be 2 days because there is an overnight camp en route or one day for the experienced trekkers.
Churdhar trek distance on one side: Around 15-18 km.
Churdhar Trek Distance Time: It takes about 6 to 7 hours of trekking, depending upon your speed and weather.
The Churdhar trek is a rewarding adventure that takes you through dense forests, open meadows, and up to the majestic Churdhar Peak. While ascending to the Churdhar trek height of 3,647 meters, comfortable accommodation and good food are musts for a pleasant trekking experience. Let’s get into a detailed look at the accommodation and food options along the route.
While doing the Churdhar trek, you’ll encounter some options of stay, which vary from camping to guesthouses and huts according to your preference for the type of trek. You can expect the following:
Camping Sites:
The most favorite option of trekking enthusiasts is the night stay along the trail. The Nohradhar to Churdhar trek distance is approximately 15-18 km one way and many trekkers prefer splitting the journey over a couple of days.
Trek Camping Spots: The two major camping spots are Teesri and Chureshwar Mahadev Temple. Teesri is about 10 km from Nohradhar; this is the popular midway campsite. Many trekkers camp here overnight before again climbing the peak the next day.
Chureshwar Mahadev Temple: It is a place near the summit. If you wouldn’t like to camp much farther away from the peak, then this is yet another place to pitch camp. This place has some great views so you can make it a place of pitching tents.
Guesthouses and Huts:
As an alternative to carrying all your camping equipment, guesthouses, and small huts are available both in Nohradhar and at various points during the trek. Nohradhar, where the trek begins, also has several small guesthouses where you can stay beforehand and after the trek.
Food Options during the Trek
Food is an integral part of any trekking experience and also comes into use on the Churdhar trek. However, food options are very scarce compared to other popular trekking routes. Hence, preparing oneself with these food options is necessary.
Local Food Shops:
The trek has small food stalls available on both Nohradhar and sometimes even Teesri. They typically serve plain but filling foods like dal or lentils, rice, maggi noodles, and parathas. These are great options for backpackers who find that anything warm and out of a packet is perfectly fine for the duration of their trek.
Packed Meals:
Since the Churdhar trek distance from Nohradhar is substantial and facilities are very minimal throughout the route, most trekkers have their packed meals with them. In case you wish to stay for some more days or camp at a remote site, pre-packed meals or snacks such as energy bars, nuts, dry fruits, and biscuits are advisable. These can sustain you during the trek.
Self-Cooking:
Self-cooking is a good option for the full outdoor experience for campers who love the entire idea of trekking. You can carry portable stoves and cookware to prepare your meals at the campsites. Just remember that it’s essential to carry enough supplies as food stalls along the trail can be limited, especially during the off-season or colder months.
Meals at Campsites
Some locals around the Teesri camping site put up stalls selling simple meals. However, it does not always happen, especially when camping outside the peak season, so it is a good idea to bring along enough food to sustain you throughout your stay.
What to Expect for Meals
Proper planning and the right equipment make the Churdhar Peak trek an adventure to be cherished to roam in Himachal Pradesh’s wilderness in all its glory. Whether it’s returning to a cozy guesthouse in Nohradhar or camping beneath the stars near the peak, this trek promises an experience you will never forget.
Churdhar Peak trek requires proper planning and arrangements. The rules and regulations related to permits are helpful not only in the smooth experience of trekking but also in the overall conservation of the environment about the cultural value of the place. The following are the important permits and major regulations by which a trekker has to abide while undertaking the trek:
Is a Permit Required?
Presently, no permit is available from the authorities for an Indian trekker to undertake a trek up the Churdhar Peak. However, always a good move would be to clarify with the local authorities or the trekking guide beforehand whether there have been any new updates or instructions for the trek.
Foreign nationals may be required to register with the local police station or present ID documents; in some cases, this is for safety purposes, especially for people located in far-flung areas.
Where to Get Information:
Permits Cost:
Presently, there is no cost of permits for Indian nationals. However, if you feel that you need a trekking guide or you want to visit protected forest zones in particular seasons then you will be charged very minor costs for the entry. You must carry some cash as most of the small villages do not have digital payment options.
This trek journey takes you through lush forests, meadows, and pristine natural areas; hence, the Leave-No-Trace philosophy must be respected for the beauty of the trail to be preserved for generations yet to come. This incorporates the following:
Do not create new trails or shortcuts because this causes erosion and disrupts the habitats of wildlife.
The locals consider the Churdhar Peak sacred, especially where the temple for Lord Shiva is located. This site of cultural importance should be treated with
Environmental Advice: The Churdhar trek passes through protected forest tracts, which are teeming with biodiversity. To leave an environmental footprint as small as possible:
Group Size and Noise Control: As much as trekking in a group is fun, large groups sometimes disrupt the peace of an area and cause more environmental damage.
The Churdhar trek is really fun, but being prepared makes a big difference in the experience. Here are ten inside tips to help you get the most out of the trek-from altitude sickness to perfecting the shot spots, and even finding offbeat paths.
The best time for the Churdhar trek is between May to November since the trails are snow-free and the weather is pleasant.
The total distance of the Churdhar trek from Nohradhar is around 18 km on one side.
It’s a moderately graded trek to carry out, suitable for both beginners and seasoned trekkers.
The temperature on the Churdhar trek ranges between 10°C and 25°C in summer and may come down to nearly sub-zero degrees during winter.
No specific permits are required for the Churdhar Peak trek.
Yes, but surely as this is a relatively safe and manageable solo hike, do let someone know about your plans.
The trek is generally okay for anyone aged 12 years and above, as long as one has a basic level of fitness.
Yes, but the snow Churdhar trek in winter is much more challenging with ample snowfall, and trekking gear would be an added requirement.
Along the route, campsites and very basic guesthouses are available.
There is nothing much to carry, however, be ready with a raincoat, for the weather is usually clouded, along with a first-aid kit and some extra water. Warm clothing and good trekking shoes.
