Churdhar Peak

A panoramic view of Badrinath and Kedarnath peaks of Garhwal Himalayas from the summit of the peak
Visit the ancient temple dedicated to Churdhar Shiv Maharaj
A relatively easy hike with many trails leading to the summit and can be completed without the need of a guide

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Here is all that you need to plan your adventure

Ideal Time

Jan - Dec

Total Trek Distance

28 Kms KM

Minimum Time Required

2 Days

Nearest Large Town

Shimla

Highest Altitude

12,000 ft.

Difficulty

Easy

Guide

Recommended

Description

Churdhar is also called Chur Chandni, which means mountain dressed in moonlight. It is from this peak that George Everest made many astronomical readings and sightings of the Himalayas around 1834. From the summit, you get a panoramic view of the lowland tracts on the south and snow clad ranges, including the peaks of Badrinath and Kedarnath in the Garhwal region towards the north. You can also enjoy the view of Gangetic plains, the Sutlej River and the hills of Shimla and Chakrata on a bright sunny day. Below the summit is a deodar-roofed temple of Srigul housing a lingam dedicated to Lord Shiva (Chureshwar Mahadev). For almost six months, the north face of the mountain is snow clad, and below that, the flanks are covered with verdant forests. The Churdhar peak is only marginally higher than the long east-west ridgeline separating the rivers Tons and Giri.

Let's Get You Excited With These

Munish Chandel Taken in Nov, 2010

Raveesh Kumar Taken in Sep, 2012

Ashish Kumar Taken in May, 2016

Munish Chandel Taken in Nov, 2010

Satyender S Dhull Taken in May, 2016

Ashish Gupta Taken in Sep, 2015

Satyender S Dhull Taken in May, 2016

How To Reach the Basecamp

Road

The most convenient way to reach Chaupal from Delhi is via Chandigarh and Shimla. The road is usually open throughout the year but might get closed during winters for few days due to heavy snowfall. Daily government and private buses run between Delhi and Shimla. From Shimla, there are buses from early morning till evening to Chaupal via Theog and Sainj. Although expensive, another option is to hire a private taxi from Shimla.Check bus timings at: www.hptdc.gov.in and www.hrtc.gov.in Route to take:Delhi – Chandigarh – Kalka - Shimla – Kufri – Theog – Sainj – Chaupal

Train

The nearest broad gauge railway station is at Kalka and there are daily connections from Delhi. A narrow gauge train, popularly known as ‘toy train’ connects Kalka and Shimla. This Kalka-Shimla railway line is known for its dramatic view of the hills and surrounding villages and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. To check train timings and to book online, log on to www.irctc.co.in

Air

Chandigarh International Airport is the closest airport to Reckong Peo at a distance of 380 Kms. There are daily flight connections to Chandigarh from other major cities in India.

Day Wise Itinerary

(Note: The itinerary suggested here is the most popular way of hiking on this trail. You can customize it as per your requirement. Get in touch with us to know more.)

Day

0 Delhi to Chaupal (8,300 feet) ::: 456 Kms, 10-11 hours

Chaupal is a large town and an administrative centre situated about 100 Kms from Shimla. Most convenient way to reach Chaupal from Delhi is by road via Chandigarh. Explore the wealth of herbs and beautiful alpine flora covering these Himalayan slopes of Chaupal.

1 Chaupal - Churdhar peak (12,000 feet) ::: 14 Kms, 7-8 hours

Board a vehicle at Chaupal and make your way to the trailhead Sarain (22 Kms away). Begin your trek to the summit of Churdhar Peak through the bountiful beauty of nature that is the Churdhar sanctuary. The total trek of 14 Kms takes about 7-8 hours.

2 Churdhar peak - Chaupal (8,300 feet) ::: 14 Kms, 5-6 hours

Start the return trek of 14 Kms to Sarain taking the same route as yesterday. Board a vehicle at the end of the trek at Sarain and make your way to Chaupal for onward transportation.

Accommodation

There are many hotels and lodges situated in Chaupal apart from a Forest Rest House and Inspection huts. Many of the lodges remain open even in winters.

Stay and Food options at Campsites

A big temple complex is situated just below the summit of Churdhar Peak and is open from 15th May to 15th November. They provide free shelter and meals to pilgrims and trekkers when operational. There is also an Inspection Hut situated near the summit of Churdhar Peak. But if trekking early or late in the season, it is advisable to be self sufficient for sleeping and provisions on this trek.

Other Important Details

- Sarain is a small village about 22 Kms from Chaupal. There are no buses on this route but taxis are readily available for hire at Chaupal.
- There are very few basic lodges and home stays situated in Sarain village.
- From Sarain, taxis are available for hire for Chaupal and then onto Shimla. There are regular buses from Chaupal to Shimla from morning till evening. Although during winters, the frequency of bus service might be less. Shimla is a major town in Himachal Pradesh and has regular buses to Chandigarh and Delhi throughout the year.
- Another way to Churdhar Peak is from the south side of the peak, from Nauradhar village. The route to Nauradhar from Chandigarh is via Solan and Rajgarh. Nauradhar is a large village and accommodation can be found easily. From Nauradhar, it is a 12 Km hike to the summit of the peak.
- No Inner Line Permit is required for Indian or Foreign Nationals.
- Churdhar Peak trek is one of the few treks which can be attempted during winters. Expect the maximum temperature to be between 5 to 10 degree Celsius and minimum temperature to be around -10 degree Celsius during winters. Please note that water sources get scarce around the summit with the onset of winters. The trek to Churdhar Peak can be done in any season but Mid September to mid October is the ideal time to go trekking in this region.