Buran Ghati Trek: Trekking Through Alpine Meadows and Glacial Passes

Buran Ghati Trek is a thrilling high-altitude journey through the Indian Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and alpine meadows. Starting from Janglik village, trekkers traverse rugged terrain and cross the Buran Ghati Pass at over 15,000 feet.

Introduction:

The Buran Ghati Trek is a popular trekking route in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, known for its stunning landscapes, high mountain passes, and rich biodiversity.The trek is named after the Buran Ghati Pass, which stands at an altitude of around 15,000 feet. Crossing this pass is often the highlight of the trek, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.The trek takes you through lush meadows, dense forests, picturesque villages, and snow-capped peaks. The landscape changes dramatically as you ascend, providing a diverse and rewarding experience.

How To Reach:

To effectively plan your travel for the Buran Ghati Trek, consider the following comprehensive guide:

Arrival Preparations:

Flight Booking: If you're traveling from cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, or Mumbai, it's advisable to book your flight for Day Zero minus 1, which is 2 days before Day 1 on the trek itinerary. This ensures you have ample time to reach your starting point without rushing.

Destination Options: You have two main options for arrival destinations: Chandigarh or Delhi. Both cities offer convenient access to the trek's starting point.

Option 1: Chandigarh

Transportation from Airport: Upon arrival in Chandigarh, take an AC airport bus to Sector 43, which is Chandigarh's main Interstate bus terminal. These buses operate regularly and provide a comfortable journey.

Bus to Rohru: From Sector 43, board a bus to Rohru, the nearest town to the Janglik base camp. The journey typically takes around 10 hours, covering approximately 207 kilometers of mountain roads.

Option 2: Delhi

Bus Journey to Rohru: If flying into Delhi, plan your arrival for Day Zero minus 1. From ISBT Kashmiri Gate, catch a bus to Rohru. The journey takes approximately 13-14 hours.

Tip for Bus Travel: Utilize HRTC or Himachal Tourism buses, which usually adhere to their schedules. However, keep a buffer of 2 hours for any unexpected delays.

Trek Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Janglik: After reaching Rohru, embark on a 2-hour drive to Janglik, the base camp for the Buran Ghati Trek. This day allows for rest and acclimatization.

Days 2 to 6: Trekking: Spend the next five days trekking the Buran Ghati trail, immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes and challenging terrain of the region.

Day 7: Journey to Shimla: Upon completing the trek, drive to Shimla. The journey from Barua to Shimla takes approximately 8-9 hours, so plan to start in the afternoon after the day's trek. Ensure pre-booked accommodations in Shimla for a comfortable stay.

Return Journey:

Day 8: Buffer Day: Keep Day 8 as a buffer day for emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. This extra day provides flexibility in case of delays during the trek or travel back to Shimla.

Day 9: Booking Return Tickets: Book your return flight or train tickets from Chandigarh or Delhi, factoring in the buffer day. If departing from Chandigarh, take a bus from Shimla. For Delhi departures, take a bus from Shimla ISBT to Delhi ISBT, then book an evening flight post 6 pm.

Additional Tips:

Travel Routes: Your travel route to the Janglik base camp passes through scenic locations like Kufri, Theog, and Rohru, offering opportunities for sightseeing and exploration.

Return Route: On the return journey, you'll pass through Rampur and Narkhanda. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and make the most of your travel experience.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can plan your Buran Ghati Trek adventure efficiently and ensure a memorable and hassle-free journey.

Best Time To Travel:

Buran Ghati in Summer (mid-May to end of June):

Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 13°C to 17°C, dropping to zero at higher campsites during the night.

Snow Presence: Snow is found at Litham campsite in May and at Dhunda campsite in June.

Warm Layers Required: 4 warm layers in May, decreasing to 3 layers towards June.

Attractions: The dramatic ice wall at Buran Pass offers rappelling opportunities. Vast snowfields from Dhunda to the pass provide thrilling experiences, with multiple snow slides. As June progresses, snow starts melting, and the landscape transitions to vibrant greens and yellows with blooming wildflowers.

Buran Ghati in Autumn (mid-September to mid-October):

Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 12°C to 16°C, dropping to zero to -5°C at higher campsites during the night.

Snow Presence: Frost at Dhunda campsite, with chances of snowfall at Buran Ghati Pass during bad weather.

Warm Layers Required: 4 warm layers.

Attractions: Autumn offers fiery, glorious colors along the trail, with shades of green near the base camp transitioning to yellows, oranges, and browns as you gain altitude. While snow patches are smaller compared to summer, the absence of the ice wall at Buran Pass makes trekking slightly easier. However, the grandeur and adventure of Buran Ghati remain captivating.

In summary, both summer and autumn offer unique experiences at Buran Ghati, from thrilling snow adventures to stunning foliage displays, making it a remarkable trek throughout the seasons.

Your Packing List For The Track:

Here's a list of essential items you'll need for your Buran Ghati trek:

Shoes and Backpack:

1. Trekking shoes with ankle support
2. Backpack with rain cover

Warm Layers and Clothes:

1. Warm layers (such as woollen sweater, fleece, padded jacket)
2. 3 layers for spring, summer, and monsoon treks
3. 4 layers for autumn treks
4. 5 layers for winter treks
5. Collared T-shirts (carry two)
6. Quick-dry trek pants (carry one)

Accessories:

1. Sunglasses
2. Sun cap (preferably with flaps)
3. Waterproof gloves
4. Balaclava
5. Woollen socks (2 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen)
6. Headlamp
7. Trekking pole
8. Rain jacket + pants / poncho

Toiletries:

1. Sunscreen
2. Moisturiser
3. Light towel
4. Lip balm or vaseline
5. Toilet paper
6. Toothbrush
7. Toothpaste
8. Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)
9. 
   

Cutlery:

1. Steel lunch box, spoon, and a coffee mug
2. Two water bottles or Hydration Pack

Ensure you have all necessary items packed and ready for your trek to Buran Ghati.

Understanding the Vital Role of Fitness In This Trek:

Buran Ghati presents a moderate-difficult trekking challenge, with the pass crossing day being the most demanding segment. Mental resilience is as crucial as physical fitness, especially during the June trek when you'll need to rappel down an ice wall for about 400 meters. In autumn, the pass crossing remains challenging due to a long day of trekking through boulder sections, despite the absence of snow. Apart from these segments, the trek is of moderate difficulty and manageable if adequately prepared.

Training Recommendations:

Cardiovascular Endurance: Aim to cover 10 km within 60-70 minutes before starting the trek. During the Buran Ghati trek, you'll traverse 9 km on an undulating trail for six days, necessitating considerable endurance. Begin with daily jogging, gradually increasing your pace. Swimming, cycling, and stair climbing without excessive breaks can also contribute to your endurance levels.

Preparing for a high-altitude trek requires a blend of distance and speed targets to ensure you're adequately conditioned for the challenges ahead.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Buran Ghati Trek stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty and challenging terrain of the Himalayas. With its stunning landscapes, from lush meadows to snow-capped peaks, and its thrilling pass crossing experience, this trek offers adventurers a journey like no other.So, lace up your boots, pack your bags, and embark on an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the mountains with the Buran Ghati Trek.