The Himalayas are home to countless scenic trails, but some remain lesser-known, untouched by commercial tourism and perfect for those seeking pristine beauty and solitude. One such trail is the Chandernahan Trek, nestled in the Pabbar Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Known for its glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and rich local culture, this trek offers an unforgettable experience to adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Overview of Chandernahan Trek
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Location: Pabbar Valley, Rohru, Himachal Pradesh
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Altitude: ~13,900 feet (4,237 meters)
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Duration: 5 to 7 days
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Difficulty Level: Moderate
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Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October
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Starting Point: Janglik village
The Chandernahan Trek leads to a series of seven glacial ponds, believed by locals to be sacred. These lakes are the source of the Pabbar River, which nourishes the valley below. The trail combines mythological significance, natural splendor, and challenging climbs, making it a well-rounded trek for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
How to Reach Janglik – The Base Camp
To begin the trek, one needs to first reach Shimla, which is well-connected via road, train, and air. From Shimla, a drive of approximately 150 km (7-8 hours) will take you to Janglik, a beautiful hamlet located at around 9,200 feet. The route to Janglik passes through picturesque villages like Rohru and Tangnu, giving a glimpse of traditional Himachali life.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Janglik (9,200 feet)
The trek begins from the peaceful village of Janglik. Surrounded by wooden houses and apple orchards, the village offers an ideal start to the adventure. Trekkers often spend the first day acclimatizing and exploring the area.
Day 2: Janglik to Dayara Thatch (11,075 feet)
Distance: ~6 km | Duration: 4-5 hours
The trail meanders through dense oak and pine forests, opening up into the stunning meadows of Dayara. With panoramic views of snow-clad peaks and grazing sheep, this campsite is perfect for witnessing sunset over the valley.
Day 3: Dayara Thatch to Litham (11,800 feet)
Distance: ~4 km | Duration: 3-4 hours
The route continues across alpine meadows and stream crossings, leading to Litham. The Pabbar River flows beside the trail, and the Dhauladhar range becomes more prominent as you ascend. Litham is a spacious camping ground with excellent views of Chandernahan waterfalls and snow fields.
Day 4: Litham to Chandernahan Lakes and back
Distance: ~10 km (round trip) | Duration: 6-7 hours
This is the most exciting and challenging part of the trek. The trail climbs steadily to reach the Chandernahan Lakes, situated at approximately 13,900 feet. These glacial tarns are sacred to the locals and considered the origin point of the Pabbar River. Snowfields often surround the lakes even during the summer, creating a surreal landscape. After spending time at the lakes, trekkers descend back to Litham for the night.
Optional Extension: Litham to Buran Ghati Pass
Many trekkers choose to extend their trip from Litham to the more challenging Buran Ghati Pass, a high-altitude crossover trek. This adds 3–4 days to the itinerary but rewards with dramatic glacial traverses and thrilling descents.
Day 5: Litham to Janglik (via Dayara)
The return journey retraces the route through Dayara Thatch back to Janglik. It takes about 6–7 hours and offers a chance to revisit the scenic spots experienced during the ascent.
Highlights of the Chandernahan Trek
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Glacial Lakes: The seven Chandernahan Lakes are sacred and offer incredible views of alpine wilderness.
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Mythological Importance: Locals believe these lakes are associated with various legends, including stories of Lord Shiva and other deities.
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Offbeat Experience: The trail is less commercialized, making it a peaceful experience without large crowds.
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Meadows and Forests: The path is filled with lush meadows, dense pine and oak forests, and seasonal wildflowers.
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Wildlife: Trekkers often spot Himalayan birds, mountain goats, and marmots along the trail.
Best Time for Chandernahan Trek
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Summer (May to June): Pleasant weather, blooming meadows, and relatively snow-free trails.
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Post-monsoon (September to early October): Clear skies, golden landscapes, and vibrant alpine colors.
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Avoid: Monsoons (July-August) due to landslides and slippery trails, and peak winters (late October to April) when the trail is snowbound and risky.
Things to Carry
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Trekking shoes with good grip
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Layered clothing for changing temperatures
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Waterproof jacket and rain cover
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Sleeping bag and camping essentials
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Sunscreen, sunglasses, and cap
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Personal first-aid kit and medications
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Water bottle and dry snacks
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Trekking poles (optional but helpful)
Fitness and Preparation
Though considered moderate, the trek involves steep climbs and high altitudes. A basic level of fitness is necessary. Begin cardio exercises like walking, jogging, or cycling a month before the trek. Acclimatization is key, especially as you approach 13,000+ feet altitudes.
Environmental Responsibility
As this trail is relatively untouched, it is the responsibility of trekkers to preserve its natural beauty:
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Carry your trash back
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Avoid using plastic disposables
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Respect local culture and traditions
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Stay on marked trails to prevent soil erosion
Conclusion
The Chandernahan Trek is a hidden jewel in Himachal Pradesh’s rich trekking landscape. It offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural connection, and adventure. Whether you're a solo traveler, a photography enthusiast, or a group of mountain lovers, this trail promises serenity and a glimpse into the divine wilderness of the Himalayas.
By choosing this trail, you're not just walking on a mountain path—you’re experiencing a slice of untouched heaven.
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