Trek Guide: 4 Solo Treks to Plan in Himachal Pradesh in 2021
Himachal Pradesh extends a plethora of possibilities to all adventure enthusiasts. Every year, hundreds of adventure enthusiasts plan treks, hikes, and expeditions in this region. However, solo adventure in the deep mountains requires planning, research and preparation. If you want to take the first step on this journey, this guide will help you plan, execute…
Himachal Pradesh extends a plethora of possibilities to all adventure enthusiasts. Every year, hundreds of adventure enthusiasts plan treks, hikes, and expeditions in this region. However, solo adventure in the deep mountains requires planning, research and preparation. If you want to take the first step on this journey, this guide will help you plan, execute and accomplish.
Here’s how you can plan a solo trek in Himachal Pradesh. Keep reading to know all about it.
Triund Trek in Himachal Pradesh
Triund is one of the most effortless Himalayan treks to plan. With spectacular views of the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar mountain range, Triund ridge is a passage to beautiful lakes, passes and caves further up in the mountains. With a marked trail, easy but steep climb, a mix of seclusion & connectivity, Triund is ideal for new and solo trekkers.
Total Trek Distance:
| Day 1 | Day 2 |
| 4 hours | 3 hours |
Water sources: No natural water sources available. Carry 3 litres of water
| Max Altitude | No. of days | Difficulty level | Base Village |
| 9278ft (2828 metres) | 2 Days | Easy (Steep Climb) | Dharamkot/Mcleodganj/Gallu |
Short Itinerary for the Triund Trek:
Day 1:
- Start the trek early in the morning from Dharamkot
- Reach there by noon
- Spend the day at Triund or trek up to the snowline
- Watch the magnificent sunset from the top
- Camp overnight at Triund or Snowline
Day 2:
- Sunrise at the camp
- Breakfast at Triund
- Start to descend towards Dharamkot
- Reach Dharamkot by mid-day
How to reach Dharamkot, the base village for Triund Trek:
By Air: The nearest airport, Gaggal Airport (DHM), is 20km from Mcleodganj. Take a cab (700 INR) or bus to Mcleodganj. From Mcleodganj, you can walk up to Dharamkot or take a cab (150 INR).
By Bus: There are frequent Volvo, HRTC and semi-sleeper buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, Pathankot to Mcleodganj.
By Rail: Pathankot is the nearest railway station, 90km from Mcleodganj. Buses are available from Pathankot to Mcleodganj.
Best time to plan Triund Trek
The trail for Triund Trek is accessible throughout the year. Avoid monsoon (July- August) and peak winters (January-February), the trail becomes slippery. March to June and September to November is the best time to plan the trek.
Things to know about the Triund Trek
- You can take a cab to Gallu Devi Temple and start the trek from there.
- There are small food stalls along the trail and at the top
- You can stay at the forest rest house or private campsites
- Pitching your own tent is no longer allowed
- You can go up to snow line or Lahesh Caves
Kheerganga Buni Buni Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh
Kheerganga is known for its towering pines, mighty Parvati river, and pristine hot springs. A day’s trek away from Kheerganga lies the Buni Buni Pass, a hidden paradise in the Himalayas. This trek is a complete package of splendid views, Himalayan exploration and an unparalleled solo experience.
Total Trek Distance:
Trek Duration:
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
| 5-6 hours | 5.5 hours | 3 hours |
Water sources:
Carry 2 litres of water with you. There are two waterfalls, and small streams along the trail to refill your water bottle. There is no water issue in Kheerganga and at Buni Buni Pass.
| Max Altitude | No. of days | Difficulty level | Base Village |
| 10987ft (3348 metres) | 3 Days | Easy to Moderate | Barshaini |
Short Itinerary for the Kheerganga Buni Buni Pass Trek:
Day 1:
Altitude: 7,261ft (2,213 m) to 9,222ft (2,811 m)
- Reach Bhuntar around 7
- Arrange transportation till Barshaini (3 hours).
- Trek from Barshaini village to Kheerganga.
- 6 hours to Kheerganga with a gradual ascent a couple of steep climbs
There are several campsites, dhabas and hotels in Kheerganga. You can walk a little further to find a quiet camping spot. You don’t need to pack lunch for day 1, there are small food stalls along the trail.
Day 2:
Altitude: 9,222 ft (2,811 m) to 10,987 ft (3,349 m)
- Trek from Kheerganga to Buni Buni Pass
The entire trail is through dense forests, open pastures, and the sight of the snow-capped Himalayas. The trek will take around 5-6 hours. After a rocky ascend, the landscape opens up to a meadow and Buni Buni Pass (the highest point of the trek) is around 20 minutes from there. At the pass, there are shepherd camps. You can easily find a flat land to pitch your tent for the night. The views from here are majestic, the towering mountain range, mesmerising sunsets and beautiful night skies.
Day 3:
- Start the descent at 8 am
- Take the trail via Kalga village
- Merge with the first trail
- Reach Barshaini in 3 hours
How to reach the base village for Kheerganga Trek
By Air: The nearest airport, Bhuntar (KUU) is 50 km from Barshaini. There is a direct bus from Bhuntar to Barshaini (75 INR) but it is infrequent.
By Bus: If you’re travelling from Delhi or Chandigarh, the bus will drop you at Bhuntar.
Best time to plan Kheerganga Trek
The best time to plan this trek is April-July and September-November.
Prashar Lake Trek in Himachal Pradesh
Nestled amidst the picturesque views of the Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar and Lahaul- Spiti mountain range, Prashaer lake encompasses a panoramic view of the Himalayas. The trek to Prashar lake is ideal for those with limited time but who want to experience the glory of the Himalayas.
Trek Distance: 15 Km
Terrain Type: Forest trails, kaccha road, meadows
Trek Duration:
| Day 1 | Day 2 |
| 4-5 hours | 3-4 hours |
Water sources: Carry 3 litres of water with you from Baggi. There is a water source on the trail but it’s early on.
| Max Altitude | No. of days | Difficulty level | Base Village |
| 8900 ft (2712 metres) | 2 Days | Easy to Moderate | Baggi |
Short Itinerary for the Prashar Lake Trek:
Day 1:
- Reach Mandi in the morning
- Breakfast at Mandi
- Take a bus to Baggi at 8 a.m.
- Reach Baggi around 10 a.m.
- Pack lunch at Baggi
- Start the trek from Baggi
- Stay at Prashar Lake (7 km)
Get off at Baggi and start the trek along the river basin. The trail diverts from the water source into an uphill climb for about 4 km. The trails open up to lush expanses and you can see the Himalayan range. There are small settlements along the trail. The trail is marked but can be covered in snow.
Day 2:
- Trek to Sukhasar Lake (2 km)
- Return to Prashar Lake
- Breakfast at the campsite
- Take the bus from Prashar Lake
- Reach Mandi by 5 p.m.
Start the next day early to watch the sun shimmer on the soaring mountain ranges. After the sunrise, you can head to Sukhsar lake. This ancient lake is only 2 km away from Prashar Lake. After the hike, come back to the camp for breakfast. From here, you have two options to travel back. You can trek to Baggi or take a bus directly from Prashar Lake.
How to reach the base village for Prashar Lake Trek
Take an overnight bus from Delhi or Chandigarh to Mandi. You will reach Mandi very early in the morning. There is a direct bus from Mandi to Baggi. The buses start at 7 a.m. and take about two hours to reach.
Best time to plan Prashar Lake Trek
You can attempt Prashar Lake Trek throughout the year. Be it the surreal sight of the frozen lake in the winters or the awe-inspiring green valleys post-monsoon, every season is a memorable experience.
Kareri Lake Trek in Himachal Pradesh
One of the most scenic alpine treks in Himachal Pradesh, the Kareri Lake trail passes through several springs, lush meadows and pastures. The trail is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Total Trek Distance: 26 Km
Terrain Type: Mixed forests, boulders, meadows
Trek Duration:
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
| 4-5 hours (6 km) | 4.5 hours (7 km) | 2 hours (13 km) |
Water sources:
There are various water sources along the way, including small springs and a big waterfall. Carry 2 litres of water with you and refill it whenever needed.
| Max Altitude | No. of days | Difficulty level | Base Village |
| 9,650 Ft. (2941 metres) | 3 Days | Easy to Moderate | Kareri Village |
Short Itinerary for the Kareri Lake Trek:
Day 1:
Altitude 4750ft/1,450m to 8,000ft/2,450m via 5,900ft/1,800m
- Reach Dharamshala in the morning
- Take a cab or bus to Ghera/Kareri Village
- Start the trek to Liyoti
Day 2:
Altitude 8,000ft/2,450m to 9,650ft/2,950m
- Trek from Liyoti to Kareri Lake
- Camp at Kareri Lake
Day 3:
Altitude 9,650ft/2,950m to 5,900ft/1,800m
- Trek from Kareri Lake to Kareri Village
How to reach the base village for Kareri Lake Trek
By Air: The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport (DHM), 30 km from Kareri Village. You can take a bus or a cab to Dharamshala from Gaggal. There are frequent buses from Dharamshala to Ghera. Kareri is 9 km from Ghera, you can take a cab from Ghera to Kareri.
By Bus: There are frequent buses from Delhi and Chandigarh. Take a bus to Dharamshala and take the same route as above.
Best time to plan Kareri Lake Trek
For a great solo trekking experience, plan the trek from May to July and September to November. The weather is pleasant and the views are breathtaking.
