GWARU PASS TREK

Day 1 : Manali (6725 feet) to Barahazar (9325 feet) (18 km) (1.5 hours)

The vehicle will be arranged from Manali to Balthazar. It is the starting point of the Gwaru Pass trek. The roads are steep but the journey is a comfortable one.

Day 2 : Barahazaar to Chikka (10154 feet) (2.5 km) (3 hours)

Start the trek from the left bank of Dhuongon River. Go through the jungle and across grasslands and some rocky surfaces to reach a bridge over the Dhuongon River.

Cross it and walk along the right bank of the gushing river. Again walk through grasslands and rocky slopes. Enter the Silver birch forest and follow the trail to Chikka. Ascend gradually and reach your campsite in about 3 hours.

Chikka lies on the foot of a mountain range. Spot some huts and the temple of Shiva and Takshak Nag. The sculpture is amazingly beautiful, the shape of a snake is sculpted on a stone’s surface.

Day 3 : Chikka to Seri (12578 feet) (7 km) (6 hours)

Start the trek from Chikka to Seri, walk along the river banks and ascend gradually for the next two hours. Pass through grasslands and rocky paths.

Reach the Ocheri campsite en route, halt for a while there. It is believed that Pandavas rested there before their journey to heaven.

Now, the trail turns demanding, cross the steep slope from Ocheri to Chorgan. It is another campsite en route lying 2.2 km away from Ocheri.

After a tough hike the wide valley opens up and the stretch is one km long from Chorgan to Seri. The landscape is scenic because it offers the jaw-dropping sight of Norbu, Bansi peak and Deo Tibba. Catch the sight of Dhuongon River descending from Tentu Pass, it looks like a waterfall.

Reach the leveled meadow ‘Seri’, cross the river and setup your tents on the river bank’s other side.

Day 4 : Seri to Chandratal (15122 feet) and back (12 km) (7 hours)

After delicious breakfast starts the trek from Seri to Chandratal. It is a beautiful crescent-shaped lake fable for its sudden changes.

The initial trek is a steep climb till Tentu Pass, go through grasslands and reach the top in one and a half hours. Get breath-taking views of Dhuongon River’s tributary. Now cross the river and reach the Advance Base Camp of Deo Tibba.

Hike for half an hour and reach a leveled meadow and spot Gwaru Nala which is a tributary of the Dhuongon River. Ascend on a steep slope and reach Chota Chadratal.
Continue ascending to the top and cross a scree section. En route lies a pond from where Chandratal Lake is just 10 minutes hike away.

The astonishing beauty is the 2.8 km long water lake. The traders found it while passing from the Ladakh route on the way to Spiti or Kullu. Here, Chandra Bhaga peaks can be seen looming in the backdrop which seeks the attention of nature enthusiasts and adds beauty to this pristine Lake. Spend a good time here and get back to Seri.

Day 5 : Seri to Gwaru Thach (13093 feet) (2.8 km) (3 hours)

Today is a short trek from Seri to Gwaru Thach. Keep following the Gwaru Nala and enjoy trekking along the bank of the river. Go through a variety of terrain today; meadows, boulder zone, and snow.

After the climb to Gwaru Thach explores the campsite lying amidst towering mountains and surrounded by colorful wildflowers. Get magnificent views of Gwaru Pass, Gwaru top, Deo Tibba peak, Bansi and Norbu.

Day 6: Gwaru Thach to Bareh (13549 m) via Gwaru Pass (15882 m)

Start the day young because the trek is going to be grueling today. Cross a steep ascent and cross a moraine section to reach Gwaru Thach’s base.

Ahead go through ridgelines, moraine and the icy area which is the best part for adventure lovers. Now, change the direction and head south to reach Gwaru Pass.

From Gwaru Pass get magnificent views of Norbu, Bansi, Alirati Tibba, Deo Tibba, and KR range. After witnessing the great sight of these high peaks and descend to the south by following Malana Nala.

Cross the boulder section to reach a lake. Descend from three hours and spot some shepherd huts here, this is Bareh. From here spot the Gerwa Kothi top, it is called the place of God.

Day 7: Bareh to Malana (9006 feet) (7 km) (5 hours)

Today is the last trekking day and descend is steep so after having breakfast start early. Go through a variety of terrain; old villages, grasslands, and dense forests.

After a 2 km descend you will come across Bukhare campsite, here are some shepherd’s huts and a temple. Another campsite lies a km away which is Ringer Rather. From here cross a stream and enter the dense forest section.

Continue walking and reach the Malana village in the next three hours. It is believed that the locals are descendants of the Greek Army so this village is also called “Little Greek”. Today stay in a hotel here.

Day 8: Drive from Malana to Kullu

The distance from Malana to Kullu is 45 km, the bus stand from Malana village can be reached in half an hour. A public bus from here leaves at 8:30 am or you can also hire a private cab.