10-Day Western Himalayas Trek through GHNP's Sainj and Tirthan Valleys

1

Day 01

Arrival in Kullu and Trek to Chengah Campsite

• Take an early morning flight or Volvo bus to the Kullu Valley.
• Drive by 4WD jeep across rugged terrain to Neuli, one of the gateways to the Great Himalayan National Park.
• From here, enjoy a short 3-hour hike to Chengah Campsite, keeping the first day relaxed so you can settle into the rhythm of the trek.
• Hot lunch will be served at the campsite.
• Overnight at Chengah Campsite.

2

Day 02

Trek from Chengah Campsite to Shakti Village

• Trek from Chengah Campsite to Shakti Village.
• The day involves a moderate ascent to Shakti, helping trekkers acclimatise for the journey ahead.
• Cover a distance of almost 22 km, following the Sainj Nala to reach Shakti at 2100 meters.

3

Day 03

Into Humkhani Forest and Western Tragopan Habitat

• Trek from Shakti Village to Humkhani Forest Campsite (2800 meters), at the lower meadow bridge in Humkhani Forest.
• This forest is home to the endangered king of the birds, the Western Tragopan. In the villages close to the Great Himalayan National Park, the local name of the Western Tragopan is Jujurana (Juju means bird and rana means king), meaning the king of the birds. There is a local legend that the Lord created this pheasant, and all the birds in the universe donated a feather each to give it colour and unparalleled beauty. Though rare, with luck, we might see them.
• Overnight in camp.

4

Day 04

Climb to the High Meadow of Dhel Thatch

• Trek from Humkhani Forest Campsite to Dhel Thatch (3737 meters).
• Climb uphill through a thick forest to reach the magnificent Dhel Thatch. This thatch is a beautiful, high, and wide meadow with great mountain vistas and opportunities for observing wildlife. The trek halts here for a rest day to explore the wildlife and surroundings.
• Overnight camping.

5

Day 05

Rest Day at Dhel Thatch and Visit to Jogni

• Spend the day on hikes ascending through dense forest, walnut trees, medicinal herbs, and more.
• Also visit the Jogni, an outdoor prayer site, for a magnificent view of the peaks of the GHNP.
• Overnight camping.

6

Day 06

Cross High Elevation to Ghuntarao Camp

• Cover a distance of almost 15 km, climbing to a higher elevation of 4120 meters before descending to the next campsite at Ghuntarao (3500 meters).
• Overnight in camp.

7

Day 07

Rest Day and Bird Watching in Ghuntarao

• Enjoy a rest day in Ghuntarao to explore the surroundings and go bird watching near the campsite.
• Overnight camping.

8

Day 08

Trek to the Beautiful Campsite at Shilt

• Today, travel on a moderate up-and-down trail from Ghuntarao to the beautiful campsite at Shilt (3100 metres).
• This is a great day to explore the flora and fauna of the Great Himalayan National Park.
• Overnight camping.

9

Day 09

Descend Through Forest to Rolla

1. This is a short downhill day through a very thick forest full of Monal Pheasant, a large, plump pheasant with a loud, ringing call. It is a prominent bird, the state bird of Himachal, and is often seen by tourists and trekkers.
2. In the evening, enjoy a campfire with local dance performed by the staff accompanying you on the trek.
3. Overnight in Rolla.

10

Day 10

Return to Goshaini and Departure for Delhi

• Trek a distance of 13 km, with the rest of the journey by jeep, bringing you back to civilisation.
• Arrive in the afternoon at Raju's Lodge, one of the best and oldest lodges in the Tirthan Valley.
• Spend the evening enjoying a trout bonfire.
• Depart by Volvo bus to Delhi.