• Overview
  • Trip Outline
  • Trip Includes
  • Trip Excludes
  • FAQ

Embark on the breathtaking Bleni Pass Trek, a hidden gem in Himachal Pradesh that connects the lush Kangra Valley to the remote Chamba Valley through the mighty Dhauladhar range. This offbeat high-altitude trek takes you across alpine meadows, glacial lakes like Lam Dal, and the stunning Bleni Pass at 3,710 meters, offering panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayas. Starting from Salli village near McLeod Ganj, the route traverses scenic forests, rocky ridges, and sacred high-altitude lakes, making it a perfect choice for seasoned trekkers seeking solitude and raw mountain beauty. Ideal between May–June and September–October, this 4-day adventure promises cultural encounters, natural wonders, and an unforgettable Himalayan experience.

🔶 Bleni Pass Trek – Outline

1. Introduction

  • Brief about Bleni Pass Trek
  • Location: Kangra to Chamba (Himachal Pradesh)
  • Ideal for: Intermediate to experienced trekkers

2. Trek Highlights

  • Max Altitude: 3,710 meters (Bleni Pass)
  • Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
  • Key Attractions: Bleni Pass, Lam Dal Lake, Nagaar Lake, remote villages

3. Best Time to Visit

  • May–June (Spring/Summer)
  • September–October (Post-monsoon)

4. Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1: McLeod Ganj → Salli → Rahela Camp (2,500 m)
  • Day 2: Rahela → Bleni Pass (3,710 m) → Nagaar Lake / Minkiani Gote
  • Day 3: Nagaar → Lam Dal Lake → Drakund (1,800 m)
  • Day 4: Drakund → Barai → Dunali (Trek ends)

5. Trek Difficulty & Terrain

  • Moderate to Challenging
  • Forest trails, rocky sections, stream crossings

6. Packing Essentials

  • Trekking shoes, layers, rain gear, backpack
  • Personal medical kit, torch, energy snacks

7. How to Reach

  • Nearest town: Dharamshala / McLeod Ganj
  • Access via Gaggal Airport or Pathankot railway station

8. Why Choose Bleni Pass Trek?

  • Less crowded trail
  • High-altitude glacial lakes
  • Cultural experience with Gaddi shepherds
  • Himalayan landscapes without technical climbing

9. FAQs

  • Is Bleni Pass safe for beginners?
  • Do I need a guide or permits?
  • Network connectivity and camping arrangements

🧳 Essential Trek Information

Feature

Details

Total Trekking Distance

~45 km

Max Elevation

3,710 meters (Bleni Pass)

Trek Grade

Moderate to Difficult

Trail Type

One-way (cross-valley)

Starting Point

Salli Village (near Dharamshala)

Ending Point

Dunali (near Chamba)

Best Months

May - June, September - October

Group Size

6 - 12 (ideal for small groups)

Accommodation

Tented camps (twin sharing)

 

Itineraries

Day 01

McLeod Ganj to Salli – Trek to Rahela Campsite (2,500 m)

  • Distance: 55 km drive + 5 km trek
  • Trek Duration: 3–4 hours
  • Trek Route: Salli Hydro Project → Chandrela Temple → Rahela Campsite

Your journey begins with a scenic 2-hour drive from McLeod Ganj to Salli village via Chambi and Shahpur, covering around 55 km. From the Salli Hydro Project, the trek starts with a gradual ascent on a well-defined trail passing through Chandrela temple—a culturally significant stop. After 3–4 hours of trekking through pine and oak forests, you’ll reach the serene Rahela campsite (2,500 meters).

✅ Overnight stay in tents at Rahela.

🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 02

Rahela to Nagaar Lake / Minkiani Gote via Bleni Pass (3,710 m)

  • Trek Distance: Approx. 12 km
  • Trek Duration: 7–8 hours
  • Highlights: Bleni Pass summit, panoramic Himalayan views

Today’s trail is the toughest but most rewarding. You’ll begin with a steep and strenuous climb over rocky ridges and icy sections as you ascend toward Bleni Pass (3,710 m). Just before the pass, the gradient becomes gentler, and the effort is richly rewarded with breathtaking views of Kangra Valley, the Dhauladhar range, and distant snow-clad peaks.

After crossing the pass, a 1.5-hour descent takes you to either Nagaar Lake or Minkiani Gote, both offering pristine alpine settings for camping.

✅ Overnight stay at Nagaar Lake / Minkiani Gote.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Day 03

Nagaar / Minkiani Gote to Lam Dal Lake – Trek to Drakund (1,800 m)

  • Trek Distance: Approx. 20 km
  • Trek Duration: 7–8 hours
  • Altitude Drop: From 3,900 m to 1,800 m

A moderate morning walk brings you to Lam Dal Lake in about 2 hours. Revered as one of the largest and deepest glacial lakes in the Dhauladhar region, Lam Dal sits majestically at around 3,900 meters. After spending time soaking in the high-altitude beauty, descend steadily along the Lam Dal stream.

This part of the trail requires multiple stream crossings and a continuous descent through changing vegetation—from alpine meadows to forested trails—ending in the remote village of Drakund (1,800 m).

✅ Overnight camp at Drakund.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04

Drakund to Barai – Drive to Dunali (Trek Ends)

  • Trek Distance: 9 km (to Barai)
  • Drive Distance: 7 km (Barai to Dunali)

Today’s final stretch follows a bridle path through lush forests and picturesque Himachali villages. A relaxed 2–3 hour walk brings you to Barai, now connected by a jeepable road. From here, a 7 km drive takes you to Dunali, located on the confluence of the Ravi River and Lam Dal stream.

From Dunali, you have the option to continue your journey towards:

  • Bharmour (40 km) – gateway to Manimahesh
  • Pathankot (130 km via Chamba)

✅ Trek ends at Dunali.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

 Inclusions – What’s Included in the Trek Package

  • 🚗 Transport:
    • Pick-up from McLeod Ganj to Salli village (start point)
    • Drop from Dunali to Chamba or return to Dharamshala (as per plan)
  • 🏕 Accommodation:
    • Tented accommodation on twin/triple sharing basis (3 nights)
    • Sleeping bags, foam mattresses, and ground insulation
  • 🍽 Meals:
    • All meals from Day 1 lunch to Day 4 breakfast
    • Nutritious vegetarian food (hot breakfast & dinner, packed lunch)
  • 🥾 Experienced Staff:
    • Trained and certified trek leader
    • Local guide familiar with terrain and culture
    • Support staff including cook, helpers, mule handlers
  • 🧰 Trekking Equipment:
    • Camping gear (tents, kitchen tent, toilet tents)
    • First aid kit, oxygen cylinder (for emergencies)
  • 🏞 Permits & Fees:
    • Forest entry permits
    • Environmental and camping charges

 Exclusions – What’s Not Included

  • 🧍‍♂️ Personal Expenses:
    • Tips, laundry, beverages, and snacks outside of meals
    • Extra meals or accommodations before/after the trek
  • 🏥 Travel Insurance:
    • Trek insurance or any medical/emergency evacuation costs
  • 🧳 Porter for Personal Luggage:
    • Porter/mule to carry your personal backpack (available at extra cost)
  • 🚫 Any Cost Arising from Unforeseen Circumstances:
    • Weather delays, landslides, roadblocks, natural calamities
  • 🎫 Camera/Video Equipment Permits:
    • If applicable, any fees for professional camera gear

Bleni Pass is situated in the Dhauladhar range of Himachal Pradesh, connecting the Kangra Valley (starting near Salli village) to the Chamba Valley (ending near Dunali). It sits at an altitude of 3,710 meters.

The Bleni Pass Trek is moderately difficult and involves steep ascents, rocky terrain, and high-altitude sections. Prior trekking experience and good physical fitness are recommended.

The ideal seasons are May to June and September to October. Avoid monsoon months (July–August) due to landslides and slippery trails. The trek is usually snowbound from November to April.

Yes, hiring a local guide is highly recommended. The trail is remote, less marked, and includes high-altitude terrain. A guide ensures safety, navigation, and helps with local insights and emergency support.

Yes, forest permits and camping fees are required. These are usually arranged by your trekking operator or guide.

The trek is not ideal for complete beginners due to the altitude and long trekking hours. However, fit first-timers who have done short hikes or easy treks can attempt it with proper preparation and a guide.

Network coverage is available till Salli village. Once you start the trek, there is no signal for the rest of the trail until you descend to Dunali.

Accommodation is in tented camps on a twin or triple-sharing basis. Tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses are included in the trekking package.

Essential items include trekking shoes, warm clothes, rain gear, a daypack, water bottle, flashlight, personal medicines, and energy snacks. A full packing list is provided by the trek organizer.

Salli is a 2-hour drive from McLeod Ganj via Chambi and Shahpur. Transport is typically included in the package or can be arranged separately.