If you think you’ve seen it all in Himachal, think again. Tucked deep in the Dhauladhar range lies the Kundli Pass (4,550 m) — one of Himachal’s most secluded and raw high-altitude passes, untouched by mainstream tourism. Unlike the crowded trails of Triund or Kareri Lake, Kundli Pass Trek is wild, spiritual, and only for those willing to trade comfort for real adventure.
🌄 What Makes Kundli Pass Trek So Special?
Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t your typical weekend hike. The Kundli Pass Trek is a 5-day immersive journey that takes you from McLeod Ganj to the remote Chamba Valley, crossing one of the least-explored ridgelines of the Dhauladhar.
Here’s why it’s a bucket-list-worthy experience:
🧭 1. The Route Is a Real Offbeat Adventure
Most treks in Himachal follow well-trodden paths. But Kundli Pass? It has no visible trail markings. The route meanders through forgotten villages like Kharota, dense oak forests, icy ridges, and meadows no Instagram has touched yet. You climb from 1,450 m in Khaniyara to over 4,500 m at Kundli Pass, descending into an entirely different valley — a complete crossover trek.
Interesting Fact: Locals refer to the trail as the “shepherd’s secret,” since only Gaddi nomads and a few brave trekkers use it to move between Kangra and Chamba.
🛕 2. A Sacred Summit with Gaddi Trishuls
At the top of Kundli Pass, amidst freezing winds and snow flurries, you’ll find Trishuls (tridents) embedded into the ground. These are offerings from Gaddi shepherds who believe the pass is sacred. They stop here to offer prayers before leading their flocks into Chamba’s greener pastures.
Did you know? Many locals believe crossing Kundli safely requires spiritual permission from the mountain gods.
🏕️ 3. You Camp in Wild, Untouched Locations
The trek includes alpine campsites like Thatharna, Bakhlodu, and Galod Gote – each one more beautiful than the last. Imagine waking up to sunrise over snowy peaks, sipping tea next to a glacier-fed stream, and hearing nothing but the wind.
You’ll sleep under a million stars, far from cell towers or traffic — and that, in today’s world, is a luxury.
🌲 4. Cross from One Culture to Another
You start in Dharamsala’s Tibetan-influenced Kangra Valley and end in Bharmour, a Chamba village steeped in Hindu mythology and temples. The transition is not just geographical — it’s cultural. The landscape, the food, the dialect — everything changes after the pass.
Chamba’s Bharmour is home to the ancient Chaurasi Temples, dating back over 1,000 years!
🗺️ Trekking Route at a Glance
- Day 1: McLeod Ganj → Khaniyara → Trek to Thatharna (2,600 m)
- Day 2: Thatharna → Bakhlodu (3,690 m)
- Day 3: Bakhlodu → Kundli Pass (4,550 m) → Galod Gote
- Day 4: Galod Gote → Kwarsi Village (2,730 m)
- Day 5: Kwarsi → Roadhead → Drive to Bharmour or Chamba
⚠️ Is Kundli Pass Trek Right for You?
This trek is not for beginners. You need:
- Prior high-altitude trekking experience
- Good physical fitness
- A love for solitude and rugged terrain
- A willingness to hike 10–16 km per day with steep climbs and descents
But if you’re looking to escape the crowds and truly connect with the mountains, Kundli Pass delivers.
🧳 What to Pack for Kundli Pass
- Sturdy trekking shoes
- Layers for cold weather
- Waterproof jacket & gloves
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp
- Power bank (no charging on trail)
- Essential medicines
- Energy bars & nuts
Pro Tip: Keep your pack light but don’t skip the essentials — this isn’t the place to test luck with the weather.
📆 Best Time to Do the Kundli Pass Trek
- May to June (Post-snow window)
- September to October (Crisp skies, great views)
Avoid the monsoon (July-August) and deep winter (November–April) due to heavy snow and poor visibility.
💬 Final Thoughts: Why Kundli Pass Is the Ultimate Trek for the Explorer in You
The Kundli Pass Trek isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about finding peace in silence, testing your limits, and walking paths where only the brave wander.
It’s the kind of trail that doesn’t just show you the Himalayas — it teaches you something about yourself.
So if you’re ready to ditch the predictable and embrace the unknown, pack your rucksack, tighten your boots, and answer the call of Kundli Pass.
📲 Ready to Go?
👉 Book Kundli Pass Trek on WhatsApp
Or check out the full itinerary here:
