The trail begins at Galu Devi Temple (1,460m) and climbs steadily through forest and open meadow. The final stretch — the famous '22 curves' — is steep but short. Arrive at the ridge by afternoon, set up camp, and watch the sunset turn the Dhauladhar gold.

Wake before sunrise for the best light on the peaks. After breakfast, descend the same trail back to McLeod Ganj. The descent takes 3–4 hours and feels entirely different from the climb — the valley opens up below you the whole way down.

Ascend from Galu Devi Temple through forest and the 22 curves to the Triund ridge. Camp at 2,828m with the Dhauladhar wall rising directly above.

Leave the treeline behind and climb through boulder fields and snowfields to Lahesh Cave — a natural rock overhang that has sheltered trekkers for centuries. The terrain becomes alpine and the air noticeably thinner.

The crux day. An early start is essential — the pass is best crossed before noon when afternoon clouds can roll in. The summit at 4,342m delivers a 360° panorama. Descend steeply to Chata Parao on the Chamba side.

Descend through the Ravi river valley, crossing streams and passing through shepherd settlements. The landscape transitions from alpine to forested as you lose altitude.

Final descent through villages and terraced fields to the historic town of Chamba on the banks of the Ravi. Trek ends here.

The trail begins at Barshaini (2,200m) and follows the Parvati river upstream through forest. After passing the village of Nakthan, the trail climbs through a series of switchbacks to the open meadow of Kheerganga. Arrive by afternoon, set up camp, and soak in the hot spring.

Morning at the hot spring before descending back to Barshaini. The descent takes 3–4 hours. Drive back to Kasol or Bhuntar.

Drive to Tangling village and begin the ascent through apple orchards and terraced fields. Camp at Charurang (3,400m).

Climb through boulder fields and moraines to Ganesh Park (4,200m), a high-altitude meadow with direct views of the Kailash peak. The Shivalinga becomes visible for the first time.

The most sacred day of the trek. Approach the base of the Shivalinga at 4,800m, circumambulate the peak, and descend to Parvati Kund — a glacial lake of deep religious significance.

Descend through the Tidong valley, crossing streams and passing through remote shepherd camps. Camp at Lamber (3,000m).

Final descent through forest and villages back to the Sutlej valley. Drive to Kalpa or Reckong Peo.

The trek begins at Jaon village (2,400m) and climbs steeply through forest to the first campsite at Thachru (3,200m). The trail is well-marked but relentlessly uphill.

Cross the treeline and enter high alpine terrain. The Kali Ghati snowfield begins here — crampons may be required. Camp at the base of the snowfield (4,100m).

Cross the Kali Ghati snowfield — the most technically demanding section of the route. Reach Bhim Dwar (4,800m), the natural rock arch that marks the final approach to the summit. Camp here.

Summit day. An early start (3am) is essential. The final 355m to the Shivalinga is a scramble over loose rock and snow. The summit at 5,155m is overwhelming — return to Bhim Dwar camp.

Long descent back through Kali Ghati to Thachru. The legs feel it by now.

Final descent to Jaon village. Trek ends.

Drive to Hadsar (2,900m) and begin the trek along the Manimahesh Nala. The trail climbs through forest and open meadow to Dhancho (3,400m), passing a dramatic waterfall.

The trail opens up above the treeline into wide alpine meadows. The final approach to the lake is across a boulder field. The lake appears suddenly — and the peak above it is staggering. Camp at the lake shore.

A full day at Manimahesh Lake. Explore the lake shore, attempt the ridge above for closer views of the peak, or simply sit with the mountain. The light changes dramatically through the day.

Retrace the route to Hadsar and drive back to Chamba. The descent takes 6–7 hours.