Buran Ghati Trek

• Months– May and June
• Temperature– 12°C to 18°C during the day and 8°C to 12°C at night

The summer season is often considered the classic time to attempt Buran Ghati. By late May, the snow begins to melt in the lower regions, opening up the forests and meadows. This is when the valleys turn lush green, and wildflowers start covering the grassy slopes. If you enjoy trekking through colorful landscapes, this season offers the most vibrant scenery.

At the same time, snow remains on the higher stretches, especially around the pass. This gives you the chance to experience the thrill of walking through snowfields and even sliding down the long snow gully on the other side of the pass. For many trekkers, this sliding section becomes the highlight of the entire journey. The streams run full at this time, and there is a freshness in the air that makes the trek feel alive after the long winter.

However, summer trekking also comes with certain challenges. The snow sections can be slippery, and melting snow can make some parts of the trail wet and muddy. You need good footwear and balance to stay comfortable. Days are usually pleasant, but nights can still get very cold at higher camps, so warm layers are essential.

• Months– September and October
• Temperature– 10°C to 15°C during the day and 5°C to 10°C at night

Autumn presents a very different version of the Buran Ghati trek. By this time, most of the snow has melted from the pass, making the crossing easier. The skies are typically clear, which gives you uninterrupted views of distant peaks. For photographers and those who love crisp mountain vistas, this is the season to go.

Another striking feature of autumn is the forest colors. The oak and birch trees change into warm shades of yellow, orange, and brown. Walking through these forests feels different from summer because instead of bright flowers, you see soft golden tones spread across the valleys. The meadows are not as green as in June, but they carry a more peaceful, settled look that appeals to many trekkers.

Weather in autumn is generally stable, with little chance of heavy rain or storms. This makes it a safer season for those who want predictable conditions. Nights are still cold but not as extreme as early spring or winter.

Both winter and monsoon are unsuitable for this trek. The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, which not only makes trails slippery but also increases the risk of landslides and poor visibility. Winter, on the other hand, covers the region in deep snow, cutting off access to villages and making the pass nearly impossible to cross.

The trail begins with relatively easy walking through forests and meadows. The paths are well defined, and the gradual incline makes it possible for even first-time trekkers to keep up. As you go higher, however, the terrain changes. Rocky stretches, uneven slopes, and snow patches appear, especially as you approach Dhunda and the pass. The snow gully on the other side of the pass is steep and requires attention. Trek leaders often set up ropes for safety, and trekkers may slide down with assistance.

This mix of easy and challenging sections is what makes the trek moderate. It is not a simple village walk, but it also does not demand technical mountaineering skills. A good pair of shoes, trekking poles, and proper guidance are enough to handle the terrain.

Buran Ghati Pass is at a significant height. While it is not as high as some extreme Himalayan routes, the altitude is still enough to affect breathing and stamina. Trekkers often feel the thinner air from Litham onward, and the climb to Dhunda and the pass can feel slow and tiring. Acclimatization is built into the itinerary, but you must listen to your body, stay hydrated, and avoid rushing.

On most days, trekkers walk for five to seven hours. While this is manageable for those with a reasonable fitness level, the hours can feel long when combined with altitude and backpack weight. The pass day is particularly demanding, starting early in the morning and involving a steep climb followed by a challenging descent. It requires both physical stamina and mental focus.

The presence of snow makes this trek unique but also more difficult. In summer, you may spend hours walking on snow near the pass, which can be tiring if you are not used to it. Sliding down the gully is fun but also requires balance and control. Autumn is easier in this respect, as most of the snow has melted, but the pass still involves steep sections.

To enjoy the Buran Ghati trek comfortably, preparation is key. Building stamina through regular running, cycling, or brisk walking helps a lot. Strength training for legs and core muscles is also useful, since these parts of the body handle most of the strain on uneven ground. Practicing long walks with a loaded backpack prepares you for the daily routine of the trek.

• Running: Aim to run 5 km within 25 minutes over flat slope.
• Cardiovascular Training: Running, cycling, and swimming to boost stamina.
• Strength Training: Focus on leg exercises like squats, lunges, and step-ups for endurance.
• Core Strength: Planks, mountain climbers, and Russian twists to maintain balance on uneven trails.
• Flexibility Exercises: Stretching, yoga, and dynamic warm-ups to prevent injuries.
• Mental Conditioning: Visualisation techniques, breathing exercises, and meditation to strengthen focus and manage stress on difficult days. 
• Exercises with Weights: For this moderate to difficult-level trek, practice exercises with weights. Seek professional advice accordingly.
• Diet: Incorporate proteins for fast recovery after a strenuous trek. Whole grains like wheat, barley, etc for sustained energy, and leafy greens like spinach, bitter guard, and any seasonal veggie for those extra nutrients and building the immunity system.
• Muscle Recovery: Plan rest days and add stretching, relaxing yoga poses or foam rolling after every workout.
• Stay hydrated: drink 2 to 3 liters of water. To incorporate more nutrients, including coconut water, fruit, and vegetable juices. 
• Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption. 
• Start sleeping 7-8 hours. 

Altitude Sickness happens when your body cannot adjust to lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes. This happens mainly because your body doesn’t have enough time to acclimatize to a higher altitude or not enough time to get used to lower oxygen levels. Kuari Pass is situated at a high altitude location and avoiding altitude sickness preparation can lead such beautiful trek into a worst experience of the Himalayas.

The trek also tests mental endurance. Waking up early, facing cold mornings, and staying motivated during long climbs are as much about attitude as physical strength. The pass day, in particular, requires calmness, focus, and trust in your team. Many trekkers finish the descent with a strong sense of achievement that stays with them long after the trek.

How to Prevent AMS on High-Altitude Treks-

• Gradual Ascent: Climb slowly to give your body time to adjust.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• Rest and Sleep: Ensure ample rest, especially as you reach higher camps.
• Avoid Alcohol: Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can lead to dehydration.

What to Do in Case of AMS or Other Illnesses-

• Stay Hydrated: Drink water and avoid strenuous activity.
• Stop and Rest: Pause your trek to recover. Try not to cover your ears, offload your backpack, and sit down.
• Most Important – Inform your trek leader, they can assess the situation better and find solutions faster.  
• Descend if Necessary: Descend immediately to base camp. Our team with the vehicle and necessary help will be there for further action. 
• Seek Medical Help: After descending, our team will take you to the nearest hospital if needed.
• Nearest Hospital: Rohru (around 40 km from Janglik)

The villages around the Buran Ghati trail, such as Janglik and Barua, reflect Himachali traditions that have been preserved over generations. Wooden houses, intricately carved temples, and terraced farmlands remind you of the deep connection locals have with their land.

Chandranahan Lake holds spiritual value for residents, who believe it to be sacred. Such places along the trek add a layer of meaning beyond just physical beauty.

Walking through these regions is not only about crossing landscapes but also about glimpsing a lifestyle that respects the mountains deeply. The mix of cultural encounters and natural wonders makes the trek more holistic.

One of the joys of the Buran Ghati trek is observing the changing natural environment as you move from lower forests to alpine terrain.

Forests: The lower stretches are dominated by pine, oak, and rhododendron trees. In summer, rhododendrons bloom with bright colors that stand out sharply against the dark green pines.

Meadows: Dayara and Litham open into wide grasslands, where wildflowers cover the ground in spring and early summer. These meadows also serve as grazing grounds for local cattle and sheep.

High Altitude Zones: As you move higher, vegetation thins, giving way to rocky surfaces, alpine shrubs, and patches of snow.

In terms of wildlife, trekkers may come across Himalayan monal (the state bird of Himachal), mountain goats, and herds of sheep. Smaller mammals like marmots are sometimes spotted in open meadows. While large animals are rare to see, the biodiversity of the region is rich, and bird calls often accompany you along the trail.