Gaddi Kingdom Trek
Trek Through Himalayan Gaddi Kingdom
Route : Pathankot - Dharamshala - Mcleodganj - Kareri village - Triund - Bhagsu
Total Duration : 07 Nights / 08 Days
Passing through all these Gaddi villages we get very close to the snowline and spend the last night of the trek nearly at the base of Dhauladhar mountain from where we have spectacular view of the peaks of Dhauladhar mountain range.
Days on Trek: 04 Nights/05 Days
Maximum Elevation: 3000 Meters Above sea Level
Starting Point of the Trek: Mcleod Ganj (Upper Dharamsala)
Rating: Easy to Moderate
Best time: 25 Feb to 15 May & 15 September to 30th November
Highlights: Gaddi tribal village, small Himalayan streams, Himalayan bird life, etc.
During the trek we come across several Gaddi Tribal villages. Gaddi is a semi nomadic shepherd tribe whose main occupation is rearing of sheep and goat. The Gaddi shepherd spend the whole summer up in the mountain with their heard of sheep and goat and migrate to plains during winter.
Passing through all these Gaddi villages we get very close to the snowline and spend the last night of the trek nearly at the base of Dhauladhar mountain from where we have spectacular view of the peaks of Dhauladhar mountain range.
Dharamsala the starting point of the trek is a hill station established during British regime in India. It is located on the base of Dhauladhar mountain range. The place also served as a base for the military troops during British period. Attracted by the beauty of the place many European officer started making it their home and the this settlement of European was named McLeod Ganj, in the honor of the Late Sir Donald Mcleod, the former Lt. Governor of the province.
Now Dharamsala is mainly divided in two parts: Lower Dharamsala, is the district headquarter of Kangra and is the main commercial place. Upper Dharamsala, called Mcleod Ganj is the home of Exiled Tibetan Spiritual leader and head His Holiness The Dalai Lama.
After Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959, His Holiness Dalai Lama escaped from Tibet to India and since then He decide to make Dharamsala his home in Exile. His Holiness lives here with thousands of Tibetan refugees who escaped into India.
Preview of the Trek :
- Day 01: Pathankot - Dharamala
- Day 02: On Trek: Mcleod Ganj - Boh village- Kanol Village (1500 M)
- Day 03: Kanol Village to Kareri Village(1800 M) 13 kms, 5 to 6 hours walk
- Day 04: Kareri Village to Bahl Village (2000 M) 13 kms, 5 to 6 hours walk
- Day 05: Bahl Village to Triund (2875 M) 10 km 5 hours walk
- Day 06: Triund- Bhagsu Nag - Mcleod Ganj 4 hours walk
- Day 07: Dharamsala - Amritsar 5 hours drive
- Day 08: Fly Out
Day 01: Pathankot - Dharamala
Arrive Pathankot Rly station in the morning by an overnight train from Delhi. On arrival transfer to Dharamsala by road(3 hours drive). On arrival Check in Hotel. Check in time is 1300 Hours. Later go for half day sightseeing of Dharamsala visiting Dalai Lama Temple(open everyday from Sunrise to Sunset), Tibet Museum(Closed on Monday), St. John’s Church in the wilderness. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: On Trek: Mcleod Ganj- Boh village - Kanol Village (1500 M)
After breakfast drive to the valley for two hours to reach Boa village, the starting point of the trek. Bao village is situated on the bank or river. Steep ascent for about two hours takes us to Batuni village where we visit a local family house for refreshment and to witneess the life style of inhabitants of Dhauladhar. From Batuni it is an hour long walk takes to the lunch spot. After lunch walk through lush green fields to Kanol village where we camp for night stay.
Day 03: Kanol Village to Kareri Village(1800 M) 13 kms, 5 to 6 hours walk
From Kanol it is gradual uphill walk for two/three hours and then we descend down to Harnala, where we camp near a small refreshing stream next to Kareri village. We come across several other tribal villages on the way. Night stay in tents.
Day 04: Kareri Village to Bahl Village (2000 M) 13 kms, 5 to 6 hours walk
Leave after breakfast. First two hours is a gradual walk with little up and downhill walk and we get to Rawa village, situated on the bank of Rawa river. We come across several tribal villges on the way. From Rawa it is steep ascent through the forest for about two hours to Bahl village. Camp near a small stream next to the village.The area is full of Himalayan birds and those interested in bird watching can go for the same around the camp.
Day 05: Bahl Village to Triund (2875 M) 10 km 5 hours walk
This day we leave all the villages behind and go up in the mountain where there is no human habitation. It is steep ascent through mixed forest of oak, rhododendron and cedar trees to Triund, an alpine meadow situated atop a ridge. Camp here for overnight stay. From Triund you have superb view of the snowclad Dhauladhar mountain on one side and the valley on the other.
Day 06: Triund - Bhagsu Nag - Mcleod Ganj 4 hours walk
Morning view from the camp is most amazing. After breakfast walk downhill for about 4 hours to reach Bhagsu Nag. Trek Ends. Check in Hotel. Afternoon walk in the Tibetan Market in Mcleod Ganj.
Day 07: Dharamsala - Amritsar 5 hours drive
After breakfast drive to Amritsar, the holy city of Golden Temple. Check in Hotel in Amritsar. Later visit the Historical Golden Temple in Amritsar. Overnight stay in Hotel.
Day 08: Fly Out
Morning transfer to Amritsar airport for flight to Delhi or Mumbai. End of Tour.
