Chanshal Pass Trek is located at over 12,000 feet, offering adventurous trekking experiences in the Shimla district. Starting from the base camp in Larot, it covers rich flora and fauna, apple farms, high-altitude wildflower gardens, and the villages of Dodra and Kwar.
Travelers crave an exploration that takes them far away from city life, into adventurous paths of thick forests, birds whose songs fill the heart with joy, sunrise that brings life back, sunsets that give a warmth of hope. Chanshal Pass Trek. A quiet, least-traveled trek takes travelers on a journey that feels like coming back home. Blooming apple farms, beautiful deodar forests, and gardens of wildflowers: this trek gives every traveler a chance to add some memorable chapters to their lives.
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Chanshal Pass Trek
Chanshal Pass Trek, also known as the highest pass trek in the city of Shimla. Situated at 14,830 feet above sea level, this trek is famous for offering raw and genuine Himalayan explorer experiences. The Trek covers a distance of 22 kilometers and passes through deep Deodar forests, flower gardens, apple farms, and lets you see the hidden Himalayan wildlife and nature.
The thrilling trek starts from the base camp in Larot, Shimla, to Theog, Narkanda, Kotkhai, Jubbal, Rohru, Chirgaon, Larot, Janglik, to Tangnu, then ends at the Chanshal Pass.
Places Covered in the Chanshal Pass Trek
Chanshal Pass Trek is a high-altitude adventure and covers many rocky paths. It goes through forests, apple farms, green grasslands, lakes, and beautiful views of nature and Himalayan wildlife.
- Rohru: A small, quiet town before the base camp of the Larot village. Famous as the apple valley, it is situated close to the Pabbar River. It is often visited by trekkers and those who want to see the local life and culture of Himachal villages.
- Hateshwari Mata Temple: An old temple located just outside the Rohru village. It is dedicated to Goddess Mahishasuramardini, a form of Goddess Durga. The temple was built between the 6th and 9th centuries during the Gupta period.
- Larot: Larot is the starting point or base camp for the Chanshal Pass Trek. Located in the Pabbar Valley, this is the last village on the trek. The thick cedar and pine forests and surprising mountain views give this destination a unique feature of beauty.
- Chanshal Pass: After a long journey, you finally reach the Chanshal Pass point, which is also known as the highest peak in Shimla. It is located at around 14,830 feet at the Chanshal Peak and offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range.
- Saru Lake: Saru Lake is a great camping site with a peaceful atmosphere. Many trekkers include this lake in their trek to take rest or enjoy night camping.
- Dodra and Kwar: Dodra and Kwar are twin villages located in the Pabbar Valley. These are highly remote villages that are also the endpoints of the Chanshal Pass Trek.
How to Reach the Base Camp of the Chanshal Pass Trek?
The base camp of the Chanshal Pass Trek is Larot village. It is well connected to the village of Rohru, from which you can reach Larot village.
Below is how you can reach the base camp:
- Reach Shimla by Air
- Jubbarhatti Airport (SLV) is the nearest airport to Shimla
- Few flights available from Delhi due to weather
- Another option is Chandigarh Airport (IXC)
- By Train
- Reach Kalka Railway Station from New Delhi or other major cities.
- Take the Kalka to Shimla Toy Train, or a faster option, a taxi, to reach Shimla.
- By Road
- Take an overnight private bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in New Delhi
- Reach Shimla directly in 11 to 12 hours
- Shimla to Rohru to Larot Village
After reaching Shimla, take a taxi or bus to reach the town of Rohru. From Rohru, the distance to the Larot village base camp is around 48 km. You may not find any bus transport, so take a private jeep or shared taxi.
Best Time to Visit the Chanshal Pass Trek
The best time to visit the Chanshal Pass Trek is during the summer season, March to June. This season is ideal for trekking because of the comfortable weather conditions and clear skies. Other months, from October to November, are good for seeing greenery, clear mountain views, and comfortable weather.
Here is a table for the ideal and suitable time to plan the Chanshal Pass Trek:
| Season | Months | Conditions | Recommendation |
| Summer | May to June | Pleasant weather, clear skies, and little snow | Best time for trekking |
| Monsoon | July to September | Heavy rain, landslides, and slippery roads | Not recommended |
| Autumn | October to November | Cold, cool air, and clear mountain views | Good for scenery |
| Winter | December to April | Heavy snowfall, extreme cold, and road closures | Avoid (only for experts) |
Places to Stay Near the Chanshal Pass Trek
Here are some of the most famous places to stay near the Chanshal Pass Trek:
| Stay Category | Stay Name | Location | Approx. Price (per night) |
| Hotel | The Chanshal Hotel | Seema and Rohru | 1,500 to 3,500 |
| Hotel SSS The Chanshal Retreat | Larot Road, Khashdhar | 1,800 to over 3,500 | |
| Resort | Chanshal Camps & Resort | Mandli, Chirgaon | 2,000 to 5,000 |
| Homestay | Chanshal Midway | Seema, Rohru | 1,200 to 2,500 |
| Chanshal view hilltop Homestay larot | Larot | 1,200 to 2,500 | |
| Ransaar Valley Homestay | Jangla (near Chirgaon) | 1,500 to 3,000 | |
| Deohari Valley Homestay | Larot | 2,200 to 2,500 | |
| Camp | Chanshal Adventure Camp | Larot and Chanshal Valley | 2,000 to 3,000 |
Tips for Travelers for the Chanshal Pass Trek
Here are some of the travel tips for the Chanshal Pass Trek:
- Avoid visiting during the monsoon or rainy season due to landslides and slippery trails.
- Phone networks may not work after you leave Rohru.
- Spend a day in Rohru or the base camp village to adjust to the high altitude.
- Wear strong trekking shoes that also have a strong grip.
- Carry a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, snacks, a hat, a fully charged power bank, and a medicine kit for emergencies.
- Wear woolen clothes with thermals, a waterproof jacket, gloves, and warm pants because temperatures can drop very quickly.
- Keep drinking sufficient water during the trek to avoid dehydration.
- If you are a beginner, travel with an experienced trekker or hire a reliable local guide.
- During the trek, keep a compass with you due to no network availability in the region.
- Before you start the trek, check weather forecasts and road conditions.
Conclusion
Chanshal Pass Trek is a calm and relaxing journey. It lets you see the unseen beauty of the Himalayan culture, nature, and wilderness. This trek begins from the Larot base camp, covers many landscapes, including thick pine and deodar forests, rocky trails, apple farms, water streams, and wildflower gardens. Therefore, the Chanshal Pass Trek is defined by its unseen beauty and offers many exciting experiences to travelers, trekkers, and nature lovers.
Also Read : Tanni Jubbar Lake Narkanda: A Complete Travel Guide