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3 Nights 4 Days
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The Minkiani Pass Trek in India is a thrilling and picturesque adventure that takes you through stunning landscapes, remote mountain villages, and high-altitude passes. Nestled in the enchanting state of Himachal Pradesh, this trek offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Indian Himalayas and experience the true essence of adventure.
The Minkiani Pass Trek reaches a maximum altitude of approximately 4,400 meters (14,436 feet) and is considered to have a moderate to difficult difficulty level. It is an ideal choice for experienced trekkers who are seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience and are ready to embrace the challenges that come with it.
Starting from the charming town of McLeod Ganj, which serves as a gateway to the Himalayas, the trek takes you on a journey of exploration and self-discovery. From McLeod Ganj, you’ll make your way to Kareri Village, a quaint and picturesque settlement nestled at an altitude of around 1,800 metres (5,905 feet). This serves as the base for your adventure and offers a glimpse into the local way of life.
As you venture deeper into the trek, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the region. The trail leads you through dense forests, vibrant meadows, and gushing streams, allowing you to witness the rich biodiversity and stunning natural wonders of the area. Passing through quaint Himalayan villages, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the warm and hospitable locals, gaining insights into their unique culture and way of life.
One of the highlights of the Minkiani Pass Trek is the majestic Kareri Lake, situated at an altitude of approximately 2,950 metres (9,678 feet). This glacial lake, with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks, offers a tranquil and awe-inspiring setting for camping overnight. The serene atmosphere and the panoramic views of the mountains create an unforgettable experience.
Continuing further, the trek takes you to the Minkiani Pass Base Camp, nestled at an elevation of around 3,500 metres (11,483 feet). This phase of the trek presents challenging terrains, including alpine meadows, rocky trails, and moraines, testing your endurance and determination. The base camp rewards you with stunning vistas of the Dhauladhar Range and the Kangra Valley, leaving you in awe of the majestic Himalayan landscape.
The highlight of the trek awaits as you ascend to Minkiani Pass, standing tall at approximately 4,400 metres (14,436 feet). The panoramic views from the pass are simply breathtaking, with vast stretches of snow-covered peaks and deep valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. It is a moment of triumph and a well-deserved reward for the efforts put into the trek.
Region: Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Start/ End Point of the Trek: Mcleodganj
Duration: 4D/3N
Height: 13,950 ft
Distance: 48 km
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Best Time to do Minkiani Pass Trek: March to October
The best time to undertake the Minkiani Pass Trek is during the summer and autumn seasons, specifically from March to December. These months offer relatively favourable weather conditions and provide the most suitable environment for trekking in the region.
The Minkiani Pass trek varies from moderate to challenging. The trekking route will pass over rugged terrain, dense rainforest, and dense woodland. You must therefore possess a good deal of physical strength, experience, and endurance to complete your trek.
Himtrek does provide easy accessibility to almost all types of equipment required for the trek on a rental basis with reasonable prices and extremely good quality. The equipment can be arranged on prior notice.
The temperature at Minkiani Pass can vary significantly depending on the time of year and weather conditions. From May to July, the daytime temperatures at Minkiani Pass can range from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius which can drop significantly at night time to -5 degrees. From September to October, daytime temperatures range from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. From November to March, Minkiani Pass experiences harsh winter conditions with heavy snowfall. The daytime temperatures go around -5 to 0 degrees Celsius and night time temperatures drop below freezing zero.
The trek distance is 48 kms to and fro which is covered in 4 days and 3 nights, making it a moderate to challenging level of trek. The highest point of the trek lies at 13,950 ft altitude.
To reach McLeodGanj, the starting point for the Minkiani Pass trek, you can choose to travel by air, road, or train. Here are the different transportation options available:
By Air: The nearest airport to McLeod Ganj is Gaggal Airport, also known as Kangra Airport or Dharamshala Airport. It is located approximately 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) away from McLeod Ganj. Several domestic airlines operate regular flights to Gaggal Airport from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-booked cab to reach McLeodGanj, which is about a 45-minute drive.
By Road: McLeod Ganj is well-connected by road, and you can reach there by bus, taxi, or self-driven vehicle. The most common route is from Delhi, which is approximately 480 kilometres (298 miles) away and takes around 10 to 12 hours by road. You can take a direct overnight bus from Delhi to McLeod Ganj, or you can hire a taxi or drive your own vehicle. The roads are generally in good condition, and the journey offers scenic views of the mountains and valleys.
By Train: The nearest major railway station to McLeod Ganj is Pathankot Railway Station, located approximately 90 kilometres (56 miles) away. Pathankot is well-connected to various cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Amritsar. From Pathankot, you can hire a taxi or take a shared taxi or bus to reach McLeodGanj. The journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
3 Nights 4 Days Available on request
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Arrive in Mcleodganj on your day one. From here, a scenic drive will take you to Satobari village, situated 5 km from Mcleodganj, through beautiful landscapes. The trek begins at Satobari, a small village situated at an altitude of approximately 1,400 metres (4,593 feet). From Satobari, you will follow a well-defined trail that leads you through lush green forests, charming meadows, and scenic landscapes. The trail gradually ascends, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After hiking for around 4-5 hours, you will reach Ghera, a picturesque village located at an elevation of approximately 1,800 metres (5,905 feet). Ghera serves as a perfect resting point for trekkers, with options for accommodation and basic amenities. From Ghera, the trek continues towards Kareri Village. The trail meanders through dense forests, crossing sparkling streams and passing by traditional Himachali hamlets. As you ascend further, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. The trek from Ghera to Kareri Village takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on your pace. Once you reach Kareri village, get to your campsite and unwind. Relax and take some rest, spend your night in tents after dinner.
On day 2, the trek begins from Kareri Village, situated at an altitude of approximately 1,800 metres (5,905 feet). From the village, you will follow a well-marked trail that gradually ascends through dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron. As you hike, you will come across gushing streams, waterfalls, and charming meadows, enhancing the scenic beauty of the trek. After hiking for about 5-6 hours, covering a distance of approximately 13 kilometres (8 miles), you will reach the serene Kareri Lake Located at an elevation of around 2,950 metres (9,678 feet), the glacial lake is nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Dhauladhar Range. The crystal-clear waters of the lake reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks, creating a breathtaking sight. The tranquil atmosphere and the panoramic views make Kareri Lake a perfect spot for camping and rejuvenation. Stay for the night there in your tents at Kareri Lake and refuel yourself for the next day.
Wake up to a beautiful sunrise and get ready for your trek after having a filling breakfast. You will start by following a well-defined trail that ascends through rocky terrain, crossing streams and meadows. After hiking for about 4-5 hours, covering a distance of approximately 10-12 kilometres (6-7 miles), you will reach Kareri Base Camp, located at an elevation of around 3,500 metres (11,483 feet). The base camp serves as a resting point for trekkers and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. From Kareri Base Camp, the trail becomes more challenging as you make your way towards Minkiani Pass. The path involves steep ascents, traversing rocky slopes, and crossing moraines. As you ascend, you will be treated to panoramic views of the snow-clad peaks and vast mountain landscapes. After approximately 6-7 hours of trekking, covering a distance of around 8-10 kilometres (5-6 miles), you will reach Minkiani Pass. Take in the mesmerising views of the summit and capture tons of memories as you prepare to descend back. You will begin your descent back towards Kareri Lake. The return journey follows the same route but offers a stunning perspective of the surroundings. As you make your way back, you will retrace your steps through the rocky slopes, meadows, and forests. Once you reach Kareri lake, unwind and spend your night there in camps.
Today marks the last day of your trek and the 4 days long adventure. Get ready to trek back to Kareri village following the same route. As you make your way down, you will be surrounded again by the breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar Range and the glistening Kareri River flowing alongside. The trek from Kareri Lake to Kareri Village usually takes around 4-5 hours, depending on your pace and the trail conditions. Upon reaching Kareri Village, you can immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings and relax after the trek. From here, a taxi will take you to Mcleodganj. Here comes the end of your trek, say adios to the fellows and this adventure and go back with millions of memories!
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