Yaar, the Himalayas, right? They just call out to you. And for us folks in Chandigarh, Churdhar Peak is like, proper calling us over. This huge, sacred peak, dedicated to Mahadev, promises not just a tough trek but also views that’ll just blow your mind, stretching all over Himachal and Uttarakhand. Most of us dream of such an adventure, but planning is always a headache, and sometimes, even the best group plans just fall apart. But guess what? I recently found out, the mountains have their own way of calling you, even if you have to go alone.
This isn’t just some boring guide; it’s my actual story, how my Churdhar trek dream almost vanished, only to bounce back with a sudden decision and an amazing trip with my room partner, Mohit. If you’re a corporate guy like me, trying to balance work and wanderlust, or just someone looking for a real, personal take on the Churdhar trek from Chandigarh, you’re in the right place, trust me.
The Spontaneous Call of Churdhar: My Filmy Story
My Churdhar plan had been cooking for ages, you know? So many group chats, endless discussions, people saying yes then no – it was that classic story of trying to get everyone on the same page. As Friday evening rolled around, my big group adventure, to my utter dismay, had completely gone kaput. I was so disappointed, but not ready to give up. I just looked at Mohit, my roomie and fellow corporate warrior. “Mohit,” I said, this sudden spark just hit me, “they might have ditched us, but we’re still going!”
And just like that, the plan was on.
See, as corporate employees, our schedules are always tight. I’d already taken a short leave for Friday evening, and luckily, Mohit’s shift ended at 4 PM. We didn’t waste a second. Our trusty scooty, our symbol of freedom, got a full tank, cost us about ₹450. With a quick prayer to Mahadev and this amazing feeling of being free, we zoomed off from Chandigarh. Our destination? Nauradhar, the base camp for the Churdhar trek.
The Journey Begins: Road Trip Masti & A Little Scare
The ride itself was an adventure, yaar. The evening air was so nice, and we were so excited for the trek. Before we reached Nauradhar, we thought, let’s take a break. Solan, which is famous for its weather and views, gave us a lovely surprise: a bottle of local apple cider, super refreshing, cost us ₹170. It was the perfect little boost, adding a nice touch to our journey.
We kept riding, and as we got near Rajgarh, a small town on the way, something clicked. Petrol pumps can be hard to find up in the hills, right? Better safe than sorry! We decided to fill up our tank again, another ₹220, just to be sure we wouldn’t get stuck. And believe me, that was a smart move.
The most memorable (and slightly scary) part of our ride happened about 9 kilometers before Nauradhar. The winding mountain roads, usually quiet at night, suddenly showed us something that made our hearts thump: a leopard! It just darted across the road, a quick shadow in our scooty’s headlight. We were scared, but also super thrilled. We both instantly sped up, shouting “Jai Mahadev!” – it was just proof of how wild and beautiful the Himalayas are, and how connected we felt to its holiness.
Reaching Nauradhar: A Good Night’s Sleep Before the Climb
Finally, we reached Nauradhar around 11 PM. We were tired but buzzing with all the day’s excitement. First thing was to find a place to crash. We went to Hotel Dhan Laxami, and the owner, maybe seeing how late it was and how hopeful we looked, gave us a few room options: ₹1500, ₹1000, ₹800, and ₹500. Since it was month-end, our wallets were a bit thin, so we happily took the ₹500 room. It was basic but clean, just what we needed.
After settling in, we quickly grabbed some trekking essentials: chips and cookies from a shop nearby – super important fuel for the long climb ahead. Then, it was dinner time. Two thalis, a proper satisfying meal, cost us about ₹220. With full tummies and super excitement for the morning, we finally crashed.
Day 2: The Trek to Churdhar Begins!
Next morning, Saturday, we woke up fresh. The mountain air, even from our room, felt so good. We quickly got ready and bathed, using the hotel’s bathroom. Breakfast was simple but filling: parathas and curd, a typical Indian start to the day. Before leaving, I made sure to buy some bananas – nature’s energy bar, perfect for a long trek.
With our bags packed and spirits high, we made our way to the parking area. We parked our scooty safely, and they told us the ₹70 parking fee would be paid after we returned from the trek. That was quite convenient! We both carried two water bottles, knowing we’d need them on the way up. And then, with the amazing views already unfolding around us and a sense of adventure in our hearts, our Churdhar trekking story really began.
The moment we hit the trail, the atmosphere was just something else. You could hear it everywhere – people, young and old, all talking amongst themselves, and then, suddenly, you’d hear “Har Har Mahadev!” echoing through the mountains. Hearing this chant, over and over, gave us such an amazing feeling, so much energy. It was like everyone was connected by this one powerful chant, pushing each other forward. It really makes the trek feel more special, you know?
After about 3 kilometers of walking, we reached the first camp. This spot is actually 6 km from Nauradhar, but remember, we’d parked our scooty 3 km up the road since it was being built further up the mountain. This first camp is called Teelor One. We stopped there for a much-needed break. The tea was incredibly tasty, and we grabbed some rajma chawal, half plate for ₹60 per person. It was the perfect mini-feast to recharge. After this short break, we geared up and started the trek again, ready for what was next!
The rest of the day was a steady climb, with more breathtaking views and that constant “Har Har Mahadev!” chorus keeping our spirits high. As evening approached on our second day of trekking, we finally reached the area right in front of the Shirgul Mahadev Temple. It was chilly, but the sight of the temple and the approaching dusk was just beautiful.
We found a small hotel nearby and managed to get a room for just ₹350 in a sharing setup. Inside, we met two other trekkers who would be our room partners for the night. One guy was from Punjab, and the other was from Baijnath, that’s in Kangra district. We all immediately started chatting about how incredibly cold it was! Can you believe it? The temperature was a chilly 6 degrees Celsius here, while back home in Chandigarh, it was probably closer to 40 degrees! Oh bhai, it was such a good feeling, that intense cold after a long day of trekking. The contrast was amazing.
Churdhar Trek: Kitni Door, Kitna Tough, Aur Kya Expect Karein
So now that you know my journey, let’s talk about the practical stuff for the Churdhar trek from Chandigarh.
Distance from Chandigarh to Nauradhar:
The road distance from Chandigarh to Nauradhar, which is the base camp, is about 120-130 kilometers. The drive usually takes around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and how many stops you make. Like I said, a scooty ride is definitely possible, but a car or bus would be more comfortable, especially for longer journeys.
Trek Distance from Nauradhar to Churdhar Peak:
The trek itself from Nauradhar to Churdhar Peak is roughly 18-20 kilometers one way. So, total round trip is 36-40 kilometers. It’s a long and challenging trek, needing a full day of walking to go up, and another to come down, or you can stay overnight midway if you want to take it easy.
Difficulty Level:
The Churdhar trek is generally considered moderate to difficult. Here’s why:
- Steep Climbs: The path is continuously uphill, especially towards the end.
- Long Distance: Jaise bataya, it’s a long trek, so it’s physically demanding.
- Altitude Gain: You start low in Nauradhar and go up to over 12,000 feet, which can cause altitude sickness if you’re not careful or go too fast.
- Different Terrain: The path can be rocky, muddy, and sometimes slippery, especially after rain.
- Weather Conditions: Himalayan weather is unpredictable, yaar. You might face sudden rain, hail, or even snow, even in the “trekking season.”
Who can do this trek?
The Churdhar trek is best for people who have:
- Good Physical Fitness: Regular exercise, like cardio and strength training, will really help.
- Some Trekking Experience (acha rahega): If you’re a beginner, make sure you’re well-prepared and maybe go with an experienced trekker or a guide.
- Mental Strength: The long hours of walking and tough terrain need a strong mind.
Essential Travel Tips for Churdhar Trek from Chandigarh:
From my experience and general trekking advice, here are some super important tips for your Churdhar adventure:
- Best Time to Trek:
- May to June (Monsoon se pehle): Pleasant weather, clear skies, and blooming rhododendrons.
- September to October (Monsoon ke baad): Everything is lush green, air is fresh, and visibility is great.
- Avoid monsoon months (July-August) because of heavy rain and slippery paths. Winter treks (Nov-April) are possible but need special gear and experience due to heavy snow.
- Kya Kya Pack Karein:
- Comfortable Trekking Shoes: This is a must, no compromise. Get good quality, ankle-supportive, waterproof shoes.
- Layered Clothing: Weather can change super fast. Pack thermals, fleeces, and a waterproof and windproof jacket. Remember, even if Chandigarh is hot, up here it gets super cold, especially at night!
- Backpack: A comfy backpack (30-40 liters) with a rain cover.
- Water Bottles/Hydration Pack: Carry at least 2-3 liters of water. There are water sources, but carry your own for safety.
- Snacks: Energy bars, dry fruits, nuts, chocolates, glucose.
- First-Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, blister treatment, your own medicines.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Headlamp/Torch: Very important if you plan to start early or trek late.
- Trekking Poles: Highly recommended for balance and to save your knees.
- Power Bank: To keep your phone and other devices charged.
- Personal Toiletries: Basic stuff.
- ID and Important Documents: Keep them in a waterproof pouch.
- Accommodation & Food:
- Nauradhar: There are a few guesthouses and small hotels like Hotel Dhan Laxami. Booking in advance, especially during peak season, is a good idea.
- On the Trek: You’ll find a few small tea stalls and dhabas along the way, selling basic stuff like Maggi, tea, and parathas. Carry enough snacks too. Teelor One, for example, offers good options. Near the temple, sharing rooms are usually available at reasonable rates.
- Churdhar Peak: Near the top, there’s a temple complex with a small Dharamshala where trekkers can sometimes find basic overnight stay, but it’s very rudimentary, just for a night.
- Guide/Porter Hire Karein Ya Nahi:
- While the path is usually clear, hiring a local guide is a good idea, especially if it’s your first time or you’re trekking alone. They know the local culture, can help you find your way, and assist if there’s any problem.
- Porters can carry your heavy bags, making your trek much easier.
- Acclimatization and Pace:
- Don’t rush, yaar! Walk at a steady pace. Listen to your body.
- If you feel any symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, nausea, dizziness), come down immediately.
- Take regular breaks to rest and drink water.
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Leave No Trace):
- Carry all your garbage back with you.
- Don’t disturb animals or nature.
- Respect local culture and traditions, especially near the temple area.
The Churdhar Summit: Kya View Hai Yaar!
The climb to Churdhar is tough, no doubt, but the reward is just too good. The views from the summit are seriously mind-blowing. On a clear day, you can see the amazing ranges of Kinnaur, the Gangotri peaks, and even glimpses of the Great Himalayan Range. The old Shirgul Maharaj temple (Lord Shiva) at the top adds a spiritual touch to the trek, making it a complete experience.
My personal journey to Churdhar, which started because a group plan got cancelled and was fueled by a sudden decision, just proved that some of the best adventures are unplanned. That scare with the leopard, the humble ₹500 room, the simple parathas, the tasty rajma chawal at Teelor One, the shared room experience with fellow trekkers, and the start of the trek with Mohit – every moment is etched in my memory. The drastic temperature difference from Chandigarh to Churdhar was a crazy experience in itself!
If you’re in Chandigarh and just craving a mountain escape, the Churdhar trek is a journey you must do. It’s a test of strength, a treat for your eyes, and a spiritual awakening, all in one unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, tie your shoelaces, and get ready to answer the call of Churdhar!
