Available Batches
Brief Description
The Gwaru Pass Trek is a well-kept secret of the Kullu Valley with one of the least traversed but very scenic passes of Himachal Pradesh. Starting from Chikka, following the lovely trail to Deo Tibba base Camp that is Seri and then deviates to crossover Gwaru Pass at 4790 meters to Malana in Parvati Valley. With a stunning combination of vast valleys, river and glacier crossings the trek gives you unparalleled views of Mt. Deo Tibba and Mt. Indrasan along with a taxing pass crossing that needs significant trekking experience and trekking knowledge. There are a series of high of altitude ascents and descents through unmarked trails that will test your endurance and expertise. You get o experience meandering rivers and streams, stunning grasslands, picturesque campsites, moraines, glaciers and snow. An all in one package for sure. The best time to do the Gwaru Pass Trek is between the months of June to September. Stay on this page for more information on the Gwaru Pass Trek.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Show complete Itinerary
Manali - Khanol (2700m) - Chikka (3200 m) 2kms (2-3 hours )
Report in Manali at 8 AM. After freshening up and breakfast in Manali, board a taxi for Khanol, the last village by road via Jagatsukh village. Reach Khanol in 1.5 hours. The trek starts from Khanol and follows a gradual ascent through the thick pine forest which opens at Chikka, our campsite for the day, which boasts of a Nag Mandir. Overnight stay in camps.
Chikka- Seri- (3600 m) 6 kms approx (5-6 hours )
Today we trek along the bank of Jagatsukh river and then enter the thick forests giving way to boulders and carpet of wildflowers. With increasing elevation and declining tree line, we are introduced to the meadows of Seri which was once a glacial lake. The camping site has many small and big streams along with Tainta waterfall in the background. Overnight stay in camps.
Seri - Tainta (3900 m) - Seri 6 kms (5-6 hours )
The day starts with easy walking across the flat section of the meadow followed by stream crossing which is the grub to Jagatsukh Nala. The trail now consists of the steep climb through the boulders and leads to the moraines field. This is the campsite for today, where we will get ample time to relax and acclimatize. As you explore around the campsite you will realize that it is hard to get clear views of Mt. Deo Tibba from here however you will get aesthetic views of Jagatsukh Peak. This is the base camp for Mt. Deo Tibba Expeditions. We will then descend down to Seri campsite and rest for the day.
Seri - Gwaru Thach (4000 m) 3 kms (3 hours)
Today's trek is a short one from Seri to Gwaru Thatch alongside the Gwaru Nala across meadows, boulders and snow. The campsite is located in the midst of towering mountains and colorful wildflowers. You will get amazing views of Gwaru Pass, Gwaru Top, Mt. Deo Tibba and more. Overnight in tents.
Gwaru Thach - Bareh (4230 m) via Gwaru Pass (4790 m) - (8 hours)
Today we start early as it will be an arduous day of pass crossing. We will start with a steep climb and cross a moraine section and trek through ridgelines and the icy areas towards Gwaru Pass. From Gwaru Pass we get magnificent views of Norbu, Bansi, Alirati Tibba, Deo Tibba, and KR range. We then descend down alongside Malana Nala. We cross the boulder section and some shepherd huts to reach the campsite of Bareh. Overnight in tents.
Bareh - Malana 7 kms (5 hours). Drive from Malana to Bhuntar.
We start with a steep descent and pass through varying terrain, grasslands, forests and old villages. We reach Malana village known for its unique culture and traditions. We will descend a bit further down to reach the road where our vehicles will pick you up and drop you off to Bhuntar. We bid you goodbye here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick your question
Eligibility: Experience required
A basic mountaineering course is recommended though not mandatory in case of highly experienced & skilled trekkers. At least 2-3 challenging treks along with 20 – 25 total trekking days in the Himalayas. Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) and
Hold your breath for 40 seconds and
3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch and
Push Ups – 10 and
Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
Eligibility: Requisite Skills
How to use an Ice Axe
How to use Climbing boots & Crampons
How to rope up & follow queued climbing/descending
How to self-arrest using an ice axe
Knowledge of Basic First aid
About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?
Gwaru Pass Trek
Gwaru Pass Trek is one of the least traversed passes of Himachal Pradesh and is a stunning secret of the Kullu Valley taking you on the stunning trail of Deo TIbba Base Camp and then divates over to Gwaru Pass to cross over to Malana. The trail is meant for experienced trekkers only. One gets to experience a varied landscape from open valleys, meadows, beautiful campsites. scree, moraine, glacier, snow and towering peaks.Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
June to September are the best months to do this trek.
Packing List: What to pack
Click here for packing list.
Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?
Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
The base site for Gwaru Pass Trek is Khanol. Khanol is around 30 kms away from Manali.
Manali is well connected to Delhi with through road and air. There are no direct trains from Delhi though.
By Road
The road distance from Delhi to Manali is 536 km. There are overnight HPRTC buses and Volvos available from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi for Manali. It is a 14-hour journey by bus. You can book your bus tickets online through hrtchp.com or any other bus services available. You can also hire a private taxi or an outstation cab from Delhi.
By Rail
To reach by train, take a direct train from Delhi to Pathankot. Some of the trains that run on this route are Delhi-Pathankot Express, Jammu Tawi Express, Delhi-Dhauladhar Express. You can then take a bus from Pathankot to Manali. Or you can take a connecting train from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar which is the nearest station to Manali. There are buses running frequently between Joginder Nagar and Manali.
By Air
The nearest airport is Bhuntar airport which is located 50 km from Manali. There are taxis available at the airport which will take you to Manali. You can also take local buses that keep running from Bhuntar to Manali frequently. Buses are decent and very cheap compared to a taxi that can cost you around INR 2000 to 2500 depending upon the season.
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
You can get most networks till Jagatsukh but once the trek starts, only BSNL may occasionally be available.
Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
Manali is the gateway to Solang Valley where you can participate in adventure activities like paragliding, and zorbing in the summer months when the snow melts. Visit the ancient Hadimba Devi Temple which has an interesting mythological tale associated with it. Walk through the charming lanes of Old manali. Visit the bazaar to buy some souvenirs. Jogini Fall and Vashisht Temple are other famous attractions in Manali. You can also visit Rohtang pass while you are in Manali.
Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
Accommodation: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
On trekking days, all the trekkers will be accommodated in twin tents as per the itinerary. Along with this, there will be also be a toilet tent and a dining tent installed at every campsite as we roll.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accommodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees Celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek. These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
You will be provided with good quality gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axes.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread, and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on the journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?
You can rent the following - trekking shoes, backpack/rucksack, trekking poles. ponchos, fleece
Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
In the summer season, the temperature will range from 10-20 degrees celsius during the day and 2-7 degrees celsius at night. Higher the altitude you gain, the colder it gets.
Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?
Yes, you will find snow on the trek.
Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However, offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
A team of participants will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain a 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?
Yes, it is necessary since the descent is steep. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
Manali has a reasonable size market. However, we will have to head to Khanol and there will be no time for shopping. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Miscellaneous : Is it safe for a solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are a single woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
Transport: What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?
Expect to reach Bhuntar by late afternoon or early evening.
Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
We have one pick-up point: Main Government Bus Stand near Mall Road in Manali.
The dropping point is in Bhuntar.
Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the trek?
Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried) is the mandatory document required for the trek.
Why Bikat
Why Bikat
Learning Experience
- We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
- We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
- To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
- These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.
Loyality Programs
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
- Currently we have three levels:
- Basic Membership
- Summiteer Membership
- Leader Membership
Personalized Attention
- Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
- Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
- On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.
Best Expedition Leaders
- Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
- Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Eco-friendly Practices
- Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
- Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
- We follow a rolling campsite model.
- We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.
Safety
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
- To ensure this:
- Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
- The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
- Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
- Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.
Reviews
What's Included
Whats Included
- Veg meals as per menu on all trekking days
- Forest Permits/Camping Charges/Permits, Trek Permit Fee/IMF Permission (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Camping tents, Sleeping bags, mattress
- Accommodation on trekking days in tents on twin sharing basis
- Microspikes, gaiters, seat harness, carabiners, helmet as required
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with Wilderness Emergency Responder from NIM Uttarkashi
- Experienced Local guide, cook, helpers
- Porters or mules for carrying common luggage
Whats Not Included?
- Meals during road journeys
- Any kind of Insurance
- Portage of personal rucksack
- Meals during Hotel Stay, if any
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Voucher Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Please note
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
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