When it comes to Jalsu Pass Trek, it is one of my favorite mountain trail. You find everything on this trail be it a mountain pass, meadows, pine trees, rhododendron trees, flowers, freshwater streams, or glaciers. You name it and you will find it on this trail. Jalsu pass trek have been used by Shepherds from the Gaddi Tribe commonly known as “Paal” in the Kangra and Chamba regions of HP. For centuries they have been using this trail to commute between Chamba-Kangra-Kullu. The trail is also the most common trail being followed to visit on pilgrimage to Manimahesh Kailas.
The Manimahesh Kailash Peak, 5,653 metres (18,547 ft), also known as Chamba Kailash, which stands towering high over the Manimahesh Lake, is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, the (Hindu deity). It is located in the Bharmour subdivision of the Chamba district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
Important information about Jalsu Pass:
Jalsu Pass Trek Distance: Approx. 32 KM
Best Time to Visit: May – October
Elevation Gain: 3425 Mtrs
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Travel to base – One can start the journey either from the Chamba side or the Kangra side. If you are starting this trek from the Kangra side you can board a bus from Delhi/Chandigarh to Baijnath. There is a lot of Volvo as well as ordinary buses available. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Kangra. From Baijnath you can take a local bus or taxi to Utrala (Binwa power project).
Short itinerary for Jalsu Pass Trek
Day 1 – Utrala (Binwa Nagar) to Parai
- From Baijnath you can take a local bus or taxi to Utrala (Binwa power project).
- Start from the trailhead and begin the trek.
- The first part of the trail is relatively tough and is bit steep.
- The trail is steep and rocky, but the views are well worth the effort.
- Camp overnight at the base of the pass at Parai.
Day 2 –Parai to Jalsu
- Start early from the pass base. This is going to be a long hike.
- Very less water is available till Jalsu got so carry enough water for the hike.
- Once you reach the pass you will see a small temple at the pass. People offer rocks at this temple to show gratitude.
- The grass meadows at Jalsu are out of the world.
- You can camp for the night at Jalsu or alternatively you can go to Yaada where there are few shops where you can stay for the night.
Day 3 -Jalsu gote to Surai village
- From Jalsu you can start your journey.
- The path is flat till Yada from where you will decend and cross the mountain stream to reach Parai
- From parai either you can go to Nayagram from where bus service is available to base.
Things to keep in mind before attempting Jalsu Pass Trek.
- There are a few tea stalls at a few stops however they are not operational throughout the year. Please check the cafe status before starting the trek.
- Dauladhar mountains are known for rains and you can see rain showers on this trek. Better to carry a big umbrella or rain poncho.
- Mobile network is not available on most of the trek.
- There are no stay options throughout the trek though you can request and stay in Cafe. It is recommended to carry your camping gear or hire an agency to manage your stay and food needs.
- Trek is a bit challenging at a few points and you may need to prepare for this in advance.
- If you are doing this trek during winters please carry trekking and snow gear.
If you are planning for the trek and want to hire camping/trekking equipment you can rent it at Chandigarh from Gadget Rental India. They have some pretty amazing trekking gear.
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