Rain at Indrahar Pass

nishita

Hello,

We have planned a trek to Indrahar Pass in the last week of June. The current plan is McLeodganj-Triund-Lahesh Cave-Chhatru Parao-Kuarsi(and back to McLeodganj by bus). But it looks like the monsoon will have reached Himachal Pradesh by then. Has anyone done this trek in the rain?

It would be good to know:

• How hard does it rain along this route?
• What is the best way to protect oneself against rain? Raincoats? Ponchos?
• Are there any severe disadvantages to doing this trek in the rain? Any patches that might get very difficult to trek? (All of us have done two-three, easy-moderate treks before.)
• What about the bus service? Is it likely to get hampered severely because of rains?

Any other advice will be helpful.

Thanks,
Nishita

AvidTrekker

Just because rains have reached, don'r assume it will definitely rain. But...

When it does rain, it pours cats and dogs. This is the main mountain range blocking the movements of clouds from the South. North of this Dhauladhar Range is partial Rain shadow and North of Kugti Pass (Pir Panjal range further North) is complete Rain shadow.

If I would do it, I would climb up from Chata Parao side and descend to Triund. Its a gentler ascent. Better in rains.

This year it has snowed heavily, expect knee deep snow in places...
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nishita

Thanks AvidTrekker!

I will certainly consider your suggession.

mridula

I too wish to trek Triund route in first week of October. Is it doable or would it pose major problems?

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AvidTrekker

Upto Triund is easy. Very doable. If you are a trekker.

BEYOND Triund is the hard part.
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mridula

Avid, I have done a few treks including in Spiti and Ladakh. How tough is it beyond Triund? Will October pose any problems?

ks_bluechip

AvidTrekker: Even I am keen to know difficulty/details beyond Triund.

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nishita

AvidTrekker, could you clarify this? You Mean that we should trek from Machetar-Kuarsi-Chata Parao-Lahesh Cave-Triund-McLeodganj?

Is it possible to find a trekking agent (who can supply us with guides and tents, etc.) at Machetar? Or is it best to hunt for an agent in McLeodganj?

I will be happy to have any suggestions for good agents in the area?

Thanks,
Nishita.

AvidTrekker

Triund is at 11000 feet and Indrahar Pass is at 15500 feet IIRC. The climb is a steep one averaging 30 deg to 45 deg. You will be doing 4500 feet in two days on a steep climb.

Acclimatization is an issue. Even after stopping at Lahesh cave.

I have done the route the other way, in June 1983. Remember that some members required medication. The snow was and ice was very thick then (comparing with recent photos) and I remember making two big holes in my trousers (backside) then as I glissaded down towards Triund. It was a two hour glissade down 45 deg slopes

Yes.

Mcleodganj. I don't know any agent in Mcleod now...
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mridula

Thanks a lot for the information Avidtrekker.

ks_bluechip

Avid:
Thanks for info ...will discuss in detail in next mumbai meetup. - KS (from Almora)

solo_trekker

This is quite a coincidence...

Late last nite (during the break of the first Semifinal at Euro 2008 between Germany and Turkey), I was reading up about this Indrahar Trek - And Lahesh Cave & Triund...

And here we are...!

Anyone doing it in the next ten days...?

Cheers...!

carlaeb

This is one of the treks we are considering also. I'm concerned about the snow though- I was not aware that it will be knee deep. I've never trekked in snow. Is this really the case? If so I will not do this trek. Can someone please let me know if there really will be knee-deep snow? The guide book I have did not mention that at all.

Also, is this a safe trek to do solo? We were not planning to take a guide as the book I have says it is a well marked, well traveled trail.

AvidTrekker

I had written that for June beginning.

After 15 July there wont be knee-deep snow. Just a few hardened snow patches which you can walk with regular trekking shoes.

Go ahead and Happy trekking
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