Few Himachal treks give you as much variety in four days as the Indrahar Pass. Starting above McLeod Ganj in the Kangra valley, the trail climbs through oak and rhododendron forest, crosses the open ridge at Triund, and finishes at a high pass on the Dhauladhar range that marks the boundary between Kangra and Chamba. It is a rewarding add-on if you are exploring Himachal beyond the Kullu valley.
Quick facts
- Pass altitude: roughly 4,340 m (sources quote slightly different figures, so treat it as approximate).
- Duration: four days and three nights is the usual itinerary.
- Total distance: around 35 km there and back.
- Difficulty: moderate to difficult, with several steep, rapid ascents.
- Best season: May–June and September–October; November–December suits experienced trekkers comfortable with snow.
The route, day by day
Day 1 – McLeod Ganj to Triund. Start early, around 9 am. The walk takes roughly five to six hours and ends with a night camping on the Triund ridge, with the Kangra plains on one side and snow peaks on the other.
Day 2 – Triund to Ilaqa Got. You pass the Lahesh Caves, a rocky overhang used as a shelter. Aim to cross this stretch in the early afternoon, as weather and ground conditions can turn tricky later in the day. If Ilaqa Got feels like too much, the caves can serve as an overnight stop.
Day 3 – Ilaqa Got to Indrahar Pass and back. The pass is about 9 km from Ilaqa Got. Leave before sunrise, spend time at the top for views across to the Pir Panjal and Chamba side, then return to Ilaqa Got for the night.
Day 4 – Descent. Walk back down via Triund to McLeod Ganj.
Getting there
McLeod Ganj has regular bus links with major cities. The nearest airport is Gaggal (Kangra), about 18 km away, and the nearest broad-gauge railhead is Amb Andaura, about 65 km from McLeod Ganj. From Naggar, plan a long travel day by road via Mandi and Kangra, and consider breaking the journey rather than rushing.
Practical tips
- Carry warm layers even in summer; nights at Ilaqa Got can drop close to freezing outside the warm months.
- Book camping and any local guide in advance, especially in peak May–June and autumn.
- Check current forest-department rules and trekker registration requirements before you set out, as these change.
- Spend a day or two at altitude beforehand if you can; Naggar sits comfortably at about 1,760 m, a good start for building acclimatisation.
- Avoid the monsoon, when landslides and cloud make the upper trail risky.
If you are looking for a base in Naggar before heading across to Kangra, Ghar in the Hills is a cozy homestay right in the village — book your stay to wake up to valley views and ease into the mountain rhythm.
Is it right for you?
If you have done Triund and want something more serious, or you have a few Himachal day hikes behind you and are ready for a multi-day challenge, Indrahar is a fine step up. Complete beginners should do Triund first. Whatever you choose, go with a registered guide, start slow, and respect the weather.
Planning a Himachal trip that mixes culture and high-country trekking? Get in touch with us at Ghar in the Hills and we will happily help you sketch out a route that starts in Naggar.
