There was no plan for a trip to Chansal Pass that year. I had just returned from a family trip to Tirthan Valley a few weeks ago, and another road trip was the last thing on my mind. Then a project release got pushed off at the office, and suddenly I had a free weekend. A few friends in the DwD WhatsApp group were already making plans for a 3-day trip to Chansal Pass, and I jumped in with one question: “Guys, how about celebrating the DwD Community’s anniversary at Chansal Pass on 1st June 2014?” And just like that, five of us hit the road.
On a weekend budget trip to Chansal Pass, we experienced snow, snowfall, rain, a rainbow over Pabbar Valley, rivers, jungle roads (or call them no-roads), a car breakdown in the middle of nowhere, and some great food shops along the way. It was DwD Community’s First Birthday, and we celebrated with a 1,000+ km road trip through the Himalayas. What more could you ask for? 🙂
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What is Chansal Pass and Why Should You Visit?
Chansal Pass (also spelled Chanshal Pass) sits at an altitude of approximately 4,520 meters (14,830 feet), making it the highest point in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. The pass connects the Pabbar Valley on one side with the remote Dodra Kwar Valley on the other. It is part of the Chanshal Wildlife Sanctuary and remains one of the most offbeat destinations you can drive to from Delhi.
Unlike the crowded hill stations of Shimla or Manali, Chansal Pass rewards you with empty meadows, snow-capped peaks, dense deodar forests, and roads where you might not see another vehicle for hours. The 48-55 km stretch from Rohru to the pass top through Chirgaon and Larot is pure off-roading territory. If you enjoy challenging drives and untouched landscapes, this trip is for you.
Chansal Pass Quick Facts
- Altitude: 4,520 m / 14,830 ft (highest point in Shimla district)
- Distance from Delhi: 489-500 km (via Shimla/Rohru route), ~420 km (via Chakrata/Tiuni route)
- Best time to visit: Late June to early July, September to October
- Pass open: May to November (weather dependent)
- Trip duration: Minimum 3 days from Delhi, ideal 4-5 days
- Permit: Forest department permit required for Chanshal Wildlife Sanctuary area
- Base town: Rohru (all facilities including ATMs, fuel, food)
- Nearest fuel: Rohru has 2-3 petrol pumps
How Did We Experience the Trip to Chansal Pass?
In the past one year, the DwD Community had crossed 1,000 members and 1,000 topics. Why shouldn’t we celebrate with a road trip in the Himalayas? 🙂 Five of us packed into a car and headed out on a Friday night. The plan was simple: reach Rohru on Day 1, climb to Chansal Pass on Day 2 to cut the anniversary cake at the top, and loop back via Chakrata on Day 3.
We cut the cake at the top of Chansal Pass midst rain and cold winds. There was a family from Nashik whose kid had a birthday the same day. We offered the kid to cut first, and we all celebrated together at 14,830 feet. Those are the moments that make road trips worth it, my friend.
After the celebration, Samar and I hiked up to Chansal Peak from the pass. The 360-degree views from the top were spectacular. You can see snow-covered ranges in every direction, rolling meadows, and the Pabbar Valley far below. On the way down, we experienced fresh snowfall. We also executed DoW Causes at Larot and Chirgaon Village, which sealed the trip for us.
What is the Best Itinerary for Chansal Pass from Delhi?
For a 3-day trip from Delhi, here is the itinerary I followed. We crossed between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand multiple times in a single day, and that was the beauty of this road trip. You can extend this to 4-5 days if you want a more relaxed pace, which I would honestly recommend.
Day 1: Delhi to Rohru via Paonta Sahib and Tiuni (380-420 km, 10-12 hours)
Start early from Delhi/Noida. The route goes through Ghaziabad, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee, Biharigarh, Dehradun, Paonta Sahib, Shillai, Tiuni, Hatkoti, and finally Rohru in Pabbar Valley. We stayed at the PWD Rest House in Rohru. If you prefer the Shimla route instead, the drive goes via Chandigarh, Shimla, Theog, Kotkhai, Jubbal, Hatkoti, and then Rohru. Both routes take roughly the same time from Delhi.
Pro tip: The Paonta Sahib to Shillai to Tiuni stretch has rough roads with potholes, so keep your expectations grounded. If you are in a low-clearance sedan, take it slow through this section.
Day 2: Rohru to Chansal Pass and Back (100-110 km round trip, full day)
This is the main event. Drive from Rohru to Chirgaon (about 20 km), then to Larot, and from Larot the final 20 km climb to Chansal Pass top. The last 20 km from Larot to the pass is pure off-roading with horrible to very bad road conditions. In small cars, this stretch will test your patience and your vehicle’s suspension.
Start early in the morning because weather at 14,830 feet changes rapidly. Rain, fog, and even snowfall can hit you without warning, especially in June and early July. Carry warm jackets even in summer because winds at the top are extremely cold. Plan to return to Rohru by evening, as there is no accommodation beyond Larot.
Day 3: Rohru to Delhi via Chakrata (400-420 km, 12-14 hours)
We started at 6 AM from Rohru and took the route: Rohru, Tiuni, Sawara, Kanesar Forest, Chakrata, Kalsi, Vikasnagar, Herbertpur, Dehradun. We executed DoW Causes at Sawara Village Primary School in Uttarakhand, spent some time at Chakrata Main Market, and captured valley views before reaching Dehradun by evening. From Dehradun, we followed the same route back to Delhi/Noida.
I took the last metro at 11:05 PM from Vaishali to Dwarka and reached home almost at midnight. Exhausting but absolutely worth it.
Alternative 4-5 Day Itinerary (Recommended)
If you have extra days, here is a more relaxed plan that I would suggest based on my experience:
- Day 1: Delhi to Chakrata (280-300 km, 7-8 hours). Stay overnight at Chakrata and explore Tiger Falls, Deoban viewpoint
- Day 2: Chakrata to Rohru via Tiuni (120 km, 5-6 hours). Enjoy Pabbar River views and apple orchards. Stay at Rohru
- Day 3: Rohru to Chansal Pass and back (100-110 km round trip). Full day at the pass
- Day 4: Rohru to Shimla/Narkanda (160 km, 5-6 hours). Optional stop at Thanedar for apple orchards or Narkanda for skiing and views
- Day 5: Shimla/Narkanda to Delhi (350 km, 7-8 hours)
This route via Chakrata is my preferred option among all approaches to Chansal Pass, because it offers the best combination of road conditions and scenic beauty.
You can check the Google Map of our actual route here: Google Maps Route for Chansal Pass Trip
What are the Road Conditions on the Route to Chansal Pass?
Road conditions are a major factor in planning this trip. Here is the section-by-section breakdown based on my experience, updated with current information. Keep in mind that road conditions can change seasonally, especially after monsoons.
- Delhi to Meerut to Muzaffarnagar: Excellent, smooth highway driving
- Muzaffarnagar to Roorkee: Mostly good but single lane with diversions
- Roorkee to Dehradun to Paonta Sahib: Excellent roads but single lane. Drive with care, especially at night
- Paonta Sahib to Shillai to Tiuni: Mostly bad with deep potholes. Rough ride for sedans and hatchbacks
- Tiuni to Hatkoti to Rohru: Mix of average and good roads
- Rohru to Chirgaon to Larot: Mix of average and bad roads. The Pabbar River views make up for it
- Larot to Chansal Pass (20 km): Horrible to very bad. Unpaved, rocky, muddy with 55 hairpin turns. A high-clearance vehicle or SUV is strongly recommended. Sedans will struggle
- Tiuni to Sawara to Kanesar Forest to Chakrata: Mix of average, bad, and poor roads. Better than the other two routes in terms of both road quality and scenery. This is my preferred route
- Chakrata to Kalsi to Vikasnagar to Dehradun: Mostly excellent road conditions
Important: The Shimla to Theog to Kharapathar route is the worst among all three routes to Pabbar Valley. Avoid it if possible. I recommend the Dehradun to Chakrata to Tiuni route as it offers much better scenic beauty to compensate for the rough patches. In small cars, expect slow speeds through Pabbar Valley due to the bad roads.
Did you know? Chansal Pass is one of the best places near Delhi to enjoy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh. Even in late May or early June, you can find snow at the pass top.
Where to Stay Near Chansal Pass and Pabbar Valley?
Rohru is the base town for any Chansal Pass trip, and it has the widest range of accommodation options. Beyond Rohru, options thin out quickly, so plan accordingly.
- PWD Rest House, Rohru: Rs 500/night for Himachali residents, Rs 1,000/night for others. Book in advance via HP PWD online booking portal. Contact: 01781-240087. We stayed here and it was clean and comfortable
- Hotels in Rohru: Budget hotels and guesthouses available from Rs 800-2,000/night. Hotel Pabbar Retreat and Rohru River View Guesthouse are decent options
- Ransaar Valley Homestay, Chirgaon: About 9 km from Rohru towards Chirgaon on Jangla road. Good for those who want to stay closer to the pass
- Larot Village: Basic guesthouses and hostels available. Thira Hostel in Larot charges around Rs 300 per bed. Very basic facilities
- Chakrata: If following the extended itinerary, Chakrata has GMVN guesthouses and private hotels from Rs 1,000-3,000/night
Keep in mind: There is no accommodation at Chansal Pass itself or between Larot and the pass top. Always plan to return to Rohru or Larot for the night.
What are the Places to Visit Near Chansal Pass?
The region around Chansal Pass and Pabbar Valley has several attractions worth exploring if you have extra time. Here are the key ones:
- Chansal Peak: A short hike from the pass gives you 360-degree views of snow-capped Himalayan ranges. Samar and I did this and it was the highlight of the trip
- Chirgaon Dam: A small dam on the Pabbar River between Rohru and Chirgaon. Pleasant spot for photography
- Hatkoti Temple: Ancient Shiva temple on the route between Tiuni and Rohru. Worth a quick stop
- Dodra Kwar Valley: Remote and isolated valley beyond Chansal Pass, accessible only by foot or horse from the pass. Known for its unique culture and natural beauty
- Tiger Falls, Chakrata: 50-meter waterfall near Chakrata. One of the tallest waterfalls in the region and an easy visit if you are coming via the Chakrata route
- Deoban, Chakrata: Forest reserve with panoramic views of Himalayan peaks including Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini. Perfect for nature lovers
- Saru Lake: A high-altitude lake in the Chanshal Valley area with beautiful surroundings
- Pabbar Valley: The entire valley from Rohru to Chirgaon is scenic, with apple orchards, trout fishing spots, and dense forests along the Pabbar River
Travel Tip: You can club your trip to Chansal Pass with Thanedar during the apple orchard season (August-September) for a combined offbeat Himachal experience.
What is the Budget for a Chansal Pass Trip from Delhi?
A trip to Chansal Pass is quite budget-friendly compared to mainstream destinations. Here is a rough breakdown for a 3-day trip per person (assuming 4 people sharing a car):
| Expense | Budget (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| Fuel (petrol, ~1,000 km round trip) | Rs 2,000-2,500 |
| Tolls | Rs 200-300 |
| Accommodation (2 nights, PWD/budget hotel) | Rs 500-1,500 |
| Food (3 days, dhabas and local shops) | Rs 800-1,200 |
| Miscellaneous (parking, entry fees) | Rs 200-300 |
| Total per person | Rs 3,700-5,800 |
If you are on a bike, the fuel cost drops significantly, and the total budget can be as low as Rs 2,500-3,500 per person for 3 days. Hence, Chansal Pass is one of the most affordable Himalayan road trips you can do from Delhi.
How is Mobile Network and Phone Signal at Chansal Pass?
I was carrying Airtel postpaid and BSNL postpaid on my trip. Here is the connectivity status:
- Both Airtel and BSNL worked fine through most of the trip, with limited signals at only a few stretches
- No signal at Chansal Pass top and beyond Larot Village. Plan accordingly and inform your family before you head up
- Data connectivity was available wherever signals were present, mostly 2G/EDGE with 3G at some points. Jio and Airtel 4G coverage has improved in Rohru town as of 2025-2026, but beyond Chirgaon, expect patchy or no coverage
- If you are traveling from the Narkanda side, signals are present for most of the journey until you go past Rohru towards the pass
My suggestion: Download offline maps on Google Maps before you leave Rohru. You will need them on the road to Chansal Pass.
What Other Practical Tips Should You Know for This Trip?
- Fuel: Available throughout the route. Rohru has 2-3 petrol pumps. Fill up at Rohru before heading to Chansal Pass, as there is no fuel station beyond
- Food: Easily available in Rohru and along the highway. At Tiuni (Uttarakhand), try the local apricots. They are fresh, delicious, and very cheap. Do not miss the pakoras at Biharigarh and Gupta Chat shops near Roorkee
- ATMs: Rohru has a couple of ATMs including HDFC Bank. No ATMs beyond Rohru towards the pass. Carry enough cash
- Vehicle choice: SUV or high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended for the Larot to Chansal Pass stretch. Sedans can make it but will take a beating. A 4×4 is ideal for the last 20 km
- Forest permit: You need a permit from the forest department to enter the Chanshal Wildlife Sanctuary area. Check with the Rohru forest office (verify locally for current requirements)
- Clothing: Even in summer (June-July), temperatures at the pass can drop below freezing. Carry warm layers, windproof jacket, and waterproof gear
- Medical kit: Carry a basic first-aid kit. The nearest hospital is in Rohru
- Camping: If you plan to camp near the pass, carry all supplies including water, food, and warm sleeping bags. There are no shops or facilities between Larot and the pass
When is the Best Time to Visit Chansal Pass?
Chansal Pass is open from May to November, but the best time depends on what you are looking for:
- Late May to mid-June: Snow at the pass, roads can be tricky. Best for snow lovers. We went in early June and experienced snowfall at the top
- Late June to early July: Snow starts melting, meadows turn green. Roads improve. Good window before the monsoons
- July to August: Monsoon season. Avoid this period as landslides, waterlogging, and slippery roads make the journey risky
- September to October: Post-monsoon is arguably the best window. Clear skies, green valleys, pleasant temperatures, and the apple harvest season in Pabbar Valley
- November: Pass may close any day after early November due to snowfall. Risky
How to Reach Chansal Pass from Delhi?
There are three main routes to reach Chansal Pass from Delhi. I have driven two of them and here is my honest assessment:
Route 1: Delhi to Dehradun to Chakrata to Tiuni to Rohru (Recommended)
Distance: ~420 km. Time: 10-12 hours. This route offers the best balance of road conditions and scenery. The Chakrata to Tiuni stretch through Kanesar Forest is scenic and less trafficked. This is my preferred route.
Route 2: Delhi to Dehradun to Paonta Sahib to Shillai to Tiuni to Rohru
Distance: ~400 km. Time: 10-12 hours. The Shillai to Tiuni section has bad roads and does not offer much scenic beauty to compensate. I drove this route and would not recommend it over the Chakrata route.
Route 3: Delhi to Shimla to Theog to Kharapathar to Rohru
Distance: ~500 km. Time: 12-14 hours. This is the worst of the three routes in terms of road conditions, especially the Theog to Kharapathar stretch. Avoid unless you want to combine with a Shimla visit.
Related Reading
- Pabbar Valley Complete Travel Guide (the parent guide for this region)
- Offbeat Places in Himachal Pradesh
- 7 Places Near Delhi for Snowfall in Himachal
- Narkanda Travel Guide (can be combined with this trip)
- Thanedar Travel Guide (apple orchards in season)
Conclusion
I hope this Chansal Pass itinerary and road conditions guide helps you plan a memorable trip to one of Himachal’s most offbeat destinations. The Pabbar Valley and Chansal Pass area is still relatively untouched by mass tourism. The roads are rough, the facilities are basic, but the landscapes and the sense of adventure make it all worth it.
If you have any questions about planning your trip to Chansal Pass, feel free to ask in the comments below or join the DwD Community. We have thousands of travelers who have driven these roads and can help you with real-time updates. Before this place gets commercialized further, plan a weekend trip and experience the raw beauty of Chansal Pass for yourself. Happy traveling 🙂
Last Updated: March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chansal Pass safe for a sedan or hatchback?
You can drive a sedan to Rohru and even up to Chirgaon without much trouble. However, the last 20 km from Larot to Chansal Pass top is extremely rough with rocky terrain, steep gradients, and 55 hairpin turns. A sedan will struggle here, and undercarriage damage is a real risk. An SUV or high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended for the final stretch. If you only have a sedan, consider parking at Larot and trekking up.
Do I need a permit to visit Chansal Pass?
The road to Chansal Pass passes through the Chanshal Wildlife Sanctuary, which requires a forest department permit. Check with the Rohru Forest Office for the current permit process and fees. As of 2025, the requirement has been reported by multiple sources, so carry your ID proof and check locally before heading up.
Can I camp at Chansal Pass?
Yes, camping is possible near the pass in the open meadows. However, you need to be fully self-sufficient. Carry your own tent, sleeping bags (rated for sub-zero temperatures), food, water, and cooking equipment. There are no shops or facilities between Larot and the pass. Weather can change rapidly at 14,830 feet, so be prepared for strong winds and sudden rain or snow.
How many days are needed for a Chansal Pass trip from Delhi?
A minimum of 3 days is required, but this means 12-14 hours of driving on Day 1 and Day 3. I would recommend 4-5 days for a comfortable trip where you can actually enjoy the journey instead of just rushing through. With 5 days, you can add stops at Chakrata, Thanedar, or Narkanda.
What is the altitude of Chansal Pass?
Chansal Pass sits at approximately 4,520 meters (14,830 feet) above sea level. It is the highest point in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. While altitude sickness is uncommon at this height for most people (since you do not spend the night here), carry basic medication and stay hydrated.
Is there mobile network at Chansal Pass?
There is no mobile signal at the Chansal Pass top or beyond Larot Village. BSNL and Airtel postpaid work in Rohru and along most of the main highway. Jio 4G works in Rohru town. Download offline maps before leaving Rohru and inform your family that you will be unreachable for several hours.
Can I visit Dodra Kwar from Chansal Pass?
Dodra Kwar is a remote valley on the other side of Chansal Pass. As of 2025-2026, the road beyond the pass towards Dodra Kwar is still being constructed and is not suitable for regular vehicles. You would need to trek from the pass to reach Dodra Kwar. This is a multi-day commitment and requires proper preparation. For most visitors, reaching the Chansal Pass top and hiking to Chansal Peak is the practical limit.
109 Comments
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Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning for a bike trip this weekend. Will the weather conditions be good enough to drive ?
Hey Divyansh,
You can check the long term forecast for Rohru at the link: https://www.yr.no/place/India/Himachal_Pradesh/Rohru/long.html
Weather looks to be OK in Pabbar Valley over this weekend.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are a group of 4 friends from Delhi. We wish to visit Chanshal pass during the 2nd october long weekend (starting 29th Sept evening from Delhi and back by 3rd Oct morning to Delhi)
Our plan is to rent bikes from Shimla on Saturday morning, visit Chanshal and be back by Monday evening to take bus back to Delhi.
Could you please suggest how viable the plan is as i can see some shower predictions at that time. Is it advisable as per you to visit the place on Bikes during such weather.
Also, which road would be the best to reach Chanshal via 2 wheelers trying to not overdo travel on any particular day.
Thanks,
Manas
Hi Manas, you can do like
Saturday: Shimla to Rohru
Sunday: Rohru to Chansal to Dodra Kwar and back to Rohru
Monday – Rohru to Shimla
Weather will be fine during that time of the year.
HI Dheeraj,
That is definitely a very useful post. So, I need to plan a 2 day trip from Delhi i.e. leave on Friday evening and be back by Monday morning.
What would you suggest could be covered from early Saturday morning to Sunday evening in Pabbar valley? Also, please recommend the best place to stay there.
And for the same period of 2 days, would you recommend any other place in Himachal over this? Apart from Barot and Tirthan valley, have been to both.
Would really appreciate an early response to be able to get the right bookings. Thanks a ton!
Hi Palak,
Well, Pabbar will be too taxing for 2 day trip. You should plan something like Parashar lake or Chakrata or Khirsu or Rajgarh for just two days to make something out of it.
I have to travel from ponta sahib to kharapathar which route should I take. Google maps shows three routes. Anyone having any idea about the present conditions of the roads ?
I will be travelling on this weekend
Vinay, we took the Shillai route which was a bit desolate and some sections were bad in road conditions. Then you can also take Chakrata – Deoban route which meets at Tiuni. Again very nice route.
Thank you dheeraj for your prompt reply. One more query is shillai road i.e NH 707 doable in ertiga considering the expected rains on this weekend. Also is NH 707 single road i believe with some sections very bad as i saw in news?
Vinay, it is doable in Ertiga, just drive carefully and cautiously.
Dear Dheeraj,
An update on the present road condition:
Ponta sahib to Kharapathar via Shillai (NH-707): The road is under construction justfrom ponta sahib to a little before shillai the road is just made (single lane) so good road, but from shillai to Tuni there is no metaled road. Very dangerous to drive in certain strech. Almost 100 Kms of road is just stonny. Even after Tuini to hathkoti road is bad.
Kharapathar to Occhaghat: (SH10 & SH6): the road condition of SH 10 is good except for some places where road expansion work is going on (small patches where the road is just single pass) mostly the SH 10 is double lane and newly bulit. However the SH6 is still kind of rough at certain parts but doable.
The verdict is Kharapathar to Occhaghat: (SH10 & SH6) is far better than NH 707. Travelled on 25 June 2017.
Hi Deeraj,
Im little bit confused that whether i should visit manali,rohtang pass or chansal in mid of June 2017.Pl. guide me.Where i can enjoy the weather more.
Can i find snow anywhere?
Mid June, Rohtang Pass near Manali will have some snow left but then you have to go through the hassles of Rohtang Pass Permit and also mad tourist rush in June. While Chansal PAss may not offer you snow, though Pabbar Valley will offer you peace and calm nature devoid of tourist rush.
Hi Dheeraj,
Me,Gagan from Mohali,planning trip from Mohali to Chanshal via Rohru in mid of June 2017.Can you guide me the shortest route & weather.Can i find snow over there during this period? If any safety measures that should follow by me & my family members.
Gagan, snow will be gone by the time you are planning to visit Chansal Pass. You can go from Shimla – Theog – Kharapathar route and while coming back may take Shillai – Paonta Sahib route.
Hi, We are planning a Trip from Shimla to Manali via Rohru, Chanshal in May end Jun’17. Other option is to Travel from Shimla to Rohru, Chanshal to Chakrata and Ponta Shahib… Which one to Choose? Will be travelling by Ford Ecosports.
Direction and vicinity wise, I will prefer Shimla – Rohru , Chansal, Dodar Kwar, Chakrata circuit.
Dheeraj,
Thanks for your response. My final itinery is as follows:
21st may: Reaching Ambala by Himgiri express. Ambala to Shimla
22nd may: Shimla to chirgaon/ Larot . stay
23 Rd may: Chansal pass and pabbar valley. if possible , Dodra kwar
24 th may : Chirgaon to daranghati.
25th may: Daranghati to jibhi. stay at Jibhi
26 th may: tirthan valley
27th may : tirthan to dharamsala.
28th may: Rock cut temple
29th May: Mcleodganj to Pathankot and board Himgiri Express.
Now, my query is:
1) From Shimla, what road is to be followed for Rohru? what is the condition of that? One of the chirgaon people has told the theog-Kaharapaththar-Hatkoti Road is the best option.
2) from chirgaon, what road is to be followed for Gopalpur forest rest house? via teclech or via Rampur?
3) From Dharamshala to Pathankot, we have plenty of time in the last day. can you suggest one place to be visited enroute ?
Thanks. With regards,
Joyasish
My replies below:
Frankly speaking, it is too much of travel which will not let you enjoy the trip. I will strongly suggest to keep it simple and limited to Pabbar Valley and Tirthan Valley
1. Roads are OK but still bad shape to Pabbar Valley. You will be following Theog – Kharapathar route.
2. I am not sure about the location of this FRH, so cannot comment Taklech or Rampur route will be good. Sorry on that
3. Like I said, better not to travel that far end and enjoy the stay in Pabbar and Tirthan only.
Hello Dheeraj! My gratitude to you for your extensive and practical research on Himalayas. You are the most reliable source of guidance. Just wanted to know whether it would be advisable to visit Pabbar Valley around 15 April and would Vitara Brezza be a potent vehicle to take this trip? Thank you.
Thank you Pankaj !! 🙂 🙂
Yes, you should be able to visit Pabbar Valley and even I feel Chansal Pass will open as well by that time of the year. Brezza, I suppose newer vehicle, well, you may feel you are punishing it a bit on those bad roads though last year the roads have been improved but don’t expect much.
brother,
what is the procedure of PWD Guest house room booking.
Please refer: How to Book HP PWD Rest Houses or FRHs
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning for a pabbar valley – tirthan valley -karsog valley tour on later May, 2017. my itinery is as follows:
1) Day 1 : Starting from chandigarh – to Rohru. stay at rohru.
2) Day 2: Rohru – chansal pass- dodra kwar. Stay at dodra kwar
3) stay at dodra kwar.
4) Dodra kwar to Narkanda . stay at Narkanda
5) Narkanda to shoja/ goshaini . stay at shoja / goshaini
6) stay at tirthan valley. zalori pass and back
7) Tirthan to Chindi. stay at chindi
8) Stay at shimla -stay at Shimla
Is the itinerary o.k? can you please give some information on following?
a) you can include any gem of the route.
b) As we are budget traveller, can u provide contact of some budget and decent homestay of the places particularly in pabbar and tirthan.
c) Booking a car from Chandigarh is advisable for this tour with family or not for economy and time?
d) Any suggestions from your end.
Thanking you,
Joyasish
Can you please
Hi Joyasish,
1. Well, you do not need to go to Jalori on Day 6 as from Narkanda to Tirthan you will already cover it on Day 5. S spend Day 6 within Tirthan to enjoy it.
2. Day 7 as well you should enjoy in Tirthan and on Day 8 take the Mandi route to come back to delhi or chandigarh to see other route as well instead of traveling back the same route from Manali side.
Regarding queries:
a) You are covering most of it and these places are themselves beautiful especially Tirthan and Pabbar
b) You will be easily able to find budget stays in most of these places especially Pabbar, Dodra and Tirthan. Many home stays are run, so should not be problem on the spot.
c) Yes, you can take the car from Chandigarh and drop it back there after completing the circuit. In fact you can call any Shimla driver who can pick you up from Chandigarh so that you are in experienced hands.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for your response. According to availability of tickets, i have changed the tour plan as following:
21st may: Reaching Ambala by Himgiri express. Though I have tickets to pathankot, Ambala will save time. Ambala to Narkanda
22nd may: Narkanda to dodra kwar via sungri, chansal pass. Stay at Jiskoon homestay
23 Rd may: kwar to Chirgaon, pabbar valley. Stay at chirgaon.
24 th may : Chirgaon to sarahan / daranghati.
25th may: sarahan to gushaini
26 th may: tirthan valley
27th may : tirthan to dharamsala. Enroute prashar lake.
28th may: Relax at mcleodganj
29th May: Mcleodganj to Pathankot and board Himgiri Express.
Now, Please comment on the feasibility and defectiveness of the itinerary. It would be helpful if you give some contact of driver and budget homestays whom I can contact well in advance. It is a family trip and we have small child of 7 years.
I have heard that the homestays of kwar village have no toilet facility. is it true?
Thanks,
Joyasish
I feel Prashar lake is the only too much of thing I see here in the plan, rest is OK. Take a call once you reach Rohru to continue to go beyond Chansal and into Dodra Kwar or not. Contact any shimla based driver at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley
He will be able to help you out. Regarding home stays, it may be possible that toilets are more or less used as dry pits without any water.
Hi Dheeraj,
1. Update on road condition for small car (alto), which route is better/shortest from gzb.
2. Is it doable in 4 days Rohru (with adjacent places) and Chakrata (with adjacent places).
3. Where are better stay options available in pabbar valley and in chakrata.
Moving on 22, Oct coming sat, may be we will be out before your reply. No issues.
Thanks in adv, Gaurav
Hello Gaurav,
1. The roads haven’t changed much as per above above and also, they have deteriorated at some places.
2. Doable, yes. But, it will be little bit hectic for sure. 1 long day to reach Rohru about 13 Hrs, then next day you can roam around Rohru, next day leave for Chakrata and spend time in the evening and early morning up there, last day leave for NCR in late afternoon.
3. Rohru will have good options for stay and at Chakrata there are couple of decent options available
Dear Dheeraj,
After appriciated by you with small car, we have done this journey in 3days and completed almost 1000km in 3 days, including rohru, hatkoti, hanol and chakrata.
Thanks, Gaurav
That’s wonderful to know Gaurav. Glad you had a wonderful trip to Chansal Pass.
Hey, I wanted to ask if its possible to cover only the Chanshal pass in 2 days time. I’m planning to travel by bus most of the time and your suggestions regarding the same will be much appreciated. Thanks, in advance.
I’m planning to go anytime during the month of October. And if more time is needed, I can probably go during the last week of October. So, I’d want to know if the busses ply during that time too?
Replied to your other comment earlier.
Milind, You surely can reach Rohru on the first day and next day go over to Chansal Pass and come back to Rohru. Next day you can return from Rohru back to starting point. The HRTC buses run. Needless to say, it will be hectic trip 🙂
hello Dheeraj, is Chansal pass doable in october second week?
Yes Vaani, Chansal Pass is doable in October second week.
Hello Dheeraj,
It is always great reading your articles, We are 4 friends & we have decided to visit all 5 places in your article.
We have already visited tirthan valley and it was great,so we now plan to visit pabbar valley.
Can you share some details on how to reach there and will it be right time to visit, will the route be still open. We are travelling in our own Volvo SUV from Delhi is it better to take the Paonta sahib route through Gt road or we should go through chandigarh Shimla route.
Please share the information at earliest, as we plan on leaving today.
Hello GAGANDEEP,
I have provided the route details in the article above. The route will be open. You can go from one route that is from Paonta Shib and come back from Narkanda – Theog route. Or you can come back from Chakrata route. The route from Rohru to Narkanda is in pretty bad shape last heard and much bad that the roads from Paonta Sahib / Charata routes.
Hi. I’m planning a solo trip to Chanshal Pass next month around 6-9 Sep. Needed some info. I have seen pictures of buses at Chanshal Pass. Is there some trek route also from Larot till Pass. If yes how many kms. And from the Pass how many further kms till the peak. And If I need to reach Dodra/Kwar villages can I reach in the same day. Any shortcut to go there on foot. Or how do i reach there otherwise. Please reply at the earliest. Thanks a lot!.
hi dheeraj. do you think you can provide me your contact. I think it will be better if I speak to you once. Please ping me here. my email id is sam_3990@yahoo.co.in
Sambhav, I have no idea about the trek route from Larot to Chansal Pass but I am sure with the help of villagers/locals you can surely find one as road goes all the way up to Chansal Pass. Larot to Dodra Kwar on foot in one day will not be possible.
Which route will be good for us from chandigarh?? Nd how far it will be from here?
You talking about Chansal Pass? It depends upon what you are interested into. If you want to travel a lonely route from as mentioned in the article and come back from Narkanda – Shimla route.
Hi Dheeraj,
would you suggest to take this trip in mid July? how much damage to route can rainfall make?
Ankit, for sure monsoons will have toll on it. It will be messy and slushy
Hi, Dheeraj,
Great article , it will surely help the fellow travelers to plan the trip. I have been to Paonta sahib, but that was for attending a marriage at Viaks nagar. So could not visit many places which are in vicinity of that area.
I am planning to go again on the same trip and this time a longer distance. Please can you throw light upon the fact that if I take my car ( VW POLO ) will it be able to sustain the journey and also how much it will cost on a solo trip from Guragon to Chakrata, and back, leaving aside fuel costs.
Again a very helpful posts, best wishes for the future , keep up the good work 🙂
Hi, is it safe nd advisable to go chaansal pass with i20. Also what average time will be from panota sahib to rohru?
Are roads still bad for hatchback??
Will surely take a beating dost due to potholes but at slow pace doable. It should take around 8 Hrs
Thanks Dheeraj for answering my query …
now second question is – out of 190 KM travel distance between both location, what percentage of bad patch I will be facing and we are 5 person in the i20 leaving tomorrow from Rajasthan.
Beyond Narkanda, it will be bad patch mostly to Rohru
How are the road conditions between Narkanda and Rohru. Is that better than Shimla-Theog-Kharapathar-Rohru??
More or less the same, may be a little better
hello
planning a trip to Chanshal pass between 3-7 Jun. We are travelling in a tempo traveller. could you please advise if the Traveller would be able to take the Rohru-Chanshal road or we hire local jeeps for this particular stretch.
Regards
Kavita
Yes, Tempo traveller should be able to do it easily. There are HRTC full size buses that runs on that route.
thanks Dheeraj
as always the dependable DOW has helped me plan one more sojourn in the Himalayas, although it’s my second trip to Rohru but will be going to Chanshal for the first time. Any tips?
regards
Kavita
Kavita, just leave early in the day to Chansal Pass because the road is bad beyond Rohru and hence, will take time. You can visit Dodra kwar villages too and can plan to stay overnight up there in homestays.
Hi There
I have planned a lot of trips reading your blog. This trip is special since we are accompanied with our 9 month daughter this time 🙂 It has been an year that we have went out so we want this one to be quiet and convenient. We are planning to visit Chakrata (20-22nd April). Which route do you suggest? I hope it will not be crowded this time of the year.
Priyanka, it shall be fine. You can take the regular route to Chakrata as mentioned above from Dehradun side.
Thanks 🙂
Hi Dheeraj ,
Can you please suggest is it better to go by BUS as i am planning by bus to go anywhere in himachal if you can suggest some place to me where we can go through public transport or a place from where we can rent a bike and explore places we are two people.
Aman, you can travel to Barot by bus. Daily buses are available from Mandi, which is well connected to many places around Delhi/Ncr
Hi,
I am planning to visit Pabbar valley next weekend, could you please let me know if the below itinerary looks good . We are two people on RE 500
Day 1 — Delhi to Solan/Shimla
Day 2 — Solan/ Shimla to pabbar river to Kharapathar /Shelapani/Tiuni [Wherever I can get a place to stay]
Day 3 — Kharapathar — Paonta Sahib
Day 4 — Paonta Sahib — Delhi
Will this be possible in 4 days.
Or you can suggest me any better route.
THanks
Nitesh Menghani
Nitesh, but you are not visiting the Rohru and Chansal PAss?? If that is not intended then well the plan looks OK to me.
respected sir can we hit the chansal pass in feb or march on bike
Jitender bhai, no Chansal Pass will be closed in the month of Feb/March due to presence of snow.
thank u sir so i can go only in may
Yes, Chansal Pass shall open around April end, better plan in May
can we go chanshal pass in january on bikes
No Gurpreet, Chansal pass remains closed or buried in snow in January
sir can we hit the chansal pass in feb or march??
Jitender bhai, no Chansal Pass will be closed in the month of Feb/March due to presence of snow.
Hi Dheeraj,
Wanted to know, if it is advisable to attempt Chansal pass in December? Or is it snowed out that time?
Abhinav, Chansal Pass would be closed by that time of the year.
Please suggest a itinery for Pabbar Valley, Chakrata , Dhanaulti in month of May in 6N 7D. Will we get snow at chansal pass at that time?
Arpita, are you planning for Kumaon or Pabbar Valley? Snow will be there in the month of May at Chansal Pass
I am planning for both chakrata and pabbar valley. Since I will be traveling from Delhi by train I guess dehradun is the nearest rail way station. So I planned dhanaulti. Please suggest if you have any better option.
Arpita, that is also a nice option to travel. Chakrata + Pabbar Valley will be good but remember that roads in Pabbar Valley are a bit bad and you will need patience for it 🙂
Hi dheeraj,
i am planning to visit kedar- badri in Nov 1st week. Can you give me a tour iteniory. i am starting on 26 oct from howrah.
Hello Sanjoy,
Are you planning to reach Kedarnath and Badrinath in the month of November? The gates will be closed and it will be quite tricky conditions to travel up there? Are you sure you want to do it during that time of the year when things are closed?
Hello Dheeraj,
Hope u r doing well!
Awesome read as usual.
i want to visit Chanshal but car is my second preference. i am more of a bike lover. i have freezed my dates 22-OCT-2015 to 24-oct-2015. it will be 3 day tour from chandigarh. i needs ur inputs and guidance
Day 1: Chandigarh to rohru: 230 Km. i will hault at Rohru for that day
Day 2: early morning start from Rohru to chanshal 50 km and will move further to Chakrata
Day 3: chakrata to chandigarh
Please correct me if i am wrong on any point regarding distance or plan and please provide me any suggestions or any places which i can add to my list. i can add a day more to my plan.
thanks for your support Dheeraj. really appreciated
Thanks,
PR
Piyush, Rohru to Chansal and then back to Chakrata might mean quite long considering the bad conditions of the road. Rohru to Chakrata is no 50 KM bhai 😀
Best will be to do Chandigarh – Rohru, Rohru – Chansal – Rohru/Narkanda covering Hatu Peak, Narkanda – Chandigarh. If you feel you can push it to Chakrata, it means about 5 Hrs ride at least from Rohru to Chakrata. See if you have time for it when you return from Chansal.
okay then i will change my plan as per your suggestion
but 50 km i meant rohru to chanshal 🙂 :)…is it right???? hw much time will it take to chanshal from rohru??
It will take 3 Hrs or may be a bit more if you stop and click due to pathetic roads 😀
Hi,
We are planning to visit pabbar valley on a 3-day budget trip sometime in July or September mainly to visit Chansal Pass. But that’s a day affair. Please suggest us other things or places to visit nearby which can be reached through public transport. Also, where should we stay since Chansal has no accommodation facility. We were thinking of crashing at Rohur, but are not sure.
Jyoti, you should go and visit Dodra Kwar villages and stay at home stays up there ahead of Chansal Pass. It will be quite an experience.
Helo jyoti since you have planned for visiting chanshal valley let me tell you that their is lot more to explore. Like ancient temple, village’s and their mysterious culture. Accommodation is available at sandasu(gov’t rest house) and also in larot village.
I’m from chirgaon so ican help you to make your trip unforgetable.
Thanks all. We started out journey towards Rohru early morning from Delhi. All well till Paonta Sahib but roads from there till Tiuni are extremely bad. You can take up to 6-7 hours to cover around 150 kms.
Yeah, the roads are usually bad up there in Pabbar Valley. Thanks for posting it here and updating the same.
You should have taken chakrata route which is better then Shillai route.
hi
i am palanning to go chakrata on 2nd oct from delhi.which route is the best and road condition also because last time road was hell near sahranpur.
Delhi-roorkie-dehradun and then vikas nagar to chakrata is the best route. Good roads all the way up to chakrata. 2nd October is a long weekend and finding a room at chakrata may be difficult as there are not many options. Before leaving book the rooms in advance.
Mayank, guess Anil bhai has already replied to you in detail.
hI Dheera,
Will I get any snow in Chansal pass in foirst week of oct 2014,Is it reACHABLE FROM faRIDABAD TO CHAKRATA -CHANSAL, HOW ABT ROAD CONDITION.pLEASE SUGGEST
Kapil, you will not get any snow at Chansal during that time of the year. Faridabad to Chakrata you need to go first, next day to Rohru and then next day to Chansal Pass. Roads are not that great and as mentioned in the article above only.
Hi Dheeraj,
Can I go to chansal pass and Pabber vally in first week of Oct.Will I get snow over there.Can u plz suggest any place which we can cover from chakrata.I want to see snow peaks.wE have total 5 days from delhi
Yes, for sure you can visit Chansal Pass and Pabbar Valley in October.
Thanks a lot for your help!
Am also travelling from Kolkata to Sikkim and Darjeeling in late July.Want to cover Sikkim,Darjeeling and if possible Meghalaya and nearby places in 3.5 days.Kindly suggest me a smart itenary plan for the same.(July 21-24).Thanks a lot brother!
Edwin, I am really sorry I have never been to North East Himalayas yet 🙂 … However, we have experts of Sikkim in the forum/ DwD Community where you can post your queries and I am sure you will find inputs there.
Hi
I am planning for a trip to chansal pass from delhi. But i have only 2 days to do it i.e. i will start on friday evening and have to return by Sunday 11PM- Monday 2AM. Please let me know if it is possible. I am ready to skip chakrata or any other place in between. Also as i searched on Google, it is showing a route to Rohru via Karnal-Yamuna Nagar- Paonta Sahib. let me know if we can use this route as i suppose taking NH1 till karnal will definetly save me some time.
Thanks in advance.
Mohit, yes that route is there but after Paonta Sahib via Shillai, I have mentioned the route above. I do not think you will be able to complete the trip to Chansal Pass in just two days. It is long long drive of about 14 Hrs one day and then about 18+ Hrs on the second day.
Thanks for providing the detailed information.
My pleasure, it was one amazing trip anyways 🙂
Awesome trip it was! 🙂
Paonta sahib to shillai 70 km, shillai to tiuni 78 km, tiuni to Rohru 40 km. Rohru to chanshal top 55 km and last 20 km is just off roading.
Tiuni to chakrata 82 km, chakrata to Vikas nagar 55 km.
The best route from delhi to chanshal pass is to go via chakrata. Best scenery, very less traffic and better roads comparing other two routes (via shillai and via theog and kharapathar). First time I experienced that the roads in Uttarakhand were far better then roads in Himachal Pradesh.
Thanks Anil bhai for documenting the distances 🙂
The place where the engine of the beast got heat up due to coolant leakage, was competley deserted, sun was at its max at 12 noon and to make the matter worse there was no tree around to take shelter from the hard sun, who could trust that we were driving on a hill road. Madan asked to fetch water to refill in place of coolant. Luckily there was a small temple like structure on the other side of the road. I went inside. Nobody was there. There were 4 jerry cans kept inside. I thought there may be petrol or other liquid in this so smelled it with my finger. Luck was on our side, it was water. We filled it in bottles and refilled in the beast and put a lot of water on the engine as it was like boiling. We waited for sometime and decided to get the pipe replaced at next available place. Later we asked at many places but new hose pipe was not available anywhere. Once again luck was with the devils. We did not have any problem further and completed the trip without any need of repair in the beast.
And the repair hasn’t been needed as yet! 🙂
One hell of a trip it was!
Seriously, time now to start writing the detailed log 🙂