An moderate grade trek for your first adventure!

Baleni Pass Trek – Overview:

The Baleni Pass Trek is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most stunning yet lesser-explored trails, offering a perfect blend of wilderness, culture, and high-mountain serenity.

The extended itinerary takes you deeper into the Dhauladhar ecosystem — through ancient conifer forests, sweeping meadows, cascading streams, and pristine glacial basins that feel untouched by time. As you ascend beyond the familiar Teh Glacier viewpoint and move toward Chakrotu and the high ridges leading to Baleni Pass, the landscape opens dramatically, revealing uninterrupted panoramas of the Chamba Valley, rugged Dhauladhar spines, and endless layers of Himalayan peaks.

The climb to the pass is long yet deeply rewarding, with every turn offering fresh alpine scenery—stone-strewn trails, wildflowers, icy rivulets, and broad vistas painted in shifting mountain light.

It is a moderate trek near Dharamshala that is perfect for beginners and amateur trekkers and also one of the best options to introduce oneself to high altitude trekking.

What to expect on the Baleni Pass trek in Himachal Pradesh?

The Baleni Pass Trek located in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh offers a stunning blend of nature, adventure, and cultural immersion, making it an ideal introduction to trekking in the Indian Himalayas. As one of the lesser-known treks in Himachal Pradesh, this route takes you through lush pine forests, open meadows, and remote villages, providing breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. You can expect moderate ascents and descents, making the trek both accessible and rewarding. Along the way, trekkers will encounter traditional Himachali culture, with opportunities to interact with locals and experience their way of life.

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a beginner, the beauty and tranquility of the Baleni Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh will leave a lasting impression.

A perfect getaway trek in Himachal Pradesh

If you’re looking for a weekend escape from Dharamshala, the Baleni Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh is the perfect option. Located just a short distance from the bustling town, this trek allows you to step into the wilderness and experience the peacefulness of the mountains without needing to travel far. As one of the most accessible treks in Dharamshala and a popular option among treks in Himachal Pradesh, it’s ideal for travelers who want a break from city life and are eager to explore the pristine beauty of the Himalayas. The trail offers panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range, with its snow-capped peaks providing a stunning backdrop to your adventure. The trek can be completed in a week, making it a great choice for those who want to experience the magic of the Himalayas but have limited time.

Why is this the perfect trek for beginners in Himachal Pradesh?

The Baleni Pass Trek is one of the best beginner-friendly treks in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, offering a manageable route with gradual ascents and descents with a challenging climb upto the Pass (3850 Meter) that makes it perfect for those new to trekking. With an average altitude of under 4000 meters, the trek provides a moderate challenge without being too strenuous, making it ideal for those looking to dip their toes into the world of Himalayan trekking. The well-defined trails, scenic beauty, and relatively easy navigation make it a great starting point for novice trekkers. Moreover, the trek’s proximity to Dharamshala adds convenience, as participants can easily access the starting point without a long journey. Beginners will appreciate the varied terrain, including forests, meadows, and mountain views, all without the overwhelming intensity of higher-altitude treks in Himachal Pradesh.

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Brief Itinerary

  • Day 1: Pickup up from Kangra Airport. (Overnight stay in a standard hotel on double-sharing basis)

  • Day 2: Drive to Salli Village (2 hours) and trek to Dhaled (6-7 hours) (Overnight Camping)

  • Day 3: Trek from Dhaled to Chakrotu (a.k.a. Baleni Pass Base Camp) (Trek for 4 hours) (Overnight Camping)

  • Day 4: Chakrotu to Baleni Pass and return to Chakrotu (Trek 8-10 Hours) (Overnight Camping)

  • Day 5: Trek from Chakrotu to Chandrella Dhar Campsite (Trek 6 Hours) (Overnight Camping)

  • Day 6: Trek from Chandrella to Salli & drive to Dharamshala (Trek 2 Hours) (Overnight stay in a standard hotel on double-sharing basis)

  • Day 7: Drop off at Kangra Airport

Inclusions & Exclusions

Trip Cost Includes:

  • Accommodation: 2 nights stay in a Guest House at Dharamshala with breakfast and dinner + 4 nights in Camping on twin sharing basis with all meals.
  • Food: Dinner and Breakfast in Dharamshala as well as all meals during the trek.

  • Trekking permits and forest camping charges.

  • Trekking Gears: Tents, Sleeping bags, Mattress etc.

  • Services of an expert Adventure-Pulse trek leader. (*For a group of 8 and above)

  • Services of an expert trek team (guides, cooks, helpers).

  • Basic first aid kit and medical assistance.

Trip Cost DOES NOT Include:

  • Flights.

  • Airport pickup and drop. (Can be arranged on actuals)

  • Tips to staff.

  • Tent on Single supplement.

  • Bottled water or beverages.

  • Personal Insurance.

  • Any extra cost incurred in case someone is not able to finish the trek & wants to come back Mid ways.

  • Costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.

  • Any medical costs incurred by you, or costs associated with a medical incident, evacuation charges and damage of any nature.

  • Optional/ personal expenses. 

  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.

Things to carry

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Temperature variations, high altitude, snow glare & proximity to sun are certain factors which necessitate the need to for proper mountaineering equipment. In order to enjoy your experience in the mountains, we have recommended that you carry the following with you.

Apparel

  • Thermal Inners - At least 1 pair of Top and Leggings
  • 2-3 t-shirts or long-sleeve shirt (cotton / dryfit)
  • 1-2 pairs of trekking pants.
  • 1 Sweater/Sweatshirt
  • 1 Fleece Jacket
  • 1 Down Jacket
  • 1 Waterproof Layer like raincoat or wind-cheater
  • 1 pair of hiking boots
  • 1 pair of comfortable sandals/floaters/sneakers
  • 4-5 pairs of cotton socks (for day)
  • 1 pair of thick/woollen socks (for night)
  • Gloves - liner and outer
  • Sun hat
  • Woollen cap
  • Buff (Neck tube/neck gaiter) or Bandana

 

Accessories

  • Duffel bag / Rucksack for back off loading. Maximum 5 kgs per trekker. (No suitcases/ hard shell). 
  • Daypack / Backpack (20-30L capacity)
  • 2x 1L Bottles (to carry drinking water)
  • Lunchbox
  • Torch + Batteries / Headlamp
  • Knee/Ankle/Wrist Guards
  • Trekking Poles
  • Sunblock
  • Sunglasses
  • Moisturiser
  • Hand Sanitiser
  • Personal Medical Kit
  • Personal Toiletries Kit
  • Trail Snacks!

Fitness

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  • There are three main aspects of training to focus on – strength training, cardiovascular training, and trekking + trekking alternatives.
     
  • Strength training involves training different muscle groups, so that they can become stronger. There are different exercises for each muscle group, and working them all out 2x-3x a week should be enough to help you get comfortable trekking.
     
  • Legs / lower body - exercises like squats, glute bridges, step ups and leg presses with help you develop stronger muscles in the lower body. 

    Core - Exercises like planks, bicycle crunches and leg raises can help with core stability; Pilates is also a core-intensive type of workout that will help.

    Upper body - Bodyweight exercises like push-ups, pull-ups and dips will help develop these muscles. You can also use resistance bands or light weights to develop them further.
     
  • It’s vital to do plenty of cardio training before your trek, so that you can get the most out of your experience
     
  • Running - This is the most recommended form of cardio activity, as it activates a lot of the same muscles as trekking. Being able to run 10km in 60 minutes will allow you to get the most out of your trek.

    Cycling / Swimming - If you have knee issues, or don’t enjoy running, you can also opt for cycling and swimming. Being able to cycling 30-50km or swim for 30-40 minutes, thrice a week, should be good to help you with treks like EBC.

    HIIT training / Crossfit - Another option to level up your cardio training is to opt for high intensity aerobic exercises like HIIT or Crossfit, 2-3 times a week
    The aim is to get your heart rate up, so you do not get winded on long days of trekking
     
  • Hiking
    Try to get outdoors and go for a hike on the weekends! Uphill trails of 4-8 kilometres are will help you get used to trekking. Make it a point to carry a loaded backpack, and walk in your trekking shoes.
     
  • Hiking Alternatives
    Climbing stairs, and using the treadmill or stairmaster on an incline, will help prepare you for treks. Make it a point to carry a loaded backpack so that you can get used to the extra weight; and use your trekking boots, so that you can break them in and walk comfortably.
     
  • If you’re confused with all this information, no need to worry! The most important thing with training is consistency, and staying injury-free. Your training week should ideally have
    Strength training - 3 sessions
    Cardio training - 3 sessions
    Hiking - 1 long session, best on the weekends
    Rest and stretching - at least 1 da

FAQs

Baleni Pass Trek – Extended

What is the minimum age for this trek?

Trek to Baleni Pass is a beginner friendly trek that is apt for trekkers 11 years of age and above. This trek is can be done by beginners with really good fitness levels. It is one of best options to experience the wilderness and get introduced to the Himalayas and high altitude trekking.

How do I reach Dharamshala?

There are three ways to reach Dharamshala which are the following: (1) Fly from your hometown to Delhi and another flight from Delhi to Dharamshala (2) Fly from your hometown to Chandigarh and drive for 6.5 Hrs to Dharamshala. (3) Fly from your hometown to Amritsar and drive for 5 Hrs to Dharamshala
Note : Cab transport can be arranged on actuals.

What is the start point of this trek?

The Baleni pass & Kareri Lake starts from and ends at Salli, a small village in Himachal. Salli is approximately at a distance of 45 kms from the hotel in Dharamshala where you will be staying. From your hotel to Dharamshala, our team will arrange for your travel to the start of this trek point, which will be a 1 hour 25 minutes drive.

What will the temperature be like?

The Baleni pass & Kareri Lake Trek is an easy trek with pleasant temperatures. There are chances of occasional rain depending on the weather conditions. Day-time temperatures can range from 15 °C to 18 °C and at night 0 °C .

What time will the trek start?

On Day 1, The vehicle will pick you up from your Hotel at 7:30 am. Request you to be ready with your daypack (carried by you) and your main backpack (to be loaded on mules). During the trek, the guides will brief about next days plan every evening before dinner.

What kind of terrain or weather conditions are expected on the trek?

The entire trek route consists of mountain trails, forest, meadows, streams and some part of boulder/rocky terrain. The trail is moreover defined and it doesn’t involve any kind of difficult sections or technical climbing using ropes or other equipment. This trek can be done round the year. In Summer (March to May), the weather is pleasant and there is a low chance of rains as the maximum altitude is close to 3850 meters. Day-time temperatures can range from 15 °C to 20 °C and at night about 02-5 degrees.

What kind of meals will be provided?

There will be freshly cooked meals; breakfast (Bread Omelet, Paratha, Puri Bhajii, Muesli, Corn Flakes etc), Lunch and Dinner provided during the trek which will be a mix of Indian food (Roti-Sabji, Tarkari, Daal Rice etc). We will also organize evening snacks and refreshments. Our cooks are very experienced and will be happy to entertain any particular requests may have for meals. All the meals are served in the common dining area/tent.

What will the campsite look like?

There will be sleeping tents on double sharing basis with a warm mattress and sleeping bag. A dining table where the meals will be served. There will be 3 toilet tents. A kitchen tent will be set up by the staff for them to cook the meals.

How much weight can I carry?

You need to carry your small daypack during the trek. (With your water bottle, a jacket and some trail snacks) For the main luggage (which will be offloaded onto mules), 7kg is allowed per participant. Since it’s only 4 nights of stay on the trek, we recommend that 2 people combine a bag instead of individual small small bags. A family of three can have a combined bag with weight no more than 15kg.

How will I communicate with my family?

Mostly all network works in Dharamshala and Mcleod Ganj. However, there is no stable network available in Kareri Vilage and almost no network once you start the trek.

What medical emergency provisions will be provided?

Our Trek Leaders and support staffs are certified in first aid as well as experienced in dealing with altitude sickness related issues. Although, it’s an easy trek and there are almost zero chance of any medical situations, in case of any emergency, we are equipped to provide first aid and medical assistance. Our team will daily monitor the fitness of the participants and give attention to safety of the kids at all times. We will be carrying a comprehensive medical kit with medicines like Diamox (for high-altitude sickness), Combiflam/Brufen (pain killer), and generic medicines for stomach ache, bandages, Dettol etc. We will also carry an Oxymeter to monitor oxygen saturation levels in case some one is not feeling well.

Who will be the support staff?

There will be 3 experienced guide and 1 assistant guide with the group. Apart from this there will be a cook, helpers and a mule caravan to carry the luggage.

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pickup up from Kangra Airport. (Overnight stay in a standard hotel on double-sharing basis)

Our team will receive the group at Dharamsala Airport or bus stand and transfer to a hotel/guest house in Dharamshala. The pick-ups are in groups and hence may involve some waiting time. The mode of travel will by Tempo traveler/innova depending on the size of the group. We spend our first night in a hotel/guest house in Dharamsala.

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Day 2: Drive to Salli Village (2 hours) and trek to Dhaled (6-7 hours) (Overnight Camping)

After a morning breakfast & briefing, we will drive to the start point of the trek near Salli village. Our trek staff will load the backpacks and we will start the trek to our first campsite at Dhaled. It’s a pleasant walk through a thick forest and pine trees. We pass through some beautiful meadows and get a chance to see the village life in Himachal Pradesh. We cross a beautiful meadow at Chandrella Dhar after which the trail opens up in a beautiful valley. There are multiple small ponds and streams along the way. Overnight stay in a camp.

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Day 3: Trek from Dhaled to Chakrotu (a.k.a. Baleni Pass Base Camp) (Trek for 4 hours) (Overnight Camping)

Today is relatively shorter day as we move to the Base Camp for the Baleni Pass at Chakrotu. The trail goes through boulders and some steeper sections.

Day 4: Chakrotu to Baleni Pass and return to Chakrotu (Trek 8-10 Hours) (Overnight Camping)

This is one of the longest and toughest days on the trek as you will be pushing for the Baleni Pass from the base camp. Depending on the weather, expect some snow patches as you reach the pass. We don’t cross over the pass but descend down the same way back to the base camp.

Day 5: Trek from Chakrotu to Chandrella Dhar Campsite (Trek 6 Hours) (Overnight Camping)

Waking up with the sounds of nature, after breakfast we will start our journey back to Chandrella Dhar campsite. It’s a gradual descent all the way through the valley in the initial section and later a forest.

Day 6: Trek from Chandrella to Salli & drive to Dharamshala (Trek 2 Hours) (Overnight stay in a standard hotel on double-sharing basis)

On the last day of the trek, we descend for about 2 hours back to the road head where the vehicles will be ready to transfer you back in Dharamshal at your hotel.

Day 7: Drop off at Kangra Airport

We will organize group airport drop. Trip ends.

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What sets us apart is not only the expertise we bring to the table, but also the quality of services provided on each trek! We know what it takes to climb mountains, whether you’re 6 or 60, and look forward to providing you with services you can’t get anywhere else.

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