Treks in India

The Beauty of Minkiani Pass Trek– An Elapsed Trek Experience

Spread the love

Trekking in the endless fascinating range is a strong reiteration of its diverse offerings, and if the place is among the beautiful Himalayas then it’s like landing on the kingdom of paradise. Minkiani pass trek is a pass very less traveled in Himachal Himalaya and should top the list of any trekker trekking around Mcleodganj. Triund trek, Laka glaciers trek and Indrahar pass trek are the other famous treks of the region along with the Minkiani pass trek.

There is no doubt about it, that Himachal Pradesh is one of the most engrossing and audacious destinations in the whole country, India. Sitting charmingly in the part of the mighty Himalayas, this state is the home to numerous elevated mountain passes, peaks and gushing rivers, a land of beauty and serenity.

view of Dharmsala from top range
view of Dharmsala from top range – source

Dhauladhar is not a very high range as compared to the other related peaks of the Himalayas. It offers amazing trekking and climbing opportunity to the enthusiastic tourists. The rocky and high ridge both on its ascent and its comparative nearness to the plains seems to be a major Himalayan range. This region is one of the geologically active region with a thrust zone of the Indian Plate.

You will be extremely excited to see the peaks near to it, ranges from 5000m. As you start your trekking and camping journey, from Dharamsala, the beauty of the green lush meadows wide open your eyes, plain to the south.

Indrahar Pass

Indrahar pass, after the overnight snowfall
Indrahar pass, after the overnight snowfall – source

Several interesting passes cross over the Chamba side, situated towards the north of the most famous Indrahar Pass 4316m high. It is rocky ridged mountain area, brings in the most exciting experience as you perch at a towering height of the peak above the sea level. It is one such mountain pass that tempts adventurous trekkers from across the globe. Positioned in the Dhauladhar Range of the mighty Himalayas, this pass is widespread among the traveler due to the adjacent contiguity with Dharamsala.

Camping at snowline cafe
Camping at snowline cafe – source

In addition to explore and discover the natural scenic beauty and the fascinating charm of the high Pass, the trekkers can explore and enjoy camping around the Lahesh Caves on their way to trek Indrahar Pass.

Chobu pass, as seen during Minkiani pass trek
Chobu pass, as seen during Minkiani pass trek – source

A forgotten pass of the Himachal Pradesh, among the range of Himalayas is the Minkiani Pass, it ranges from 4250m, lying beautifully  spreading its aura to the highlight the tragic nature surrounding it. It is situated to the uppermost west of the pass, where one gets an opportunity to gain views towards the north.

In this direction you will come across the peaks of the Kishtwar region of Kashmir- The Sickle Moon (6574m) and Brammah (6515m) are most protuberant among all.

Route of Minkiani Pass trek

Surrounding view during Minkiani pass trek
Surrounding view during Minkiani pass trek – source

The greenish lush of the charismatic trail of Minkiani Pass trek is not that renowned as equated to the predominant Indrahar Pass and passes through remote trails. If you make an attempt for Minkiani pass trek, you will be completely hypnotized by its aura.  The access to Minkiani Pass is from Kareri Lake (3200m) located above the Kareri Village, another must visit place while trekking.  If you start you journey towards it, you will be there in two days. From Kareri Lake we will do a day trek to Minkiani pass.

Kareri Lake campsite view
Kareri Lake campsite view – source

On top of the pass the sights of the northern side of the Himalayas, Himachal, is wonderful as the ridges and forests leads to the snow-capped slopes of the majestic  passes and peaks.

In the late afternoon, after the magnificent view of and trekking Minkiani pass, you can return back to Kareri Lake. It’s like the heaven fallen on the earth.

The next stage of the trek is to do a stimulating crisscross of the Dhauladhar range by trekking towards the east to explore the parbat out there. Reaching the stunning camping ground of Triund, an initial camp for the Indrahar Pass you can take rest and enjoy the camping fun sharing the trekking experience with your friends.

On the last day of the trek the stronger members of the team can move to higher camping area before returning back to Dharamsala, completing the circular route of Minkiani pass trek.  Although, hardly people take a look on this beautiful trekking Minkiani pass as the weather sounds hamper, the area, with glaciers and slides, leaving a worst condition to it.

Worry not; you will experience the best trip ever, as Minkiani pass trek will be a snow trek, surrounded by Kareri Lake with descent presence of vegetation and tree cover.

The view of the Minkiani pass is a splendid portrayal. The majestic mountains make one feel like a baby in mothers arm.

Trekking obstacle

During the monsoon months however, due to the histrionic intensity and unpredictability of the climate, the road becomes a fairly tough one. Most often the falling rocks, wet rocks, stinging nettles, different kinds of insects, landslides and rivers in spate are some of the formidable obstacles.

route changes after the flood or slide
route changes after the flood or slide – source

Minkiani pass trek in the monsoon, is like all by your own self- the shepherdess are on their high camps on the beautiful ridges to revel the plethora of flowers and sheer the overload of the greenery in all the shades of hue.

The Gaddi Shepherds are unique center of attraction in this area. They are Hindu shepherds who take up their flock to the higher pastures in the summer months to return before the winter cool. The Kareri Lake is highly preferred by these flocks of shepherd. They play an immense part in upholding trails and bridges across the Dhauladhar. In terms of appearance mostly these Gaddi shepherds wear the “Chola”, a long coat made of wool. This scenario is hard to find in any other place.

Gaddi trek
Gaddi trek – Source

Camping and Minkiani pass trekking is beyond an experience can be expressed in words, the beauty of the green lushes, the rising sun and the mesmerizing way towards trek fills with an intense happiness and comfort. The views are indeed a highlight of the Himachal region. From a mountaineering perspective this area initially became popular due to the British when they were settled in India, making it known to the masses.

Visit the place and unfold the beauty which we fail to portray, of the Himalayas, Himachal.

You may also like...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *