Jalsu Pass Trek
- Duration : 10 Nights 11 Days
- Elevation : 3900 m
- Group Size : Min 4
- Difficulty : Moderate to Difficult
4.7 (1,127) Reviews
★★★★★ Rated 4.7 out of 5
The Jalsu Pass Trek is one of the most scenic and less-explored Himalayan trails, located in Himachal Pradesh. Known as the “Flower Valley of Himachal”, Jalsu Pass (3,400 meters / 11,200 ft) connects the Kangra Valley to the Chamba Valley. The trail is famous for its lush green meadows, alpine flowers, and the opportunity to experience raw Himalayan village life.
Unlike other high-altitude treks, Jalsu Pass offers a moderate trekking experience and is accessible for a longer duration, from May to October, making it a perfect choice for trekkers who want to avoid snow-bound routes but still enjoy stunning landscapes.
Region: Himachal Pradesh (Kangra Valley to Chamba Valley)
Altitude: 3,900 m
Duration: 10 -11 Days
Trek Distance: ~50 km
Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate (suitable for beginners & experienced trekkers)
Best Season: May to October
Known As: The “Valley of Flowers” of Himachal
👉 The Jalsu Pass trail is lined with colorful wildflowers during summer, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Floral Beauty: The meadows near Jalsu are covered with countless species of alpine flowers.
Cultural Experience: Trek through quaint villages, meet friendly Gaddi shepherds, and witness their traditional mountain lifestyle.
Long Season Window: Unlike high passes blocked by snow, Jalsu is accessible for nearly six months.
Easy Accessibility: The trek begins from Uttarakhand’s Kangra region (near Dharamshala / Palampur) and ends in the Chamba Valley, making it easy to combine with other Himachal tours.
Photography Paradise: Panoramic views of the Dhauladhar Range, gushing streams, and carpeted meadows make it a dream trek for photographers.
On arrival in Delhi, you will be greeted by our representative who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel. After check-in, you can relax and recover from your journey, or if time permits, explore the vibrant streets and bustling markets of Delhi. In the evening, a short pre-trek briefing will be conducted to introduce you to the trek plan, essential preparations, and safety guidelines. Overnight stay at a hotel in Delhi. 👉 Highlights: Warm welcome in Delhi, pre-trek briefing, optional sightseeing or market visit.
Early in the morning, begin your journey from Delhi to Dharamshala, a scenic hill town in the Kangra Valley. The drive or overnight Volvo ride takes you across the plains of Punjab into the Himalayan foothills, covering a distance of about 480 km in 10–11 hours. On arrival, check in at a hotel or guesthouse and rest.
This day is reserved for rest and acclimatization. You can explore McLeod Ganj’s Tibetan culture and spirituality by visiting the Dalai Lama Temple, Bhagsunag Waterfall, and St. John’s Church, or shop at the Tibetan market for souvenirs. Spending this day at leisure helps your body adjust to the mountain altitude. Overnight stay in Dharamshala.
After breakfast, drive about 80 km to reach Uttrala, the base camp of the Jalsu Pass Trek. The road winds through scenic tea gardens, pine forests, and charming villages, offering your first glimpse of the Dhauladhar range. On arrival, check into a guesthouse or camp and meet the trek crew. Overnight stay at Uttrala.
Your trek begins today with a gradual 6 km walk to Surai Village. The trail takes you through thick pine forests, gushing streams, and small hamlets where you can interact with locals and learn about their lifestyle. Surai makes for a peaceful first campsite surrounded by green meadows. Overnight camping at Surai.
After breakfast, continue your trek with a 7 km ascent to Yara Got. This part of the trail is a delight for nature lovers, as it is dotted with wildflowers, clear streams, and open grasslands. Yara Got is also a popular grazing ground for Gaddi shepherds, and you may encounter their flocks of sheep and goats. Overnight stay in tents at Yara Got.
This is the most exciting and challenging day of the trek. An early morning start will take you across alpine meadows and rocky trails to reach Jalsu Pass, the highest point of the trek at 3,900 meters (11,050 feet). From the pass, enjoy panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range and the Chamba Valley on the other side. After spending time at the summit, begin the descent and camp near the meadows below the pass. Overnight stay in tents.
Today’s descent takes you about 8 km down into the Chamba Valley. The trail passes through rolling meadows, forests, and mountain streams before reaching a small traditional village. The cultural contrast between Kangra and Chamba regions is noticeable here. Overnight stay in tents or a homestay near the village.
After breakfast, trek a short distance to the roadhead and drive to Chamba Town, famous for its temples and ancient heritage. Spend some time exploring Chamba’s local markets, the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, and the Chowgan Ground. In the afternoon, continue the journey to Pathankot (90 km) overnight train to Delhi stay.
We arrive in Delhi and jump straight onto our waiting bus to take the transfer to Agra. Upon arrival, we check into our Hotel. Later we visit the incomparable Taj Mahal – no visit to India would be the same without seeing it! Built by the Mughal Emporer, Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife and will always be a symbol of undying love for anyone who sees it. Overnight: Hotel.
As professionals, it is imperative that we adhere to strict schedules and timelines to ensure the successful execution of our tasks and responsibilities. In order to fulfill our commitments, we must prioritize punctuality and efficiency in all aspects of our work. Therefore, taking the very early transfer back to Delhi to catch our flight back home is a critical step towards maintaining professionalism and meeting our obligations. By planning ahead and allowing ample time for potential delays or obstacles, we demonstrate a high level of dedication and accountability. This practice not only reflects positively on our individual work ethic but also contributes to the overall success and reputation of our organization. As professionals, it is essential that we prioritize timeliness and responsibility in every aspect of our work to achieve optimal results and uphold the standard of excellence expected in professional environments.
10:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Mon to Sat)
Height: 3,900 m / 11,050 ft
Base Camp: Uttrala
Start Point: Surai
End Point: Uttrala
Trek Distance: 26 km (to and fro)
Best Time to Visit: Late July to early September
Temperature: 1°C to 20°C (varies with season and altitude)
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult (requires good fitness)
Electricity: Not available at the campsite
Nearest ATM: Dharamshala
👉 The Jalsu Pass Trek is often called the “Flower Valley of Himachal” because of its blooming alpine meadows during monsoon and post-monsoon months.
Fixed departures available during July, August & September.
Customization available for private groups and families.
By Air: The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport (Kangra Airport), about 20 km from McLeod Ganj. It is well connected with Delhi, Chandigarh, and Kullu.
By Road: Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj are well connected by state-run and private buses from Delhi (approx. 480 km), Chandigarh (250 km), and Pathankot (90 km). Overnight Volvo buses are easily available from Delhi.
By Train: The nearest broad gauge railway station is Pathankot (90 km). From there, taxis and buses are available to reach Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj.
Trekking boots (well broken-in)
Trekking poles (optional but useful)
Shirts / T-shirts (quick-dry preferred)
Trousers / Track pants
Windproof jacket (Gore-Tex recommended)
Fleece / Full-sleeve warm layer
Woollen sweater
Thermal innerwear (upper & lower)
Woollen gloves / mittens
Woollen socks (extra pairs recommended)
Raincoat / Poncho
Cap / Hat
Wool cap / balaclava for cold nights
Towel & personal toiletries
Water bottles (at least 2 liters)
Sunglasses (UV-protected)
Sunscreen lotion & lip balm
Torch / headlamp with extra batteries
Medicines (personal + general first-aid kit)
Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
Book / diary (optional, for personal use)
Known as the “Flower Valley of Himachal” for its lush meadows and alpine flowers.
A less-crowded trail offering solitude and raw Himalayan beauty.
Connects Kangra Valley to Chamba Valley, giving a cultural as well as natural experience.
Perfect mix of forests, rivers, meadows, shepherd camps, and mountain passes.