My First Experience of Churdhar Trek – Complete Guide for Beginners

Traveling has always been my passion, but due to financial struggles, I couldn’t explore much during my early years. In December 2017, I started my career as a web designer in Mohali. In my office, I met a colleague from Himachal Pradesh, and he was the first person who told me about the Churdhar Trek.

It was February 2018 when he returned from Churdhar and shared his experience with me. That’s when I first heard about this beautiful trek in Himachal Pradesh, famous for Lord Shiva’s statue at the summit. My love for the mountains and the desire to explore pushed me to plan my own Churdhar Trek trip.

The Start of My First Trekking Adventure

I discussed the plan with my friends, and four of them were ready to join me. After gathering all the information from my colleague, we started our journey from Chandigarh to Churdhar in June 2018. It was not only my first trek, but also my first trip with friends, so I had the responsibility to manage everything – from stay to food to ensuring a safe return.

We started from Chandigarh at around 11 PM and took a bus to Solan. From Solan, we had to change the bus to reach Nohradhar, the most popular starting point for the Churdhar trek. Early morning, we reached Nohradhar, had breakfast, and prepared for the trek.

Churdhar Trek Route & Distance

The Churdhar trek distance from Nohradhar is around 18 km one side. We took the Nohradhar route, which is the most popular and scenic route. There are two more routes – Sarain (8 km) and Pulhwal (8 km) near Chaupal, Shimla, but we chose Nohradhar because of its popularity and better connectivity.

The trek started with a steep climb, followed by a dense forest section, and then more steep rocky paths. It’s a moderate trek, suitable for beginners, but still needs good stamina. With young energy and excitement, we moved ahead, clicking photos and enjoying the scenic beauty of Himachal’s mountains.

The 3 Rest Points – Important Stops

On the way, there are three main rest points where trekkers can relax, have food, and refresh themselves. These points are:

1. Jam Nallah – The first point after a few kilometers.
2. Teesri – The second point, which offers stunning views.
3. Churdhar Base Camp – The final rest stop before reaching the summit.

I was walking ahead of my group because my office friend had warned me that if we reached late, we might not get a place to stay, especially during peak season.

Reaching Churdhar Base Camp – Night Stay

Finally, after a long trek, I reached the Churdhar base camp near Shirgul Maharaj Temple. The temple has a dharamshala where trekkers can stay for free or at a minimal cost. I booked blankets and a corner spot for my friends, ensuring we all had a place to sleep.

After all friends arrived, we rested and had a simple dinner. The night at Churdhar was cold but peaceful, under a sky full of stars.

The Final Climb – Reaching Lord Shiva Statue

Next morning, we started our trek to the Churdhar Peak, the highest peak in the Shivalik Range, standing tall at 3,647 meters (11,965 feet). This final stretch was the most difficult part, with steep rocky climbs and narrow paths. One of our friends even gave up and stayed at the base camp, while the remaining four of us continued.

Reaching the top, we were blessed with the divine darshan of Lord Shiva’s massive statue, sitting peacefully and looking over the stunning Himalayan ranges. We also visited Shirgul Maharaj Temple and spent some time enjoying the 360-degree panoramic view of the Shivalik ranges, snow-covered peaks of Kedarnath, Badrinath, and more.

The peaceful silence, the cool breeze, and the spiritual aura made the difficult climb worth every step.

Descending Back – The Return Journey

Descending was much faster than climbing up. We reached Nohradhar by evening, caught a bus to Solan, and from Solan, we returned to Chandigarh. With hearts full of memories and phones full of photos, we said goodbye to each other and headed home.

About Churdhar – Key Details for Travellers

• Height: 3,647 meters (11,965 feet)
• Location: Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh
• Best Time to Visit: May to June and October to November.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate Trek.
• Total Distance: 36 km (18 km one side).
• Trek Duration: 2-3 days.

How to Reach Churdhar

• Nearest City: Chandigarh
• Route: Chandigarh → Solan → Nohradhar → Churdhar
• Transport Options: Bus or personal vehicle till Nohradhar.

Important Things to Carry

• Trekking shoes
• Warm clothes (it’s cold even in summer)
• Raincoat (weather changes suddenly)
• Water bottles and snacks
• Basic medicines
• Power bank
• Camera or phone for photos
• ID proof
• Cash (no ATMs on trek)

Key Attractions at Churdhar

• Lord Shiva’s Statue at the summit
• Shirgul Maharaj Temple
• 360-degree views of Himalayan ranges
• Flora and fauna (monal, pheasants, and even musk deer)
• Snow during winter (best winter trek in India)

Final Thoughts – My Experience

The Churdhar Trek gave me lifelong memories – from the thrill of my first trek in India to the spiritual connection at the peak. It’s a perfect trek for beginners who want to explore the best treks in India, especially near Chandigarh and Shimla. Whether you love nature, adventure, or spirituality, Churdhar has something for everyone.