Dharamsala to Chamba via Indrahar Pass

17 days in India, 8 days trekking; level: moderate

Highest Point: 4,425m

Dates: May, June, September, October

Route Highlights: Delhi - Dharamsala - Indrahar Pass (4,425m)- Chanaota Khas - Bahrmaur - Chamba - Dalhousie - Delhi

Dharamsala is the hill station that became the center of the Tibetan culture in excile after the Dalai Lama settled here following the Chinese invasion of Tibet. Set amidst chir pine forests, rhododendron and Himalayan oak, it commands a spectacular setting along a spur of the Dhauladar range. Chamba is a medieval town, once an isolated kingdom known for unique arts and crafts and as the center of the Gaddis, shepherds of sheep and goats. The trek takes us over the Indrahar Pass (4,425m) into the Ravi Valley and on to Bahrmaur with fine 10th-century hill style temples. From Bahrmaur we continue three days to the Manimahesh Lake (3,950m) below Manimahesh Kailash (5,575m). Then it's back to Bahrmaur and on to Chamba and Dalhousie, a quiet hill station, the final stop of the tour.