Chobia Pass is the second highest altitude pass in the Pir- Panjal range, an interesting and adventurous trek of 5-6 days over one of the tough trek. In this trek, tracker can view the beauty of Pir- Panjal range and providing a rare occasion to see and study the customs and rituals of the local people named as Gaddi (shepherd). How shepherd live their tough life along with their flocks and how the Gaddies are dedicated and faithful to their Gods and Goddess like Lord Shiva, Lord Kartik and Goddess Marali Mata.

 

The Gaddies after spending six months in lower reaches of Kangra and Una District of Himachal Predseh with their flocks comes to Bharmour, stay a while at Bharmour they moves toward Lauhal and Spiti through Kugti and Chobia passes to graze their flocks. Gaddies first take permission to cross the Chobia Pass from Lord Kathedu.They scarify their few sheep’s to lord Shiva, Lord Kathedu and Goddess Marali Devi at Kathedu temple to get permission. If someone is not allowed or permitted to cross the pass, and they will not cross the pass and spent their six month near the Kugti ranges and graze their flock in their allotted ranges.

 

This Pass is very risky at the time of snowfall or over fresh snow for tracking. Gaddies also scarify few sheep’s when they are crossing Chobia Pass to the Goddess Marali for safe and easy crossing. Few of shepherd also cross another Pass in Lauhal known as Baralacha pass. The grass of Lauhal and Spiti is much nutrient than other grasses; this is the main reason to go to Lauhal and Spiti with their flocks. The Gaddies return in the month of September from Lauhal and same as repeated cycle. 

 

Day 1        Reception at Pathankot /Chakki Bank & drive to Dalhousie (80 Kms by Taxi)
Day 2        Dalhousie – Kalatop - Khajiyar – Bharmour(110 Kms by Taxi)
Day 3        Bharmour – Bharmani Mata Temple – Bharmour(6Km Trek)
Day 4        Bharmour – Chobia – Kathedu Temple (20 Kms by Taxi & 6Km Trek)
Day 5        Kathedu Temple  – Alyas Base Camp  (09 Kms Trek)
Day 6        Alyas Base Camp – Chobia Pass – Alyas Base Camp (10 Km Trek)

Day 7        Alyas Base Camp – Trilokinath -  Udaipur (14 km trek & 45 km by taxi)

Day 8        Udaipur -  Keylong   - Manali ( Departure Day)

Reception & welcome at Pathankot / Chakki Bank then drive to Dalhousie. After reaching Dalhousie check into hotel and in evening visit local sight seen of Small Hill station Dalhousie.

 

After Breakfast at Dalhousie move forward to Kalatop wildlife sanctuary then to Khajiyar. Enjoy the beauty of Mini Switzerland and take lunch. After Lunch move to Bharmour via Chamba. After reaching Bharmour check into hotel. And in evening join the Aarti at Chaurasi temples.

 

Early in the morning after breakfast and taking pack lunch, trek to Bharmani Temple. Bharmani temple is situated at the ridge and is 03 km trek from Bharmour. In evening return back to Bharmour and check into hotel.

 

After taking breakfast early in the morning troop will Move to Chobia via Taxi then further strenuous trek involving several ascents and descents to the Kathedu temple. Trek through gradual climbs continuing through meadows dotted with multicolored flowers, especially during August and September for run of 2 hours reach at Kathedu temple along with small stream. After taking dinner at temple stay for night and revive the body for next day journey.

 

Base ground of Passes or Camp grounds on both sides of passes are called Alyas locally called Lahesh. After taking breakfast early in the morning at Kathedu temple troop will move ahead to steep and gradual climbs through up the forest thins out as height is gained. Go up through more pasture and juniper trees to Alias; rock shelter and a few Gaddi shepherds in camp nearby pass. After taking lunch at Alyas camping ground enjoy whole left day and rest for a night in tents after taking dinner.

 

Alyas, Alyas – Chobia Pass - Alyas 12 Km track is totally depending upon the weather and physical condition of tracker. Generally Tour Guide will not take the risk or allow crossing the passes in bad weather conditions and will wait for clearing the sky. If sun shine then after taking tea and light breakfast start moving ahead very early in the morning around 4:00 am to ensure that the snow is frozen for easier walking and if fails to cross the pass before 12:00 pm will create big problem as heavy snow winds, rainfall even snow fall can be happen. The hard climbing of about 6Km to the pass takes 5-7 hours. Passing over a moraine the trail leads up a crevassed glacier and through a narrow gully with vertical walls on both sides. On the pass, panoramic view of the Zaskar Range to the North and the Manimahesh Range to the South. on the other side, pick a way down a 100 meters high rock face; below that go straight down usually in deep soft snow. Descending a glacier for two hours is followed by a moraine for one another hour, then to Alias camp ground. After taking Lunch at Alyas enjoy the whole day and revive the body for next day.

 

Alyas-Trilokinath-Udaipur 14 Km descends to the East side of the Chobia pass for about 6 km over rocky terrain. Then cross the pleasant terrain and descend gently to the small village of Bhaghot above the Chandra-Bhaga River. Stay for a while and move ahead from there the track turns North West side along the river, through forest and pleasant fields and reach Trilokinath This big village has an ancient Buddhist temple which houses a one meter high marble statue of God Avalokiteshvar, sitting cross-legged and with six arms. From there walk through fields for two Km, the trails go down to cross the river and join the main highway to Udaipur. from Highay we will take the taxi in reach at Udaipur. Here night stay will be in the Hotel/ Guest House.

 

After visiting main temple of Mirkla Mata at Udaipur troop will move to Keylong, District headquarter of Lauhal. After Kelong we will be further move to Manali via Rohtang pass. Troop will stay for one hr on the top of Rohtang pass. On reaching Manali, here our outdoor team will depart the troop with good wishes and with hopes to visit again and again to Himalaya for more treks