Churah Valley – A Paradise for Trekkers
Churah Valley
What makes it offbeat ?
Map of Churah Valley
Get a fair idea of the geography of Churah Valley
Travel to Churah Valley
How to reach, acclimatization, etc.
When to go ?
Climate of Churah Valley, best time to go
An introduction to Churah Valley
Sach Pass, Chamba
Mesmerizing sunset view from the Sach Pass
Some of you may have never heard of Churah valley. Those of you who have come across Oligodon may have read about the state’s best kept secret. Now, for those wondering what fancy species Oligodon is ? It is a species of snake that was discovered in Churah valley of Himachal Pradesh.
Ask locals why this valley’s called Churah, and they’ll point to the crossroads at its heart. Four major roads converge here, just shy of the Jammu and Kashmir border, with the breathtaking Pir Panjal range looming overhead.
If you’re someone obsessed with nature, adventure, and ancient cultures – this place is a paradise. As you embark on the challenging Sach Pass trail, which connects Chamba to Pangi Valley, the scenery gets breathtaking – towering peaks, lush green valleys, and nomadic shepherds brave enough to take on the high mountains with their livestock.
What will probably strike you the most is the sheer remoteness of it all. For most of the year, the passes are snowed under, but between July and October, they’re open to travelers willing to take the risk. And what a reward!
As you climb to Sach Pass – a whopping 14,500 feet – you feel alive. The descent into Chenab Valley is just as thrilling, merging with the Tandi-Kishtwar Road at Killar. The 60km stretch from Bairagarh is an off-roader’s dream, with rough terrain, impromptu waterfalls, and melting snow turning the dirt road into a river.
What makes Churah offbeat and Unique ?
Churah Valley is where rugged terrain and treacherous roads challenge travelers to reach its picturesque villages. Forget speedy journeys; every twist and turn reveals breathtaking vistas. Imagine driving under streams that cascade off mountain edges, and standing at the edge of a thousand-meter-high gorge carved by the Chandrabhaga river. The surrounding dense forests create a pleasant climate most of the year.
The warmth of Churah’s locals is unparalleled. They welcome guests with open arms, sharing simple yet delectable meals like mushroom, rajma, and potatoes, accompanied by rice, roti, and dal. Don’t miss their specialty dish, rajma cooked in chang with mild spices! The community’s simple lifestyle, rooted in small-scale farming, grocery shops, and homestays, is refreshing. Professionals in healthcare, teaching, and government jobs also contribute to the valley’s fabric. The locals’ deep respect for their culture and traditions is inspiring.
Tissa is the gateway to the region’s most sacred glacial lakes, cherished by locals for their spiritual significance. Gadasaru, Mahadev, Mahakali, Maral, and Mehalwar lakes beckon trekkers and pilgrims alike.
Experience the devotion firsthand by joining the annual pilgrimage to Gadasaru Mahadev Lake in August and September. Watch as locals pay homage to Goddess Kali, circling the lake and offering prayers.
A short trek from there lies Mahakali Lake, whose shores provide a stunning panorama of the surrounding mountains. Bask in the serenity and majesty of this natural wonder.
Churah Valley
The beautiful colors of the forest in Churah valley located in Chamba district
Map of Churah Valley
Churah Valley, Chamba. A map featuring the geography & important places
Travelling to Churah Valley
How to reach Churah Valley ?
Reaching Churah Valley by Air
- The nearest airport is at Dharamshala (DHM), 185 km from Tissa, Churah Valley’s main town.
- Kullu Manali Airport (KUU), 350 km from Tissa, is another option. Although, this airport is highly unreliable. Flights are delayed/cancelled on multiple occasions because of harsh weather
Reaching Churah Valley by Rail
- The nearest railway station is Pathankot Railway Station in Punjab, 160 km from Tissa.
Reaching Churah Valley By Road
- Churah Valley is connected to major towns via scenic routes. You can take either of the routes below to reach Churah and plan your itinerary. If you have over a week, you can do a circuit trip through the Sach Pass
Route 1 : Kullu – Manali – Sissu – Udaipur – Purthi – Killar – Tissa
This route is raw. When we say raw, we are referring not just to the road but also the food and stay options. On this route you will have to settle with limited options of basic food and stay, compromising slightly on your comfort zone.
Route 2 : Dharamshala – Dalhousie/Chamba – Tissa
We personally prefer this route if you plan to go and come back the same route. The reason ? You have beautiful spots to explore throughout the route. A good mix of monasteries and mountains. Enroute you have the chance to spend time at Khajjiar which is popular as Mini Switzerland. You have more variety of food with good restaurants and comfortable stay options on this route.
Best time to visit Churah Valley ?
Churah Valley weather
Churah Valley’s weather is a symphony of seasons. Every time of the year paints a unique picture in the valley.
Outside the monsoon time during which the rains can be heavy, the showers in Churah valley are very light, the valley receives precipitation predominantly in the form of snow from late October.
Winters transform Churah into a snow-kissed wonderland (November-March), with temperatures often below 0°C. Higher elevations receive heavy snowfall, while lower areas experience moderate snowfall. In the Churah Valley, be prepared for temperature fluctuations and unpredictable changes at any time of the year.
Churah Valley Mountainscape
Vibrant mountain views on the way to Churah Valley
Best Time to Visit Churah Valley
The best time to visit this hidden gem depends on your heart’s desire.
Churah Valley is a hidden world, veiled by snow for most of the year. I remember Raju, a local guide, telling us, “We wait for the summer sun to uncover our home. The snow melts, and our valley transforms into a paradise.” His words echoed in my mind as I explored this enchanting land.
The best time to visit Churah Valley is between April and June and then September to November, when the temperatures are mild and the landscape is alive. You may decide to avoid July and August as the valley is under the influence of the monsoon!
In autumn, the snow-kissed trails yield to vibrant wildflowers, painting the meadows in every hue.
As summer fades, the valley prepares for its long slumber. From November to end of March, the temperatures drop, and the snow returns, shrouding the valley in silence.
Conquering the Sach Pass
The road to Sach Pass is narrow and unmetalled. You will have magnificent views throughout the journey. It is the shortest and the toughest route from Chamba to Killar. The pass is open only from early July to mid October.
Churah Valley Temperature Chart
JAN
VERY COLD
Avoid
FEB
VERY COLD
Avoid
MAR
VERY COLD
Avoid
APR
COLD
Good to go
MAY
PLEASANT
Best time to go
JUN
PLEASANT
Best time to go
JUL
RAINY
You may go
AUG
RAINY
Avoid
SEP
PLEASANT
Best time to go
OCT
PLEASANT
Best time to go
NOV
COLD
Good to go
DEC
COLD
You may go
FAQ
What clothes should I bring to travel to Churah Valley ?
The Churah Valley is often cool and you will need a fleece in the early morning and late evenings no matter what month you are travelling in.
For colder months carry at least 3 layers. We also recommend a windbreaker and warm gloves when you plan to cross over the Sach Pass.
What SIM cards will work in Churah Valley ?
Most sim cards work in the valley. Although, there are sub valleys and remote regions where you will be without connectivity. Be prepared to be out of network for a day or two at times.
Are there ATMs in Churah Valley ?
Carry enough cash. There are very few ATMs in the remote parts and you will need cash. UPI may not work where you have zero internet connectivity. There are plenty of ATMs in Kullu, Dharamshala and Chamba enroute.
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