Planning a trek? If Buran Ghati is on your list, chances are your mind is buzzing with questions, and one of the most important ones is about difficulty level.
Before committing to the Buran Ghati trek, almost every trekker asks the same (and very valid) question: How difficult is the Buran Ghati trek?
This trek isn’t just about scenic campsites and meadow walks; it also involves crossing a high Himalayan pass, tackling steep climbs, and navigating demanding descents.
In this guide, we break it down clearly so you know exactly what to expect before you lace up your boots.
Buran Ghati Trek Difficulty at a Glance
| Difficulty level | Moderate-Difficult |
| Maximum Altitude | 15,000 ft |
| Duration | 7 Days |
| Total Distance | 37 Km |
| Best Season | Mid-May to the end of June |
| Hardest Day | Day 6 (Pass Crossing Day) |
Is Buran Ghati Trek Difficult?
Yes, the Buran Ghati Trek is classified as a Moderate-Difficult trek. While it is not a technical mountaineering expedition, it is significantly more challenging than popular beginner treks like Kedarkantha or Dayara Bugyal.
The main reason?
The Buran Ghati Pass crossing involves steep climbs, high altitude, and (in the early season) snow slopes that require confidence and stamina.
What Makes the Buran Ghati Trek Difficult? (Real Trek Challenges)
High Altitude Gain & Acclimatisation
Buran Ghati is not a “walk in the park” trek because you gain altitude quickly in a few days. At high altitude:
- Oxygen levels drop
- Breathing becomes heavier
- Recovery is slower
- Dehydration happens faster
That’s why acclimatisation becomes a big part of the challenges during the trek.
Tip for trekkers: If you’ve never trekked above 12,000 ft, prepare extra well and take fitness seriously.
The Buran Ghati Pass Crossing (The Hardest Part)
The pass day is the most challenging day of the trek, and the reason Buran Ghati is considered moderate–difficult. You will experience:
- Very steep ascent
- Narrow ridge-like sections
- Cold winds at the top
- Snowfields (season dependent)
- Long trekking hours (fatigue builds up)
But this is also the highlight of the trek, the kind of moment where you feel like you’ve earned the Himalayas.
Steep Descent & Knee Pressure
Most trekkers think the climb is the hardest part, but on Buran Ghati, the descent can be equally tough. The descent from the pass can include:
- Steep drop
- Loose stones
- Slippery snow slopes (early season)
- Continuous downhill strain
If your knees aren’t conditioned, this is where you’ll struggle.
Must carry: trekking poles (non-negotiable).
The weather can change the Difficulty Overnight
In the mountains, the weather decides the intensity. On Buran Ghati, you may face:
- Sudden rain
- Snowfall near the pass (early season)
- Thick fog will reduce visibility
- Freezing winds at high camps
A sunny pass day feels manageable.
A windy, snowy pass day feels like a real expedition.
Suggested Read: Buran Ghati vs Rupin Pass: Which Himalayan Crossover Trek Should You Choose?
Buran Ghati Trek Route Difficulty (Day-wise Breakdown)
Here’s a clear day-wise difficulty breakdown so you know what you’re signing up for.
Shimla to Janglik ( 150 km drive)
8-9 hour scenic journey, The real adventure kicks off from Day 2.
Janglik to Dayara Thach (8 kms trek)
- Terrain: forests, village trails
- Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
A great start, scenic and gradual.
Dayara Thach to Litham Thach (6 kms trek)
- Terrain: meadows, river sections
- Difficulty: Moderate
Longer walking hours, but very rewarding views.
Chandranahan Lake Excursion (8 km trek)
- Terrain: rocky trails
- Difficulty: Moderate
This day prepares your body for altitude and pass crossing.
Litham to Nalabansh (5 km trek)
- Terrain: ascent, views of Rupin Valley cliffs, and first sighting of Buran Ghati & Gunas waterfall.
- Difficulty: Moderate
Altitude starts becoming noticeable.
Nalabansh to Munirang via Buran Ghati Pass (7 km)
- Terrain: steep climb + steep descent + snow slopes
- Difficulty: Difficult (Hardest Day)
This is the big one. Long, cold, intense, but unforgettable.
Munirang to Barua Village, Kinnaur | Drive to Shimla (6 km trek, 200 km drive)
- Terrain: long descent
- Difficulty: Moderate
Knee-heavy day, but the landscape becomes greener and more open.
Is Buran Ghati Trek Good for Beginners?
Yes, but only for fit beginners. You can attempt Buran Ghati as your first high-altitude trek only if:
- You train for at least 4–6 weeks
- You have good stamina
- You’re mentally ready for long trekking hours
- You’re okay with steep climbs and descents
Avoid Buran Ghati if:
- You have no cardio base
- You struggle with long walks
- You are afraid of heights/ steep slopes
- You’re not comfortable with cold and harsh conditions
Fitness Required for Buran Ghati Trek (Minimum Benchmark)
To comfortably complete this trek, you should be able to:
- Run 5 km in 35 minutes or less
- Climb stairs continuously for 45 minutes (with short breaks)
- Walk with a 6–8 kg backpack for long hours
Suggested Training (4 Weeks)
Week 1–2:
- 30–40 min brisk walk/jog
- Bodyweight strength (squats, lunges, planks)
Week 3–4:
- 45–60 min jog/run
- Stair climbing sessions
- Weighted backpack walks
This trek rewards the prepared.
Season-wise Difficulty
| Month | May-June | Sept-Oct |
| Difficulty Level | More Adventure, More Challenge | Slightly Easier but Colder Nights |
| What to Expect | More snow near the pass, Steeper & slippery slopes, Colder winds | Less Snow, Clearer trail, Stable weather |
| Best For | Adventure lovers, snow seekers | First-timers who want the trek with fewer snow challenges |
So, if we say in a nutshell, Buran Ghati is a Moderate–Difficult trek.
Choose it if you want:
- One trek with forests, meadows, snow, and a high pass
- A true Himalayan adventure without technical mountaineering
- An experience that feels like an achievement
But come prepared, because the pass day is the real test.
Book the Buran Ghati Trek Package now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buran Ghati Pass stands at approximately 15,000+ ft, making it a high-altitude Himalayan trek where acclimatisation and fitness play a crucial role in overall difficulty.
Buran Ghati is a Moderate–Difficult trek, challenging due to its high-altitude pass crossing, steep ascent and descent, long trekking hours, and seasonal snow conditions.
The total trekking distance of Buran Ghati is around 35–40 km, covered over 7–8 days, with the longest and toughest stretch on the pass-crossing day.
Yes, it can be done by fit beginners who train properly, have good stamina, and are mentally prepared for steep climbs, long days, altitude gain, and cold mountain conditions.
Day 6 (Pass Crossing Day) is the hardest, involving a steep climb to Buran Ghati Pass followed by a long, knee-straining descent, often across snow slopes.
Yes, snow is common in May and June, especially near the pass. September–October usually has less snow, making the trek slightly easier but colder at night.
