Mount Shitidhar Climb

This day is reserved for relaxation and acclimatization in the beautiful town of Manali. Begin your morning with a warm breakfast while enjoying the scenic mountain views from your hotel balcony. Situated at an elevation of approximately 6726 ft, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh and remains lively throughout the year with visitors from across the world. After lunch, spend the day exploring some of the town’s famous attractions, including the ancient Hadimba Devi Temple, the natural hot springs at Vashisht, and the renowned Roerich Art Gallery located in nearby Naggar. Return to the hotel by evening and relax with an overnight stay in Manali before the trekking adventure begins.

After breakfast, we drive towards the iconic Rohtang Pass, one of the most famous high mountain passes in Himachal Pradesh. Located at an elevation of approximately 13123 ft above sea level, the pass can be reached in nearly 2 hours from Manali. Rohtang Pass attracts travelers and adventure enthusiasts from across the world and also serves as the gateway to Leh via the Manali–Leh highway. The drive itself is incredibly scenic, offering breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and winding Himalayan roads. Spend some time at the pass enjoying the spectacular alpine landscapes and have lunch amidst the stunning mountain surroundings before driving back to Manali later in the day. This acclimatization drive helps your body gradually adjust to higher altitudes, preparing you for the upcoming climb. Return to Manali by evening, enjoy a warm dinner, and relax with an overnight stay at the hotel.

After an early breakfast, we drive from Manali to Dhundi via Palchan and Solang Valley. The drive takes around an hour and gradually ascends into the higher Himalayan landscapes. Located at an elevation of approximately 9350 ft, Dhundi marks the starting point of the actual trek. From here, the trail follows the beautiful Beas River, passing through rugged mountain terrain and alpine landscapes before crossing the river and beginning a steeper ascent. The climb gradually leads to the scenic grazing grounds of Bakarthach, a vast alpine meadow surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. The area is also home to a semi-permanent training camp operated by the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (DMAS), where mountaineers train amidst the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The peaceful meadows, flowing river, and dramatic mountain scenery make today’s journey a beautiful introduction to the higher Himalayan wilderness.

From Bakarthach, the trail ascends steeply towards the famous Beas Kund glacier on the southern slopes of the majestic Pir Panjal Range. The trek for today is relatively short, taking around 2–3 hours to complete. After the climb, a brief walk across glacial moraines leads to the serene plains surrounding Beas Kund, where several small streams flow across the alpine landscape. Surrounded by rugged mountains, snow patches, and glacier terrain, the campsite offers breathtaking Himalayan views. Located at an elevation of approximately 11765 ft, Beas Kund is a sacred alpine lake believed to be the origin point of the mighty Beas River. According to legend, Sage Vyasa — the revered author of the Mahabharata and the Vedas — meditated in the nearby Rohtang region and is believed to have used this lake for his daily baths. The peaceful surroundings, flowing streams, and dramatic glacier views make Beas Kund one of the most beautiful high-altitude campsites in the Manali region.

This day is reserved for acclimatization and basic snowcraft training at the Beas Kund base camp. Although there will be no major trekking involved, the day plays a crucial role in preparing trekkers for higher-altitude climbing conditions. Today, you will practice movement techniques on snow and ice under guidance. Walking on snow may appear simple, but it becomes physically demanding on thick snowfields and glacier terrain. Trekkers will also be introduced to the risks of hidden crevasses and the importance of careful movement in alpine environments. The training session includes familiarization with climbing equipment and basic mountaineering techniques such as rope handling, balance on snowy slopes, and self-arrest methods used to stop a fall during a climb. These skills are essential for safe movement in high-altitude Himalayan terrain. Surrounded by glaciers, snowfields, and towering peaks, the day also provides an excellent opportunity to rest, acclimatize, and enjoy the serene beauty of the Pir Panjal Range.

Camp I is situated at an elevation of approximately 15265 ft and usually takes around 6 hours to reach from Beas Kund. The climb towards the camp is steep, physically demanding, and involves traversing open snowfields and glacier terrain. One of the most challenging sections of today’s ascent is a long exposed ridge, which often remains partially covered in snow. Careful footing and concentration are essential here, as the slippery terrain can easily lead to multiple slips or falls if not approached cautiously. As the altitude increases, the surrounding landscapes become increasingly dramatic, with vast snow-covered slopes and towering Himalayan peaks dominating the horizon. The remote high-altitude setting offers a true mountaineering experience amidst the rugged beauty of the Pir Panjal Range. Upon reaching Camp I, trekkers can rest and recover in their tents while enjoying a warm dinner surrounded by the pristine Himalayan wilderness.

Wake up early in the morning and prepare for the summit push towards Shitidhar Peak, towering at an elevation of approximately 18000 ft above sea level. After a light breakfast, the climb begins in the early hours — often around midnight — when the snow remains firm and stable for safer movement. The ascent is physically demanding and requires proper mountaineering gear such as snow boots, gaiters, crampons, and an ice axe. Temperatures at this altitude can drop significantly, making the climb both challenging and exhilarating. The summit climb usually takes around 6 hours depending on weather conditions and pace. Reaching the summit around sunrise is an unforgettable experience, as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the vast Himalayan ranges stretching endlessly across the horizon. From the top, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of peaks across the Pir Panjal Range, along with stunning views of the Kullu Valley and Lahaul Valley. The descent back to base camp is comparatively quicker, although extra caution is required as the snow softens rapidly after sunrise. Upon returning to camp, trekkers can finally relax and celebrate the successful summit climb amidst the spectacular Himalayan wilderness.

Bid farewell to the mountains as we begin our descent from the high Himalayan camps towards Dhundi. The downhill trek takes approximately 3–4 hours and passes once again through the beautiful alpine landscapes of the Beas Kund region. Upon reaching Dhundi, trekkers can hire or share a vehicle for the scenic one-hour drive back to Manali. Surrounded by pine forests, rivers, and mountain valleys, the return drive offers one final glimpse of the majestic Himalayas. After arriving in Manali, relax and unwind with an overnight stay at a hotel, bringing the unforgettable Shitidhar Peak adventure to a memorable close.

After breakfast, drive from Manali to Chandigarh and board the Kalka Shatabdi Express departing in the evening for Delhi. The train journey is one of the most convenient and time-efficient ways to return after the expedition. Alternatively, you may choose to travel to Delhi by road, although the drive usually takes around 12 hours. Flights and trains are generally recommended for a more comfortable journey. Reaching Delhi marks the successful completion of your unforgettable Shitidhar Peak climbing expedition through the breathtaking landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.