Chirbatiya Weekend Trek
A birder's trek in Rudraprayag
Dates not available? Check out the Bijli Mahadev Trek instead. A trek full of legends, suitable for all age groups!View the Trek here
TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy
TREK DURATION
3 days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
8,402 ft
A birder's trek in Rudraprayag
We have been hunting for a weekend trek in Uttarakhand for long — a trek that would match our Nag Tibba, Benog Tibba or Deoban.
Frankly, we have done quite a few explorations. But none of them sat very well with us. Something or the other was not ok with them. We eventually stopped taking people on these treks.
But sometimes, you stumble on a trek quite by accident. Then, with trepidation, you walk on it, hoping against hope that the trek will match up to its predecessors. You do the trek once. You think it is great. But perhaps it was an initial excitement. Then you do the trek again. You want to see if the trek wallops you as hard as it did the first time. And then it does. You cannot contain your excitement! You’ve hit a goldmine!
This is what happened to us on the Chirbatiya Weekend Trek.
It was a sheer coincidence that the Uttarakhand Forest Department invited us to explore the Chirbatiya region.
If the name is new to you, Chirbatiya is a range of hills north of Rudraprayag. It is tucked away in a corner where very few venture. Tourists have not seen this place. It is in the heart of this region that we are going to be trekking and camping.
‘Chir’ refers to pines, and ‘batiya’ means a path. Literally translated, it means a path through the pine trees. And sure enough, you walk through some of the loveliest forest trails on this trek. There’s not only pine but a good mix of oak and rhododendrons too. Hundreds of birds and the scent of the woods hang in the air. You will come across as many birds as you would on any week-long Himalayan trek, if not less. This is what makes Chirbatiya special among all the weekend treks.
We have been hunting for a weekend trek in Uttarakhand for long — a trek that would match our Nag Tibba, Benog Tibba or Deoban.
Frankly, we have done quite a few explorations. But none of them sat very well with us. Something or the other was not ok with them. We eventually stopped taking people on these treks.
Chirbatiya Weekend Trek - Complete Trek Information
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Chirbatiya Weekend trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
Day 1
Reach Chirbatiya from Dehradun
Drive distance: 162 km | Drive Duration: 6-7 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Grand Legacy Hotel, Dehradun at 9:00 AM
You will reach around late afternoon, 4 pm.
Day 2
Trek from Chirbatiya to Rai
Trek Distance: 5.5 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours | Altitude gain: 7,188 ft to 8,402 ft
Gradual trail through the forest section
Day 3
Trek from Rai to Kund via Patangnia meadows. Drive from Kund to Dehradun via Chirbatiya
Trek Distance: 7.5 km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude loss: 8,402 ft to 7,188 ft
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
- The lunch during transit from Dehradun to Chirbatiya is not included in the trek fee
- You will be staying in tents overnight (2 per tent)
- When you plan your travel, avoid the Mussoorie Express.
Take the Nanda Devi Express (Kota DDN Express) or Jan Shatabdi Express instead.
Day 1
Reach Chirbatiya from Dehradun
Drive distance: 162 km | Drive Duration: 6-7 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Grand Legacy Hotel, Dehradun at 9:00 AM
You will reach around late afternoon, 4 pm.
Day 2
Trek from Chirbatiya to Rai
Trek Distance: 5.5 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours | Altitude gain: 7,188 ft to 8,402 ft
Gradual trail through the forest section
Day 3
Trek from Rai to Kund via Patangnia meadows. Drive from Kund to Dehradun via Chirbatiya
Trek Distance: 7.5 km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude loss: 8,402 ft to 7,188 ft
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
- The lunch during transit from Dehradun to Chirbatiya is not included in the trek fee
- You will be staying in tents overnight (2 per tent)
- When you plan your travel, avoid the Mussoorie Express. Take the Nanda Devi Express (Kota DDN Express) or Jan Shatabdi Express instead.
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Chirbatiya
Drive Duration: 6-7 hours | Drive Distance: 270 km
Altitude gain: 7,188 ft (2,191 m)
Transport will be arranged from Grand Legacy Hotel, Dehradun at 9.00 am. (Rs 12,000 for SUV and Rs 16,000 for Tempo Traveller, to be shared by trekkers travelling in the vehicle)
Leave early from Dehradun to make it in time for a spectacular sunset at Chirbatiya.
Even though the route from Rishikesh looks shorter, we suggest you take the route from Dehradun that goes via Tehri. This route is picturesque with Tehri Dam being a major attraction on the route.
While driving down, watch out for the lovely forest cover that begins after you cross Ghansali. The entire section between Ghansali and Chirbatiya goes through a pine forest. The sharp scent of pine hits you as soon as you start driving past the Ghansali valley.
It will take you around 6-7 hours to reach Chirbatiya. Plan your travel in a way that you reach Chirbatiya by early evening. As Chirbatiya is situated on a pass, it is a great spot for witnessing beautiful sunsets and sunrises.
Transport will be arranged from Grand Legacy Hotel, Dehradun at 9.00 am. (Rs 12,000 for SUV and Rs 16,000 for Tempo Traveller, to be shared by trekkers travelling in the vehicle)
Leave early from Dehradun to make it in time for a spectacular sunset at Chirbatiya.
Even though the route from Rishikesh looks shorter, we suggest you take the route from Dehradun that goes via Tehri. This route is picturesque with Tehri Dam being a major attraction on the route.
While driving down, watch out for the lovely forest cover that begins after you cross Ghansali. The entire section between Ghansali and Chirbatiya goes through a pine forest. The sharp scent of pine hits you as soon as you start driving past the Ghansali valley.
It will take you around 6-7 hours to reach Chirbatiya. Plan your travel in a way that you reach Chirbatiya by early evening. As Chirbatiya is situated on a pass, it is a great spot for witnessing beautiful sunsets and sunrises.
Day 2: Trek from Chirbatiya to Rai
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours | Trek Distance: 5.5 km
Altitude gain: ⇗ 1,214 ft (7,188 ft/2,191 m to 8,402 ft/2,561 m)
Difficulty: Easy. A gradual climb through the trail in the forest.
The trek starts from Chirbatiya market, from the Ganesha entrance. It is a prominent landmark, very hard to miss. You are in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand.
Immediately after you begin, the trails start ascending. Within 10 minutes, you have ascended to a level where you can see the Chirbatiya village, arresting views of the Ghansali valley and forest behind you.
On the first day, watch out for the forest walk. The trail meanders through a mix of pines, deodars, and rhododendrons. Walking through this forest, with sun rays filtering through the leaves is a mesmerising experience.
On a cloudy day, expect the setting to be mystical.
In about 40 mins you reach the first chhaani on your left. Local villagers do farming here. The chhaani hut is a great location to enjoy the sunset from.
There’s also a water source to fill your bottles nearby. You have to descend 50 ft for it.
From the chhaani hut, the trail bends to the right. Keep going on the trail to reach the first clearing. Hold your breath for you are about to get your first view of Himalayan ranges from the Chirbatiya Weekend trek now. This view will stay with you for long.
The clearing also offers a view of the entire trail. It’s in the shape of a horseshoe. Far away, you can see the landscape dotted with villages. Many people from Chirbatiya have built their houses in this village.
After crossing the clearing, the trail then enters the forest. The ascent is gradual, so you enjoy walking in the forest here. Take in the sharp scent of pine and observe your surroundings as you trek towards your campsite.
You will come across a couple of more clearings and two water sources en route. Keep an eye on your GPX file for these. Also, keep some snacks handy.
As you trek further, you come across a couple of diversions. They lead you to the nearest village – Khalawa Tok.
| Note: On the next day, you will use this route to reach the road head.
This route can also be used as an emergency exit to reach the nearest road head in an hour.
The final stretch, after you pass the diversions, tests your endurance. But this is a short stretch, lasting just 15 minutes. It’s a steep ascend.
The ascent leads you to a quiet lake surrounded by trees. This is the campsite. You may use the tight, level ground by the lake as your camping site. For those who have done the Brahmatal trek, this campsite may remind you of Bekaltal.
As you start, look for the trail beginning from behind your campsite. Its immediate ascends for 45 minutes. This is the longest ascent on the Chirbatiya Weekend trek. Your fitness needs to be in place for this section.
After 45 minutes, the trail suddenly opens up to an expansive clearing. This is the Patagonia clearing. Don’t stop here. Keep walking till you reach the first temple. The view from here will blow your mind.
Right in front of you is a majestic wall of the mountains. You get a 270-degree view from here. The lesser Himalayas are in the foreground, with valleys filled with haze. Rising from behind them are the Greater Himalayas. The view is so mesmerizing that you can spend hours at this place.
Spot two temples here. Each has a story behind it. Ask your guide about it. Just to give you a conversation starter – one story is about a festival and the other is dedicated to a local village boy.
From the temples, if you walk to the ridge on your left, you see Ghansali valley.
The trek starts from Chirbatiya market, from the Ganesha entrance. It is a prominent landmark, very hard to miss. You are in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand.
Immediately after you begin, the trails start ascending. Within 10 minutes, you have ascended to a level where you can see the Chirbatiya village, arresting views of the Ghansali valley and forest behind you.
On the first day, watch out for the forest walk. The trail meanders through a mix of pines, deodars, and rhododendrons. Walking through this forest, with sun rays filtering through the leaves is a mesmerising experience.
On a cloudy day, expect the setting to be mystical.
In about 40 mins you reach the first chhaani on your left. Local villagers do farming here. The chhaani hut is a great location to enjoy the sunset from.
There’s also a water source to fill your bottles nearby. You have to descend 50 ft for it.
From the chhaani hut, the trail bends to the right. Keep going on the trail to reach the first clearing. Hold your breath for you are about to get your first view of Himalayan ranges from the Chirbatiya Weekend trek now. This view will stay with you for long.
The clearing also offers a view of the entire trail. It’s in the shape of a horseshoe. Far away, you can see the landscape dotted with villages. Many people from Chirbatiya have built their houses in this village.
After crossing the clearing, the trail then enters the forest. The ascent is gradual, so you enjoy walking in the forest here. Take in the sharp scent of pine and observe your surroundings as you trek towards your campsite.
You will come across a couple of more clearings and two water sources en route. Keep an eye on your GPX file for these. Also, keep some snacks handy.
As you trek further, you come across a couple of diversions. They lead you to the nearest village – Khalawa Tok.
| Note: On the next day, you will use this route to reach the road head.
This route can also be used as an emergency exit to reach the nearest road head in an hour.
The final stretch, after you pass the diversions, tests your endurance. But this is a short stretch, lasting just 15 minutes. It’s a steep ascend.
The ascent leads you to a quiet lake surrounded by trees. This is the campsite. You may use the tight, level ground by the lake as your camping site. For those who have done the Brahmatal trek, this campsite may remind you of Bekaltal.
As you start, look for the trail beginning from behind your campsite. Its immediate ascends for 45 minutes. This is the longest ascent on the Chirbatiya Weekend trek. Your fitness needs to be in place for this section.
After 45 minutes, the trail suddenly opens up to an expansive clearing. This is the Patagonia clearing. Don’t stop here. Keep walking till you reach the first temple. The view from here will blow your mind.
Right in front of you is a majestic wall of the mountains. You get a 270-degree view from here. The lesser Himalayas are in the foreground, with valleys filled with haze. Rising from behind them are the Greater Himalayas. The view is so mesmerizing that you can spend hours at this place.
Spot two temples here. Each has a story behind it. Ask your guide about it. Just to give you a conversation starter – one story is about a festival and the other is dedicated to a local village boy.
From the temples, if you walk to the ridge on your left, you see Ghansali valley.
Day 3: Trek from Patangnia Meadows to Khalawa Tok. Drive to Chirbatiya, then to Dehradun
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Trek Distance: 7.5 km
Altitude loss: ⇘ 1,214 ft (8,402 ft/2,561 m to 7,188 ft/2,191 m)
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Wake up early today to watch the spectacular sunrise from the ridge overlooking the Ghansali valley.
Start early and retrace your route till the diversion for Khalawa Tok village. After around 30-40 minutes of taking the diversion, you reach a road head. Use the road to drive to Chirbatiya which is 5 km from here.
As you have a trek on the last day, prepare to reach Dehradun a little late, by around 7 pm. It is advisable to keep any travel bookings for late at night to cue in any unforeseen delay.
Wake up early today to watch the spectacular sunrise from the ridge overlooking the Ghansali valley.
Start early and retrace your route till the diversion for Khalawa Tok village. After around 30-40 minutes of taking the diversion, you reach a road head. Use the road to drive to Chirbatiya which is 5 km from here.
As you have a trek on the last day, prepare to reach Dehradun a little late, by around 7 pm. It is advisable to keep any travel bookings for late at night to cue in any unforeseen delay.
Easy Trek
Suitable for Fit Beginners
At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider several factors. These include, altitude gained every day, length of a trek every day, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult, or somewhere in between.
The Chirbatiya Weekend trek is perfect for beginners. If you want to start exploring high-altitude treks, this is a good place to start.
The trek is an easy one. It mostly has level forest walks that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Being a short weekend trek, Chirbatya poses a very low risk. Ascent from Chirbatya to Rai is quite straightforward with visible trails. The only two steep sections occur on Day 2. There is a steep 15 minute ascend just before the summit and a steep descent for about 30 minutes on Day 3.
While descending, there are Multiple Trails on the Chirbatya Trek. You still need to walk on the right trail. In 2 instances, there will be 2 trials. You will have to take the right on both instances. You will also find meadows on the trek with no clear trail. If you are trekking on your own, a detailed GPX file for assistance is necessary.
Chirbatya trek is a relatively low-risk trek altitude wise. It has gradual ascends and the highest altitude you reach is 8400 ft.
As a precaution, choose to stay at Chirbatya before starting your trek to ease into the altitude gain. Going on a precautionary course of Diamox for the initial days is also advisable.
In case you feel sick or not at ease, do not ignore it or take it lightly. Attend to your uneasiness and take curative measures. Check oxygen levels, go on a curative course of Diamox, drink water and rest. If you do not feel normal after a few hours or overnight, do not proceed further on the trek.
Here’s a Complete Guide to Acute Mountains Sickness:
Chirbatya in Spring (February- Mid April)
Spring in Chirbatya starts in February and goes on till mid-April.
During this time, the trail has a great forest cover with paths through the pine trees and rhododendrons. This makes it an ideal place for birds and an absolute paradise for birders. If you’re in this region during spring, watch out for the incessant chirping of birds. Together, this combination of pines, rhododendrons and birds makes a charming forest to trek in. February and mid-March are the best times to do this trek.
Chirbatya in Autumn
After the monsoon clouds are washed away, the skies are squeaky clean and you get the best views of the mountains in these months.
If you are travelling from Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai or any other city, book your air tickets for Day Zero, which is the day before Day 1 on the itinerary.
There are two options.
Option 1: Fly directly to Dehradun
We recommend this. It gives you an added rest day at Dehradun. Most metros are directly connected to Dehradun. However, if the cost of the flight ticket to Dehradun is too high, book to Delhi and connect to Dehradun by train/bus.
Tip: Train is the best option to get to Dehradun. Bus journeys are often delayed by a few hours.
Taxis are available from the airport (plenty). Prepaid taxis are available (look for the pre-paid taxi counter just out of the conveyor belt at the arrivals). You can also flag down a taxi (bargain a bit) with taxis outside the airport. Airport taxis are exorbitant. They usually charge between Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 to Dehradun.
Usually, most passengers take taxis from the airport. Try to hook up with co-passengers on the flight for your taxi ride to Dehradun.
Pro Tip: If you want to save real money try to catch an auto just outside the airport terminal complex. They usually come there to drop passengers off. Autos are not allowed to enter the airport complex. They charge approximately Rs 300 to Dehradun.
If autos are not available, walk for a further 1.5 km to get to the Rishikesh Dehradun highway. From the highway, you can flag down regular town buses or shared autos (shared autos are called Vikram's). Bus fare is about Rs 30 to Dehradun. Shared autos charge about Rs 20.
Option 2: Flying to Delhi.
Flying to Delhi may be a lot cheaper than getting to Dehradun. Make sure to book a flight that reaches Delhi by 8.00 pm. You must arrive in Delhi on Day Zero and not on Day 1.
Note: If you notice the difference in air ticket prices between Delhi and Dehradun is less than Rs 1000 then book directly to Dehradun. The rest and shorter travel time are worth the difference.
Next, book yourself on the Nanda Devi Express to Dehradun (Train No: 12401). It is a fully AC train that leaves at 23.35 hrs from Hazrat Nizamuddin and gets to Dehradun at 5.40 am.
Note: Earlier the Nanda Devi express would depart from New Delhi railway station. From 26 Aug 2019, it leaves from Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. The train now comes from Kota. So expect about 15 to 30 mins delay in arrival. The train number has changed too from 12206 to 12401.
At Dehradun railway station, wait for Indiahikes pick up at 9.00 am. Contact your driver by 6.00 am. The number of your transport coordinator will be shared with you a week before your departure.
Caution: Do not book on any other train except the Nanda Devi Express. The other option, Mussoorie express, is notorious for its delay. Your pickup vehicle may leave without you. If you do not get tickets on the Nanda Devi Express, take a bus from Delhi to Haridwar, but do not book on the Mussoorie express.
Pro Tip: Take the afternoon Jan Shatabdi express from New Delhi railway station (leaves at 3.20 pm) to arrive at Dehradun by 21:10 in the night. Stay overnight at Dehradun. Take the Indiahikes to pick up the next morning directly from Dehradun railway station.
Bus
If in case you do not get a train ticket, there are regular Volvo AC buses from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Dehradun. You also get Non-AC buses. Buses are frequent and not usually crowded. You can get a bus almost every half hour. Buses take 7-8 hours to get to Dehradun from Delhi. AC bus tickets cost about Rs 700.
3. Planning your return flight/train booking
Booking your return tickets requires some thought. First, keep some buffer time in mind before booking tickets. If you are scheduled to reach Dehradun around 8 pm on Day 3, then book your train/bus/flight tickets for Day 4.
How to get to Delhi on time for an early morning flight.
If your flight is early, say between 8.00 and 9.00 am, then there are two options.
Train: Take the Nanda Devi Express from Dehradun (12402) that leaves at 22:40 hrs to get to Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station at 04:50 in the morning. From Hazrat Nizamuddin, you get airport buses from outside the station as well as taxis. The Metro train is somewhat inconvenient from Hazrat Nizamuddin.
Note: Earlier Nanda Devi express would arrive at the New Delhi railway station. From 26 August 2019, it has been extended up to Kota. It no longer goes to the New Delhi railway station. Instead, it goes to Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. The train number has changed from 12206 to 12402.
Bus: The other option is to take a bus from Dehradun. It is about a 6½ – 7 hrs journey to Delhi. So if you take a bus that leaves around 9.00 pm, then expect to reach Delhi at around 04.00 am (ISBT Kashmiri Gate). A bus that leaves at 10:00 pm will reach Delhi around 05.00 am. AC Volvo buses are the fastest, so opt for them. Non AC buses can take up to 7-8 hrs for the journey.
From Kashmiri Gate ISBT you get Airport buses or taxis.
Note: Metro trains in Delhi do not start before 5.00 am.
If you are taking a flight out of Dehradun
If you are taking a flight out of Dehradun then book yourself late at night on Day 3. As you have a trek on the last day, prepare to reach Dehradun a little late, by around 7 pm. It is advisable to keep any travel bookings for late at night to cue in any unforeseen delay.
4. Planning your hotel/stay
In Dehradun, look for hotels around the railway station. There are quite a few options available online and it is not difficult to find last-minute hotel bookings.
Hotel options at Dehradun
Hotel Drona, which is a government property owned by the GMVN is decent. It is old, but a large and spacious property. It is about 1.5 km from Dehradun railway station. Rooms start at Rs 750.
Latest Update: Hotel Drona has been converted into a Covid Centre
Phone: +91-135-2746847.
Book online http://gmvnl.in/newgmvn/online_reservation/ Location: https://goo.gl/maps/sjWSkGhe5LfAN8wDA
MyRoom252 is a new backpacker facility in Dehradun. Modern, colourful and clean. Bunk beds start at Rs 300. Rooms are available too. It is not too far from the Dehradun Railway station. Shared autos (which are called Vikrams) can get you there. For online booking: http://www.myroom252.com/.
Phone: 086308 81083.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/p5xkbMyUF4X5VHwx9
Nomads House is another new backpacker hostel in Dehradun. The atmosphere is good. The place is neat and clean. Indiahikes trek leaders love Nomads House. It is about 10 mins from the Dehradun railway station. Bunk beds start at Rs 400, rooms start at Rs 800. Shared autos are easily available to get to Nomads House.
Phone: 9760596464
Location: https://g.page/NomadsHouse?share
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record. The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate here
- Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate here
Note:Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to trekmedicalcertificates@gmail.com. They will respond to you within 24 hours.
Consultation fee: Rs 300
PRO TIPS
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.
Chirbatiya is high altitude trek. The trekking gear you need to carry for this trek is different from regular treks. So pay careful attention to this entire section.
First, The Essentials. You cannot do the trek without these.
1. Trekking Shoes:
The Chirbatiya trek requires sturdy trekking shoes, has good grip, has ankle support and can handle snow. Here is a quick video on how to choose your trekking shoes.
| Buying Tip: The Trek series and MH series are good options by Decathlon. They are tried and tested. There isn’t any necessity to buy the higher-priced models. Here is a list of other budget shoes that trekkers are using.
| Rental: We have the Trek series and the MH series are available for rent from the Crosstrek Rental store. They are already broken into and in good condition. Rental shoes are not dirty or unhygienic. This is how they are kept clean. Rent here - MH 100 and Trek 100.
2. Backpack:
For a trek like Chirbatiya, you need a 20-30 litre backpack. Make sure your backpack has good hip support, shoulder support and quick access pockets. Here is a guide on how to choose a backpack.
| Buying Tip: Wildcraft, Decathlon and Adventure Worx usually make good backpacks. While Wildcraft has more expensive ones, the other two brands have budget-friendly backpacks to choose from.
| Rental: The 55-litre backpack is available for rent from the Indiahikes store. They are custom-made for our Himalayan treks. Rent them if you don’t have a backpack. Rent here.
3. Clothes:
Wearing layers is the mantra in the mountains. Layers give you maximum protection from all elements. And when the weather changes in the mountains (as it happens every few hours), you take off or put on layers as required.
Base layer:
3 T-shirts:
Wear one T-shirt and carry two. Carry full sleeve dry-fit T-shirts (preferably collared). These prevent your arms and neck from getting sunburnt. In the rarified air on the trek, especially at high altitudes, UV rays can burn you in no time.
Dry-fit T-shirts quickly dry your sweat, they are easy to wash and in case of a rainy day, they dry quicker. Round neck T-shirts are ok, but collared ones are better.
| Cotton or Synthetic? As Indians, we love cotton. Down in the plains when the heat is blistering 40°C it makes sense to wear cotton. But it takes a long time to dry when it gets wet. In the mountains, where it is cooler, synthetic is what you wear. They wick sweat rapidly and keep you dry. (But they do tend to smell quickly, so carry a roll-on deodorant with you.)
| Pro Tip: If you are extra susceptible to cold, you could get a set of thermal inners. In our experience, wearing two T-shirts over another works as a better thermal. And they save you weight and space since you’re already carrying them.
3 insulation layers:
The highest altitude you reach on this trek is 9,914 ft. At these altitudes, it can get cold even in the middle of summer. You will need at least 3 insulation layers for this trek.
You will need 2 light fleece layers and 1 full-sleeve light sweater. Do not get your grandma stitched sweaters, which can be very heavy. You need sweaters and fleece jackets that can fold into compact rolls.
1 Outer layer:
A padded jacket serves the purpose here. You don’t need a water-resistant material. But you need an outer padded jacket that keeps the wind and cold out. Ensure your padded jacket has a hood as well.
| Do you need a down/feather jacket? Not really. A regular padded/shell jacket will do. This video here will help you to learn more about the difference.
Note: Down/feather jackets are not available these days. Many jackets masquerade as down/feather jackets. They are essentially fine polyester-filled jackets. They mimic the function of a down jacket but are usually expensive.
| Rental: Padded jackets are available for rent at the Crosstrek Rental store. They are custom-made for Indiahikes and trekkers find them terrific, even in winter. Rent here.
Trek pants:
Two pairs of trek pants should suffice for this trek. Wear one pair and carry two just in case it rains. Trek pants with zippered cut-offs at the thighs are very suitable for treks. Also, choose quick-dry pants over cotton. They dry up soon in case of small stream crossings/rain.
| Buying tip: Go for pants with zippered pockets. They come in handy to keep your phone, handkerchief or pocket snacks.
| Track pants or trek pants? Stretchable track pants make a good backup and can double up as your thermal bottoms. But track pants are not trekking pants — so don’t use them as your main outerwear. Keep them only as a backup.
Mandatory Accessories, without these too you won’t be able to do the trek.
These accessories are mandatory. Don’t go to Chirbatiya Weekend Tibba without them. Trekkers generally put off purchasing / borrowing the accessories for the last minute. We suggest the opposite. Start gathering these accessories first.
1. Sunglasses:
Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness. On a trek like Chirbatiya, you can expect to walk on long stretches of snow. A small overexposure to direct sunlight on snow can lead to snow blindness (about a half hour’s exposure). That’s because fallen snow is like thousands of mirrors that reflect direct UV rays. So you need sunglasses with UV protection.
| Tip: Try getting sunglasses that wrap around instead of those that have openings on the side. Even peripheral UV ray exposure is not a good idea.
Wear sunglasses if the trekking day is bright and sunny (on open sections, meadows). On a snowy section, you must never take off your sunglasses until the section has been fully crossed.
| Rental: The polarised hiking sunglasses are available for rent from the Indiahikes store. They are custom-made for our Himalayan treks. Rent them if you don’t have a pair of sunglasses. Rent here.
| If you wear spectacles: If you wear spectacles, you can get oversized sunglasses that you wear over your regular glasses (available at Decathlon). If that is cumbersome, photochromic lenses work equally well. Here’s a quick guide on managing sunglasses with spectacles.
| Contact lens users: If you use contact lenses, you can use them on the trek too. The lens solution will not freeze. You will also not face any problems in changing your lens in your tent. Just carry enough cleaning solution with you to clean your fingers well. Wear your sunglasses over your contact lens.
2. Suncap:
A sun cap is mandatory. Trekking without a sun cap can lead to headaches, sunstrokes, quick dehydration and a sharp drop in trekking performance.
| Tip: In the mountains, the general rule is to keep your head covered at all times. During the day a sun cap protects you from the harsh rays of the sun (it is doubly stronger with naked UV rays). A sun cap keeps your body temperature in balance. In the evening/early morning, the reverse is true. Your head loses your body heat quickly. A woollen cap prevents heat from dissipating from your head.
| Buying Tip: The Crosstrek suncap is available for purchase at the Crosstrek Merchandise store. It is custom-made for our Himalayan treks with UV Protection and an adjustable strap. Buy here.
| Pro Tip: Sun caps with flaps are a blessing for trekkers. They cut out almost all UV leaks. They prevent sunburns in every possible way. They are a lot more effective than sunscreen lotion. A wide-brimmed sports hat also helps to prevent sunburn in a big way.
3. Synthetic hand gloves:
Synthetic hand gloves: On a trek like Chirbatiya, you are going to be handling snow quite a bit. You’ll need gloves to grip something or to steady yourself in snow. You also want the gloves to keep you warm. Get synthetic hand gloves that have waterproofing on the outside and a padded lining on the inside. If you find the combination difficult to get (not likely), wear a tight-fitting fleece hand glove inside a synthetic hand glove. Hand gloves are mandatory on this trek.
| Buying tip: The Crosstrek Waterproof gloves are available at the Crosstrek Merchandise store. They are custom-made for our Himalayan treks. Buy here.
4. Woollen cap or Balaclava:
Ensure these cover your ears. In the cold mountains, you lose maximum heat from your head, not from your hands, feet or the rest of your body. This is why you need to keep your head protected, especially when the sun is down. Early mornings, late evenings, and a cold trekking day are when you must use your woollen cap.
Your ears are sensitive too, so a woollen head cap that covers your ears is essential. A balaclava is a modern version of the woollen cap. It covers your ears, neck and parts of your face as well. Do not get a woollen cap that only covers your head.
| Buying Tip: The Crosstrek Fleece cap and the Crosstrek neck warmer are available for purchase at the Crosstrek Merchandise store. Buy here - Crosstrek Fleece Cap and Crosstrek Neck Warmer.
5. Socks (3 pairs):
Apart from two sports socks, take a pair of woollen socks. Sports socks give you cushioning plus warmth. Again the mantra is to wear synthetic socks or at least a synthetic blend. Cotton socks soak in water and sweat. They are very hard to dry. As for woollen socks, they help you to keep warm and snug at the night. If you cannot get woollen socks, wearing two sports socks serves the purpose as well.
| Buying Tip: Waterproof socks are available for purchase at the Crosstrek Merchandise store. They are custom-made for our Himalayan treks. Buy here.
6. Headlamp:
Trekkers are often confused about whether they need to get a headlamp or a handheld torch. You need to get a headlamp because it leaves your hands free to do other activities. On the Chirbatiya trek, you’ll need your hands free to wash dishes, pitch tents and hold your trek poles.
| Buying tip: Ensure your headlamp covers a wider area and is not too focused as a single beam. On a trek, your headlamp must help you see around you as much as ahead of you.
| Rental: Headlamps are available for rent at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
7. Trekking pole (a pair):
Trekking pole (a pair): Trekking poles give you stability and balance. They reduce your energy consumption by almost 40%. On the Chirbatiya trek, there are steep ascents and descents. A pair of trekking poles will make the difference between a comfortable and a strenuous trek. In India, we tend to use a single trekking pole. However, two trekking poles give you greater stability and balance. They also increase your walking pace.
| Rental: Imported side-locking trekking poles are available for rent at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
8. Rainwear:
On a trek, the weather can change quickly. A bright sunny day can turn into a downpour in a matter of minutes. Carry a poncho or a rain jacket to tackle this. A poncho is a big rain cover with openings for your arms and your head. It is extremely effective because it covers both you and your backpack. It is extremely light and weighs next to nothing.
Rain jackets are more streamlined and less cumbersome but weigh more. Rain pants are not required. Dry fit trek pants dry quickly even if soaking wet.
| Rental: High-grade ponchos are available for rent at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
9. Rain cover for your backpack:
Backpacks are your life. You carry all your dry clothes and your warm gear in your backpack. Your backpack must stay dry at all times. Modern backpacks usually come with built-in rain-covers. If your backpack does not have a rain cover, ensure you get a rain cover by either (a) buying a rain cover or (b) or cutting a large plastic sheet to the size of your backpack. You can roll the plastic sheet around your backpack and keep it in place with a string or elastic.
| Rental Tip: Rain covers are available for rent at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
| Pro tip: It’s good practice to compartmentalise your clothes, accessories and other things in plastic covers inside your backpack. That way, even if it rains and your backpack gets wet, your things are water-proof inside the backpack.
10. Daypack (20-30 ltrs, optional):
In your daypack, you carry essentials like water bottles, rainwear, emergency medicines, a headlamp, some snacks and a warm layer. Your main backpack that carries most of your equipment is accessible only at the campsites.
A daypack is a smaller backpack that is usually of 20-30 ltr capacity. Laptop bags are not daypacks. Do not get them.
Other mandatory requirements
1. A toilet kit:
Keep your toilet kit light. Carry just the basics — toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap, toilet tissue roll, a small moisturiser, lip balm, and a roll-on deodorant. You will not be able to have a bath on the trek, so don’t overload on soaps and shampoos.
| Pro tip: Carry miniature-sized items. You will not need more than that. If you’re travelling in a group, share one toothpaste for all.
Avoid getting large toilet rolls. The smallest size roll is more than enough for a trek like Chirbatiya.
| For women: If you are likely to have your periods on your trek date, don’t worry about it. You can use your pads, tampons or menstrual cups on the trek. There will be toilet tents where you can get changed. Make sure you carry ziplock bags to bring back your menstrual waste. Don’t leave behind any waste in the mountains. Watch this video to learn how to dispose of your sanitary waste.
2. Cutlery:
Carry a lunch box, a coffee mug and a spoon. Your lunch box must be leakproof. You are expected to wash your cutlery. Trekkers often expect Indiahikes to wash their cutlery. When you allow Indiahikes to wash your cutlery, your cutlery becomes part of a mass washing system. You immediately invite germs, and bacteria to settle on your cutlery. The incidence of stomach disorders rises exponentially.
| Pro tip: Carry stainless steel cutlery. Avoid fancy high-grade plastic cutlery. Stainless steel cutlery is infinitely easier to wash in cold water. Grease is easier to remove and hygiene is at its highest. Watch this video on why steel cutlery is better than plastic.
| Rental Tip 1: Tiffin boxes can be rented at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
| Buying Tip: The 'Trekker for Life - All purpose mug' is available for purchase at the Crosstrek Merchandise store. Buy here.
3. Two 1 litre bottles or a 2-litre hydration pack:
Chirbatiya Trek has a few long walking days. You need to carry two one-litre water bottles to keep yourself hydrated over the distance. If you are used to a hydration pack, then that is ok too. If one among the two bottles is a lightweight thermos, then that helps you to store warm water on a really cold day or for late evenings and early mornings.
| Rental Tip 2: You could rent lightweight thermos flasks from the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
| Rental Tip 3: Water bottles can be rented at the Crosstrek Rental store. Rent here.
4. Plastic covers:
Carry 3-4 old plastic covers to keep your used clothes. You could use them even for wet clothes. Re-use old plastic bags for this and do not buy new ones.
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.
- Diamox (1 Strip): Be on a course of a half tablet of Diamox starting from Delhi every 12 hours (125 mg). Carry on the medication until you descend down. Being on a preventive course of Diamox greatly reduces the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the Chirbatiya trek.
- Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain
- Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.
- Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol.
- Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS.
- ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking. Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.
- Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.
Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
| Pro tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.
Photo Gallery
Expert Speak
Dushyant Sharma
Ex-Senior Trek Leader
Dushyant Sharma
Ex-Senior Trek Leader
Dushyant Sharma was working with Indiahikes as a senior trek leader. He was one of the most coveted trek leaders at Indiahikes.
Having done and led many legendary Himalayan treks, when he explored the Chirbatiya trek, he was bowled over by what two-day trek can offer. Here, he shares his experience of the Chirbatiya trek.
What I Like About The Trek
Dushyant Sharma
Ex-Senior Trek Leader
Dushyant Sharma was working with Indiahikes as a senior trek leader. He was one of the most coveted trek leaders at Indiahikes. Having done and led many legendary Himalayan treks, when he explored the Chirbatiya trek, he was bowled over by what two-day trek can offer. Here, he shares his experience of the Chirbatiya trek.
1. 270-degree Mountain Views
Right from the basecamp, Chirbatiya, you start seeing arresting mountain views. It’s rare to have such a clear view of so many mountains right from the basecamp. And Chirbatiya Weekend trek is one of the few treks that offers this.
As the trek proceeds, and you reach the high point at Patangniya meadows you see great Himalayan Peaks starting from Mrigthuni, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Chang-Bang, Dronagiri, Neelkanth, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath to many more in between.
In just two days, the Chirbatiya trek offers views that are parallel to a multi-day Himalayan trek. Picture by Dushyant Sharma
2. Picturesque sunsets and sunrises
The Chirbatiya Weekend trek faces east. This orients it in a direction for some memorable sunrises and sunsets.
The trek also has ridges. Basecamp Chirbatiya is situated on a pass. From here, you can see memorable sunrises as well as sunsets. Even on the trek, a short walk from the Patangniya meadows takes you to a ridge section from where you can witness some beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
The Chirbatiya is a trek for sunrises and sunsets. Picture by Jothiranjan
3. Charming forest of pines and rhododendrons
The starting point of this trek is Chirbatiya. Here, ‘Chir’ refers to pines and ‘batiya’ means a path. Translated, it means a path through the pine trees. And this trail is crowded with many trees. You notice it due to the sharp scent of pine even as you are driving down from Ghansali valley to Chirbatiya.
But pines are not the only trees you find here. You also have rhododendrons. Together, this combination of pines and rhododendrons makes a charming forest to trek in.
A lone rhododendron tree in full bloom. Picture by Jothiranjan
4. Paradise for birders
Chirbatiya Weekend trek is a quaint one. Not many have been here. It’s secluded, tucked in a quiet setting in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand, away from the hustle-bustle.
As mentioned earlier, the trail also has great forest cover. This makes it an ideal place for birds. If you’re in this region during spring, watch out for the incessant chirping of birds.
It is an absolute paradise for birders in spring.
Chirbatiya is a birder's trek, especially so in spring when the flowers are in full bloom. Picture by Jothiranjan
5. Perfect for spending a quiet weekend in nature
Chirbatiya Weekend Trek is a great option to trek in the quiet nature. Starting from the base camp, Chirbatiya does not receive many travellers. It is quiet and peaceful here. So, if you’re looking for a time-out from the fast-paced city life, this is an ideal basecamp to spend time in before you start your trek.
Go for a walk, sip a cup of tea, enjoy the sunset and breath the fresh air of the Himalayas. Perfect place to get away from the hustle of the city.
While you can start the trek from either Chirbatiya or Uroli village, we recommend you do it from Chirbatiya.
Th Chirbatiya is a secluded trail, thus allows you to spend a quiet weekend in nature. Picture by Jothiranjan
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