Trek Route
Sidhbari is just 8 km from Dharamshala. Once you reach Sidhbari, you are headed North towards the Dhauladhars. The walk from Sidhbari to Sekni da Kot is partly through a road, partly a footpath. Most of this trek has an unclear trail. Allow ample time and preferably take a guide because the region is known to be home to leopards and bears as well. Click this link to get the start point on Open Street Maps. Below is a verbal description of the route with waypoints or visual aids, which will help you identify this route.
- Sekni da Kot - Naguni: From Sekni da Kot, the trail heads North along the left bank of the Manooni stream. For some part, there is a road for a hydel project. After Loont, the trail starts climbing amidst shale mines. After running along the left bank for around 4-5 km, the trail fords the stream a couple of times before you see a small temple on your right. This is Naguni Mata and across the stream are a few huts.
- Naguni - Chakke ka Nahar: From Naguni, the trail leaves the stream and heads West on the right bank of the stream. A trail also goes up along the strea. You have to leave that and turn left just before the huts. The trail then climbs sharply up towards the ridge, crosses the ridge into a forest, mostly Rhododendron. It then runs past a couple of huts at Kembli and the huts at Chakke ka Nahar are around half and hour from here.
- Chakke ka Nahar - Haudi ki Goth: Climb up along the same path from Chakke ka Nahar, cross the ridge over to the other side. On the other side, the trail runs North East, and parallel to the ridge top maintaining the same elevation for a long time. The Matterhorn will be visible right ahead. After meandering along for almost 2 hours, the trail climbs up to Hara Goth. Its a distinctive green clearing. From Hara Goth, the trail climbs up till it reaches a stream. Climb along the stream till you reach a mini mountain pass. On your right would be the main Dhauladhar range. On both sides of the ridge top, there are rock overhang shelters, known as Haudi ki Goth.
- Haudi ki Goth - Diwala: From Haudi ki Goth, turn left towards Haudi ka Kanda. Haudi ka Kanda is the name of the ridge below Kundli pass. Walk along the ridge keeping slightly towards the right slope till you see 2-3 huts way down on the right. From here, turn right (mostly along treachrous goat paths) and head for the huts. These huts are known as Diwala.
- Diwala - Thathri: Head out of Diwala towards North West, sloping down to find a path which will U turn a few times before heading South West to Thathri. On the way, you will cross the Thathri Hydel project works.
Remember to go by waypoints and before you use the GPS trail, read this page as well.
