Highest peak of Sirmaur, reached by a forest trek to the Shirgul Maharaj temple at 3,647 m.
Lesser-knownTrekPilgrimageWildlifeMeadow
Churdhar is the highest peak in Sirmaur district and of the outer Himalayas, with a hilltop temple and wide views of the snow ranges. The walk passes through a wildlife sanctuary with forest and open meadow. It suits fit walkers and pilgrims who are happy with very basic stays.
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Photos
Churdhar peak seen from the westShirgul Maharaj Temple at ChurdharThe temple near the top of ChurdharBoulder cave used by shepherds as a shelter on Churdhar
Photos from Wikimedia Commons. Select a photo for its author and licence.
Best time to go
When
What to expect
May to June
The route opens around late April or early May. Days are mild, about 15 to 25 degrees, and this is the most crowded time.
July to August
Monsoon months. The trail is open but guides do not list these among the recommended months.
September to November
Clear views after the rains. The season closes around mid-November.
December to March
Heavy snowfall. The temple is closed and the peak can be buried in deep snow.
Sights and activities
1
Churdhar Peak
The 3,647 m summit, the highest point in Sirmaur. On a clear day it gives a long view of the Greater Himalayan snow peaks.
Distance
About 14 to 18 km on foot from Nohradhar, depending on the source
Entry
Sanctuary trekker fee 100 per person
Timings
Open all day in season; closed by snow from December to March
A small square temple with a deodar wood roof just below the summit, dedicated to Shirgul Maharaj, who is worshipped as a form of Shiva. A fair is held at Navratri.
Distance
Near the summit, about 14 km on foot from Nohradhar
Entry
Free; sanctuary entry 50 for visitors from outside Himachal, 20 for Himachalis
The roadhead village at about 2,175 m with a small market of about 60 shops. The trek starts with a steep stretch above the village through terraced fields.
Take a bus to Solan, then a local bus via Rajgarh to Nohradhar (about 65 to 75 km, 4 to 5 hours). The first bus leaves Solan about 5 AM. A shorter 8 km route starts at Sarain near Chopal in Shimla district. Tour operators also run organised trips with transport included from Chandigarh; see Guided trips and packages below.
By train
Solan, on the Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge line, is about 70 to 90 km from Nohradhar. Kalka and Chandigarh are the nearest broad gauge stations.
By air
Chandigarh airport is about 130 km from Nohradhar. Shimla (Jubbarhatti) is about 105 km and Dehradun is the other option.
Where to base yourself
Stay in Nohradhar village, the roadhead for the main route, and spend one night on the trail at Jamnala, Teesri or the temple rest house.
Getting around
There is no road beyond Nohradhar; the whole route to the peak is on foot.
Mules and horses work the trail; The sanctuary charges 100 per trip for each animal
Local buses link Nohradhar with Rajgarh and Solan; the last bus out of Nohradhar leaves about 5 PM.
Often combined with
Places people usually visit on the same trip, and how long it takes to get between them.
Private trekking operators run guided Churdhar treks with road transport included, almost all starting and ending in Chandigarh; none was found starting from Delhi. Trips last 2 to 4 days and the operators name May to June and September to November as the main season. Prices found were about Rs 7,100 to Rs 11,500 per person. No government-run tour (HPTDC or similar) to Churdhar was found; the Himachal government trekking page gives information only.
₹7,500 per person Per person, Chandigarh to Chandigarh, plus 5% GST, as listed on the operator's site on 2026-10-04
Transport Chandigarh to Chandigarh (pickup at Chandigarh bus stand, 6:30 am), tent stay, all meals, camping gear, guide, porters and mules, medical kit (as stated on the page)
₹7,120 per person Per person, budget tier for a group of 12 or more; Rs 11,450 per person for the premium tier with 6 or more; as listed on the operator's site on 2026-10-04
All transportation, stay with breakfast and dinner, sightseeing as per itinerary, taxes; other meals not included (as stated on the page)
₹8,499 per person Per person, Chandigarh pickup and drop, plus 5% GST, as listed on the operator's site on 2026-10-04
Pickup and drop at Chandigarh; the page did not give a detailed inclusions list when checked
Checked online on 2026-10-04. A listing here is not a recommendation; we have no tie-up with these operators. Before you pay, check that the operator and its website are genuine, and confirm dates, price and what is included.
Where to stay
Budget level
Type
Price per night
Budget
Simple guesthouse in Nohradhar, or hut, tent or temple rest house on the trail
₹400 to ₹1,000
Mid-range
Better guesthouse room in Nohradhar
₹1,000 to ₹2,400
Luxury
Hotel in Solan or Rajgarh on the way; nothing upscale at Churdhar itself
₹2,500 to ₹4,000
Food
Nohradhar has small eateries. On the trail, huts at Jamnala and Teesri serve plain rice, vegetables, tea and snacks. The temple serves a community dinner in the evening and breakfast. There are long stretches with no shops, so carry water and snacks.
Try these
Rice with vegetables or dal (the standard plate at trail huts)
Bhandara meal (free community meal served at the temple)
Food on the trail and at the temple is vegetarian.
Daily costs
Budget level
Stay per room
Food per person
Local transport
Budget
₹500
₹300
₹0 per person
Mid-range
₹1,500
₹500
₹0 per person
Luxury
₹3,000
₹800
₹1,900 per vehicle
Per day. Travel to and from your city is added in the planner above.
Permits and documents
No advance permit is reported. The wildlife sanctuary charges a fee at Nohradhar, Sarain and Pulbahal: 100 per trekker, or 50 for visitors from outside Himachal and 20 for Himachalis visiting the temple, 200 for foreigners. Camping costs 200 to 400 per tent and a camera 50. Residents of Shimla, Sirmaur and Solan districts are exempt from the temple entry fee. Carry a photo ID.
Safety
By day
The path is well used in season, but the climb is long and steep at the start and near the top. Start early and carry water.
At night
Do not walk after dark. The forest has black bears and other animals, and travellers advise against evening starts.
Solo women
No specific reports were found. The trail is busy with pilgrims from May to June; outside that time it is better to walk with others.
Roads
The Solan-Rajgarh-Nohradhar road is a slow hill road. From December to March snow closes the trek and the temple.
Emergency numbers
112 (all emergencies)
Practical
Mobile network
Jio and Airtel work in places but the signal is unreliable on the trail.