Adi Himani Chamunda Trek

Overview

Adi Himani Chamunda is a hilltop shrine high on the Dhauladhar ridge above the well-known Chamunda Devi temple on the Baner river, about 15 km from Dharamshala on the Palampur road. Local tradition holds it to be the original seat of the goddess, and devotees still climb to it on foot. The trail rises steeply through forest and open slopes, with the Kangra Valley opening up below and the snow peaks close above. It is a meaningful trek for pilgrims and a quiet, demanding day out for hikers. We rate it moderate to hard: the climb from the valley is long and steep, and you should be comfortable with 7 to 9 hours of walking in a day. We leave early from Dharamshala, drive to the trailhead in the Chamunda area, and plan to be back down before dark; groups who prefer a gentler pace can choose the overnight option with a camp or simple stay near the top, subject to availability and local rules. Distances, altitude and facilities at the top are approximate and vary between sources, and temple arrangements and trail access should be checked locally before you go; we confirm them before each departure. The shrine stays below the 3,000 m line in the January 2026 Kangra DDMA order on high treks, but weather-related closures can still apply.

Itinerary

What to carry

Frequently Asked Questions