Feeling the desire to take a break and go nature exploring? Then take out a week from your busy schedule and embark on the Nada Kobri trek in the Himalayas. It is not merely a walk through mountains, but also a wildlife safari in a way. The hike will lead you through Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to brown bears, red foxes, bharals, Himalayan tahrs, gorals, musk deer and leopards. However, the most significant of all the native animals is the snow leopard. Apart from these, the park is also home to numerous species of pheasants, owls, eagles and vultures.

The Nada Kobri Trek in Tirthan Valley, which is inside the protected territory, will treat you to vistas of untouched nature, cool climes at higher altitudes and if lucky, a sight of the animals and birds that live here. Before you begin the excursion, you get a day in Aut to rest and prepare for it. From here, you start trekking through deciduous forests that turn to those of pine as you reach Gushaini. As you continue Tirthan Valley trek towards Rolla, you will enter the temperate subtropical zone and may notice the appearance of cedars and oaks. The trail to Chalocha goes across riverbeds, makeshift bridges and narrow staircases, so tread with caution.

Beyond Chalocha, the forest somewhat starts to diminish, and more and more open ground comes in the way. It is this part of the track, where you may be able to see brown bears as they mostly live above the tree line. After you complete this stage, you camp in the scenic meadow of Nada Thach and prepare for the hard climb in the morning. The most significant phase of this Great Himalayan National Park trek takes you way beyond the tree line to Kobri. After conquering Kobri, you move back to Nada Thach, and then further to Delhi via Rolla, Chalocha, Gushaini and Aut.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Delhi to Aut
From Delhi, take the bus going to Manali, and drop down in Aut. After deboarding, transfer to the guest house by taxi and rest. Aut is a small hamlet, located amidst immense greenery on the banks of the Beas River. If you want, follow the river to a nearby waterfall. This is also the day, when you meet your Nada Kobri trek guide to discuss the plans for the ensuing excursion. After discussing about the hike, enjoy an overnight stay at the guest house.

Day 02: Aut to Gushaini (5200 feet) | Gushaini to Rolla (6890 feet)
Enjoy a nourishing breakfast, and head to the village of Gushaini by taxi. From here, begin the hike by following the Tirthan River upstream. On the way, pass the entry gate of Great Himalayan National Park. Beyond the gate, you will notice that the human intervention is decreasing, and untamed nature is taking over everything.

The river beside you would be full of boulders, through which narrow streams gush through. Along the way, you would see tiny hamlets, the residents of which help in maintaining the national park. Following a hike of about 45 minutes from the national park entrance, the huts of Rolla will come into sight. After reaching the campsite, have freshly prepared dinner and then enjoy a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 03: Rolla to Chalocha (7800 feet)
This phase of the Nada Kobri Trek in Tirthan Valley takes you higher in the mountains. As you start walking, you will notice that more and more coniferous trees now cover the mountain slopes. The route may seem a bit challenging as it will take you on narrow bridges, often consisting of just a log placed across the river, and at times via boulders.

After a trek of around 3 hours, you will reach Chalocha. You should always have your cameras ready as Chalocha is a good place to spot animals like leopards. Later, light a bonfire and get some rest in your tent.

Day 04: Chalocha to Nada Thach (10800 feet)
This section of the excursion takes you atop a steep ridge on a path, which meanders through a dense coniferous and oak forest. You will gain altitude quickly; hence, walk slowly. After some time, the trees will start to disappear and velvety grasslands will come into view.

The campsite of Nada Thach is a gently sloping meadow, from where you will be able to see distant snow-capped mountains. Make the most of an overnight stay in the site’s pristine beauty.

Day 05: Nada Thach to Kobri (13420 feet)
This is the most challenging, yet exciting Tirthan Valley trek stage as it will take you to its greatest height. Whatever forest there was until yesterday, will be gone today because of the altitude you will be touching. There might be snow on the trail if you are going in winters or early spring. You will instantly feel the effects of altitude sickness if you have not acclimatised beforehand.

On reaching Kobri, enjoy panoramic views of the Tirthan River valley and the snow-capped mountains all around. Later, head back to Nada Thach along the same route you followed to reach Kobri. On reaching Nada Thach, get some sleep in your camp.

Day 06: Nada Thach to Rolla via Chalocha
The penultimate stretch of the excursion will take you back to Rolla from Nada Thach. On the way, stop in Chalocha for lunch, and then hike further downhill for about an hour to reach Rolla. On reaching here, head to the campsite on the riverbank for another overnight stay.

Day 07: Rolla – Gushaini – Aut – Delhi
Begin the final phase of this Great Himalayan National Park trek by heading downstream to Gushaini. After arriving here, take a taxi to Aut, from where you board the bus to Delhi. If you have time, then you may freshen up at the guest house in Aut before getting on the bus.