If you’ve been researching whether the Gaj Pass Trek open in June July 2026, you’re not alone — it’s the most common question we get at Hill Hikers every summer. The short answer is yes. But like everything in the high Himalayas, the details matter. Snow conditions, weather windows, and river crossings shift from year to year. Here’s everything you need to know before you pack your bag.
What Is the Gaj Pass Trek?
The Gaj Pass Trek is one of the most rewarding — and underrated — high-altitude treks in the Dhauladhar range near Dharamshala. The trail begins at Bonthu Village in Kangra Valley and winds through dense deodar forests, shepherd meadows at Bagga Dhar, and up to the snowline at approximately 3,200 metres. Experienced trekkers can push all the way to the Gaj Pass summit at 4,140 metres.
What makes it genuinely special is how untouched it still feels. While Triund Trek fills up with day-trippers every weekend, Gaj Pass sees a fraction of the footfall — which means you get the full Himalayan experience: star-filled skies, wide open meadows, local shepherds with their flocks, and Dhauladhar peak views without another tent in sight.
The standard itinerary runs across 5 days, starting from Pathankot and covering approximately 24 kilometres of trail.
Is Gaj Pass Trek Open in June July 2026?
Yes — and this is one of the best windows of the entire year.
The Gaj Pass Trek open in June July 2026 season officially begins in late May once our team completes a trail check from Bonthu Village to Bagga Dhar. For 2026, the trail is confirmed open and departures are running.
Here is what makes June and early July so good for this trek:
- The snow has retreated from the lower and mid-trail sections, leaving the forest path clear
- Bagga Dhar meadows are at their greenest and most colourful — wildflowers everywhere
- You still get snow on the upper section above 3,000 m, which makes for dramatic views without the extreme cold of winter
- Temperatures at camp range from 8°C to 18°C — comfortable for sleeping and hiking
- Morning skies are typically clear before afternoon clouds roll in from the valley
This combination of accessible trail + lingering snowline + lush greenery is exactly why June is considered peak season for Gaj Pass.
What About July 2026?
Early July is very good. Mid to late July requires more care.
The monsoon typically arrives in Kangra Valley between the second and third week of July. Once the rains set in:
- Trail sections near the Gaj river become slippery and muddy
- Stream crossings can become hazardous after overnight rain
- Leeches appear on the lower forest path below 2,000 metres
- Cloud cover reduces summit views
This doesn’t make the trek impossible — experienced trekkers do it in July every year. But if this is your first high-altitude trek, or you’re bringing less experienced friends, we strongly recommend a June batch or the first week of July. After monsoon retreats in September, the trail is excellent again for autumn trekking.
Month-by-Month: Best Time for Gaj Pass Trek
| Month | Trail Status | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January – March | Closed | Heavy snow at all elevations |
| April | Partially open | Upper section snowbound |
| May | Season opens | Good, some residual snow |
| June | Open — excellent | Green trails + snow views; best combo |
| Early July | Open — very good | Wildflowers at peak; some river swelling |
| Mid–Late July | Open with caution | Monsoon rain; slippery trail |
| August | Open with caution | Peak monsoon |
| September | Open — excellent | Post-monsoon clarity, crisp air |
| October | Open — excellent | Autumn colours; cold nights |
| November | Closing season | Snow possible above 3,000 m |
| December | Closed | Winter snow |
Gaj Pass Trek: Key Details for 2026
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Starting point: Bonthu Village (drive from Pathankot)
Maximum altitude: 3,200 m standard / 4,140 m summit option
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Group size: 8–15 people
Price: ₹14,999 per person (tents, all meals, professional guide, first-aid support included)
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Pathankot to Bonthu Village base camp (1,600 m)
Arrive at Pathankot and drive to base camp at Bonthu Village. Afternoon walk along the Gaj river. Dinner and bonfire at camp.
Day 2 — Acclimatisation trek to Guna Devi Temple (2,000 m / 8 km)
A gentle forest walk up to the temple and back. Don’t underestimate this day — acclimatisation here makes a significant difference to how you feel on Day 4.
Day 3 — Trek to Bagga Dhar camp (2,450 m / 7 km)
The trail opens into wide shepherd meadows. The campsite at Bagga Dhar is one of the most scenic on any Dharamshala trek.
Day 4 — Trek to snowline at 3,200 m (9 km)
The highlight. Panoramic Dhauladhar views, snow underfoot, silence all around. Experienced trekkers can continue toward the 4,140 m Gaj Pass summit with trek leader permission.
Day 5 — Drive back to Pathankot or McLeodganj
Post-breakfast checkout and return drive to your onward destination.
What to Pack for Gaj Pass Trek in June–July
The summer window is forgiving, but altitude and sudden weather changes mean you need the right layers.
Clothing
- Thermal base layer (cold above 2,500 m even in June)
- Fleece mid-layer or light down jacket
- Waterproof outer shell or rain poncho (essential for July)
- Quick-dry trekking trousers
- Warm hat and gloves for the snowline section
Footwear
- Waterproof ankle-support trekking shoes — non-negotiable for stream crossings
- Camp sandals for evenings
Gear
- Trekking poles — highly recommended for the Day 4 snowline climb
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (UV levels at altitude are much higher than in the plains)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- 1-litre personal water bottle minimum
- Light day pack (main luggage carried by support staff)
Tents, sleeping bags, all meals, trek leader, guide, first-aid kit, stretcher, and oxygen cylinder are all provided by Hill Hikers.
Who Is the Gaj Pass Trek Suitable For?
The Gaj Pass Trek is rated moderate to difficult. It is not a beginner’s trail like Triund Day Hike, but it is absolutely achievable for anyone with a reasonable fitness base and at least one prior overnight trek under their belt.
You’re a good fit if:
- You can walk 8–10 km per day carrying a light day pack
- You’ve done at least one overnight trek before — Kheerganga Trek or Kareri Lake Trek are ideal preparation
- You’re comfortable sleeping in dome tents at high altitude
- You don’t have any active heart or respiratory conditions
The steep climb to the snowline on Day 4 is the most physically demanding section of the entire route. The acclimatisation day on Day 2 is essential — please don’t arrive thinking it’s just a rest day.
How Does Gaj Pass Compare to Other Dharamshala Treks?
| Trek | Duration | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triund Trek | 2 days | Easy | First-timers, families |
| Snowline Laka Trek | 2 days | Easy–Moderate | Snow experience, beginners |
| Kareri Lake Trek | 2 days | Moderate | Lake views, intermediate |
| Gaj Pass Trek | 5 days | Moderate–Difficult | Remote, high altitude, experienced |
| Moon Peak Trek | 6 days | Difficult | Advanced trekkers |
Gaj Pass sits comfortably in the middle — significantly more challenging than Triund or Kareri, but more accessible than Moon Peak. It’s the ideal “next step” for someone who has already done a short Dharamshala trek and wants to go deeper into the Dhauladhar.
Why Trek Gaj Pass with Hill Hikers?
Hill Hikers has been running treks in the Dharamshala region since 2004. Every Gaj Pass batch is led by a mountaineering-qualified trek leader who has done this trail in all seasons and knows how it changes between June and July. Every group carries a first-aid kit, stretcher, and oxygen cylinder — because at 3,200+ metres, being prepared is non-negotiable.
We keep group sizes between 8 and 15 people. Small groups move better on remote terrain, camp better, and have a fundamentally better experience than large commercial batches.
→ Book the Gaj Pass Trek 2026 at ₹14,999 per person
You can also check our full range of Dharamshala trekking packages if you’d like to compare options before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Gaj Pass Trek open in June July 2026?
Yes. The trail opens each year from late May and remains accessible through early July before monsoon makes conditions unpredictable. Hill Hikers conducts a trail check before every season — 2026 departures are confirmed running.
Is a permit required for the Gaj Pass Trek?
No special permit is required for the standard snowline itinerary. All entry fees and permits for the route are included in the Hill Hikers package price.
What is the maximum altitude on the Gaj Pass Trek?
The standard group itinerary reaches 3,200 metres at the snowline. The Gaj Pass summit itself is at 4,140 metres — available as an optional push for experienced trekkers with trek leader approval.
Can I do the Gaj Pass Trek solo without a guide?
We don’t recommend it. The remote terrain, multiple river crossings, and unpredictable high-altitude weather make this a trek where a qualified guide is genuinely important, not just a formality.
What’s the difference between Gaj Pass Trek and Lam Dal Trek?
Gaj Pass is the main high-altitude route used to reach Lam Dal lake. If Lam Dal is your goal, ask our team about the Lam Dal Trek with Kareri Lake package — a combined 6-day itinerary that covers both.
Will there be snow on the trail in June?
Yes — above 3,000 metres you’ll walk through snow patches throughout June and often into early July. It’s one of the highlights of this window: lush green forests on the lower trail, white snowfields above.
I’ve only done Triund before — is Gaj Pass too difficult?
Triund is a good starting point, but Gaj Pass is significantly harder and longer. We’d recommend doing Kareri Lake Trek or Snowline Laka Trek as a bridge between the two before attempting Gaj Pass.
Ready to Book Your June or July Batch?
Summer slots for the Gaj Pass Trek open in June July 2026 fill up quickly — we run fixed departure dates to keep group sizes small. If you’re planning a June or July trip, reach out now to check availability.
Call us: +91-97369 71825
Email: hillhikers7471@gmail.com
Book online: hillhikers.com/tour/gaj-pass-trek
Hill Hikers — Dharamshala’s trusted trekking experts since 2004. Based at McLeod Ganj, we know these mountains the way most people know their own street.