Ghepan Ghat Trek

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and rations in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below -

• Cancellations before 30 days from the start of the event: Get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.

• Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 %refund.

• Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.

• Cancellations will be accepted only by email.

Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.

Itinerary Changes &Trip delays:

We plan itineraries based on the information available at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, they are subject to change. If the itinerary is changed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc., we will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However, The Himalayan Daredevils not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

The Ghepan Ghat Trek is a lesser-known spot tucked in the clean Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh, offering a breathtaking trip with pure beauty all around. Set high at about 4,140 meters (13,583 feet), Ghepan Ghat has a glacier lake known for its bright turquoise waters that shift colours as light moves. With high white-top hills, rich green fields, and waterfalls, the path to Ghepan Ghat mixes thrill and calm. Not like other known treks in Himachal, Ghepan Ghat is mostly raw, making it a top spot for those who want quiet and raw Himalayan views. The trek starts in the small village of Sissu, by the Chandra River and can be reached via the Atal Tunnel. Trekkers walk up through many kinds of lands, from green valleys and rocky spots to fields of stones and ice. The beauty grows with each step. The last sight of the deep blue lake with rough hills behind is a view that pays off the hard work. Ghepan Ghat Trek is seen as medium hard and fits trekkers who are quite fit. The whole walk is about 18–20 km and can be done in 2–3 days, great for a long break or a short trip. The path also shows some of the local life, mainly in Sissu village, where the warmth of the people adds to the trip. With its raw charm and great views, Ghepan Ghat is quickly becoming known as a top trekking place in India, a spot that brings both tests and peace to all who love nature and trekking.

History of Ghepan Ghat

The history of Ghepan Ghat is filled with the mystery of the Lahaul area, known for its old ways, holy lands, and ties to old mountain gods. Ghepan Ghat, named "Ghepan Lake" or "Ghepan Tso," comes from Lord Ghepan, a respected local god loved in the Lahaul Valley. The lake is thought to be the home or holy area of this strong god, seen as the keeper of the Lahauli people. In the old stories of the Gahar Valley and nearby spots, Lord Ghepan is seen as a god warrior who rides a white horse and keeps the land safe from bad forces. He is one of many gods loved in this area, where old belief in many gods lives on with the ways of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism for years. Villagers have old dances, songs, and tales handed down over time. There are no old words about when or how Ghepan Ghat was found, but its meaning lives on in the people’s words. Shepherds, traders, and monks passing through often spoke of the hidden lake up in the hills, a holy place that needed respect and quiet from those who came. Long ago, only locals and a few looking for spirits could reach Ghepan Ghat because it was hard to get to.

In the last years, the making of the Atal Tunnel has made it easier to get to the Lahaul area, including Sissu, the start point for the trek to Ghepan Ghat. As the area opened more to tourists, trekkers began to find less-known paths, leading to more people knowing of Ghepan Ghat. Even with more visitors, the lake keeps its wild, untouched look and holy meaning. Now, those looking to protect the place and local leaders are pushing for careful travel ways to keep the nature and culture of Ghepan Ghat safe. They teach trekkers about the local ways, including the belief that one should not make noise, drop trash, or wash in the lake, as it is still seen as sacred. So, the history of Ghepan Ghat is not about big events or fights, but about deep respect, local tales, and the strong link between the people of Lahaul and their land. It shows the good mix of people and nature a living that keeps going and shapes the place and life of the area still today.

Nearby Places around Ghepan Ghat Trek

• Sissu Village: Sissu is where you start the Ghepan Ghat Trek. It’s a lovely spot by itself, set by the Chandra River. The village is eye-catching with its waterfalls and snowy peaks around. Here, the Sissu Waterfall and the calm Sissu Lake are big draws. You can see how people in Lahaul live and get used to the high altitude before you start your trek.

• Keylong: About 35 km from Sissu is Keylong, the main hub of Lahaul and Spiti. It’s a place of both beauty and work with its monasteries, markets, and a quiet feel. People often drop by the large Kardang Monastery here. Keylong is also a starting point for more treks and trips in Lahaul and Spiti.

• Atal Tunnel: This big tunnel links Manali to Lahaul Valley, and makes the trip shorter and easier to spots like Sissu and Keylong. The tunnel, more than 9 km long, is high up at over 10,000 ft and driving through it is an event, with great views as soon as you get out into the Lahaul area.

• Baralacha La Pass: Almost 80 km from Sissu, this high pass links Lahaul with Ladakh. A key spot for bikers and those driving to Leh, the pass shows off raw nature with snow peaks, ice rivers, and the lovely Suraj Tal Lake not far.

• Tandi Sangam: Located where the Chandra and Bhaga rivers meet, about 25 km from Sissu, Tandi is a quiet and holy spot. The spot has natural beauty and is key in local tales.

• Gondhla Fort: Close to Keylong, Gondhla is known for its old fort from the 17th century, built in the Himachali style. The fort lets you see far across the valley and dip into the local kings’ and tribes’ past. It’s a lesser-known, yet culture-rich place to see in Lahaul.

• Suraj Tal: This high lake, past Baralacha La Pass and seen as holy, gets its water from ice and is set amid stark, majestic land. The lake offers a quiet and dream-like stop for trekkers and bikers in the area.

Best Time to Visit Ghepan Ghat Trek

• June to Mid-July – Early Summer: This is when trek season starts as snow melts, showing green fields and wildflowers. The weather is nice with clear skies and mild days. It's a beautiful time for the Ghepan Ghat Trek.

• Mid-July to August – Monsoon Time: While Lahaul gets less rain due to its location, there might be some rain now. The paths may get slick, and rivers hard to cross. Still, the greenery is at its best, turning the land into a green wonderland. If you go now, check the weather and have the right gear.

• September to Early October – Clear Post-Monsoon: This might be the best time to visit. The skies are clear, you see the mountains well, the weather holds, and the paths are good. The lake shows bright blue shades now, and fall colours start adding gold to the scene. It’s quieter now, good for those who like peace in nature.

• Late October to May – Off Season: There’s a lot of snow now, and the path to Ghepan Ghat is closed. The lake freezes, and the whole valley is white. The views are like magic, but trekking is a no-go for safety. This is a good time for snow drives or short walks if the roads are open.

How to Reach Ghepan Ghat Trek

• By Road: The easy way to start at Ghepan Ghat Trek is by road from Manali. From there, drive through the Atal Tunnel to get to Sissu Village, about 40 km away. The tunnel cuts your travel time a lot, and you get nice views of the Lahaul Valley. In Sissu, take a cab, local bus (when they run), or drive yourself. From Sissu, you walk to get to the trek.

• By Bus: To get to Manali, you can take a night Volvo or HRTC bus from big places like Delhi, Chandigarh, or Shimla. When in Manali, take local transport or a cab to go through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu. In the high season (June to October), some HRTC buses go from Manali to Keylong, stopping at Sissu too.

• By Train: The closest big train stop is Joginder Nagar (about 145 km from Manali), but it’s not well-linked. Most people come to Chandigarh Railway Station (about 310 km from Manali) and then go to Manali by road. From there, head to Sissu through the Atal Tunnel.

• By Airport: The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), roughly 50 km from Manali. It has flights from Delhi and Chandigarh. From the airport, take a cab or bus to Manali, and then go to Sissu by road.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Ghepan Ghat Trek and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.