Shilt hut trek is the easiest and shortest trek in the GHNP that offers you a real experience of the Park’s wilderness.
On the first day of the trek you remain by the riverside upto the campsite of Rolla.
On the second day, after Rolla, you have a steep climb to the Shilt hut. During the climb you have great chances of observing the colorful Monal as you are going through dense forests, home to many bird species.
You can barely see the mountains around before reaching the hut; it is only from the meadow at Shilt that you can enjoy the view of the surrounding peaks.
Though you can go to Shilt and come back in 3 days we recommend you to do it at least in 4 days so that you can reach Rakhundi top, a very scenic spot over the Tirthan valley.
Moreover walking towards Rakhundi will allow you to spot local mammals like the Goral, the Himalayan Tahr, the Blue Sheep or even the Black & Brown Bears.
So if you are nature enthousiast and you have enough time, keep 5 days for the trek !
Shilt Hut trek and Rakhundi top trek
EnquireReach a rich ecosystem and a panoramic viewpoint in the GHNP
Shilt Hut Trek features
Altitudes of your trek
Min : Minimum altitude of your trek.
Max : Maximum altitude of your trek.
Ascent : The difference of altitude between the trek starting point and the highest point of the trek.
Descent : The difference of altitude between the highest point of the trek and the trek ending point.
Difficulty of your trek
Stamina : The physical effort involved during your trek. Rated from 0 (easiest) to 100 (most strenuous). If you have an average fitness you can consider all the treks up to 50. See here for more details
Technical : Difficulty of your trek in terms of exposure to danger and required experience.
0 to 20 : No difficulties,
20 to 40 : Walking on good mountain trails,
40 to 60 : Some walking on difficult mountain trails (steep slopes, rocks, etc.),
60 to 80: You are exposed to some dangers (void, snow, falling rocks, etc.),
80 to 100 : Experience required (please inquire).
Overall : Average between Stamina and Technical rating.
Shilt hut
Rakhundi top
Shilt Hut trek and Rakhundi trek map
Trek itinerary in short
The trek starts with an easy and pleasant walk along with the Tirthan river up to Rolla. Then there is a steep but somehow short climb (3 hrs) to Shilt. From Shilt the way to Rakhundi is first easy and then very steep. Be careful in case there is still snow on the trail (early season).
Shilt Hut trek and Rakhundi Top trek elevation profile
Trek ascent and descent
The climb to Shilt is moderate (1420 m in 2 days). You need to be in good shape to reach Rakhundi since after Shilt the path goes down before climbing back up to 3600 m. Hence the total climb to reach Rakhundi is actually about 2500 m.
Shilt Hut trek and Rakhundi Top trek best time to go
Best time to trek to Shilt and Rakhundi is April, May, June, and then October and November.
You may also consider July and September. In case you go only to Shilt, March and December might also be possible.
You may also consider July and September. In case you go only to Shilt, March and December might also be possible.
Shilt and Rakhundi trek itinerary
| Timing | Details |
|---|---|
| Morning |
The trek begins at the road-head Gushaini. From there, you trek through the ecozone of the park and along the valley of the Tirthan river to the reach the park gate where the National Park begins. You will pass through 2 villages - Ropa and Kauncha. |
| Afternoon |
As you cross the park gate you are in the realm of Nature. On your way to Rolla, you will only come across one wood house where lives the last inhabitant of the Park, an old but very charming lady. The path will get narrower and forest will become denser. After hiking for about 45 minutes from the park gate you will reach Rolla Huts and campsite. Enjoy the company of our staff who prepares you amazing food and spend your first night under tents. |
| Timing | Details |
|---|---|
| Morning |
We are sure you've spent a comfortable night thanks to the care of our trekking staff (all members of our cooperative) and the quality of our camping equipment. From Rolla after a delicious breakfast you continue the path going along with the Tirthan river. Soon you will follow a narrow trail which climbs steeply across the forest. |
| Afternoon |
You can reach Shilt hut in 3 hours of walk, so take your time. Before Shilt the forest give way to a large meadow. Without the trees the view gets clear and let you discover the Tirthan valley and some very beautiful peaks of more than 5000 m height. After setting up the camp at Shilt, enjoy the campfire and your meal under the stars! |
| Timing | Details |
|---|---|
| The two options |
In case your adventure is a 3 day trek you will be going down back to Rolla and then all the way to Gushaini. Because the way back is only descent you can do in one day all the way you climbed in 2 days. End of your trek late afternoon. |
| Morning |
Don’t miss the beautiful sunrise over the GHNP peaks because of sleep! You won’t forget the view. Observe the birds early morning. The changing colors of the sky are another treat you shouldn’t miss.
|
| Afternoon |
From Rakhundi top you have a 360° view over the Tirthan valley. A stone lies at the top. You will recognize it because of some colourful fabrics that ornate it. The stone shelters the local deity. Take sometime to respectfully greet the deity with your guide. Then feel free to enjoy the stunning feeling of being at the top of a mountain that is a unique panoramic viewpoint. Go down to Shilt via the same way and spend a second night at Shilt. |
| Timing | Details |
|---|---|
| Morning |
After your breakfast the camp is packed and you go down to Rolla where you have your lunch by the riverside. |
| Afternoon |
Walk down to Gushaini after your lunch. |
Alternate itineraries
In 5 days
You can add a day to your trek to Rakhundi top for observation of wildlife ! |
|
| Day 1 | From Gushaini to Rolla |
| Day 2 | From Rolla to Shilt hut |
| Day 3 | Return hike to Rakhundi top from the base camp at Shilt. |
| Day 4 | Day free for photography, spotting wildlife, or just resting under a tree. |
| Day 5 | From Shilt hut to Gushaini. |
In 3 days
If you have 3 days only you can reach Shilt hut but not Rakhundi. |
|
| Day 1 | From Gushaini to Rolla |
| Day 2 | From Rolla to Shilt hut |
| Day 3 | From Shilt hut to Gushaini. |
More photos of the Shilt/Rakhundi trek
Tirthan river
Contemplating the Tirthan river at Rolla is very soothing for your mind.
Shilt Hut
The old hut was used by shepherds before the creation of the Park in 2000.
After sunset
An Himalayan Ecotourism tent at Shilt just after sunset. Enjoy camping without an hassle !
Way to Rakhundi
The last stretch to Rakhundi is very steep but offers unique opportunity to observe wildlife. Be alert !
Under snow
Early in the season (April) Rakhundi top might still be covered by snow. Ask us advice before booking.
Celebrate
Reaching Rakhundi top on snow is an experience of a lifetime !
Natural beauty
Whatever the season on this trek, the nature will always have something to offer for your eyes.
Wilderness
Take your time to enjoy the very special atmosphere of the protected Tirthan valley.
You will come back
The Shilt hut will definitely leave you with a sweet memory.
Videos about your trek with us
Trekking in the GHNP
All you need to know for planning your trek in the GHNP with us
More treks in the Great Himalayan National Park
Tirthan valley treks
A choice of outstanding treks for entering the intimacy of the magical Tirthan valley.
Read MoreRecognition of Himalayan Ecotourism
Our awards
Himalayan Ecotourism is the Overall Winner of the Indian Responsible Tourism Award 2019. We are also the Gold winner in the Best Adventure Operator category.
On the international scene, we have been declared winner of the Sustainable Tourism Award 2019 by Skal International and Biosphere.
Our cooperative-based model of social enterprise and our efforts to protect the Himalayas are the main reasons for winning these awards.
Thank you to all our cooperative members, our customers, our friends and well-wishers !
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