Churdhar (3,647 m) crowns the outer Shivalik Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district. Revered locally as Chureshwar Mahadev (Shri Shirgul Maharaj), the granite dome is both a pilgrimage and a classic North India trek, offering 360-degree views toward the Dhauladhar range, Shimla hills, and on clear days the high Kinnaur peaks.

Most trekkers approach from Nohradhar (about 6–7 hours by road from Ambala) and split the 18 km ascent over two stages—camping at Jam Nallah or Teesri before a sunrise push to the summit. Forest meadows, deodar and pine, and a sanctuary alive with monal pheasants and musk deer make every switchback worthwhile.

Best season runs April–June and September–November; expect snow and ice in early spring and winter. Carry layers, rain gear, and traction in shoulder seasons. The sanctuary levies a small entry fee at a checkpost near the trail; mobile signal is patchy beyond Teesri, and dhabas are seasonal—so pack backup snacks and water purification.

Ambala, Haryana

Ambala Cantonment—one of India’s largest rail junctions—makes a convenient springboard for the Churdhar trek. Before you climb, fuel up at old-school eateries and stock snacks and cash (ATMs are scarce up-mountain).

• Breakfast and pre-drive bites: Try the legendary mutton curry or paneer dishes at Puran Singh ka Mashoor Vishal Dhaba near Ambala Cantt flyover; it’s a local institution with multiple offshoots—go to the busiest original-style counter. For a vegetarian start, Ahuja Sweets is known for fresh chole bhature, lassi, and mithai boxes perfect for the road.
• Optional sights (if you arrive early): Stroll the bustling Cloth Market for textiles, or pay a quick visit to Holy Redeemer Church, a serene colonial-era landmark near the cantonment.
• Where to stay (pre/post-trek): Browse hotels in Ambala on Hotels.com or apartments on VRBO if you’d like to sleep here the night before.
• Getting to Ambala (if you’re flying or training in): Fly to Chandigarh or Delhi, then train to Ambala Cantt. Compare flights on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Book trains like the Shatabdi (Delhi–Ambala ~3 hrs; ₹400–1,200 in chair car) on Trip.com Trains.

Nohradhar (Churdhar Base), Himachal Pradesh

Nohradhar (c. 2,000 m) is a quiet ridge-top market town and trailhead into Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary. The classic route climbs ~18 km to the summit, with popular halts at Jam Nallah and Teesri meadows.

Historically, surveyors including Sir George Everest valued Churdhar’s prominence for measuring high Himalayan peaks. Today, pilgrims and trekkers share the path to the cliff-edge temple, where bells ring under a big sky and ravens wheel on thermals.

• Getting there from Ambala (road): Ambala → Nahan → Jamta → Rajgarh → Nohradhar; 160–180 km, usually 6–7 hours depending on traffic and hill roads. Private taxi one-way runs ~₹5,500–7,500 (sedan/SUV). Budget option: Ambala–Nahan bus (3–4 hrs) + Nahan–Nohradhar HRTC bus (2 hrs), total fares ~₹300–500.
• Food at base: Small dhabas near the Nohradhar bus stand cook rajma-chawal, kadhi-chawal, omelets, Maggi, and hot chai; they’ll often pack a simple lunch for the trail. Try a seasonal siddu (steamed wheat bun) if available.
• Stay options if you don’t camp: Simple guesthouses exist in Nohradhar; for more comfort, stay in Nahan/Jamta (about 1–1.5 hrs away). Search Nahan stays on Hotels.com or VRBO.
• Trail facts (Nohradhar route): Distance ~18 km one-way; elevation gain ~1,600 m; moving time to summit 7–10 hrs (split over 2 days). Forest checkpost near the trail collects a nominal sanctuary fee (keep cash).

Day 1: Ambala to Nohradhar, Hike to Jam Nallah/Teesri

Morning: Early breakfast in Ambala—order chole bhature and a salted lassi at Ahuja Sweets, or parathas and chai at Puran Singh’s before you roll. Pick up dry fruit, chocolate, ORS packets, and a 2–3 L water capacity per person. Depart by 7:00–7:30 am; aim for a lunch stop around Nahan/Jamta.

Afternoon: Reach Nohradhar by ~1:30–2:30 pm. Register at the forest checkpost, pay the small entry fee, and start the hike. Pass the initial pine ridge to Ganthala meadows (~2 km), then into thicker deodar forest. Camp options: Jam Nallah (~8–9 km; 4–5 hrs from base) has water nearby and seasonal shelters; stronger hikers can push to Teesri (~12 km; 5.5–6.5 hrs total).

Evening: Pitch tents before dusk, layer up (nights can dip below 5–8°C in shoulder seasons), and warm up with chai and a simple dhaba-style dinner—rajma-chawal or egg curry with rotis. Stargaze: on moonless nights the Milky Way arcs clearly above the black silhouette of the forest. Follow mountain etiquette: pack out trash and keep noise low near pilgrim shelters.

Day 2: Sunrise Summit of Churdhar, Descend to Nohradhar, Drive Back to Ambala

Morning: Start between 3:30–4:30 am with headlamps. From Jam Nallah, climb via Bada Pathar and Teesri; from Teesri allow ~2–2.5 hours to the top. Reach the cliff-edge shrine of Chureshwar Mahadev around sunrise. On clear days, trace the Dhauladhars to the west, the Shimla ridge to the south, and Kinnaur’s high snowfields to the north. Offer prayers respectfully; avoid shoes near the sanctum and keep photography discreet around devotees.

Afternoon: Descend to camp, pack up, and continue to Nohradhar (total 5–6 hours down from the summit with breaks). Grab a hot lunch—kadhi-chawal or fresh alu parathas with curd—at the base dhabas. Target a 2:00–3:00 pm departure for Ambala.

Evening: Expect a 6–7 hour drive back (hill traffic can add time). Roll into Ambala around 8:30–10:00 pm. Celebrate with a late dinner: Puran Singh’s spice-rich mutton curry with tandoori rotis, or a comforting veg thali and gulab jamun from Ahuja Sweets if you prefer something lighter post-trek.

• What to pack (spring–autumn): 30–40 L daypack, breathable base layers, fleece + light down or synthetic jacket, rain shell, trekking pants, sun hat, beanie, gloves, headlamp, trekking poles, 2–3 L water capacity, purification tablets/filter, snacks, basic first aid (including Diamox only if your doctor recommends), blister care, sunscreen, and power bank.
• Snow/shoulder season add-ons: Microspikes/traction, gaiters, and a warmer sleeping bag (0 to -5°C comfort). In heavy snow (Dec–Mar), consider the shorter Sarain/Chaupal side if open and always check local conditions.
• Safety and etiquette: Hydrate, pace steadily, and watch footing on forest roots and post-monsoon leeches. Weather shifts quickly—turn back in thunderstorms or whiteout. Respect the sanctuary—no littering, no loud music, and no alcohol at or near the temple.

Transport booking notes: If you’re flying into North India to start this trip, compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com for Delhi/Chandigarh, then book rail to Ambala on Trip.com Trains. Road transfers Ambala–Nohradhar are best by taxi or self-drive; buses are workable if you’re flexible on time.

Where to book stays near the trek: For a cushier night before/after, check Nahan/Jamta properties on Hotels.com or VRBO. If you must overnight in Nohradhar itself, search broadly (listings can be seasonal) and confirm heating and hot water in colder months.

In two days, you’ll drive from Ambala into the Himachal foothills, climb through deodar and pine, sleep under starry skies, and catch a sunrise from the Shivalik’s highest crest. It’s a brisk, memorable weekend that blends mountain worship, wildlife sanctuary quiet, and the unbeatable comfort of hot rajma-chawal after a long descent.