Treks and walks · Chimney
Ridge walk from Chimney to Bagora
Walk along the high ridge from Chimney to the village of Bagora and back, through forest and open slopes at about 2,100–2,200 m. Easy gradients, long views on clear mornings, very few vehicles.
From the chimney park follow the road along the ridge towards Bagora. It is a quiet road, used by village jeeps and a few cars, and it stays near the crest for most of its length. The forest opens in places to give views over the Balason side and the folds of hills running down to the plains.
Bagora is a scattered ridge village with fields of potatoes, cabbages and other vegetables and a few homestays. Have tea there and walk back the same way, or arrange for a car to pick you up.
In spring rhododendrons flower on the higher slopes. Start early: by midday cloud often wraps the ridge, and in winter the wind is cold.
Cost: Free · guide ₹800–1,200
Questions people ask
Good to know
How long is the walk from Chimney to Bagora?
Plan on about 1.5–2 hours each way at an easy pace, or about 4 hours return with a tea stop. The road keeps close to the ridge, so there is little steep climbing. Check the exact distance with your homestay, as people measure it from different starting points.
Do I need a guide for the Bagora ridge walk?
No, the route follows a road. A local guide, about ₹800–1,200 for a half day, is useful for birds, plants and short forest paths off the road. Carry water, a jacket and a phone with offline maps, as signal is patchy.
Can I stay at Bagora instead of Chimney?
Yes. Bagora has a few village homestays at similar prices, about ₹1,200–1,800 per person with meals. It is slightly more remote. Some travellers stay one night in each and walk between them with their bags carried by car.