Manali Chandertal Baralacha Trek 12 Days

Chandertal Lake in lahoul & spiti Distt.at an altitude of 4270 meters. It lies between a low ridge and the main Kunzum range. This lake is also known as “Moon Lake”. The lake is 6km from the Kunzum pass that contacts Spiti. Surrounded by the snow and acres of scree., this deep blue water lake has a circumference of 2.5km. This is the source of river Chandra.
According to some believers this is the spot from where the god Indra’s chariot took the eldest Pandavas (5 brothers of the Epic Mahabharata), Yudhishtra to heaven in his mortal form. The snow caped mountain peaks and slops around the valley rise from to 3000 mts to 6000 mts.. The mountain ranges are called Moulkilla, and Chandra bhaga wich challenges the mountaineers.

Best Season: June to October

Clothing: Light woolens during the day and heavy woolens in the evening.

Day 1: Manali To Pandu Ropa 5 Hrs. 2700mts.
The steepest part of the trail takes about 2 hrs to negotiate. Passing through the apple orchards, and forest of blue pine, cedar, Oak, and chestnut. An interesting legends around the villages “Chalet, Hamta and Gortbari through which we pass. It is said that these villages lies on the route to heaven. So when someone dies, their souls have to pass through these villages. The sound of trumpets said to be heard when a soul passes to heaven. A further 2hrs trek brings us to our camp site.

Day 2: Pandu Ropa to Juara. 5hrs. 3530 mts.
The path to Juara through the tiny village Of Chhika, where the Alian Nala flows from the Hamta Pass. The journey in to spectacular country side just below the Hamta Pass.on a grassy bank sloping down from the cliffs. 5 hrs of steady walking brings us to Juara where our camp site is simply magical, closest to the Tokru Shakru peaks.

Day 3: Juara to Sheha Gohru 7 hrs. 3200mts.
Today is long journey of 7hrs. We being ascent up to Hamta Pass(4275 Mts.), stoping to appreciate the close view of Deo tibaa and Indrasan peaks. A long decent follows the trail taking us right to the camp site at Sheha Gohru. In the local dialect “Sheha Ghoru “ means A very cold place. it is adjacent to the source of a glacier. During summer it is a cool grazing pasture and halting place for the shepherds on the way to Lahoul & Spiti. Valley.

Day4: Sheha gohru to Chatru 4hrs. 3360 mts.
This 4 hrs. walk is quite easy. A relief after the hard walk across the Hamta pass. We follow the river up to the rock field, a difficult section during the monsoon season. The river forded at a point from where you can see right across the beautiful valley of lahoul & spiti. The enormous mountains of Pir Panjal. Spiti range dominates entire land scape until we reach the camp site at chatru. Chatru is a confluence point of trekking routes from Rohtang pass, Hamta Pass and Spiti and a pleasent place to camp meeting other trekkers on different expeditions.

Day 5: chatru to chota Dara 5 hrs. 3760mts.
Today sees the trail winding through a narrow valley as the terrain becomes a gradually more rugged and the colour more stark. The gushing of the river Chandra is our constant companion and becomes a roar as it rushed to join the Bhaga at Tandi near Keylong. We reach chota Dara after 5 hrs and settle down to enjoy the changed land scap of our surroundings.

Day 6: Chota Dara to Batal. 6hrs. 3990 Mts.
The trail finds its feet on the unmettaled road to Batal. Reaching the confluence of the paths to Chandertal and Kunzum Pass in to spiti valley breath taking glimpse of the majestic Bara Shigri glacier and White sail peaks are a photographer’s reverie.

Day 7: Batal to Chandertal lake. 8hrs. 4270 mts.
Eight Hrs trekking begins on a pleasant route along the alpine meadows that embrace the Chandra river, The path then leads over the rocky plateau, crossing the small stream and traversing the incline. From here the trek is a series of gentle ups and downs until we reach Chandertal Lake. This high altitude lake is a majestic sight, surrounded as it is by the mighty Himalayan peaks. A vast meadows of flowers is the location of the camp site positioning the banks of the lake.

Day 8: Rest at Chandertal lake
We Spend the whole day at leisure at Chandertal lake resting and simply enjoying the unrivalled beauty and peace of surroundings, complete in their remoteness and splendor.

Day 8: Chandertal to topko Yongma. 7hrs. 4320 mts.
We set off again following the Chandra river as the trail rises and falls several times as we approach Topko Yongma. The trail ascends from the mountain side and cross a stream nearing the campsite. We ford the river in a beautifully, scenic location and reach at camp site at topko yongma.

Day 10: topko Yongma to Topko Gongma 4640 mts. 6hrs.
An early start today, crossing to gushing mountain tributaries before beginning a steep ascent across the rock face. From here it’s an uphill walk to the camp site.

Day 11: Topko Gongma to Bara lacha –la 5100mts. 6hrs.
The day starts off with a steep ascent to the top of the ridge above Topko Gongma, which takes around half an hour. The trail then negotiates a rock field offering the most fantastic views of the Koa range peaks to the south west. We cross another mountain stream before reaching Bara lacha La. After challenging walk, we go by the twin passes of Bara lacha Pass which is an important spot on the trade rout as roads from Spiti, Ladakh, Zanskar and Lahoul meet here. On the North West side lies the Bhaga river, while the Chandra river flows from the south east. Nearby will be the camp site at bara la cha la. You also see here the beautiful emerald lake Suraj tal - The sours of river Bhaga. we stop here for our last night in the mountains, reminiscing on our achievements.

Day 12: Baralacha La to Manali/Leh.
Today we set off road to to manali 170 km. Back in town after a long drive and then proceed to your hotel or the next destination.