Overview

TRIP FACTS

  • Region: Lahaul & Spiti Valley.
  • Duration: 6 Days. 
  • Season:  July to September.
  • Grade: Easy to Moderate.
  • Group Size : 10 Persons.
  • Maximum Altitude:  4890m.
  • Passes:  Kunzum La (4551m) & Baralacha La (4890m).
  • Accommodations: 5 Nights In Camp.
  • Activities: 4 Days Hiking & 2 Days Drive. 
  • Meals: 5 Breakfasts / 6 Pack-lunch / 5 Dinners.
  • Trip Begin: Manali.
  • Trip End: Manali.

INTRODUCTION

Embark on a breathtaking trek that journeys from the lush, verdant valleys and forests of Kullu Valley to the stark, dramatic landscapes of Spiti, culminating in the mesmerizing Chandratal Lake. Nestled at an altitude of 4,270 meters, Chandratal Lake, often referred to as the "Moon Lake," offers a serene, rejuvenating experience against its stunning backdrop.

The trek features a notable highlight: Baralacha Pass. Situated at 4,890 meters (16,040 feet) in the Zanskar Range, Baralacha Pass connects Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul district with Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. This high-altitude pass, whose name translates to "a pass where many roads meet," is surrounded by three major mountain ranges: the Great Himalayas, Pir Panjal, and Zanskar. At over 16,000 feet, it forms a dramatic high plateau.

Nearby, the Bhaga River, a tributary of the Chandrabhaga River, flows from the Surya Taal glacier. Another tributary, Chandra, also originates from a local glacier. Baralacha La serves as a natural divide between the rivers Yunam and Bhaga. As the evening sun casts a golden shimmer over the turquoise waters of Chandratal, you'll be reminded of the trek's incredible value.

The trek concludes at the Baralacha Glacier, the highest point of your journey. Baralacha La not only marks the source of the Bhaga River but also serves as the final mountain pass of Himachal Pradesh on the route to Ladakh. It is the gateway to the enchanting region of Zanskar, making it a crucial and spectacular destination for trekkers.

HOW TO REACH MANALI

  •  The nearest airport serving this beautiful hill station is situated at Bhuntar. Known as Kullu Manali Airport, it is at a     distance of approximately 60 from Manali. 
  •  The road instead since there are some spellbinding picturesque views en route to be enjoyed. The destination has   a good connectivity by road with cities like Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh and Shimla serving as pivotal points. A   number of bus services including private services like the very comfortable Volvo ply frequently from Delhi to Manali.
  • The closest railway station is Chandigarh (315 km) or Pathankot (290 km). You can make your travel bookings till either of these two cities and then take a prepaid bus or a cab till Manali. 
5 Nights 6 Days Available on request Old Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Highlights
  • Trail is full adventure of River Crossing Challenge.
  • Meet Gaddi shepherds in high meadows.
  • The trail from Kunzum la to Chandrataal Lake is more scenic and panoramic.
  • High altitude trek surrounded with glaciers and high mountains.
  • Crossing 7 kms long Baralacha la the source of Chenab & Tsarap River.

  • Drive to starting point & after the Trek is Scenic.

Itinerary

DAY 01 - DRIVE TO BATAL (3960M) 100 KM. / 5 To DRIVE 6 HOURS.

We travel by Jeep from Manali over the Rohtang Pass (3978 m) and reach Batal, a small place in the remote Lahaul Valley with only two Dabha.Get used to the high altitude of the dry and cold mountain dessert with its awesome high snow covered mountains.

Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Lunch + Dinner

DAY 02 - DRIVE FROM BATAL TO KUNZUM PASS (4551M) 1 HOURS. & TREK TO CHANDRATAAL LAKE 3 - 4 HOURS TREK.

We drive towards Kunzum la following small stream, which originated above pass. Arriving at pass has a glimpse of Spiti valley, which runs 170 kms towards south. We take a path, which goes to Lake 8 km; approach large meadows - a favorite area with a multitude of shepherd’s huts. Passing and crossing a long stretch of stony ground and small stream arrive at the lake. Across Chandra river most fascinating sight of Samudra Tapu glacier, North Dakka glacier, South Dakka glacier and Silver glacier. Above the glaciers towering mighty peaks of Moulkila and C.B. peaks.  Leaving Kunzum we trek to Chandrataal which is 8 kms long and has a wide panoramic view of Chandra Bhaga peaks all around. Camp after Chandrataal.

Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

DAY 03 - CHANDRATAAL TO TOKPO GANGMO (4320 M) 5 HOURS.

After a moderate trek with good views of mountain peaks and glaciers, we end on the river Topka Gangmo. In Tibetan Topka means river and Gongma means big.

Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

DAY 04 - TOPKO GANGMO TO TOPKO YANGMO (4640M) 5 HOURS.

The trek today involves an early morning river crossing, since the water level is low in the morning. We reach the next river in the afternoon. Nice View of the C.B. Range, Mulkilla Range and of the Dhaka Glacier.

Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

DAY 05 - TOPKO YANGMO TO BARALACHA LA (4890 M) 5 TO 6 HOURS TREK.

Baralacha is an interesting 8 km long pass and gives rise to three rivers: Chandra, Bhaga and Yunam. Baralacha means “pass with cross roads on summit”. Roads from Zanskar, Ladakh, Spiti and Lahaul meet on top of that pass. It is the highest point of the trek.

Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

DAY 06 - BARALACHA LA TO ZINGZINGBAR (18 KM) TO MANALI BY JEEP (167 KM) DRIVE 6 HOURS.

We trek via Suraj Lake, source of Bhaga River, descend along Bhaga River and reach Zingzingbar (4270 m). From there we take a jeep to Manali.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch 

Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • The services of an educated Himalayan Yeti Adventure representative or escort / guide, well versed with native flora/fauna, topography & culture during the entire trek program.
  • During the trek, all camping logistics and mules / porters/ to carry luggage. Participants will be required to carry only their day sacks with their daily essentials etc.
  • Camping on twin sharing basis in 2-man tents, with foam mattresses, sleeping bags and kitchen tent, toilet tent etc. 
  • One Cook and camp helper/s with all necessary kitchen items, utensils etc.
  • All transportation as per the itinerary, inclusive of transfers to the roadhead before the trek and transfer from the roadhead to Manali, after the conclusion of the trek.
  • Boiled drinking water during the trek and warm water for personal ablutions in the morning.
  • All meals during the trek program.
  • Wildlife / environmental Permits and Levies, wherever required.
  • All camping charges.
  • Trek Briefing / debriefing & guides charges.
  • Charges for following the global ‘Leave No Trace’ protocol.
  • Insurance of the trekking staff
  • Good medical / first aid kit with Oxygen Cylinders.

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Any accidental, travel or medical insurance.  It is advisable for the participants to get themselves comprehensively insured before the tour.
  • Any expenses of a personal nature.
  • Any and all evacuation charges (medical or otherwise), or hospitalization or physicians consultation charges. Your own insurance policy should also, ideally, cover this.    
Pickup point
Directions.
Himalayan Yeti Adventure, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India View on Map
Things to Bring
  • . Insulated, waterproof boots are best. They have thick soles, rubber/leather uppers, and insulation.
  • . Flip Flops/Crocs.
  • . Wool or synthetic socks with wicking liners promote warm, dry feet. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves)
  • . Layer your clothing so it can be adjusted to your activity level and the weather. Avoid cotton.
  • . Base layer: Synthetics and wool retain warmth even when wet. Wear long underwear (top and bottom) that wicks away moisture, insulates well, and dries quickly. Choose from microlight, lightweight, or midweight versions based on the temperature and your activity level. A zippered top lets you adjust body heat as you stop and go. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves, easily available in Decathlon Stores)
  • . Upper Insulating layer: Polyester fleece makes a good insulating mid-layer since it retains heat when wet and breathes as you exercise.
  • . Outer layer: A waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants keep you dry and fend off wind.
  • . Down feather jacket: Can be used while relaxing or walking outside in the camp area.
  • . Hat, Gloves, and Accessories: Keep your head and hands covered to prevent loss of body heat and to protect from sunburn.
  • . A wool or synthetic hat, headband, or balaclava retains heat; a wide-brimmed hat or a ball cap can shade your eyes on sunny days.
  • . Sunglasses and sunscreen will protect you from burning UV rays which are especially intense when reflected off of snow.
  • . Cotton scarf: Good for dust and to protect neck from sunburn.
  • . Water bottle and hydration bag.
  • . Head lamp & spare batteries.
  • . Camera dustproof cover and spare batteries and memory card; GoPro is just great.
  • . Money belt or secure portion of bag.
  • . Personal toiletries including lip cream, hand wash (alcohol-based), sunscreen, and towel.
  • . Penknife, journal, sketch pad, playing cards, book, reading light, sewing kit, etc.
  • . Small padlock for stored bag.
  • . Trekking day bag up to 65 to 85 liters.
Destination
Himachal Pradesh