Chandra Tal (the Lake of Moon) is situated at an altitude of 4270m in the Himalayan region of Lahaul and Spiti. Situated mostly in the part of Spiti. Chandratal is a popular destination for trekkers and campers. The trail from Kunzum la to Chandratal is more scenic and panoramic overlooking Samudra Tapu glacier, CB peaks, KR group of peaks, and the highest Mulkila peak ( 6517m) standing west of Chandratal. The vast meadows of the Lake and its surroundings are favorite summer homes for Gaddi Shepherds who graze their flocks in the vicinity of the Lake. The Gaddi shepherds have long-held traditional grazing rights in the area. The Lake is also one of the two high-altitude wetlands of India which have been designated as Ramsar sites.
Baralacha La is a high mountain pass connecting the Lahaul valley of Himachal to Ladakh Zanskar of Jammu Kashmir. Baralacha La is one of four high mountain pass that is on the Manali - Leh national highway. Baralacha La is the source of three rivers i.e. Chandra, Bhaga, and Tsarap. Chandra Bhaga later becomes Chenab at Tandi. In another way saying Baralacha la is the source of the Chenab river.
It is high altitude trek surrounded by glaciers and the high mountains of Lahaul, so proper acclimatization is needed before leaving for this trek from Chandratal or Kunzum la.
This trekking program, sets out from the Manali, crossing Rohtang la first camp at Chota Dara. The first two days we have set for proper acclimatization before the actual trek begins at Kunzum la. First-day magnificent drive along the Chandra River valley to Chhatru - Chota Dara. Then driving up to Kunzom La pass (4551m) having a view of Spiti valley, 8 km trek down in large meadows, the lake of moon approached. Further, the trail crosses the two river crossings of Tokpo Yongma and Tokpo Gongma. Crossing over the boulders and grassy stretches, reach the top of the Baralacha la which is seven km long. The pass joins the Manali-Leh national highway.
An isolated and peaceful trek in Lahaul
Chandratal to Baralacha la trek - Outline itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Manali
Day 2: Manali to Chhatru (3,100 m) drive 6-7 hrs. Acclimatize trek to Sissu falls.
Day 3: Chhatru to Chota Dara (3,800m), Acclimatize.
Day 4: Chota Dara to Kunzum (4,551 m) drive 1hr, Trek Chandra Tal (4,270 m)
Day 5: Trek Tokpo Yongma (4,400 m)
Day 6: Trek Tokpo Gongma (4,700 m)
Day 7: Trek Baralacha la (4'890 m). Drive to Patseo (3,750 m)
Day 8: Patseo to Manali. Evening depart Chandigarh / New Delhi.
Chandra River near Bara Shigri glacier
Detailed trek itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Manali
Arrive in Manali from Chandigarh or Delhi. Rest and relax and explore the local market and sights in around Manali on your own.
Day 2: Manali to Chhatru (3,100 m). Acclimatize trek to Sissu falls.
Manali to Sissu and hike to Sissu falls. A dusty and rugged path leads towards Chhatru. We drive along the left banks of Chandra River.
Day 3: Chhatru to Chota Dara (3,800m), Acclimatize.
We drive along the right bank of the Chandra River. Along the trail, one could see huge granite walls, which are increasingly popular among rock climbers. The color of these rocks differs from each other. Far across Chandra River, the view of the Chota Shigri glacier and some wonderful peaks are mind-blowing. Some small teashops mark the arrival at Chota Dara. Arriving at camp, you walk along the Chandra River to get acclimatized as tomorrow you will have trekking starting from Kunzum la.
Peaks between Kullu & Lahaul - across Chota Dara
Day 4: Chota Dara to Kunzum (4,551 m) drive 1hr, Trek Chandra Tal (4,270 m), 5-6 hrs
Leaving Chota Dara behind we continue along the right bank of Chandra River. Good view of Bara Shigri glacier on the left side. All above the glacier which is 12 km in length longest in Himachal, impressive view of Papsura (6451m), Dharamsura (6446), and a number of peaks towers above Bara Shigri glacier. Crossing the bridge soon after Batal, we climb towards Kunzum la following a small stream, which originated above the pass. Arriving at the pass has a glimpse of Spiti valley, which runs 170 km towards the south. 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 a small stream arrive at the lake. Across Chandra River most fascinating sights of Samudra Tapu glacier, North Dakka glacier, South Dakka glacier, and Silver glacier. Above the glaciers towering mighty peaks of Moulkila (6517m) and C.B. peaks. Leaving Kunzum we trek to Chandratal which is 8 km long and has a wide panoramic view of Chandra Bhaga peaks all around. Camp after Chandratal.
Day 5: Chandratal to Tokpo Yongma (4,400 m), 7 hrs long exhausted trek but well worth, because occasionally trekkers encounter patches of green pastureland. This stretch is about 14 to 16 km. The trail starts with a series of ups and downs through steep ravine and boulders - stream fields. As you progress, a flat grassy land, which slopes up to snow, clad ridge. Snow cock can be heard and even sighted if you are lucky. After 3 hrs the trail winds down a knoll, which has a steep precipice to the river far down to the left. Cross the stream if the water is low or find Snow Bridge up near the source. Or camp and cross next morning as earliest.
Tokpo Yongma
Day 6: Tokpo Yongma to Tokpo Gongma (4,700 m), 6-7 hrs
Trek through a narrow valley flanked on both sides by snow-capped mountains. Star walk early as possible, since this stream to be cross, while the flow of the water is less early in the day. A short walk after crossing the river, here the valley opens out on a broad plateau where the camp is set on a delightful grassy patch
Keorang peaks across Chandra River
Day 7: Tokpo Gongma to Baralacha la (4'890 m) trek 5 hrs. Drive to Patseo (3,750 m) 1hr.
Today early departure from camp towards Baralacha la pass, which is 7 km long, gives the source of three rivers - Chandra through South, Bhaga through upper Lahoul, and Yunam towards Zanskar. A splendid view of M-4, which is the highest in the Moulkila range, can be seen from the trail as well as of Keorang range of the Great Himalayas. On the pass, join the Manali - Leh highway and drive to Patseo for overnight camp.
At Baralacha la - this pic has been taken during the 2nd week of June. Manali - Leh road is at the end.
Day 8: Patseo to Manali. 5-6 hrs
Along the Bhaga river to Darcha - Jispa - Keylong. After Tandi along the Chandra River to Sissu - Atal tunnel - Manali.
Drive Manali – Rohtang pass (3978m) - Chatru (3'100m) / Daddar bridge or Chota Dara, 5-6 hrs. Acclimatize.
It’s a 17 km from Chhatru to Chota Dara. We drive along theright bank of the Chandra River. Along the trail one could see huge granite walls, which are increasingly popular among rock climbers. The color of these rocks is differs to each other. Far across Chandra River, view of Chhota Shigri glacier and some wonderful peaks are mind-blowing. Some small teashops mark the arrival at Chhota Dara. Leaving Chota Dara behind we continue along the right bank of Chandra River. Good view of Bara Shigri glacier on the left side. All above the glacier which is 12 km in length longest in Himachal, impressive view of Papsura (6451m), Dharamsura (6446) and numbers of peaks towers above Bara Shigri glacier. Crossing bridge soon after Batal, we climb 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. 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 (6517m) and C.B. peaks. Leaving Kunzum we trek to Chandratal which is 8 kms long and has a wide panoramic view of Chandra Bhaga peaks all around. Camp after Chandratal.
A long exhausted trek but well worth, because occasionally trekkers encounters patches of green pastureland. This stretch is about 14 to 16 km. The trail starts with a series of ups and downs through steep ravine and boulders - stream fields. As you progress, a flat grassy land, which slopes up to snow, clad ridge. Snow cock can be heard has heard and even sighted, if you are lucky. After 3 hrs the trail winds down a knoll, which has a steep precipice to the river far down to the left. Cross the stream if the water is low or find Snow Bridge up near the source. Or camp and cross next morning as earliest.
Trek through a narrow valley flanked on both sides by snow-capped mountains. Star walk early as possible, since this stream to be cross, while the flow of the water is less early in the day. A short walk after crossing the river, here the valley opens out on a broad plateau where camp is set on a delightful grassy patch
Today early departure from camp towards Baralacha la pass, which is 7 km long, gives the source of three rivers - Chandra through South, Bhaga through upper Lahoul and Yunam towards Zanskar. A splendid view of M-4, which is the highest in the Moulkila range, can be seen from the trail as well as of Keorang range of Great Himalayas. On the pass, join the Manali - Leh highway and drive to Patseo for overnight camp.
Leaving camp today we drive to Jispa and continue to Satingri. Starting a hike from here we descend to Bhaga River and pass small villages along the way. Crossing the bridge at Bhaga River just below Gumling we climb through fields of barley to small and beautiful village of Lapchang. Following the trail to Kardang gompa with spectacular view of Kyelang at a distance, we arrive at Barbog. Camp near Kardang gompa.
A climb begins from camp along the Barbog slopes, famous for winter ski. Kyarkyoks peak and Bhaga River valley as far as Tod valley in sight. Finally a steep climb short before the pass and through tiny gully to the pass. Magnificent view all around. A descend along the Gondla slopes to Khindang village. Beautiful campsite.
Short walk to road head at near Khindang village and drive to Sissu - Rohtang pass to Manali. Trip ends.
Ø All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary Manali to Manali.
Ø All camping facilities. 3 men spacious 4 season tents for 2, sleeping bags, foam mattresses, dining tent, trekking poles & safety gears.
Ø All meal during trek - starts with bed tea to breakfast, lunch, 3 course dinner, tea /coffee, snacks. from Indian, Tibetan, Chinese to continental cuisine.
Ø Support staff: Qualified trekking guide, cook & camp crew.
Ø Trekking mules/horses for porterage of your luggage and trekking gear.
Ø Camping fee, trekking permits.
Ø Goods and services tax. First aid medical kit.
× Domestic flight. Leh - Delhi. (Delhi airport transfer on request)
× Delhi Manali transfer.
× Hotel in Manali.
× Travel insurance.
× Soft or hard drinks.
× Entrance fee at monasteries
× Personal tipping to staff: Guide, cook, camp crew, horsemen, porters, driver.
× Any unforeseen cost arises by natural hazards rain, snow, road block which cost extra lodging & boarding beyond trip Schedule.
“Potala Adventures had organized our Chandratal trek & we had an absolutely fantastic 7 days trek. Our guide needs special mention for taking care of all our needs and giving us a memorable trip. The food, tents, sleeping bags were all of very high standard. Tenzin & Prem were very good in organizing the trek. Had a wonderful trek with Potala Adventures, the staff was very understanding? The food provided was ...
Highlights
An isolated and peaceful trek in Lahaul
Trek to the lake of moon
Meet Gaddi shepherds in high meadows
Explore Tod, Ghar and Tinan
Crossing of 7 kms long Baralacha la pass, the source of 2 great Himalayan river
Trip Facts
Activity - Trekking & hiking
Region: Lahaul - Spiti, Himachal
Difficulty level - Moderate
Max Altitude - 4900 meters
Max sleeping altitude - 4700 meters
Lowest trek altitude - 3000 meters
Trip Length - 10 days Delhi to Delhi
8 days Manali to Manali
6 days trekking
7 nights camping
Best time - June end to mid Oct
Moulkila 6517m, the highest peak in central Lahaul
