Chandratal to Baralacha La Trek

Arrive in Manali from Chandigarh or Delhi. Spend the day unwinding and exploring the bustling local markets and nearby attractions at your own pace.

Drive from Manali to Sissu and enjoy a short hike to the scenic Sissu Falls. Continue along a dusty, rugged trail toward Chhatru, following the left bank of the Chandra River.

We drive along the right bank of the Chandra River, where towering granite walls rise dramatically beside the trail, an emerging playground for rock climbers. Their colors change from slate gray to warm rust, creating a striking palette against the stark landscape. Across the river, the magnificent Chota Shigri Glacier gleams beneath a crown of rugged peaks, offering views that are nothing short of breathtaking. A cluster of teashops signals our arrival at Chota Dara. After settling into camp, take a walk along the river to acclimatize, preparing for the next day's trek from the high Kunzum La Pass.

Leaving Chota Dara behind, we follow the right bank of the Chandra River, with splendid views of the 12-km-long Bara Shigri Glacier, the largest in Himachal, unfolding on our left. Above the glacier, the lofty peaks of Papsura (6,451 m), Dharamsura (6,446 m), and several other majestic summits dominate the skyline. After crossing a bridge near Batal, the trail ascends toward Kunzum La, tracing a small stream that originates above the pass. From the top, sweeping vistas of the Spiti Valley stretch for nearly 170 km to the south.

A side path leads 8 km to Chandratal, passing broad meadows dotted with shepherd's huts, then over stony ground and a small stream before the lake comes into view. Across the Chandra River, the dazzling Samudra Tapu, North Dakka, South Dakka, and Silver glaciers glisten, with the mighty Moulkila (6,517 m) and C.B. peaks soaring above them. Continuing from Kunzum, we trek the final stretch to the mesmerizing Chandratal, where panoramic views of the Chandra Bhaga range encircle the lake. We set up camp just beyond this stunning “Moon Lake,” a fitting reward for the day's journey.

Today, it's a long, demanding trek, but every step is worth it, as the route occasionally opens onto refreshing patches of green pasture. Spanning about 14 - 16 km, the trail begins with a series of steep ravines and boulder-strewn stream crossings, rising and falling in quick succession. Gradually, it levels into a grassy plain that slopes upward toward a snow-clad ridge. Keep an ear out for the distinctive calls of the Himalayan snowcock, and you might even catch a glimpse of one if you're lucky. After roughly three hours, the path descends along a narrow knoll with a sheer drop to the river far below on the left. Cross the stream when the water level is low, or, if it's too high, locate a snow bridge nearer the source or camp for the night and cross early the next morning.

Trek through a narrow valley framed by towering, snow-capped peaks. Start as early as possible to cross the stream when its flow is gentle. Shortly after the crossing, the valley widens into a broad plateau, where the campsite rests on a beautiful, grassy expanse.

Depart camp early and trek toward the Baralacha La Pass, a 7-km stretch that marks the origin of three rivers: the Chandra flowing south, the Bhaga through upper Lahaul, and the Yunam toward Zanskar. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of M-4, the highest peak in the Moulkila Range, as well as the striking Keorang Range of the Great Himalayas. From the pass, join the Manali - Leh Highway and drive onward to Patseo for the overnight camp.

Drive from Patseo, following the Bhaga River through Darcha, Jispa, and Keylong. From Tandi, continue along the Chandra River, passing Sissu and the Atal Tunnel before reaching Manali. This marks the end of your trekking tour in Himachal Pradesh.