Chandratal lake to baralacha pass

Overview Chandratal is a glacial lake at 14500 feet located between the Rohtang and Kunzam passes. It is a full day's drive to the lake from Manali. Camp the first night on the shores of the lake which is much bigger (4 km. circumference), and deeper than it looks. The Chandra, river flows next to the lake. First day's trek is of 20 kms, following the river upstream, past the huge riverine island known as Samudra Tapu which becomes one massive block of ice in the winters. Night camp at Topkogongma, next to a stream. Second day begins by the ice-cold stream at 7.00 AM. Must reach the next, much bigger streafording m (Topkoyongma) by noon as after that it is too swollen with glacial melt to cross. Camp on bluff overlooking river, height 15500 feet. Third day's trek much more enjoyable and gentle, over pastures, past the unbelievable majestic Baralacha glacier on your left( west) which is the source of the Chandra river, finally reaching Baralacha pass (16500 feet) after six hours. This is on the Manali - Leh road to board the vehicle back to Manali. Wildlife sightings: marmot, pica, birds( horned lark, lammergier vulture, wagtails, black red start, sandlark

Itenary

Day by Day Itinerary

DAY 01: Delhi Manali(525 kms/12 14 hrs)

Start Early from delhi and reach Manali by evening. After arrival in Manali transfer to hotel for relax & acclimatisation. Evening dinner with bonfire and light music.

DAY 02: MANALI - BATAL (3900m/110 km/ 5 - 6hrs) For a high altitude trek like the Chandertal trek one day acclimatization is not sufficient so we drive over the Rohtang pass overlooking the ever exiting drive from Manali. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp in batal. DAY 03: BATAL - CHANDERTAL (4270m/ 18km/ 5 - 6 hrs) Arrive at Chandertal Lake also called the 'Moon Lake' at an altitude of 4200m. Spend rest of the day at the lake to explore the lake and to acclimatize. Today we will trek 18 km to reach Chandratal and it will take us about 5-6 hrs, while on this trek we will get a nice view of the Lahul range, peaks like Minar (6172 M), Talagiri (6279 M), Tara Pahar (6227 M) and Mulkila (6517 M). Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

DAY 04: CHANDERTAL - TOKPO GONGMA (4300m/ 6hrs/ 12 km) After breakfast get ready for your first day trekking to Tokpo Gongma. Hard trekking from Chandra Tal to the bank of the Tokpo Yongma (4350 m). The track rises and falls over scree slopes till the camp site. It is usually quite cold here and good warm clothing is required. You have to walk for almost an hour on the never-ending grassland of the Chandertal Lake. Packed lunch en route, we follow the Chander river along a moraine trail to Tokpo Gongma (06 hrs). Dinner and overnight stay the camp. B, L, D DAY 05: TOKPO GONGMA - TOKPO YONGMA (4630m/4 - 5 hrs/ 10 km) After breakfast trek to Tokpo Yongma (4630m). This trek is maintained by the shepherds(Gaddi) who bring their flocks to graze in this area during the summer months. They are invaluable to trekkers, especially early in the season. Without them trekking in the area would be impossible. Early start to cross the river early in the morning as the river swells later in the day. From here 2 hours of trek to river Tokpo Yongma.. Packed lunch en route. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

DAY 06: TOKPO YONGMA - BARALACHA LA (4950m/ 7 km/ 3 - 4 hrs) SURAJTAL (4801m) After breakfast trek to Baralacha La which will be a 45 minutes climb of the three-hour trek. Follow a clear trail to the top of the Pass through lush green high altitude pastures. It is a double pass. It marks the divide between the Himalayan and Lahul Ranges and also between the Himalayan and the Baralacha Range extending to the North. We camp at Surajtal which is just below the Baralacha la. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

DAY 07: SURAJTAL- MANALI (184km / 6 - 7hrs) After an early morning breakfast drive to Manali (6 -7 hrs) At leisure visit Hadimba Devi Temple, old Manali and the Mall road. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel. DAY 08: MANALI DELHI Travel back to delhi after the morning breakfast.

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