Baralacha Chandratal trek

An extremely pleasant walk with gradual ascents and descents through some of the most magnificent scenery witnessed in the ‘Lahaul – Spiti’ region. From ‘Batal’‚ we cross the road bridge over the ‘Chandra River’ and head up the road leading to the ‘Kun Zum La’. The trail to ‘Chandra Tal’ cuts away from the river valley and gradually ascends‚ through boulder fields at first‚ before meeting the stream coming from the lake. Follow the ‘Gaddi trails’ around to the side of the lake and finally camp for the night near the lake appreciating the spectacular beauty and spending a relaxed evening after the rewarding walk. The first sight of Chandrataal Lake takes ones breath away‚ with its shores ringed with meadows carpeted with hundreds of varieties of alpine flowers.

This is a gradual walk as the trail rises and falls several times, but mostly stays beside the river. Approaching Tokpoyongma, the trail ascends from the mountainside and crosses a stream. Barren slopes and playful streams rush by as we mark our ascent to a stop in our destination. Tokpo Yongmo is the last large stream we will cross today. We will cross it from a suitable point and camp for the night after crossing the river. We later retire for the night in our tented camp.

Today again‚ another river crossing is involved, so an early start is advisable. Mules don’t take this route, as they will find it difficult to negotiate the steep ascent that starts immediately after the streams. Frosty peaks of the Chandrabhaga range add a scenic touch to the landscape. The trail then ascends steeply across the rock face and up a hill to the campsite. The scenery is quite barren in a beautiful kind of way and by evening the campsite is reached‚ where we would rest in tented camps.

A five hour climb leads up to the ‘Baralacha –La’. The name of the pass literally means a summit with crossroads meeting on the top. Roads from ‘Ladakh & Spiti’ meet here and from atop the pass we can witness superb views of the mighty Western Himalayan peaks on the way to the campsite. After having undertaken a pleasant walk through some of the most magnificent mountain capes‚ we reach the middle of the great Himalayas. The Jeep would pick us up from ‘Baralacha la’ and we would drive to ‘Keylong’ through ‘Lahaul’ and spend the night in the hotel.

After breakfast one can visit monasteries nearby and depart for Manali by reserved vehicle. On the way you ll get a magnificent view of Hanuman Tibba peak. If you still want some thrills and adventure then visit to Solang valley for Adventure sports activities like paragliding, zorbing, and many more. Arrive at Manali by late afternoon. Take some time out for a stroll around at the local market or one can opt for leisurely individual activities and then depart for Delhi by evening bus and goodbye to your trek mates. Baralacha Chandratal trek ends here.