Trekking > Chandratal Trek

Chandratal Trek                                                                                                    

The trek to Chandratal the " Moon Lake" is almost like going to the moon. You almost feel like the first explorers going to a new place for the first time. The landscape and the scenery change ever so quickly with each sighting bettering the one before. This is till you reach the lake! The world comes to a stand still here. Staring at you is this turquoise crescent of water surrounded by the Chandrabhaga & Mulkila Massifs. The lake seems to hypnotise you with its various hues and is like a nymph left alone in this great Himalayan setting of towering mountains.

This moderately difficult trek is also provides one with an opportunity to get to as high of 4800 m without too much difficulty.

Season: July - Mid October Max Altitude: 4950 mts No. 0f Days:  11 Trek Grade : M

Day 0: DELHI - MANALI
At 1800 hrs depart from Delhi for Manali (560 km, 12-14 hrs).

Day 1: MANALI (1896 M/6200 FT)
Arrival in Manali by 0900 hrs. Check into the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for relaxing & sightseeing. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 2: MANALI - KEYLONG (3348 M/11000 FT)
Morning after breakfast drive to Keylong (115 km/4 - 5 hrs approx) via Rohtang pass (3980 M) for acclimatisation purpose. Go on short hikes around Keylong. Keylong is the capital town of Lahaul and has numerous cultivated fields bordered with willow and poplar trees, in-between the surrounding barren landscape. Overnight in tents.

Day 3: KEYLONG - BATAL (3950 M / 13000 FT)
We will drive to Batal from Keylong in the morning. Arrive in Batal for lunch. We will go on an acclimatising hike from here. Return to the camp in the evening. Overnight in tents.

Day 4: BATAL - CHANDRA TAL(4250 m / 14000 FT)
Today we will trek 18 kms 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). Overnight in tents.

Day 5: CHANDRA TAL (4250 M/14000 FT)
This day belongs to you, 'Do Your Own Thing'. Go on an exploratory hike, swim in the chilled waters of the lake, or just chill at the campsite. Overnight in tents.

Day 6: CHANDRA TAL - TOKPO YONGMA(4350 M/14300 FT)
Today's trek is of 15 km and will take us about 6-7 hrs. Overnight in tents..

Day 7: TOKPO YONGMA - TOKPO GONGMA (4650 M/15250 FT)
We will trek 15 kms on this day and the time taken will depend on how long it takes to cross Tokpo Yongma (Lower River) and one more stream. We might have to use ropes for crossing the streams. Overnight in tents.

Day 8: TOKPO GONGMA - BARALACHA (4950 M/16236 FT) - JISPA (3348 M/11000 FT)
We start the day by crossing Tokpo Gongma (upper river). On this day we will have to hike for 12 km to reach Baralacha La. Baralacha La (4950 M) 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. From here drive to Jispa, a beautiful hamlet by the river Bhaga. Overnight in tents.

Day 9: JISPA - MANALI
After breakfast drive to Manali (147 km, 4-5 hrs). Evening at leisure.

Day 10: MANALI - DELHI
Morning and afternoon at leisure. We will depart for Delhi by 1800 hrs..

Day 11:
Arrival in Delhi by 0800 hrs. TRIP ENDS HERE.