Chandratal Lake Trek

Chandratal or the moon Lake is situated in the Samudra Tapu plateau of the Spiti valley. The famous Chandra River, a stream of Chenab River, also originated from this lake. Chandratal is so beautiful that no other lake can be compared to it. Amazing Baralacha La connects the regions of Spiti, Ladakh, Zanskar and Lahaul. At a height of 4,890 meters, it is one of the highest motor able mountain pass. Covered with beautiful landscape, lush greenery on one side to barren terrain on another, The Chandratal lake trek will leave you spellbound.

We invite you to embark on the awesome journey to beautiful Chandratal lake that would render you speechless with its beauty. Camp along its bank and enjoy the cold clear streams or snow bridges. The trek will take you to famous Baralacha la peak passing through emerald green lush meadow, in the lap of nature. You’ll get to enjoy the scenic route of exotic mountains and visit the famous Rohtang pass.

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    TOUR ITINERARY

    An Enchanting Ride

    Day 1: Manali - Jobra - Chika

    The trekking expedition will start from Manali to Jobra by a vehicle. Before we’ll begin the trek, we allow the body to acclimatize as Manali is 6,726 feet above sea level. The way to Jobra is full of around 40 hairpin bends and takes around an hour to reach there. All the essential items for the trek like ration, kerosene, medicines, equipment etc are available at Jobra which is at an altitude of 9,800 feet.

     

    First day, we’ll reach height of 10,400 feet in 3-4 hours of trek time. The trek on foot will start from Allain Guhugal Hydel Project Junction. After crossing the main road, we’ll pass through small paths surrounded by pine, maple, deodar, toss and oak trees. The sight of slope, which is moderately steep, is refreshing and you get to see sheeps and cows grazing in the lush green meadows.

     

    The Rani Nallah that flows just in the middle of meadows gives it a look of just out of a storybook setting. Either by passing the meadow or climbing up the hill on the left hand side, we’ll reach Chika. The tents will be erected at the campsite of Chika for the night.

    Day 2: Chika - Balu ka Gera

    The next destination, Balu ka Gera, is on the right side, though it is not clearly visible from the Chika camp site. We will follow the left bank of the river that would lead to slope of boulders and rough terrain, but the path in itself is an easy one and can be done easily. You’ll get to see stretch of dwarf Rhododendron trees along the river’s bank that covers the lower and middle region.

     

    The upper region is covered by Silver Berch trees and from there just by looking back you’ll get to see the entire range of Dhauladhar, picturesque snow clad peaks. From here, you’ll reach a clear stream waterfall where you can fill your water bottles for the journey ahead. Moving onwards, you’ll be crossing the river either by jumping from one rock to another or by just walking in the stream. By the time we will reach Jawra, approximately half of the day’s trek should be done.

     

    Jawra is a scenic place with beautiful mountains on one side and a valley on the other. Behind those mountains is the Hampta Pass. From here, the trail would take you to another rectangular valley where the path is covered with multi coloured flowers. The lines of trees will start vanishing and after about half an hour you are out of Jawra and moving towards a rocky snow covered path.

     

    The end of path is Balu ka Gera, a little ironic, as you’ll see snow and greenery instead of mound of sand. It is a flat ground amidst the mountains, which is 11.900 feet from sea level, which you’ll be crossing the next day.

    Day 3: Balu ka Gera - Hampta Pass - Shea Goru

    The day will have approx 9 hours of trek time. The journey can be divided into two, first a steady ascent on moderate steep slope of hampta pass and then a sharp descent to Sia Goru. We’ll start the trail by heading towards the mountains amidst beautiful tiny yellow and orange flowers, further down the base of river side and then the actual climb to Hampta Pass begins.

     

    We’ll reach there in an hour and after another hour we’ll reach the first plateau. Here, you’ll see the Deo Tiba Peak. After reaching the second plateau, you’ll reach a ridge and then after half an hour the second ridge. Hampta Pass is just a few meters and a bend away from the second ridge.

     

    The Hampta Pass climb is a straight and tough one. By the time you’ll reach there you’ll be very tired for sure, but you’ll find it worthwhile when you’ll see the stunning view. After some rest and soaking in the natural beauty, lunch will be served and then downward trek to Shea Goru will start.

     

    It’s a little tricky journey as you’ll not be able to locate the base even after cramming your neck. Hence we’ll be using ropes for the support and slide down. You can spot Spiti from here. In around an hour and a half we’ll reach Shea Goru and the tents will be put up by river side for the night.

    Day 4: Shea Goru - Chatru - Chandertal

    We’ll cover the downhill trek of approx 5 hours from Shea Goru to Chatru. Though it’s a gentle trek, which once again is by the river side and in the midst of mountain ranges, we’ll have to be careful as the route is slippery sometimes and may lead you to edges of mountains and ridges. Being surefooted and navigating carefully is the key to enjoy the trek.

     

    After another couple of hours you’ll notice Chandra River flowing down and a road adjacent to it. After crossing two glaciers, you’ll reach Chatru which is in the middle of three passes, Hampta, Rohtang and Spiti.

     

    You will travel for another two hours to reach Chandratal camping site that offers interesting view of the place.

    A Wonderful Experience Awaits!

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