BATAL - CHANDERTAL - BARALACHA LA


One of the most scenic high altitude treks in Himachal Pradesh, it takes one to the crystal clear waters of Chandertal and then through the high passes of Baralacha-La. Culturally, it's the threshold to the mystical Buddhism practiced in Spiti, Lahaul, Ladakh and Tibet. The barren landscape in the upper regions and the green valleys below, make the trail awe-inspiring and one of the must-experience ones in this part of the Himalayas.

SEASON: July to Mid September

MAX. ALTITUDE: 4830m

NUMBER OF DAYS: 6 days

HIGH PASSES: Rohtang Pass and Baralacha La

TREK GRADIENT: Moderately challenging

Day 01: The participants arrive in Manali.

Day 02: Manali - Batal (3960m) by jeep
Duration: 5 hours

The first day's drive takes one through Rohtang Pass (3970m), which is 51km from Manali on the high way to Keylong and Leh. At the start of the climb to Rohtang Pass, are the beautiful Rahla waterfalls. From the top of the Pass, one can look down over the herringboned ridges into the Lahaul valley. A few kilometers away from the Pass is the Sonapani glacier and slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Gepan. The road descends from the Pass to the Lahaul valley at Grampoo. After that starts the safari up to the Batal campsite through the rugged Chandra river valley. Batal is situated at the foot of the Kunzum La (4551m). On the way is the Bara Shigri glacier. "Bara" meaning big and "Shigri" meaning glacier in Spitian dialect. At Batal pack ponies will be waiting to join the trek.

Day 03: Batal - Chandertal (4270m)
Duration: 4 hours

The trail starts off as a pleasant walk along the pastures bordering Chandra River. The path then leads over the rubble-strewn plateau, crosses a small stream and continues traversing the slope. The track is almost level, with a few ups and downs up to Chadertal. This high altitude lake is a majestic sight, surrounded as it is by the mighty Himalayan peaks. A vast flowerbed meadow is the camping site on the banks of the lake.

Day 04: Chandertal - Tokpoyongma (4320m)
Duration: 7 hours

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. A little before the campsite, a river has to be negotiated.

Day 05: Tokpoyongma - Tokpogongma (4640m)
Duration: 5 hours

The next day starts early to facilitate crossing a two mountain streams before the water level rises during the day. Mules don't take this route, as they will find it difficult to negotiate the steep ascent that starts immediately after the streams. The track then ascends steeply across the rock face and up a hill to the campsite.

Day 06: Tokpogongma - Baralacha-La (4833m)
Duration: 6 hours

The day starts off with a half-hour steep ascent to the top of the ridge. After that, the trail proceeds through a boulder field with great views of the Koa Range peaks to the Southwest. Before reaching Baralacha-La one has to cross a stream. In ancient times, Baralacha-La was an important part of the trade route as roads from Spiti, Ladakh, Zanskar and Lahaul meet here. On the Northwest lies the Bhaga River while the Chandra flows to the Southeast. Near Baralacha-La is the beautiful emerald lake, Suraj Tal, the source of the Bhaga River. From Baralacha-La, a jeep will take the team to Manali, arriving late in the evening.

Know more
Terms and conditions to sign up for a trek
Risk Management on treks

Have more questions about what you need to carry, how to get to the roadhead etc? Check out our FAQ section

More Treks >>