Chobia Pass Trek

Trip Details

  • Trip Type: Trekking

  • Region: Lahaul & Chamba

  • Grade: Moderately Challenging

  • Duration: 07 days

  • Max Altitude: 4966m

  • Batch Dates: Custom Trips only

Chobia Pass Trek Overview

This enchanting trek takes you along the ancient trails of the Gaddis – the local shepherds – over high mountain passes from dry Lahaul valley into the beautiful and un-spoilt valley of Chamba. This pass, at almost 5000m, is a regular crossing for the shepherds but is seldom frequented by trekkers and makes for a great short adventure.

 

We start the trek deep in the Lahaul valley at Trilokinath, the sight of an ancient temple from the 7th Century, holy to both Hindus and Buddhists in the area. We start our trek along the Chandrabhaga river which eventually becomes the Chenab. We pass multiple serene orchards covered in crisp green grass and wildflowers to reach the higher rocky camps of the Lahaul valley. Make our way through the steep route to the pass over snow and rock to be rewarded by majestic views of the Manimahesh Kailash and the larger Pir Panjal Range. We make our way downhill through pristine orchards once again to reach the ancient capital of Chamba - Bharmour.

 

This trip can also be combined with the Minkiani Pass to crossover into the lush Kangra valley. The trek also takes you close to the Manimahesh Lake at foot of the 5656m Manimahesh Kailash peak, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.

Trip Cost

This is a custom departure tour and so please write to us for prices and more info on this trek. 

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Chobia Pass Trek Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Manali
Arrive in Manali in the morning and check into your hotel. Walk around town and orient yourself to your surroundings. Final gear check and prepare for the climb ahead. Overnight in a hotel.

 

Day 02: Manali – Trilokinath Temple (2591m)

Duration: 8 hours

We leave Manali early in the morning over the Rohtang Pass and pass Udaipur town to reach Trilokinath. Overnight at a guest house in Trilokinath.

 

Day 03: Trilokinath – Camp I (2950m)
Duration: 6 hours

Today’s trek involves a gradual ascent towards the first camp through alpine grazing meadows. We walk along the Chandrabhaga river to reach Bhagot - a small village and continue onward to reach our campsite in a meadow full of wildflowers.

 

Day 04: Camp I – Chobia Pass Base (4010m)
Duration: 6 hours

The trail changes from alpine wilderness to sparse vegetation. We continue over rocky terrain as one approaches our campsite at the base of the pass.

 

Day 05: Chobia Pass Base - Chobia Pass (4966m) – Alias (3020m)
Duration: 6 hours

The ascent to the Chobia Pass is steep. The trail climbs up through shrubs and over rocky terrain to give way to snow as we reach the pass. From the pass, view the expansive peaks of the  Pir Panjal Range and Zanskar Range in the distance. View Manimahesh Kailash up close and after spending some time at the pass descend through snow and moraine to reach Alias - another campsite in a meadow.

 

Day 06: Alias – Camp IV (2050m)
Duration: 6 hours

It’s a gradual walk along the Chobia River, which originates from the Chobia Glacier. The trail has abundant streams and you have to cross over log bridges quite a few times. The way is a little tricky as the trail is narrow and winding. The trail is full of boulders and one has to walk through moraine but as you walk down into the valley it gets easier.

 

Day 07: Camp IV - Bharmour
Duration: 2 hours

Chobia is the first village as you enter the valley of Manimahesh and Bharmour. The trail passes through thick forests of deodar, pine, oak and rhododendron. Our vehicles pick us up at Chobia and drive us to Bharmour town. Trip Ends!

  • Camping Tents, Kitchen tents, Sleeping bags (Holofill) and Carry mats.
  • Nutritious, high-calorie vegetarian food will be served for the whole trek.
  • Guide, cook and camp helpers.
  • Porters/ Horses to carry loads on the whole route.
  • Participants are not expected to carry any loads other than a small daypack with a camera, some trail layers and some trail food.
  • Two people will be accommodated in one tent.
  • Transport Manali hotel to Road Head and back.
  • Hotel accommodations in Manali & Trilokinath before the trek.
  • All expenses of personal nature like drinks, tips, telephone calls, mineral water etc.
  • Food in Manali
  • Accommodation in Bharmour on return.
  • Medical and evacuation expenses, we strongly recommend purchasing a suitable insurance cover.

Pack:
- Backpack 40 - 50 Lts with rain cover.This you will need in case you choose to offload your larger pack onto a horse/porter
- Day Pack 15 - 20 lts - You will use this to carry your camera, water bottle, Trail layers, trail food etc.
Footwear:
-Trekking Shoes: Please do not wear sports shoes as on most treks as we go higher it gets harder to use the sports shoes. We recommend shoes with a good hard sole and also ankle support preferable water proof. While we do not subscribe to any particular brand you can try the Quechua forclaz 100, 500 or 600.
Socks:
- 2 -3 pairs of cotton socks.
- 2 pairs of woolen socks ( these are ideal to sleep in and best to use when in camp. We do not recommend them while trekking).
Clothing:
- Pants: 3 pairs (including the ones you wear) - Ideal are the quick dry light weight synthetic pants. Alternatively track pants are also comfortable to trek in. We do not recommend you get Denims or Jeans as they get hard to trek in.
- Tshirts 3 pairs (including the ones you are wearing) - Preferable cotton t-shirts that are full sleeves. You can also choose to get T-shirts with collars, they offer extra protection for the neck from sun burns.
- Synthetic Fleece Jacket - 1 pair.
- Wind proof/ Water proof Jacket - 1 pair.
- Down filled / Hollow fiber fill insulated Jacket - 1 -pair ( optional - get this if you want to stay extra warm at camps.)
- Thermal liners - 1 pair upper and lower (optional).
Accessories:
- Raincoat/ Poncho - what ever you get make sure it is something that will cover your daypack and camera too.
- Warm Beanie - make sure it is something that covers your ears. You can also use buffs, scarfs etc in addition to your beanie.
- Gloves - Lightweight synthetic gloves made of Fleece or you can also use woollen gloves.
- Sun Cap- 1 no
- Sun Glasses with good UV protection.
Other necessary things that we recommend you get:
- Toiletries - Sunscreen SPF 40+, Moisturizer, Lip balm, Soap, Toilet paper.
- Repair Kit (needle and thread).
- Headlamp/ Torch.
- Camera.
- Water Bottle- Ideally keep two bottle 1 litre each.
- Trekking Pole - Optional.
- Plastic Packing covers. (Please pack all your gear in waterproof plastic bags so that your clothes etc do not get wet while on horses or porters. Also carry extra plastic bags in case you need to pack wet clothes.)