Itinerary

Day 1

DAY 01 SOLANG VALLEY CAMP RETREAT - PANDUROPA
The steepest part of the trail takes about 2 hours to negotiate, passing through apple orchards and forests of blue pine, cedar, oak, fir and chestnut. An interesting legend surrounds the villages of Chhalet, Hampta and Ghoratbari, through which we pass - it is said that they lie on the route to heaven and when people die, their souls have to pass these villages. The sound of a trumpet is said to be heard should a soul pass to heaven, and sobbing should a soul be condemned to hell. A further two hours brings us to our camp at Panduropa (2700m) and we settle in for our first night outdoors.

Day 2

DAY 02 PANDUROPA - JUARA
The path to Juara is through the tiny village of Chhika, where the Alain Nullah River flows from the Hamta Pass. We journey into spectacular country just below the Hamta Pass, on a grassy bank sloping down from the cliffs. Five hours steady walking brings us to Juara (3530m), where our campsite is simply magical - the nearness of the Tokru-Shakru peaks is palpable and the brilliant mountain light at dusk bouncing off the rocky mountainside is stunning.

Day 3

DAY 03 JUARA - SHEA GAURU
Today is a long day of seven hours - we begin our ascent up to Hamta Pass at 4275m, stopping to appreciate the close views of Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks. A long descent follows, the trail taking us right to the campsite at Shea Gahru (3200m). In the local dialect, "Shea Gahru" means "a very cold place" - it is adjacent to the source of a glacier. During summer, it's a cool grazing pasture and halting place for shepherds on the way to the Lahaul Valley.

Day 4

DAY 04 SHEA GAURU - CHHATRU
This three hour walk is quite easy, a welcome relief after the hard walk across Hamta pass. We follow the river up to a rock-field, a difficult section during the monsoon season. The river is folded at a point from where you can see right across the beautiful valleys of Lahaul and Spiti. The enormous mountains of the Pir Panjal and Spiti ranges dominate the entire landscape until we reach the campsite at Chhatru (3360m). Chhatru is a confluence point of trekking routes from Rohtang Pass, Hamta Pass and Spiti, and is a pleasant place to camp, meeting other trekkers on different expeditions.

Day 5

DAY 05 CHHATRU - CHHOTA DRARA
Today sees the trail winding through a narrow valley as the terrain becomes gradually more rugged, and the colours more stark. The gushing of the River Chandra is our constant companion and becomes a roar as it rushed to join the Bhaga at Tandi near Keylong. We reach Chhota Dhara (3760m) after five hours, and settle down to enjoy the changed landscape of our surroundings.

Day 6

DAY 06 CHHOTA DRARA - BATAL
The trail finds its feet on the unmetalled road to Batal, reaching the confluence of the paths to Chantertal and the Kunzam-La pass into the Spiti Valley. Breath-taking glimpses of the majestic Bara Shigri glacier and White Sail Peak are a photographers' reverie. We reach Batal (3990m) after a steady six hours' walking and relax in the camp.

Day 7

DAY 07 BATAL - CHANDRATAL LAKE
Eight hours' trekking begins on a pleasant route along the alpine meadows that embrace the Chandra River. The path then leads over the rocky plateau, crossing a small stream and traversing the incline. From here, the track is a series of gentle ups and downs until we reach Chandratal Lake, or Moon Lake (4270m). This high altitude lake is a majestic sight, surrounded as it is by the mighty Himalayan peaks. A vast meadow of flowers is the location of the camp site, positioned on the banks of the lake.

Day 8

DAY 8 CHANDRATAL LAKE
We spend the whole day at leisure at Chandratal Lake, resting and simply enjoying the unrivalled beauty and peace of the surroundings, complete in their remoteness and splendour. OPTIONAL : BACK TO SOLANG VALLEY CAMP RETREAT BY JEEP ON DAY 09.

Day 9

DAY 9 CHANDRATAL LAKE - TOKPO YONGMA
We set off again, following the Chandra River as the trail rises and falls several times. As we approach Tokpo Yongma (4320m), the trail ascends from the mountainside and crosses a stream. Nearing the camp site, we ford a river in a beautifully scenic location, and reach camp at Tokpo Yongma after a total of seven hours walking.

Day 10

DAY 10 TOKPO YONGMA - TOKPO GONGMA
We make an early start today, crossing two gushing mountain tributaries before beginning a steep ascent across the rock-face. From here, its an uphill walk to the camp site at Tokpo Gongma (4640m), which we reach in around five hours

Day 11

DAY 11 TOKPO GONGMA - BARA LACHA LA
The day starts off with a steep ascent to the top of the ridge above Tokpa Gongma, which takes around half and hour. The trail then negotiates a rock-field offering the most fantastic views of the Koa Range peaks to the southwest. We cross another mountain stream before reaching Baralacha-La (4891m) after five hours challenging walking. In times gone by, the twin passes of Baralacha-La were an important spot on the trade route, as roads from Spiti, Ladakh, Zanskar and Lahul all meet here. On the north-west side lies the Bhaga River, while the Chandra flows to the south-east. Nearby to our campsite at Baralacha-La is the beautiful emerald lake, Suraj Tal, and the source of the Bhaga River. We stop here for our last night in the mountains, reminiscing on our achievements

Day 12

DAY 12 BARA LACHA LA - MANALI or LEH
Today we set off by road, either to Manali (170 kms away), or to Leh (300 kms away). On arrival, we settle into your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Includes : Porters, Mules, Trekking Guides, English Speaking Escort, All Meals, Accommodation In trekking tents & private transportation back to Manali.

Exclusions -

Any other items not specified in inclusives

Extras -

Package Cost per person for a minimum of 6 pax:
9 days : RS 13000
12 days:RS 18000

Includes :
Porters, Mules, Trekking Guides, English Speaking Escort, All Meals, Accommodation In trekking tents & private transportation back to Manali.