With the opening of the road from Manali to Leh, new areas for trekking have become accessible. One of the most fascinating is the Lahoul Valley, drained by the mighty Chandra and Bhaga rivers. Both originate from the 16,000 ft (4,890 m) Baralacha La pass in opposite directions and later join to form the Chenab, one of the largest tributaries of the Indus. This trek explores the upper reaches of the Chandra River, reaching its source at Baralacha La along the Manali-Leh highway. The highlight is Chandra Tal or Moon Lake, set amidst the towering peaks and barren beauty of Lahaul.
Season: Mid July to Mid September
Total Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days
Trekking Days: 06 Days
Special Features: Lake and Pass
Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate
Max Altitude: Approx. 4,891 m
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi by international flight. After a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome), our representative will assist you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. After rest, enjoy breakfast at the hotel coffee shop. A guided tour of Delhi follows, including Red Fort (1648), Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat, India Gate, President's House, Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple, and Qutub Minar. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi - Nalagarh (300 km / 6 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Nalagarh, stopping en route for lunch at a tourism restaurant (self-paid). If time allows, visit Chandigarh's Rock Garden, Pinjore Garden, and Sukhna Lake. Continue to Nalagarh Fort. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Nalagarh, capital of the Kingdom of Hindur, was founded by Raja Ajai Chand in 1100 A.D. Ruled by the Chandela Rajputs from Chanderi, it is the gateway to Himachal Pradesh. The fort, built in 1421 by Raja Bikram Chand, sits atop a hillock at the foothills.
Day 03: Nalagarh - Manali (245 km / 6 hrs)
After breakfast, depart Nalagarh at 08:00 hrs for Manali, arriving by 14:00 hrs. Explore adjoining forests with blooming mountain flowers. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and scenic views of pine-covered slopes, the Beas River, and panoramic mountains. Visit Naggar Castle, Roerich Art Gallery, Hadimba Devi Temple, and Tibetan Monastery. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Mayflower.
Day 04: Manali - Khanol (16 km)
After breakfast, travel by jeep up to Jagatsukh with packed lunch, then begin the trek along the Jagatsukh Nallah through green forests, reaching Khanol (2,200 m). The Manali valley is visible below, with Deo Tibba mountain to the east. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 05: Khanol - Chhika (8 km)
After breakfast, trek 3-4 km through steep forest, then continue across an alpine plateau with wildflowers to Chhika (3,350 m). Packed lunch en route. Chhika is ideal for rock climbing. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 06: Chhika - Tenta (10 km)
After breakfast, trek along the right bank of Jagatsukh Nallah through Seri meadow, a former glacial lake carpeted with herbs and alpine flowers. Deo Tibba (6,001 m) appears dramatically along the way. Reach Tenta (4,180 m). Dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 07: Tenta - Chandertal - Tenta (10 km)
After breakfast, undertake a same-day trek to the emerald blue Chandertal Lake (4,480 m) at the base of Deo Tibba. Packed lunch near the lake. Flora enthusiasts will enjoy identifying hundreds of alpine flowers. Dinner and overnight in tents. Optional: extend stay for one more night.
Day 08: Tenta - Bhanara (10 km)
After breakfast, descend to Bhanara village with packed lunch. Explore nearby areas and view the Shringtengu mountain range. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 09: Bhanara - Jagatsukh - Manali (25 km)
After breakfast, trek to Jagatsukh village with lunch en route. Visit local temples and the historic Arjun Gufa cave. From Jagatsukh, travel by car or jeep to Manali. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 10: Manali - Delhi (570 km / 12-13 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel and leisure time. Explore the city before departing for Delhi at 18:00 hrs. Dinner en route. Overnight journey.
Day 11: Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi at 06:30 hrs. Transfer to hotel. Breakfast followed by leisure time. Evening Light and Sound show at Red Fort. Farewell dinner and overnight stay.
Day 12: Depart Delhi
Tour concludes. Thank you for your patronage. Punctual transfer to the international airport for onward travel.
