TRIP FACTS
Region: Lahaul & Spiti Valley.
Duration: 6 Days.
Season: July to September.
Grade: Easy to Moderate.
Group Size : 15 Persons.
Maximum Altitude: 4890m.
Passes: Rohtang La (3978m) , Kunzum La (4551m) & Baralacha La (4890m).
Accommodations: 5 Nights In Camp.
Activities: 4 Days Hiking & 2 Days Drive.
Meals: 5 Breakfasts / 6 Pack-lunch / 5 Dinners.
Trip Begin: Manali.
Trip End: Manali.
INTRODUCTION
The trek takes one from the lush green valleys and forests of Kullu Valley to the barren land of Spiti and then then suddenly to the most beautiful lake of Moon ‘The Chandratal Lake’ where one gets naturally rejuvenated. Chandrataal (4270m) takes your breath away. Baralacha Pass is a high mountain pass in the Zanskar Range and connects Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. Baralacha La means “a pass where many roads meet.” It is situated at 4890 m ( 16, 040 ft ). It is a high plateau with three different mountain ranges- the Great Himalayas, Pir Panjal and Zanskar, which meet at an altitude of over 16, 000 feet. The Bhaga river, a tributary of the Chandrabhaga river, is located a few kilometers away from the pass and originated from the Surya Taal. Chandra, another tributary of Chandrabagha, also originated from a glacier in the region. The pass acts as a natural divide between the rivers Yunam and Bhaga. With the evening sun shimmering on its turquoise waters you realize that the trek is really worth it. The trek ends on top of the Baralacha Glacier, which marks the highest point of the trek. Baralacha La is the origin of the Bhaga River, it is also the last mountain pass of Himachal towards Ladakh, it the gateway to enter in Zanskar by trekking.
HOW TO REACH MANALI
The nearest airport serving this beautiful hill station is situated at Bhuntar. Known as Kullu Manali Airport, it is at a distance of approximately 60 from Manali.
The road instead since there are some spellbinding picturesque views en route to be enjoyed. The destination has a good connectivity by road with cities like Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh and Shimla serving as pivotal points. A number of bus services including private services like the very comfortable Volvo ply frequently from Delhi to Manali.
The closest railway station is Chandigarh (315 km) or Pathankot (290 km). You can make your travel bookings till either of these two cities and then take a prepaid bus or a cab till Manali.
- Trail is full adventure of River Crossing Challenge.
- Meet Gaddi shepherds in high meadows.
- The trail from Kunzum la to Chandrataal Lake is more scenic and panoramic.
- High altitude trek surrounded with glaciers and high mountains.
- Crossing 7 kms long Baralacha la the source of Chenab & Tsarap River.
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Drive to starting point & after the Trek is Scenic.
DAY 01 - DRIVE TO BATAL (3960M) 100 KM. / 5 To DRIVE 6 HOURS.
We travel by Jeep from Manali over the Rohtang Pass (3978 m) and reach Batal, a small place in the remote Lahaul Valley with only two Dabha.Get used to the high altitude of the dry and cold mountain dessert with its awesome high snow covered mountains.
: Pack Lunch & Dinner
: Camp.
DAY 02 - DRIVE FROM BATAL TO KUNZUM PASS (4551M) 1 HOURS. & TREK TO CHANDRATAAL LAKE 3 - 4 HOURS TREK.
We drive towards Kunzum la following small stream, which originated above pass. Arriving at pass has a glimpse of Spiti valley, which runs 170 kms towards south. We take a path, which goes to Lake 8 km; approach large meadows - a favorite area with a multitude of shepherd’s huts. Passing and crossing a long stretch of stony ground and small stream arrive at the lake. Across Chandra river most fascinating sight of Samudra Tapu glacier, North Dakka glacier, South Dakka glacier and Silver glacier. Above the glaciers towering mighty peaks of Moulkila and C.B. peaks. Leaving Kunzum we trek to Chandrataal which is 8 kms long and has a wide panoramic view of Chandra Bhaga peaks all around. Camp after Chandrataal.
: Breakfast,Pack Lunch & Dinner.
: Camp.
DAY 03 - CHANDRATAAL TO TOKPO GANGMO (4320 M) 5 HOURS.
After a moderate trek with good views of mountain peaks and glaciers, we end on the river Topka Gangmo. In Tibetan Topka means river and Gongma means big.
: Breakfast,Pack Lunch & Dinner.
: Camp.
DAY 04 - TOPKO GANGMO TO TOPKO YANGMO (4640M) 5 HOURS.
The trek today involves an early morning river crossing, since the water level is low in the morning. We reach the next river in the afternoon. Nice View of the C.B. Range, Mulkilla Range and of the Dhaka Glacier.
: Breakfast,Pack Lunch & Dinner.
: Camp.
DAY 05 - TOPKO YANGMO TO BARALACHA LA (4890 M) 5 TO 6 HOURS TREK.
Baralacha is an interesting 8 km long pass and gives rise to three rivers: Chandra, Bhaga and Yunam. Baralacha means “pass with cross roads on summit”. Roads from Zanskar, Ladakh, Spiti and Lahaul meet on top of that pass. It is the highest point of the trek.
: Breakfast, Pack Lunch & Dinner.
: Camp.
DAY 06 - BARALACHA LA TO ZINGZINGBAR (18 KM) TO MANALI BY JEEP (167 KM) DRIVE 6 HOURS.
We trek via Suraj Lake, source of Bhaga River, descend along Bhaga River and reach Zingzingbar (4270 m). From there we take a jeep to Manali.
: Breakfast,Pack Lunch .
: No
What is included in the tour
- The services of an educated Himalayan Yeti Adventure representative or escort / guide, well versed with native flora/fauna, topography & culture during the entire trek program.
- During the trek, all camping logistics and mules / porters/ to carry luggage. Participants will be required to carry only their day sacks with their daily essentials etc.
- Camping on twin sharing basis in 2-man tents, with foam mattresses, sleeping bags and kitchen tent, toilet tent etc.
- One Cook and camp helper/s with all necessary kitchen items, utensils etc.
- All transportation as per the itinerary, inclusive of transfers to the roadhead before the trek and transfer from the roadhead to Manali, after the conclusion of the trek.
- Boiled drinking water during the trek and warm water for personal ablutions in the morning.
- All meals during the trek program.
- Wildlife / environmental Permits and Levies, wherever required.
- All camping charges.
- Trek Briefing / debriefing & guides charges.
- Charges for following the global ‘Leave No Trace’ protocol.
- Insurance of the trekking staff
- Good medical / first aid kit with Oxygen Cylinders.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Any accidental, travel or medical insurance. It is advisable for the participants to get themselves comprehensively insured before the tour.
- Any expenses of a personal nature.
- Any and all evacuation charges (medical or otherwise), or hospitalization or physicians consultation charges. Your own insurance policy should also, ideally, cover this.
Insulated, waterproof boots are best. They have thick soles, rubber/leather uppers and insulation. Flip Flops/ Crocs.
Wool or synthetic socks with wicking liners promote warm, dry feet. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves)
Layer your clothing so it can be adjusted to your activity level and the weather. Avoid cotton.
Base layer: Synthetics and wool retain warmth even when wet. Wear long underwears (top and bottem) that wicks away moisture, insulates well and dries quickly. Choose from microlight, lightweight or midweight versions based on the temperature and your activity level. A zippered top lets you adjust body heat as you stop and go. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves, easily available in Decathlon Stores)
Upper Insulating layer: Polyester fleece makes a good insulating mid-layer since it retains heat when wet and breathes as you exercise.
Outer layer: A waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants keep you dry and fend off wind.
Down feather jacket: - Can be used while relaxing or walking outside in the camp area.
Hat, Gloves and Accessories.
Keep your head and hands covered to prevent loss of body heat and to protect from sunburn.
A wool or synthetic hat, headband or balaclava retains heat; a wide-brimmed hat or a ball cap can shade your eyes on sunny days.
Sunglasses and sunscreen will protect you from burning UV rays which are especially intense when reflected off of snow.
COTTON SCARF good for dust and to protect neck from sunburn ,WATER BOTTLE, HYDRATION BAG.
Head Lamp & spare batteries.
CAMERA dustproof cover and spare batteries and memory card, GOPRO IS JUST GREAT.
MONEY BELT or secure portion of bag.
PERSONAL TOILETRIES including lip cream, hand wash (alcohol-based), sunscreen and TOWEL.
PENKNIFE , JOURNAL, SKETCH PAD, PLAYING CARDS, BOOK, READING LIGHT, SEWING KIT, etc.
Small PADLOCK for stored bag.
Trekking Day Bag upto 65 to 85 Ltr.
If you cancel 15 days before the trip begins Himalayan Yeti Adventure will retain 20% of the trip cost.
If you cancel 7 days before the trip begins, Himalayan Yeti Adventure will retain 30% of the trip cost.
If you cancel less than 7 days before the trip begins, or, are not present when the trip begins, there will be no-refund
No refund will be payable to any client who voluntarily leaves a trip en-route.
