Hampta Pass and Baralacha La Trek
Chandratal literally translated to the ' lake of the Moon ', this magical lake lies between Rohtang Pass and Kunzam Pass at an altitude of 4300m. The journey begins with a drive from manali to Chandra Tal, where we start our trek. Here we camp on the shores of the lake.
First day hike, we come across a huge river island, best known as 'Samudra Tapu', which turns into a gigantic ice block during winters. This day we camp near the Gangmo river.
Second day waking up early and starting the climb by 7:00 AM is the first task of the day. It begins this early as we need to reach to a considerably far-reaching stream, 'Topko Yangmo(4640m)' before noon as later, the glaciers melt and the climb reaches new difficulties.
Third day is neither challenging nor tiring. The beauty of the place is on the west, where lies the enormous Baralacha-la glacier. It is a source of Chandra river. After six hours of hike on this day, we reach the Bara-lacha la pass at 4890m. This place is rich in wildlife and one can be lucky to see exotic animals such as Black redstart bird, Sand lark, Snow pigeons, coughs, lammergeyer, so on and so forth.
This trek is one of the most popular alpine treks in Himachal Pradesh. It lies on the Leh - Manali highway.
Duration : 10 days
Grade : Moderate/difficult
Max. Altitude: 4830m
Best Season : May to October
Itinerary
Day 01: Manali(2050m) to Chikka(3300m) – (5-6hrs)
Day 02: Chikka to Balu Ka Gera(3770m) – (5hrs)
Day 03: Balu Ka Gera to Shiya Goru() over Hampta Pass(4268m) – (6-7hrs)
Day 04: Shiya Goru to Chattru(3560m) – (4hrs)
Day 05: Chattru to Chandratal (4270m) – (4-5hrs)
Day 06: Chandratal to Topko Gangmo(4320m) – (5hrs)
Day 07: Topko Gangmo to Topko Yangmo(4640m) – (5-6hrs)
Day 08: Topko Yangmo to Baralacha La(4830m) – (5-6hrs.)
Day 09: Baralacha La to Keylong(3350m) – (72kms) – (3-4hrs)
Day 10: Keylong to Manali – (115kms) – (6hrs)
For detailed Itinerary or more info, please contact us at himroversmanali@gmail.com