Chandratal Baralacha Trek
6 Days
40 Km
16,140 ft
18+
Difficult
The Chandratal Baralacha Trek is a breathtaking high-altitude trek in Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, known for its surreal landscapes and remote Himalayan beauty. Starting from Chandratal Lake (14,100 ft)—a stunning crescent-shaped glacial lake—the trek takes you through rugged terrains, vast meadows, and snow-covered passes, eventually reaching the Baralacha La Pass (16,040 ft). This trail, part of the ancient trade route between Spiti and Ladakh, offers a raw and untamed experience of the cold desert region, making it a dream trek for adventure lovers and photographers.
Highlights
- Pristine Chandratal Lake – Witness the mesmerizing ‘Moon Lake’, famous for its changing colors and stunning reflections of the Himalayas.
- High-Altitude Adventure – Trek through some of the highest and most scenic passes, reaching up to 16,040 ft at Baralacha La.
- Remote Himalayan Beauty – Experience the barren yet enchanting landscapes of Lahaul and Spiti, with snow-clad peaks, glaciers, and vast meadows.
- A Trek for True Explorers – A relatively less crowded trek, offering solitude and an untouched Himalayan experience.
- Rich Cultural & Spiritual Significance – Connect with the Buddhist influence of Spiti and experience the region's spiritual serenity.
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Chandratal Baralacha Trek
Complete Trek Information
The best time to do the Chandratal Baralacha Trek is from June to September, when the snow clears, and the roads to Spiti and Lahaul are accessible. During this period, Chandratal Lake melts completely, revealing its iconic blue-green hues and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. The trek is not possible in winter due to extreme snowfall and harsh conditions, making the summer and early autumn months the ideal window for this adventure.
By Road:
Manali is conveniently connected to Delhi by road, making it one of the most popular routes for travelers. You can take an overnight bus from Delhi's ISBT (Interstate Bus Terminal), Kashmiri Gate, or from Majnu-ka-Tila. The journey typically takes around 12-14 hours, offering a comfortable ride with scenic views of the mountains and rivers along the way. Private taxis and car rentals are also available for those preferring a more flexible travel option, allowing you to stop and explore the picturesque landscapes en route.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar, located approximately 163 kilometers away. From Joginder Nagar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Manali, which takes about 5-6 hours. The train journey itself is scenic, passing through the lush greenery of the Kangra Valley and offering stunning views of the Dhauladhar range. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
By Air:
The closest airport to Manali is the Kullu Manali Airport in Bhuntar, situated around 50 kilometers away. Flights to Bhuntar are available from major Indian cities, and upon arrival, you can hire a taxi to reach Manali. The taxi fare typically ranges between Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,000. The drive from Bhuntar to Manali is picturesque, winding through the Kullu Valley with spectacular views of the Beas River and surrounding hills.
Pack smart, trek safe!
Ensure you're prepared for every adventure with this essential checklist of gear and supplies. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trekker, the right equipment makes all the difference. Download checklist's pdf here
Basic Gear
| Backpack with Rain Cover | (40 - 50 ltr) Comfortable Shoulder Straps |
| Day pack with Rain Cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If off-load opted) |
| Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
| Water Bottle / Hydration pack | 2 Bottles(1 liter each), Hydration Pack 1 (Pack) + Bottle |
| Small size tiffin/lunch box | 1 Nos |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
| Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Clothing
| T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Full & 1 Half sleeves |
| Fleece T-shirt | 1 Nos |
| Wind stopper / Fleece jacket | 1 Nos |
| Windproof Jacket | 1 Nos |
| Down feather / Hollow jacket | 1 Nos |
| Thermal inner (Upper and Lower) | 1 Nos |
| Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Nos |
| Wind stopper / Fleece Pant | Not required |
| Waterproof gloves | Not required |
| Fleece / woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
| Poncho / waterproof Jacket and pant | 1 Nos |
Head Gears
| Head torch | 1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
| Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
| Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
| Balaclava | Not required |
| Buff / Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos |
| Sunglasses | UV with dark side cover, People who wear spectacles - (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses |
Foot Gears
| Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
| Floaters / flip-flops | 1 Pair |
| Cotton socks | 6 pairs |
| Woollen socks | 1 pairs |
| Gaiters | 1 Pair (TTH provides when required) |
| Micro spikes | 1 Pair (TTH provides when required) |
Personal Utilities
| Sunscreen cream | 1 Nos |
| Moisturiser | 1 Nos |
| Chap-stick / Lip balm | 1 Nos |
| Toothbrush and toothpaste | 1 Nos |
| Toilet paper & Wipes | 1 Nos |
| Soap / hand sanitizers | 1 Nos |
| Antibacterial powder | 1 Nos |
| Quick dry towel | 1 Nos |
At Scoutripper, we understand that plans can change. You can reschedule your booking up to 24 hours before your experience begins. Changes are subject to availability and any applicable price adjustments. Rest easy knowing your adventure is flexible!
At Scoutripper, we value flexibility but also adhere to clear cancellation guidelines:
- Full Refund: Cancel at least 6 full days before the experience starts.
- 50% Refund: Cancel between 2 and 6 full days before the start time.
- No Refund: Cancellations made less than 2 full days before the experience start time will not be refunded.
Additionally:
- Changes are not accepted less than 2 full days before the experience begins.
- Cut-off times are based on the local time of the experience.
- Some experiences require a minimum number of participants. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Enjoy peace of mind with our clear and transparent policies!
Mobile Network:
No network after crossing Batal during the trek.
Network available at Jispa (towards Manali) & Sarchu (towards Leh) on return.
Airtel, BSNL & Jio work in these regions.
Electricity:
Electricity is available at Batal camp to charge phones.
No electricity during the trek.
Carry extra power banks for phones and camera batteries.
Last ATM:
Plenty of ATMs are available in Manali’s main market.
No ATMs beyond Manali, so withdraw cash before leaving.
FAQs about
Chandratal Baralacha Trek
The Chandratal Baralacha Trek is located in the Lahaul and Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh, India. It takes trekkers from the stunning Chandratal Lake (also called the "Moon Lake") to Baralacha La Pass, which is a high-altitude mountain pass on the Manali-Leh Highway.
This trek is considered moderate to difficult due to its high altitude, rough terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions. Trekkers need to be physically fit and prepared for challenges like steep ascents, river crossings, and thin air.
The total trekking distance is approximately 30–35 km, and it usually takes 4–5 days to complete. The trek involves gradual ascents, stunning landscapes, and high-altitude campsites.
The best time to embark on this trek is between June and September, when the snow has melted, and the roads leading to the starting point are accessible. During this period, the weather is stable, and trekkers can witness lush meadows, clear skies, and vibrant alpine flowers.
The highest point of the trek is Baralacha La Pass, which stands at an altitude of 4,890 meters (16,040 feet). Trekkers should be prepared for the effects of high altitude, including potential altitude sickness.
Yes, acclimatization is crucial due to the high altitude and low oxygen levels. It is recommended to spend a day or two in Manali or Keylong before starting the trek to help the body adjust to the altitude.
The trek offers breathtaking views of Chandratal Lake, surrounded by towering peaks and reflecting the sky like a mirror. Other highlights include Suraj Tal (another stunning high-altitude lake), Baralacha La Pass, and the rugged landscapes of Spiti and Lahaul valleys.
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