The Chandrabhaga Glaciers trek is among the most remote, rawest high altitude excursions in the Indian Himalayas. Beginning in Baralacha La Pass (16,040 feet) in Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh, this trek quickly immerses you in the stunning cold desert, a surreal glaciated landscape where towering Himalayan mountain peaks collide with ancient glaciers, frozen streams, and unspoiled alpine plateaus.
As you trek through this amazing terrain, you walk through the massive silhouettes of the Chandrabhaga ranges, witnessing glaciers fall down the rock faces and the emergence of the Chandra River, a major tributary of the Indus. The trail is also a route to two high-altitude lakes, Kya Tso and Ga Tso. Kya Tso and Ga Tso, which lie in a quiet place in the snow-covered slopes of Mt. Yunam Peak with an elevation of more than 17,000 feet.
This trek is more than an enjoyable hike; it’s a glaciology display that’s moving. There are icefalls, crevasses, sinkholes, and glacial snouts at a non-technical, safe distance, which makes it a unique experience accessible for trekkers who do not have any mountaineering experience.
The trek shows the stunning, moon-like beauty of Lahaul’s harsh desert. The vast, bare landscape is ablaze with gorgeous shades of green, orange, and purple with changing light – a striking hue that can only be seen in the high Himalayas.
One of the most memorable parts of the trek includes the “Silver Moraine Campsite,” nestled in a glacial stream, and set among massive peaks like KR 5 Kullu Makalu, and Mt. Yunam.
This trek will take you close to glaciers, without the dangers of walking on the tops of them. You’ll see the formation of glaciers, moraine ridges, icefalls, along with the glacial outcrops in a manner that very few treks in india permit, providing a unique learning and visual experience.
Take a look at the snout, where you can see the Chandra River emerges from the ice. This river eventually changes into the Chenab River. It is an essential system of waterways that runs throughout Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and eventually to the Indus in Pakistan – an event of pure nature and scale.
The climb over the ridges of a moraine littered with boulders is rewarded by the sight of Kya Tso, Kya Tso, and Ga Tso, three glacial lakes perched high up in the mountains. The lakes are not visible until the last stage of the climb, which makes their discovery amazing.
This section provides a comprehensive, simple explanation of the Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek, including general day-to-day routing, elevation gain, etc. The basic itinerary is designed to give an overview of the trek; all-inclusive itinerary allows for a more in-depth understanding of the various distances between campsites, the nature/type of terrain that trekkers will be traversing, and the locations of the campsite relative to one another.
In addition to the above, the trek map indicates the specific route of the trekking path, village locations, forest locations, and campsite locations within the trek area enabling trekkers to imagine their trek through snow-covered coniferous forests and alpine meadows. The elevation chart clearly indicates the total elevation gained and lost each day of the trek ensuring that trekkers can prepare adequately before arriving at the basecamp, acclimatize safely to altitude, and have a positive experience on their overall trek.
Expert Advice: Utilize the stop at Keylong to use the ATM and purchase any last-minute essentials, as it is the final central town before heading into the wilderness.
Expert Advice: Actively participate in the light acclimatization walk to the Jispa Monastery; this gentle movement is scientifically proven to boost oxygen efficiency and reduce AMS risk.
Expert Advice: The trek to Paralatse La is not technically difficult, but the lack of air at 17,000 ft makes it challenging; maintain a very slow, steady pace.
Expert Advice: Exercise extreme caution while trekking through the moraine fields and boulder zones to view the crevasses and icefalls at the Chandrabhaga Glaciers Viewpoint.
Water Source: The trail follows glacier-fed streams cutting through the rocky terrain, offering pure water sources on your way to the Cho Valley Campsite.
Expert Advice: Savor the final panoramic views from Baralacha La before settling in for the relaxing 7-hour scenic return drive back to Manali.
Distance: 95 km
Time 5-6 hours (including break and photograph breaks)
The best time to visit is from June through October
Route: Manali – Atal Tunnel – Sissu – Keylong – Jispa
The adventure through Trekup India begins at a very early hour from Manali. It continues while you travel to Jispa, which is the entry point for the remote valleys in Lahaul, along with Zanskar. The journey begins with a trip through the famous Atal Tunnel, one of the world’s longest and highest highway tunnels, spanning over 9 kilometers and significantly reducing travel time. In just a few minutes, the lush pine forest and apple orchards of Kullu Valley give way to the harsh, high-altitude cold deserts of Lahaul and reveal breathtaking views of the mountains and a distinct Himalayan ecosystem.
After you have left the tunnel, the first stop will be the picturesque village of Sissu, situated on the banks of the Chandra River. There, you can take an hour to relax and sip hot tea, and admire amazing pictures of Sissu Waterfall and the surrounding glacier-fed mountains. The road continues through the Chandra River, leading you to Tandi Tandi. At this critical sacred confluence, the Chandra as well as the Bhaga rivers merge to make the Chandrabhaga (Chenab) River–one of the five major rivers in the Punjab. The massive river system eventually joins with the Indus and is a crucial source of drinking water to northern India as well as Pakistan.
As you continue, you will arrive at Keylong, the capital city of Lahaul’s administrative district, and the final central town before moving into more Himalayan terrain. At an elevation of more than 10,000 feet, Keylong offers a short meal stop along with ATM access and fuel stations. Keylong is also a last chance to buy essentials and replenish your supplies before the journey into the wilderness trek commences after a brief break and a drive of 22 kilometers to arrive at Jispa, an idyllic mountain village situated at 10,000 feet just beside water flowing from the glacier of the Bhaga River.
In the early afternoon (around 1:30-2:30 PM), check into the Trekup Indian riverside campsite and/or alpine guesthouse. The remaining days are set aside for the process of acclimatization, essential before gaining higher altitude during the Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek. It is possible to take a brief acclimatization walk, sit along your river, or sit back and enjoy the pure beauty of this stunning Himalayan valley. Jispa is an ideal transition point from the city to nature – the point at which your adventure into glacier country begins.
The Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek features great sights along the trail such as snow-covered forests, beautiful summit views, campsite life, and experiences while trekking. By using real photos and videos along with these images, you will have the ability to find out what your trek and terrain will look like, and give yourself an idea of what sorts of trekking await you before leaving for your Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek.
It’s important to note that all participants must reach Manali at the start of the program. To cater to your travel preferences, we offer three options:
Option 1: Consider traveling overnight on a government bus to Manali. The journey takes 14 hours from Delhi and 10 hours from Chandigarh. We strongly recommend government buses over private ones, as they are more reliable and less likely to be delayed. Regardless of your choice, aim to reach Manali between 9 and 10 am.
Option 2: If you prefer to fly, the best option is to fly to Delhi or Chandigarh airport, then take a bus to Manali. Another alternative is to fly to Bhuntar Airport, which is only two hours away from Manali. However, we advise against this due to the high flight costs and potential for cancellations. If you do choose to fly to Bhuntar, ensure you arrive at least a day before the trek begins.
Option 3: It is possible to go by train. Pathankot railway station, from where you can take bus services that direct you to Manali which is about 300 kilometers from the station and will require an overnight trip. If you choose this option, it is best to arrive one day prior to Manali.
Rest assured, when you arrive at the trek assembly point in Manali, Trekup India will take care of your journey to Jobra, Chatru, and back to Manali, including an excursion to Chandratal. Please ensure you reach Manali before 10:30 am on the first day of the program to allow for a timely departure to the assembly point.
Trekking with us for the Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek is entirely safe because we have a team of trek leaders qualified in Wilderness first-aid and complete information about the high-altitude glitches. During the trek, we carry a full first-aid kit that contains all the essential medicines. Before trekking with us, you must ensure that you are medically fit for the trek; for us, your medical fitness is more important than anything else.
Right from our establishment, we at Trekup India have been continuously introducing new safety practices into Indian trekking to ensure the safety of voyagers. Trekup India introduced microspikes and made emergency bottled oxygen mandatory for all treks. Our trek leaders take your daily Pulse oximeter reading. We at Trekup India introduced the radio walkie-talkie as a safety communication device.
We have noticed that most trek-organizing organizations do not follow these systems, but with time, they are following us; several competing companies are adopting these practices and organizing great, safe treks.
We ensure complete technical safety in the mountain. Our company has a vast team of more than 100 guides and trek leaders who serve on Himalayan treks. One of the best things about our team is that all the members are trained professionally by the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Indian Mountaineering Foundation Delhi, and Hanifle Center Outdoor Education Mussoorie.
To ensure a perfect Trek, we have introduced some new safety checks to ensure excellent safety for our trekkers.
At Trekup India, you will find a team with local knowledge and fluency in English and Hindi. This helps ensure that you have a fantastic trek. Not only this, but we also pay attention to your health and safety because this is something we cannot ignore. All the team leaders involved in trekking have already undergone several professional courses in first aid, portable altitude chamber training, CPR, environmental awareness training, and advanced wilderness emergency medicine.
We also carry a complete first aid medical kit on every trek and trip we organize. Apart from the medical kit, we take a portable altitude chamber (if needed) and medical oxygen for all high-altitude treks. Our company has significant expertise in organizing all sorts of group adventure holidays for family groups, school and college groups, and friend groups. We have many travel options that suit different fitness levels and travelling styles.
Regardless of the group size, we value each and every member of our trekking groups. Our commitment to personal attention ensures that your needs and safety are always our top priority.
Trekup India has been a stalwart in the Adventure Tourism industry for 30 years. Since our inception, we have been dedicated to providing top-notch treks, voyages, trekking programs, and high-altitude expeditions. Our extensive experience is a testament to our commitment to your adventure and safety.
We organize treks in Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Sikkim, and Himachal while being part of the trekking community; we feature more than 75 documented Himalayan treks. In addition to other outdoor activities, our company also organizes trips for schools, colleges, and families.
Therefore, we maintain the quality of services offered to our valuable customers.
| Item | Characteristic Feature | Pro-tip |
|---|---|---|
Waterproof, Ankle-Height Trekking Boots | These are high quality boots with stiff rubber soles that prevent water entry. | Must be fully broken in. Good with a deep aggressive grip to avoid injury in toe or fingers. |
Trekking Poles (Pair) | Provide 2 additional points of contact for stability on snow / ice and reduce impact on knees while descending. | Use them together to distribute the weight of your pack, this can reduce stress on your knees and ankles. |
Waterproof Gloves (2 pair) | Protects against cold injury. Having two pairs that allows warmth while protecting your hands. | Keep the shell of gloves dry for a waterproof layer for handling snow and keep the inner liner for warmth. |
Gaiters (required) | Create a seal between your boots and trousers to prevent snow from entering your boots / sock. | Put your gaiters on as soon as you reach the snowline; avoiding snow wetting your socks / boots minimizes risk for cold injury. |
High-Grade SPF Sunscreen and Lip Balm | Protects against severe sun / wind burn. It is important for exposed skin at high altitude due to reflection from snow. | Reapply sunscreen to face, neck, and ears every 2 hours spent on the snow. |
Sunglasses (Category 4) | Highest level of protection required to protect against temporary blindness (photokeratitis) | Do not remove sunglasses when you are on the snow because snow can reflect 80% of UV light back into your eyes. |
| Category | Item | Specification & Reason |
|---|---|---|
Headwear | Warm Beanie / Balaclava | Must be thick wool or fleece; cover the ears completely. Important in retaining body heat, as a large percentage of body heat is lost from the head. |
Wide-Brim Sun Hat or Buff | Light material (hat) or synthetic tube (buff). Protects face, neck, and scalp from high-altitude UV radiation from the sun. | |
Upper Body | Moisture-Wicking T-Shirts (2) | Choose Synthetic (polyester) or thin Merino wool; short or long sleeve because cotton actively makes you cold and uncomfortable when you sweat. |
Thermal Base Layer (1) | Mid-weight Merino wool or synthetic long-sleeve top. Provides immediate insulation; it will lock in body heat as the starting point of your heat-trapping system. | |
Fleece Jacket (1) | Mid-to-heavy weight (200-300 GSM) fleece or softshell jacket full of insulation. This layer provides the best warmth-to-weight ratio It can be worn alone or under your shell. | |
Insulated Puffed Jacket (1) | Down or synthetic insulation; rated for 0∘C and below. Your main source of heat protection for cold night camping, evening, and the summit push when below freezing conditions are anticipated. | |
Waterproof & Windproof Jacket (1) | Shell material (e.g. Gore-Tex equivalent) with taped seams. Your outer barrier (shell layer) keeps the rain, snow and penetrating wind out from the mountains. | |
Lower Body | Quick-Dry Trekking Pants (2) | Synthetic, lightweight, and preferably stretchable or convertible. Durable for comfortable walking, fast drying after getting wet from rain or snow. |
Thermal Base Layer (1) | Mid-weight thermal bottoms (wool or synthetic). Vital layer of insulation under your trekking pants in cold walking conditions at camp. | |
Waterproof Rain Pants (1) | Lightweight, packable shell pants. These will protect your trekking pants and base layers from getting wet when it's snowing or raining heavily. | |
For Feets | Create a seal between your boots and trousers to prevent snow from entering your boots / sock. | Put your gaiters on as soon as you reach the snowline; avoiding snow wetting your socks / boots minimizes risk for cold injury. |
Trekking Socks (4-5 pairs) | Wool or some kind of synthetic blend (not cotton). 1-2 pairs should be extraordinarily thick for nights. These will manage moisture in your foot to reduce blisters and provide warmth at night sleeping in a bag or in boots! | |
Camp Shoes | Lightweight sneakers, sandals, or slippers. You'll want these to dry out your trekking boots and let your feet rest when at the campsite. |
| Category | Item | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
Backpacks | Main Rucksack (50-60 L) | For Porter. Good frame of posture and hip belt required. |
Daypack (20-30 L) | Daily carry. Must have water, layers, snacks, camera, and gloves in your daily essentials. | |
Sleeping bag & liner | Sleeping Bag (Rated to −10∘C / 14∘F) | Confirm if Trekup India provides a sleeping bag; if you're renting your bag, make sure it is a reputable outfit. |
Sleeping Bag Liner | A liner adds additional warmth and keeps your bag clean. | |
Hydration | Insulated Water Bottles (2x 1L) | CRUCIAL: No hydration bladders (the tube will freeze). Insulated bottles will keep your water from freezing. |
Hydration Tablets/ORS | Make sure you have enough hydration tablets and/or Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) which are important for replacing electrolytes lost at high altitude. | |
Safety & Navigation | Headlamp with extra batteries | Essential for crossing the pass started early in the morning. |
Basic First-aid kit | With plasters (Compeed!), Band-Aids, antiseptic, pain medication, and then any of your personal medications you might need. | |
Personal | Personal toiletries | Toothbrush, tooth paste, biodegradable soap, toilet paper (pack out!), and hand sanitizer. |
Quick Dry Towel | Material should be water absorbent with light in weight and small in size. | |
Power bank | There will be no place to charge devices on the trek. |
The concept of pricing is the key part of your trekking journey. It defines the value and experience you receive for the price you pay for your trek. For a structured high altitude trek, like Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek operated by Trekup India provides transparency with the cost & amenities provided to our trekker. Inclusions provide clarity in respect to operator's responsibility; essentially every necessary service, logistical support, group equipment, and permit to have a safe and fully supported trek from start to finish while exclusions provide clarity in respect to individual's responsibility, for all expenses related to personal choice (like a porter), necessary contingency items (like insurance), or mandated fees examined outside the package price (like GST).
Total Trek Cost: ₹ 18,950 / person + 5% GST (Mandatory)
A structured 8–12 week training plan designed to build stamina, strength, and endurance for a safe and successful trek.
Exercises focused on improving stamina, heart health, and endurance to prepare your body for long trekking days.
Exercises aimed at building leg, core, and upper-body strength to handle steep climbs, descents, and carrying a backpack during the trek.
Techniques to improve lung capacity, oxygen intake, and breath control for better performance at high altitudes.
Practices to enhance mental focus, calmness, and resilience, helping you stay relaxed and positive throughout the trek.
A structured, week-by-week workout routine designed to gradually improve fitness, strength, and endurance in preparation for the trek.
| Day | Workout Focus | Week 1 Target | Week 2 Target | Week 3 Target | Week 4 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Endurance | Sustained hiking or walking with a good grip of boots. | 90 minutes | 100 minutes | 110 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Moderate Cardio | Walking, light jogging and cycling by maintaining steady pace where walking is possible | 30 minutes | 35 minutes | 40 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Intensity | Stairs, treadmill on incline or hill repeat | 20 minutes | 25 minutes | 30 minutes | 35 minutes |
| Day | Workout Focus | Week 5 Target | Week 6 Target | Week 7 Target | Week 8 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Endurance | Start carrying ¼ target pack weight | 2.5 hours | 3 hours | 3.5 hours | 4 hours |
| Moderate Cardio | Performing exercise at higher speed than before | 50 minutes | 55 minutes | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Intensity | Increase the intensity of your repeats or steepness of incline | 40 minutes | 45 minutes | 50 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Day | Workout Focus | Week 9 Target | Week 10 Target | Week 11 Target | Week 12 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Endurance | Carry ½ target pack weight. Target daily trek duration | 4.5 hours | 5 hours | 6 hours | 5 hours |
| Long Endurance | Back to back sessions. This session is done on day 2 of fatigue. | 3 hours | 3.5 hours | 4 hours | 5 hours |
| Intensity | Maintain intensity but reduce volume slightly to allow recovery | 45 minutes | 45 minutes | 40 minutes | Rest or 20 minutes light walk |
Planning and organizing all essential gear in advance to ensure comfort, safety, and readiness throughout the trek.
The body’s gradual adaptation to altitude, terrain, and physical exertion to maintain health and performance during the trek.
Operations Manager
We have cretaed every trek guide from real ground operation experiences, not just from internet research.
Presonally I, our trek leaders, local guides & most importanly our experienced trekkers have done and explored these treks in different - different seasons and weather conditions. We have documented everything in detailed like trekking routes, trail condition, campsite locations, water sources, best time to do these treks, weather patterns and most importantly risky section, safety exicts.
Beyond ground data, we timely refine this information using -
We do not just aim to inform, you will find all informations & insights here which will help you to prepare for the trek, visualise the trek, and confidently complete the trek.
Now days peoples are not aware of trekking much - like most important saftey and accute mountain sickness (AMS) on treks, as we say trekking in Himalayas is not just travel like tourist destinations. it's an adventure activity that demands awareness, preparation, and respect for local culture & nature.
We created this guide to solve trekkers real problem - like most of the online information present is either outdated and not updated timely or written without firsthand trekking experience.
This page exists to -
Whether you are choosing your first trek or preparing for your next adventure, this guide is designed to feel you like advice from someone who has already been there and advicing you.
