A Raw High Altitude Journey into Glacier Country
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.
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.
Trekup India has the expertise and flexibility to tailor your adventure based trekking experience. Whether you are with your friends, family, colleague or being a solo we will provide you customised trekking experience according to your style and fitness level. Trekup India has completed 30 years above with the Adventure Tourism Industry for its commitments and trust. We have been delivering outstanding treks, expeditions, and outdoor programs in the Himalayas since day one. We operate in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu Kashmir, Ladakh, West Bengal, Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan and South Africa with over 75 documented treks in the higher altitude of Himalayas. We are known for our professionalism, safety, and endless passion for the mountains. Below we have mentioned why to choose us, so have a look and be our next trekker for high altitude treks.
1. Unmatched safety and medical preparedness
2. Deep local knowledge and experience longevity
3. Superior trek quality and trekker comfort
4. Commitments to responsible tourism
When you choose Trekup India, you select a company which provides safety endorsement through its experienced staff who deliver high-quality trekking services in accordance with their mountain expertise. The entire trek experience at Trekup India begins with our dedication to delivering high-quality services which maintain your safety throughout the entire trekking.
Selecting a reputable company is one of the most important steps to ensure a successful, enjoyable, and safe trekking experience. To build your total trust in us, we have developed a comprehensive understanding of the four fundamental components of trust in the trekking industry that is: legally accountable, operationally excellent, satisfied customers and financially ethical. Our registered and recognized standing, our proven history of successful treks, and our excellent ratings are all factors of trust you can depend on so that you may enjoy your trek with complete peace of mind, while we take care of your safety and satisfaction every step of the way.
1. Registered and Recognized: A registration and recognition serve to show that we are a stable and trustworthy organisation and we operate under the legal guidelines and safety standards of our respective domains. In addition, you will have legal safeguards against unlicensed or unsafe tour operators.
2. Successful Treks: You can be confident we are competent operators with a proven track record of success. We have been operating since 1993, and our extensive experience has resulted in becoming one of the world's leading logistical, risk management and emergency response specialists in extreme mountain environments.
3. Good Ratings: The organization uses external assessments together with superior client evaluations to measure its performance because these two assessment methods function as its performance measurement system. The documented materials confirm our guides' professional proficiency together with our ability to deliver exceptional trekking services throughout different periods.
4. Transparent Pricing: Our cost breakdown system enables us to provide complete pricing information which prevents any possibility of hidden charges while we establish financial responsibility for our expenditures. All administrative shortcuts have been eliminated from your trek experience because we use your funds to implement essential safety measures and deliver our top-tier services.
Operations Manager
How We Created This Guide?
1. Medical Safety Protocols: We worked with high-altitude medicine specialists to create a comprehensive system of medical safety protocols, including emergency response plans and acclimatization schedules for our high-altitude treks.
2. Testing Logistics & Gear: The success of a high-altitude trek is dependent on the quality of gear used. When we created this planning guide, we included only tested, reliable gear, such as weather resistant tents and calorie-rich nutrition meals.
3. Environmental Responsibility & Planning: The trail uses strict Leave No Trace environmental policies and waste management practices. The environmental impact assessment which we conduct before our trek will help us protect the untouched natural landscape for upcoming trekkers.
4. Transparent Costing: Our transparent costing works as a complete solution which demonstrates our commitment to transparent cost information because it shows all of our expenses in detailed form. We include all expenses which consist of permits and insurance costs and fair wages for our local employees.
Why This Content Exists?
1. To Mitigate Risks and Provide Safety: Trekking is a physically risky event, and this guide is meant to assure you that your safety is not left up to chance. By providing details of our on-the-ground research and medical protocols, we can demonstrate that all routes have been stress-tested.
2. To Create Total Financial Transparency: Many times within the trekking industry there are extreme cases of sticker shock from things like hidden permits, equipment charges, or unanticipated tipping. This guide creates price integrity.
3. Verified by Global Trekker’s: This content was created to demonstrate we have external validation of our performance and move the discussion from we say that we are good to our clients and our independent trekkers say we are good, making an important differentiation for those selecting a trekking partner.
4. Ethical and Environmental Concern: Today’s voices of modern trekkers are being heard more loudly than ever and they are aware of their footprint. By outlining our Leave No Trace principles and our partnership with local communities, we provide a moral compass for the trekker, ensuring your trek contributes to the conservation of wilderness instead of its degradation.
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.
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.
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.
Altitude: 10,500 ft (3,200 m)
Duration: Full day (Rest, Walks & Light Activity)
Stay: Campsite or Guesthouse in Jispa
Why Acclimatisation is Crucial
Jispa is a beautiful Himalayan village situated on the Bhaga River in the Lahaul region. It is located at 10,500 feet, the altitude is ideal elevation for the body’s ability to slowly adjust to a low level of oxygen before moving up to higher altitudes, such as Baralacha La (16,500 ft) and the Chandrabhaga Glacier viewpoint (17,500+ feet).
Acclimatisation isn’t just a matter of relaxation; it’s a scientifically proven process that boosts the efficiency of oxygen, reduces the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), and improves trekking ability.
What You’ll Do on Acclimatisation Day
Light Acclimatization Walk After breakfast, you’ll embark on a short walk up to Jispa Monastery or an adjacent point of view (~1.5 to two kilometers in total).
This gentle movement increases circulation and allows your body to adjust.
Food and Nutrition: It will be suggested to drink 3-4 liters of fluids and consume balanced meals.
Rest and orientation: The trek leader provides an informational session on high-altitude trekking, safety protocols, gear use, and trail expectations.
Health checks: The Trek team will check your oxygen levels, pulse rates, and other signs of altitude effects.
Things to Explore in Jispa
Bhaga Riverbank: Serene walks along the glacier-fed Bhaga River
Jispa Rural Museum Museum that is a small but informative museum featuring Lahauli culture and ancient artifacts, and woolen crafts
Local interactions: Warm locals, traditional homes, and Buddhist prayer flags offer an insight into the daily life of Lahaul’s mountain communities.
Tips for the Day
Do not smoke or drink alcohol -they can dehydrate you and increase the risk of AMS
Be prepared for the day’s trip to Baralacha La
Get a good night’s sleep — rest is essential before trekking begins.
Summary
The goal is to allow your body and mind to get used to a higher altitude. Activities include a short hike in orientation, an orientation session, a check-up on your health, and exploration of the local area. Reduces the chance of getting AMS and helps prepare you for the trek ahead
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.
Scenic drive to Baralacha La via Deepak Tal
Begin trek over Paralatse La saddle
Reach the surreal Silver Moraine Campsite beside a glacial stream
Trek Time: 6 to 7 hrs
The day gets underway early when we travel across Jispa towards Baralacha La (16,040 ft). This high-altitude pass links Lahaul and Ladakh and acts as the entrance to one of the most pristine trekking routes of the Himalayas. The route takes about 2.5 to three hours and covers approximately 60 kilometers, passing by Deepak Tal and Zing Zing Bar with stunning panoramas of snow-capped mountains, as well as glacial streams and vast alpine valleys. Once we have reached the summit of Baralacha La, we pause for a moment to take in the stunning, stark splendor of this winter like desert pass before embarking on our trek.
At Baralacha La, the trek begins gently. Still, it gradually increases as you traverse high-altitude meadows and rocky outcrops towards Paralatse La (17,000 ft), a lesser known mountain saddle that’s swept by the wind, which separates two basins of glaciers. The trek towards the pass is not difficult, but it can be a challenge due to the lack of air and the elevation increase, which makes it a critical day to acclimatize. From the summit, panoramic views are visible across the Chandrabhaga along with the KR ranges & the distant mountains are glowing in the sunlight.
Departing for Paralatse La, the trail will take us to a surreal, extraordinary desert landscape that is dotted with wildflowers, glacial streams, and endless moraine fields. After a 7 hour trek to the magnificent Silver Moraine Campsite, situated in a glacial stream that is clear and surrounded by mountains. The KR 5 cone is perfectly symmetrical across the sky, and Mount Yunam looms behind, creating a lovely camping spot during the trek. Following a hearty meal and an acclimatization walk in the evening, we take a rest beneath the stars, preparing to face the glacier zone to come.
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.
Trek through glacier valley to view crevasses, icefalls, and snouts
Witness the birth of the Chandra (Chenab) River
Return to the Silver Moraine Campsite by evening
Trek Time: 6 to 7 hrs
Today marks the start of the Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek, a journey to the depths of one of India’s most remote glacial basins in the Himalayas. Our day begins at an area known as the Silver Moraine Campsite, trekking through moraine fields as well as boulder zones and frozen alpine plateaus to an observation point called the Chandrabhaga Glaciers Viewpoint. This is similar to exploring an open air glaciology museum. You’ll see a variety of spectacular glacier formations, including sinkholes, crevasses, and snouts of icefalls that tower against the majestic KR and Chandrabhaga mountains. The landscape is extraordinary, silent, and untouched by humankind.
The last stretch of the climb will take visitors to Chandrabhaga Glaciers Viewpoint, a viewpoint from which you can stand close to the edge of several glaciers that merge into one huge ice field. This is the point where the Chandra River is born, which gushes out in a torrent from the snouts of an ancient glacier. The experience of being near the source of one of India’s most important rivers, which later becomes the Chenab River, as it continues to flow into Pakistan’s Indus River, is truly spiritual. It is a moment to pause and be awestruck by the size of the land, capturing the moment in photographs and awe in silence.
When we return, we will be trekking on an alternative trail that follows the origin of the Chandra River back toward the camp. The roar of glacial meltwater is a constant companion, and the views shift to the sun that bathes the valley in a dazzling array of shades, after approximately 6 to 7 hours of trekking in and back towards our Silver Moraine Camping Site in the late afternoon. The remainder of the time is devoted to recuperation, rest, and reflection beneath sky like skies. It’s a day that’s the essence of this trek as raw, remote, awe inspiring, and humble.
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.
Kya Tso and Ga Tso nestled below Mt. Yunam
Descend to the riverside campsite near the Yunam River
Trek Time: 6 to 7 hours
The journey today is among the most stunning and enjoyable days of this Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek. We start early from our Silver Moraine Campsite, climbing gradually up the moraine’s ridges and rocky terrain. The trail ascends steadily and tests your endurance; however, with each step, the landscape at high altitude is more amazing. After a lengthy uphill climb and a short downhill push, the most significant point of interest is revealed: the stunning Kya Tso Lake situated at almost 17,000 feet beneath the majestic mountains of glaciers that cover Mount Yunam. The clear blue water reflects the skies and mountains, providing a serene and inspiring experience for those who trek.
In Kya Tso, the trail goes on along high ridgelines as well as glacial valleys, before reaching the amazing Ga Tso Lake, which is tucked away in the basin of glaciers. The lake is believed to be one of the places of birth for the Yunnan River, and its icy waters glisten in the glare of the high altitude sun. The thing that makes these lakes distinctive is the way that they are revealed, obscured until you cross the last ridge, only to appear in full splendor suddenly. This is a moment that will stay with trekkers for the rest of their lives.
After taking in the view and taking a break near the lake, we begin our journey towards our destination, the Cho Valley Campsite, following glacier fed streams which cut through the rocky terrain. The climb is long, but picturesque as we pass through a large valley filled with silence and the wind. After a 7 to 8 hour trek, you’ll reach the Cho Valley Campsite. It is a peaceful and quiet place, perfect for resting after a long day. Your ears will be a sounds of glacial water beneath the stars of a night sky, in the knowledge that only a handful of people have trekked this secluded route.
Expert Advice: Savor the final panoramic views from Baralacha La before settling in for the relaxing 7-hour scenic return drive back to Manali.
Scenic return drive to Manali via the Atal Tunnel
Trek Time: 2.5–3 hours
Drive Time: 6 to 7 hours
On the last morning of our Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek, we began our day with a slow but steady ascent from the Cho Valley Campsite, following the glacier fed streams back to Baralacha La (16,040 ft). The trail climbs steadily over rocky moraine fields and desert ridgelines, providing panoramic views of the KR and Chandrabhaga ranges for the last time. The terrain is raw in its silence, sweeping, and vast, and the dawn sun gives a golden glow to these high-elevation wilderness areas. This 2.5 to 3 hours trek up to Baralacha La is the final ascent of the trek and is an appropriate way to say goodbye to the untamed and remote landscape.
As we reach Baralacha La, we take a break for a few minutes in this historical and essential mountain pass, in which the Chandra, Bhaga, and Yunam valleys join. Then, from here we start our return journey to Manali by retracing this route to Zing Zing Bar, Deepak Tal, and Sissu through Sissu via the Atal Tunnel. The return drive of 7 hours is relaxing and scenic, providing a last glimpse of the cold desert beauty along with its alpine beauty. We arrive in Manali at night (approx by 8 P.M) and mark the end of an incredible trek through glacier country. As we ascend into the lush valleys of Kullu, the stark contrast between the desert at high altitude and the forested landscapes becomes evident. It’s an excellent ending for one of the more distinctive and wild trekking experiences in the Himalayan mountains of India.
