Baralacha La to Chandratal Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route

Detailed Route

Baralacha La to Chandratal Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps

A 6-day expedition starting at Baralacha La, traversing Lahaul's glacial valleys to reach Chandratal.

Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.

Duration

6 Days

Total Distance

64 KM

Max Altitude

15,200 FT

Trek Type

circuit

Day by Day Breakdown

Day 1
6 Hrs
100 KM
acclimatization

Camp Alt

10,500 ft

Day Gain

+3,800 ft

Today's Objective

Acclimatization & Recovery

Drive from Manali over Rohtang Pass or through Atal Tunnel. Acclimatization halt.

Staying At

Jispa Camp

The team holds position within the alpine meadow basin, monitoring weather patterns and adapting to the thinning atmosphere.

Day 2
5 Hrs
7 KM
trek

Camp Alt

15,200 ft

Day Gain

+4,700 ft

Today's Objective

🏔 Cross Jispa To Baralacha La

JispaTokpo Yongma

Drive to Baralacha La (16,100 ft). Begin the trek descending towards the Tokpo Yongma stream.

Staying At

Tokpo Yongma Camp

Crossing the high-altitude pass bridges two distinct watershed systems, shifting the expedition over the glaciated divide and down into a new river basin.

Stream CrossingTrail

Field Notes

KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings

Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.

Day 3
6 Hrs
10 KM
trek

Camp Alt

14,400 ft

Day Gain

-800 ft

Reach Tokpo Gongma

Tokpo YongmaTokpo Gongma

Cross the Tokpo Yongma stream early morning. Trek over rocky, barren landscapes to the next major glacial stream.

Staying At

Tokpo Gongma Camp

The route navigates the high-altitude desert terrain of the Tokpo river basin.

Stream CrossingScree

Field Notes

KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings

Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.

Use Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.

INFOSlower Progress

Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.

Day 4
7 Hrs
11 KM
trek

Camp Alt

14,100 ft

Day Gain

-300 ft

Reach Chandratal

Tokpo GongmaChandratal Lake

Cross Tokpo Gongma early. The trail eventually opens up to the stunning crescent-shaped Chandratal.

Staying At

Chandratal Camp (designated area)

The rugged alpine terrain opens up to reveal a spectacular high-altitude glacial tarn, serving as a critical hydrological node in the upper watershed.

Trail
Day 5
3 Hrs
4 KM
acclimatization

Camp Alt

14,100 ft

Day Gain

0 ft

Today's Objective

Acclimatization & Recovery

Spend the day exploring the lake and its surroundings. Excellent photography opportunities.

Staying At

Chandratal Camp

The expedition remains stationed within the high-altitude ablation zone, adjusting to the stark environment where exposed scree and ice dominate the glaciated upper watershed.

Ridge TravelTrail
Day 6
8 Hrs
120 KM
drive

Camp Alt

6,700 ft

Day Gain

-7,400 ft

Drive to Manali

ChandratalManali

Short walk to the road head. Drive back to Manali via Batal and Atal Tunnel.

The motorable road navigates deeper into the mountain river corridor, where the landscape transitions from lower foothills into the steep, dense forested valleys.

Trail

Trek Extensions & Add-ons

Hampta Pass Combination

+3 Days

Combine this circuit with the Hampta Pass crossing from Manali for an 8-day Lahaul double-experience.

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Step 4: Cost & Logistics

You understand the route.

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