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Chandranahan Lake Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps
A 7-day moderate-difficult trek traversing from Janglik village to the glacial origins of the Pabbar River.
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
5 Days
Total Distance
46 KM
Max Altitude
14,100 FT
Trek Type
linear
Permits Required Before You Go
Permit Cost
Where to Get
N/A
Documents
Aadhar/Passport (standard practice)
Foreign Nationals
No specific foreign permit. Carry passport.
Foreigner Process
Standard Indian Himalayan trekking — carry passport.
Nearest Embassy Hub
Shimla / New Delhi
Day by Day Breakdown
Camp Alt
6,200 ft
Day Gain
-1,000 ft
Drive to Chirgaon & Acclimatize
Drive from Shimla via the scenic Pabbar river valley road. Chirgaon is a classic Himachali apple-growing village. Spend the afternoon exploring and acclimatizing at 7,800 ft.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The motorable road navigates deeper into the mountain river corridor, where the landscape transitions from lower foothills into the steep, dense forested valleys.
Camp Alt
10,300 ft
Day Gain
+4,100 ft
Reach Dayara Meadow
Enter the dense deodar and oak forest immediately above Chirgaon. The trail climbs steadily through multiple stream crossings before breaking into the expansive Dayara meadow. Wildflowers carpet the slope in June.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The Chirgaon settlement emerges onto a forested ascent leading to the Dayara meadow.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Camp Alt
12,800 ft
Day Gain
+2,500 ft
Reach Chandranahan Meadow
Above Dayara, the forest thins and you emerge onto a magical wide open alpine landscape. The Chandranahan stream grows louder as you ascend. Camp at the farthest meadow under towering rock walls.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Tree line disappears as the valley broadens into a spectacular high-altitude alpine meadow basin, replacing the dense forests with expansive grazing pastures.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Camp Alt
12,800 ft
Day Gain
0 ft
Today's Objective
🏔 Cross Chandranahan Lake
The push to the lakes involves a tough scree scramble up the headwall. One by one, the lakes reveal themselves — each more surreal than the last. The highest lake is a deep cobalt, surrounded by permanent snowfields. Return to meadow camp.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Crossing the high-altitude pass bridges two distinct watershed systems, shifting the expedition over the glaciated divide and down into a new river basin.
Field Notes
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.
Camp Alt
6,200 ft
Day Gain
-6,600 ft
Descend to Chirgaon
A long but rewarding descent all the way back to Chirgaon. Knees will feel the 5,000 ft drop. Trekking poles are essential. Drive back to Shimla/Rohru in the evening.
Key Landmarks
The Chandranahan alpine basin descends rapidly back through the forest to the Pabbar valley.
Trek Extensions & Add-ons
Buran Ghati Crossing
+3 DaysPush from the lake cirque over the Buran Ghati pass (15,000 ft) into the Sangla valley of Kinnaur. A spectacular 2-state Himalayan crossover.
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