Lake of Moon “Chandertaal” – 4270 Mts.

Duration  :   06–10 Days
Season     :   Mid June to Mid October
Region     :   Kullu – Manali, Lahaul-Spiti
Grade       :   Moderate – Strenuous
Maximum Altitude : 4270 Mts.

The route of this popular trek goes along a trail, which the local inhabitants have used since time immemorial, to cross over to the high altitude Lahaul and Spiti valleys from the lush upper Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. The Hamta Pass trek is one of the most delightful treks in the Manali region, affording views of verdant valleys, towering snow-clad mountains and barren crags & cliff’s with surrealistic forms and shapes. It is an excellent option for the trekker who is reasonably fit and desires to be in communion with nature. Leaving the Manali valley, the trek proceeds through forests of walnut, spruce, oak and the occasional alder and through alpine meadows, where nomadic shepherds graze their flocks. Once atop the Hampta Pass (4270 Mts.), another spectacular panorama of peaks appears.

After crossing this lofty pass, we descend into the rugged Chandra valley, where we camp for a night. The next day, a 2 – 3 hour jeep safari and a pleasant trek (of similar duration), brings us to the picturesque, almost ethereally beautiful Chandrataal – ‘The moon lake’. Chandrataal (Alt. 4270 Mts.) is a high altitude lake located in the Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is so breathtaking in its beauty… that it seems to be a like a jewel set in the crown of the Himalaya. Ensconced between lofty mountain ranges whose snow-mantled peaks find a near perfect reflection in its emerald waters, Chandratal is a magical place and one feels like spending an eternity here.

The grassy shores of this lake are carpeted with a wide array of delightful alpine flowers in summer and are visited regularly by a host of itinerant birds. It is not that uncommon to see the occasional nomadic ‘Gaddi’ sheepherder, in the meadows surrounding Chandrataal, tending to his peacefully grazing flock and playing a haunting pahari tune on his flute. There are some fantastic views of the CB range of the Himalaya, including that of the splendid CB-13 and CB-14 peaks, from the lake. One is also mesmerized by the amazingly beautiful sweep of the Samundra Tapu glacier, which is visible from here.

LAKE OF MOON ” CHANDERTAAL” TREK GALLERY

 

LAKE OF MOON “CHANDERTAAL” – 4270 MTS.

Duration  :   06 Days
Season     :   Mid June to Mid October
Region     :   Kullu – Manali & Spiti
Grade       :   Moderate – Strenuous
Maximum Altitude : 4270 Mts.

THE ITINERARY

Day 01: REPORT AT BASE CAMP KALATH, ( 5,580 Ft )
Forenoon:
Acclimatization trek to Parsha waterfall.
Afternoon: Activities/ Team building games etc. The day ends with the bonfire after dinner.

Day 02: KALATH – SETTAN – JOBRI NALA – UCHUNG BIHADI / CHIKKA (3100 Mts.) 4 Hrs.
The steepest part of the trail earlier used to take about 2 – 3 hours to negotiate. Now, however, there is a road, which goes up to the Jobri nala, where the headwaters of the newly created AD hydro electricity project are located. It passes through apple orchards and forests of blue pine, cedar, oak, fir and chestnut. The villages that the trail passes through – Chhalet, Hampta and Ghoratbari – have an interesting legend. They are believed by locals to lie on the gateway to heaven (which a local peak ‘Inderkilla’ is considered to be). It is believed that when people die, their souls have to pass these villages. It is said that people here hear sounds of crying if the soul is condemned to hell and sounds of a trumpet, if it is ascending to heaven. Hike through alpine meadows and forests of Spruce, Chestnut and Birch to reach the campsite at Uchung Bihadi. (Overnight camp at Uchung Bihadi).

Day 03: UCHUNG BIHADI – BHALU KA GHERA (3530 Mts.) 4/5 Hrs.
The path to Bhalu Ka Ghera is through Chhika. The trek passes through some spectacular landscape to just below the Hamta Pass, on a grassy bank sloping down from the cliffs next to a mountain stream. The impressive grandeur of immediate surroundings, the nearness of the Tokru-Shakru peaks, the wonderful coloring of the rocks and mountainside, all make this one of the best campsites on the route. Chikka also has the river, Alain Nullah, which has its snout in the Hamta Pass. The trail now begins to ascend towards Hamta Pass and reaches ‘BhaluKa Ghera’, which in the local dialect means ‘Bears den.’ Himalayan Brown Bear sightings can happen here, if one is exceptionally lucky. (Overnight Camp)

Day 04: BHALU KA GHERA – HAMPTA PASS (4270 Mts.) – SHELAA GHORU (4000 Mts. ) 6/7 Hrs.
From here a steep ascent takes one up to the Hampta Jot (Jot means ‘Pass,’ in the local dialect). From this lofty pass, which has traditionally been used by shepherds to cross over to the Lahaul valley from the Kullu valley, a majestic panorama of mountain peaks opens up. One can have close views of the Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks from the pass. Also visible from here, is a vast swathe of the rugged peaks of Lahaul rising tier upon tier. After spending some time at the pass, a steep descent & a stream crossing brings one to the campsite at Shelaa Ghoru, considered to be one of the coldest places on the route. (Overnight camp at Shelaa Goru)

Day 05: SHELAA GHORU – CHAATRU (3500 Mts.) – CHANDRATAAL NALA 2/3 Hrs. Trek
After an early breakfast, it is a leisurely trek down to the road-head at Chaatru, in the Chandra valley. A stream crossing is involved during this descent and the stream has to be negotiated with care, if the water level is high. Chattru is a small settlement located on the banks of the roaring Chandra river and is populated by a few tented Dhabas, which usually supply refreshments and lodging to travelers from Manali to Spiti. From Chattru drive along the bank of Chandra river to reach Chandertal Nallah (near Chandertaal ) via Batal which is 3-4 Hrs drive. Camp at Chandertal Nalla.

Day 06: CHANDRATAAL NALA – CHANDRATAAL (4270 Mts.) – MANALI – 7/8 Hrs. drive
After breakfast we trek from Chandrataal Nalla Camp to Chandrataal which is just 3 km on a bridle path and passes through some truly spectacular scenery enroute. Reach Chandratal after one hour, we’ll go for a small stroll around the lake. This circumambulation is supposed to quite meritorious spiritually. After spending some time we trek back to Chandrataal Nalla camp and from here drive back to Manali via Batal and Chattru through the Chandra valley till the road joins with the main Manali – Leh Highway near Gramphu. From here it is an uphill drive of 16 km going through numerous hairpin bends to reach the mighty Rohtang pass. From the pass, drive down to Manali and witness the miracle of nature with incredulity as you pass through lush green alpine vegetation and forests of Spruce and Deodhar again. Programme concludes


LAKE OF MOON “CHANDERTAAL” – 4270 MTS.

Duration  :   08 Days
Season     :   Mid June to Mid October
Region     :   Kullu – Manali & Spiti
Grade       :   Moderate – Strenuous
Maximum Altitude : 4270 Mts.

THE ITINERARY

Day 01: REPORT AT BASE CAMP KALATH, ( 5,580 Ft )
Forenoon:
Acclimatization trek to Parsha waterfall.
Afternoon: Activities/ Team building games etc. The day ends with the bonfire after dinner.

Day 02: KALATH – TILGAN THACH (2600 Mts.) 4-5 Hrs.
Drive till the starting point of the trek, Jagatsukh. Initially an uphill trek till the temple of Naag Devta, through the old village Bhanara and then a gradual uphill trek through the forest of cedar, spruce and oak takes us to a beautiful campsite at Tilgan Thach. Overnight at camp.

Day 03: TILGAN THACH – SAROTU (3200 Mts.) 5-6 Hrs.
Initially a gradual uphill trek through the boulders and beautiful meadows and then through the thick forest of cedar, spruce and oak. Camp on an alpine pasture Sarotu carpeted with fern and alpine flowers in the summer, where from a chain of snowcapped mountains gives a visual feast. Overnight at Sarotu camp.

Day 04: SAROTU – UCHUNG BIHADI (3000 Mts.) 4-5 Hrs.
Descending down the lush green pastures of Sarotu, trek winds through the spectacular valley to the camp at Uchung Bihadee.

Day 05: UCHUNG BIHADI – BHALU KA GHERA (3500 Mts.) 4-5 Hrs.
The path to Bhalu Ka Ghera is through Chhika. The trek passes through some spectacular landscape to just below the Hamta Pass, on a grassy bank sloping down from the cliffs next to a mountain stream. The impressive grandeur of immediate surroundings, the nearness of the Tokru-Shakru peaks, the wonderful coloring of the rocks and mountainside, all make this one of the best campsites on the route. Chikka also has the river, Alain Nullah, which has its snout in the Hamta Pass. The trail now begins to ascend towards Hamta Pass and reaches ‘BhaluKa Ghera’, which in the local dialect means ‘Bears den.’ Himalayan Brown Bear sightings can happen here, if one is exceptionally lucky. (Overnight Camp)

Day 06: BHALU KA GHERA – HAMPTA PASS (4270m) – SHELAA GHORU (3900 Mts.) 7-8 Hrs.
From here a steep ascent takes one up to the Hampta Jot (Jot means ‘Pass,’ in the local dialect). From this lofty pass, which has traditionally been used by shepherds to cross over to the Lahaul valley from the Kullu valley, a majestic panorama of mountain peaks opens up. One can have close views of the Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks from the pass. Also visible from here, is a vast swathe of the rugged peaks of Lahaul rising tier upon tier. After spending some time at the pass, a steep descent & a stream crossing brings one to the campsite at Shelaa Ghoru, considered to be one of the coldest places on the route. (Overnight camp at Shelaa Goru)

Day 07: SHELAA GORU – CHAATRU (3500 Mts.) – CHANDRATAAL NALA 2/3 Hrs. Trek
After an early breakfast, it is a leisurely trek down to the road-head at Chaatru, in the Chandra valley. A stream crossing is involved during this descent and the stream has to be negotiated with care, if the water level is high. Chattru is a small settlement located on the banks of the roaring Chandra river and is populated by a few tented Dhabas, which usually supply refreshments and lodging to travelers from Manali to Spiti. From Chattru drive along the bank of Chandra river to reach Chandertal Nallah (near Chandertaal ) via Batal which is 3-4 Hrs drive. Camp at Chandertal Nalla.

Day 08: CHANDRATAAL NALA – CHANDRATAAL (4270 Mts.) – MANALI – 7/8 Hrs. drive
After breakfast we trek from Chandrataal Nalla Camp to Chandrataal which is just 3 km on a bridle path and passes through some truly spectacular scenery enroute. Reach Chandratal after one hour, we’ll go for a small stroll around the lake. This circumambulation is supposed to quite meritorious spiritually. After spending some time we trek back to Chandrataal Nalla camp and from here drive back to Manali via Batal and Chattru through the Chandra valley till the road joins with the main Manali – Leh Highway near Gramphu. From here it is an uphill drive of 16 km going through numerous hairpin bends to reach the mighty Rohtang pass. From the pass, drive down to Manali and witness the miracle of nature with incredulity as you pass through lush green alpine vegetation and forests of Spruce and Deodhar again. Programme concludes


LAKE OF MOON “CHANDERTAAL” – 4270 MTS.

Duration  :   10 Days
Season     :   July to September
Region     :   Kullu – Manali, Lahaul – Spiti
Grade       :   Moderate – Strenuous
Maximum Altitude : 4890 Mts.

THE ITINERARY

Day 01: REPORT AT BASE CAMP KALATH, ( 5,580 Ft )
Forenoon:
Acclimatization trek to Parsha waterfall.
Afternoon: Activities/ Team building games etc. The day ends with the bonfire after dinner.

Day 02: KALATH – SETTAN – JOBRI NALA – UCHUNG BIHADI / CHIKKA (3100 Mts.) 4 Hrs.
The steepest part of the trail earlier used to take about 2 – 3 hours to negotiate. Now, however, there is a road, which goes up to the Jobri nala, where the headwaters of the newly created AD hydro electricity project are located. It passes through apple orchards and forests of blue pine, cedar, oak, fir and chestnut. The villages that the trail passes through – Chhalet, Hampta and Ghoratbari – have an interesting legend. They are believed by locals to lie on the gateway to heaven
(which a local peak ‘Inderkilla’ is considered to be). It is believed that when people die, their souls have to pass these villages. It is said that people here hear sounds of crying if the soul is condemned to hell and sounds of a trumpet, if it is ascending to heaven. Hike through alpine meadows and forests of Spruce, Chestnut and Birch to reach the campsite at Uchung Bihadi. (Overnight camp at Uchung Bihadi).

Day 03: UCHUNG BIHADI – BHALU KA GHERA (3530 Mts.) 4/5 Hrs.
The path to Bhalu Ka Ghera is through Chhika. The trek passes through some spectacular landscape to just below the Hamta Pass, on a grassy bank sloping down from the cliffs next to a mountain stream. The impressive grandeur of immediate surroundings, the nearness of the Tokru-Shakru peaks, the wonderful coloring of the rocks and mountainside, all make this one of the best campsites on the route. Chikka also has the river, Alain Nullah, which has its snout in the Hamta Pass. The trail now begins to ascend towards Hamta Pass and reaches ‘BhaluKa Ghera’, which in the local dialect means ‘Bears den.’ Himalayan Brown Bear sightings can happen here, if one is exceptionally lucky. (Overnight Camp)

Day 04: BHALU KA GHERA – HAMPTA PASS (4270 Mts.) – SHELAA GHORU ( 4000 Mts. ) 6/7 Hrs.
From here a steep ascent takes one up to the Hampta Jot (Jot means ‘Pass,’ in the local dialect). From this lofty pass, which has traditionally been used by shepherds to cross over to the Lahaul valley from the Kullu valley, a majestic panorama of mountain peaks opens up. One can have close views of the Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks from the pass. Also visible from here, is a vast swathe of the rugged peaks of Lahaul rising tier upon tier. After spending some time at the pass, a steep descent & a stream crossing brings one to the campsite at Shelaa Ghoru, considered to be one of the coldest places on the route. (Overnight camp at Shelaa Goru)

Day 05: SHELAA GORU – CHAATRU (3500 Mts.) 3/4 Hrs.
After an early breakfast, it is a leisurely trek down to the road-head at Chaatru, in the Chandra valley. A stream crossing is involved during this descent and the stream has to be negotiated with care, if the water level is high. Chattru is a small settlement located on the banks of the roaring Chandra river and is populated by a few tented Dhabas, which usually supply refreshments and lodging to travelers from Manali to Spiti. Overnight camp at Chattru

Day 06: CHAATRU – BATAL – CHANDRATAAL (4270 Mts.)- 3/4 Hrs.
Today we drive along the bank of Chandra river to reach Chandertal Nallah (near Chandertaal ) via Chattru and Batal. Overnight camp at Chandrataal Nalla.

Day 07: CHANDRATAAL (4270 Mts.) – TOKPO YONGMA (4640 Mts.)
Today we walk through some of the magnificent scenery and cross mountain river. Camp at Tokpo Yongma.

Day 08: TOKPO YONGMA – TOKPO GONGMA (4640 Mts.)
About 10 Kms. tough trek from one rivulet slopes to another rivulet slopes takes us to camp at Tokpo Gongma.

Day 09: TOKPO GONGMA – BARALACHA (4890 Mts.) – KEYLONG
Today we trek upto 5 – 6 hours which takes us to Baralacha-la, means pass with cross trails on summit After reaching at road head we drive to Keylong. Overnight at guest house/Hotel at Keylong

Day 10: KEYLONG – MANALI (2050 Mts.)
Today we drive to Manali over Rohtang Pass (3979 Mts.). Programme concludes

COST INCLUDES

Accommodation in spacious and comfortable tents at base camp at Kalath ( 6 – 8 pax in a tent, ground bedding with mattresses, pillows and blankets ). There is a separate block of toilets and washrooms with running hot and cold water for male and female.

Accommodation in Alpine tents ( 4men/6men/8men ) during the trek in higher camps ( separate toilet tent facility is provided ).

Sleeping bags ( Holofill ), Rucksack, Trekking mats.

A variety of wholesome hygienic vegetarian meals.

All activities as per the itinerary.

Transportation/ transfers as per the itinerary.

Services of qualified instructors/ guides, cook, kitchen helper and mules/porters to carry camping equipment if logistics required.

Basic first aid kit .

COST EXCLUDES

Transportation to reach base camp and back to your destination. However, arrangements of travelling can be made on request.

Any accidental, emergency, travel or medical Insurance.

Any expenses of a personal nature.

Service tax as applicable.

Beverages or drinks of any sort, including soft drinks or bottled / mineral water.

Any charges to visit monument/ heritage buildings and photography or camera charges.

Any transportation charges or transfers which are not mentioned in the itinerary.

Any charges for a manual or helicopter evacuation, hospitalisation in case of a medical emergency or the like.

Any additional activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary.

The Personal porterage / horses for carrying of individual kit or baggage.

RECOMMENDED TO BRING THE FOLLOWING:

1. Valid identity card/s
2. Trekking shoes
3. Cotton pants/trek pants
4. Cotton shirts
5. Woollen pullover
6. Jacket
7. Woollen cap
8. Sun Cap/Hat
9. Waterproof gloves (other than blue color)
10. Cotton and woollen socks
11. Light rain coat or plastic sheet
12. Vaseline/cold cream
13. Walking Stick (optional)
14. Flip-flop (chappals)
15. Light towel
16. Lunch box
17. Water Bottle
18. Sunglasses
19. Sun block cream
20. Needle with thread
21. Toiletries
22. A notebook
23. Ball point pen
24. Personal medical kit
25. Headlamp/torch with cells

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICIES

(Cancellation request will only be accepted by email)

In case request for cancellation is received before 30 clear days or more in advance before the scheduled date of reporting, 80% of the advance taken will be refunded.

If the request for cancellation is received between 15 to 29 days, 50% of advance taken will be refunded.

No refund will be given, if the cancellation intimation is received less than 15 days before the reporting date.

PARTICIPANTS PLEASE NOTE

The Programme schedule can be changed due to unforeseen circumstances. In case of any illness during the expedition, the expenses for medical treatment, travel and porter etc. are to be borne by the concerned individual. Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited during the camp. Trek India Outdoors cannot be held responsible for any accident, illness or any unexpected events during the expedition. Primary medical facilities will be available wherever, possible. Participants will be presented with certificates only on successful completion of the expedition. During the expedition the decision of the Camp Director will be final and binding.

***Those who are on special medication should bring their own necessary medicines. People having Asthma, Blood Pressure, Heart Problems or any high altitude ailments are advised not to participate.

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