With
the opening of the road from Manali to Leh various new areas for trekking
have opened up. One of the most fascinating of these is the Lahoul Valley,
drained by two mighty rivers, the Chandra and the Bhaga. Both start on a
16,000 ft (4,890 m) pass - the Baralacha la - in opposite directions and
later join each other to form the Chenab, which is one of the biggest
tributaries of the Indus. This trek explores the upper reaches of the
Chandra river and goes up to its source on the Baralacha la, where it joins
the Manali/Leh highway. The highlight of the trek is Chandra Tal or Moon
Lake, which stands out sharply among the towering peaks and barren beauty of
Lahoul.
Highlights of your trek starts from Manali onwards and end up in Manali.
Manali is well connected by road and flight from Delhi and further
arrangements will be provided as per the request. You may opt an overland
drive to Leh which will be another for 02 nights three days travel by road.
Day 01 : Drive MANALI to BATAL - 7 to 8 hours
The trip starts from Manali, located at the head of the lush green Kulu
valley. The road slowly winds its way up the Rohtang Jot (13,124 ft/3,978 m)
and enters Lahoul - a stark contrast of rugged mountains and fast flowing
rivers . The road follows the Chandra river upto Batal, a small town located
at a crossroads. From here one could continue into the Spiti Valley, an area
still closed for trekking. Camp is set near the road.
Day 02 : Trek BATAL to CHANDRA TAL
The
trek starts on the left bank of the Chandra river. After a couple of hours
of gentle walking, a large meadow is approached, a favourite grazing area
with a multitude of shepherds huts. These shepherds come from the Kangra
valley and it takes them months of travelling with their flocks to get
there. Two ravines are then crossed, followed by a long stretch of stony
ground, crossing a tiny stream, up a grassy slope and on to Chandra Tal,
where camp is set.
Day 03 : At CHANDRA TAL
Spend the day exploring the Samundari glacier and the lake's environs.
"In its lower reaches it turned a dark grey and then suddenly
disappeared at the edge of a deep-green plain of grass which fell and rose
in a mighty billow, before dropping to the river bank in a steep and sudden
cascade.
"On our side of the valley the Chandra Tal lay in the centre of a huge
bowl of grassy downs, covered with a closely woven pattern of edilweiss,
forget-me-nots and buttercups, rippling and shimmering with every gust of
wind. Beyond the lake, rocky crags rose to a height of 2,000 feet and from
all sides snow-covered peaks looked down on us. The lake itself is a marvel
of loveliness. It is three-quarters of a mile long and three furlongs in
breadth. Its colour varies between deep green and greenish blue. As we came
up to it from the south it looked bright green, like a shining turquoise
placed on a cloth of green baize. From where we camped at the northern end
of the grassy plain, it was deep greenish blue - the colour of lapis lazuli."
Day 04 & 05 : Trek CHANDRA TAL to TOPO GONGMA
This stretch of about 14 to 16 km is best done in two stages. The route
starts with a series of ups and downs through steep ravines and
boulder-strewn fields. As you progress further, you come out on grassy flat
land which slopes up to snowclad ridges. Snow cocks can be heard and even
sighted. After about three hours, the trail winds down a knoll which has a
steep precipice to the river far down to the left. You now pass through
glacier debris and scree, a stretch of about two hours' rough walking,
before reaching the campsite late afternoon.
The second day's walk is easier and camp is set about a kilometre away from
the river bank on a grassy meadow.
Day 06 : Trek TOPO GONGMA to TOPO YONGMA
Start
out early this morning, since this stream has to be crossed while the flow
of water is less earlier in the day. At about 15,000 ft (4,600 m) the water
is icy cold and getting all the horses across will take over an hour. A
short walk along the Chandra, before the path opens out on a broad plateau
where camp is set on a delightful grassy plain with tiny streams flowing
through it. The campsite provides a glorious panoramic view of snow covered
peaks.
Day 07 : Trek TOPO YONGMA to BARALACHA LA
The walk starts with the crossing of the Topo Yongma. A steep descent is
made down the plateau along a precipitous path to the bottom of the ravine,
500 ft (150 m) below the camping ground. The stream crossing is possible
only in autumn, when the level of water is quite low. The option is to climb
steeply up the mountainside to a snow bridge high up on the Gongma. The path
up from now on is easier, crossing along grassy stretches, alternated with
stony patches. The gentle gradient slowly reaches the top of the pass, which
is barely noticeable since the pass itself is a broad saddle - a long and
rambling neck of high land connecting the central mountains with the main
Himalayan range. On the pass join the main highway to Leh, where vehicles
will be waiting. Camp is set here for the night.
Day 08 : Drive BARALACHALA to LEH
Start early in the morning on the two-day drive to Leh. Alternatively, you
can return to Manali.
