Stairway to Heaven: Trek to Chandertaal over Hampta Pass

The trek to Chandertaal is ideal for first-time trekkers as it packs in everything from crossing a high pass, dark pine forests, open meadows to glacial valleys and stunning views, all of which combine to give you an adventure of a lifetime. It is one of the most fascinating, less frequented and an easy trek, beginning from Manali and leading in to The Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The path was also the ancient trade route between the Kullu and Lahaul Valley.

Legend has it that this is the path The Pandavas took on their way to heaven and that it was Chandertaal from where Yudhishtra (Eldest amongst the Pandavas of Mahabharata epic) was taken to heaven in his mortal form…. No wonder we call this path ‘Stairway to Heaven’.

Highlights:

• Complimentary stay at base camp located in Soil, which is an experience as great as the trek.
• Unlike most, we do the greatest stretch of the trek ‘Kunzum La to Chandertaal’ - which is without any argument the best part of this trek.
• Visit Kaza, Ki and Kibber after the trek.
• Cost includes porterage for your personal luggage, so that you enjoy the trek to the fullest without getting tired.
• Group size restricted to a maximum of 7 ensuring maximum safety.

Short itinerary:

Day 0: Delhi- Chandigarh – Base Camp, Manali (12 – 14 hrs.)
Day 1: Base Camp – Prini – Chikka (3530 m), 40 min. drive then walk 6/7 hrs.
Day 2: Chikka -Juara - Bhalu ka Ghera (3627 m) – Ratni Thach (3800 m)
Day 3: Ratni Thach - Hampta pass (4298 m) – Shiya Goru (3597 m)
Day 4: Shiya Goru – Chattru (33600 m) – Kunzum La (4590 m) – Chandertaal (4300 m)
Day 5: Chandertaal – Losar – Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Chatru – Rohtang La (3980 m) – Manali.

Brief Itinerary:

Day 0: Delhi- Chandigarh – Base Camp, Haripur, Manali (12 – 14 hrs.)

Arrive in Manali in the morning and reach Base Camp, Haripur, Manali. Unwind after the long drive. Later meet the team. Explore surroundings like the beautiful ‘somvan’ by the river Beas, Naggar Castle, Roerich art Gallery etc. Back in time for relaxed evening over bonfire and early dinner to get up early in the morning.  

Day 1: Haripur – Prini – Juara (3000 m) (40 minutes’ drive then walk 6/7 hrs)

In the morning after breakfast drive 15 km to Prini. From here, trek to Chikka. The trek crosses many glacial streams over improvised wooden bridges. After passing through a narrow gorge and we arrive at Chikka. Set up camp by the side of the stream.

Day 2 Juara - Balu ka Ghera

Today we will gradually ascend the valley, the trail continues to the alpine meadows which is full of interesting flora, crossing stream at Juara, glacial features of the surrounding mountains can be seen along the way.  

Day 3: Balu ka Ghera - Hamta pass (4270 m) – Shiya Goru (3900 m)

Start the day by climbing up the Hamta pass (4270 m) walking on the snowfields. Time to to get trigger happy with your camera.  From top of the pass you can see the majestic Mt. Deo Tibba (6001 m), Indrasan (6221 m) and the mighty Greater Himalayan and Pir Panjal Range.. A short descent leads to the campsite at Shiya Goru. Camp in a beautiful meadow by the stream. 

Day 4: Shiya Goru – Chatru (3200 mts) – Chandertaal

Today’s trek begins with crossing a small stream and is a leisurely walk following the valley stream down to the mighty River Chandra. Arriving by the side of Manali-Spiti road at Chatru stop here for tea and lunch break after that drive to Chandertaal via Batal. The trail continues to the scenic campsite at the bank of Chandertal, from here you can see the panoramic view of the Chandra-Bhaga Range.

Day 5: Chandertaal - Batal—Manali – Delhi

Spend the morning at leisure by the mesmerising Chandertaal lake before we drive back to Manali via Rohtang Pass (3980 m) and Marhi. Rohtang Pass offers splendid view of the Lahaul Valley. Back to Manali.  

Drive back to Delhi from Manali to wrap up your tour.  

**Guests who are travelling the next day are welcome to stay the night at no extra cost.  Relax at the base camp or go angling (some nice spots near our base) the next day, before we part ways here to meet soon for our next adventure.