Manali Chandratal Lake

Months: End June to end September
Number of Days: 11 Days
Grade: Moderate to Strenuous

Day 1: Manali - Hamta Village: 4 hours

Day 2: Hamta Village - Chhika: 4-5 Hours
At 3000 metres, Chhika is essentially a sloping hillside and a grazing ground for the local shepherds.

Day 3: Chhika - Balu Ka Ghera (3800m)
Excellent views of the landscape which takes you above the tree line. Camp overnight.

Day 4: Balu ka Ghera - Hamta Pass (4270m)
Good views of the surrounding mountains as you ascend towards the Hamta Pass and crossing it descend to camp site high on the mountain side above the Chandra River.

Day 5: Camp site to Chattru: 4 hours

Day 6: Chattru - Chottadara: 4 Hours

Day 7: Chottadara - Batal: 4-5 hours

Day 8: Batal - Chandratal Lake: 4-5 Hours
The trek from Batal to Chandratal is a comfortable trek along a motorable track. The views down the valley include the Barashigri Glacier and several peaks above 6000 mts. Camp at Chandratal which has fabulous views of Mulkilla, Tarapahar and Talagiri (all above 6000 mts). There is the option of spending an extra day at Chandratal to acclimatize. Overnight in tents.

Day 9: Chandratal- Tokpo Yongma (6-7 hrs)
Hard trekking from Chandratal to the bank of the Tokpo Yongma (4350 mts). The track rises and falls over scree slopes till the camp site. It is usually quite cold here and good warm clothing is required. Overnight in tents.

Day 10: Tokpo Yongma-Tokpo Gongma (6-7 hrs)
Trek along a lesser used trail to Tokpo Gongma (4650 mts). These trails are maintained by the shepherds who bring their flocks to graze in this area during the summer months. These shepherds are from a tribe called the Gaddi and travel all the way from their homes in Western Himachal to these grazing grounds every summer. They are invaluable to Overnight in tents.

Day 11: Tokpo Gongma-Baralacha La-Manali (4-5 hrs+5 hrs)
Leave after an early breakfast. Follow a clear trail to the top of the Pass through lush green high altitude pastures. The Pass is motorable and you will be picked up by jeeps and driven to Manali or alternately you can continue on a trek or a Jeep Safari to Leh in Ladakh.