Chandrakhani Pass Trek

Region: Manali / Parvati Valley

  Total Duration – 3 Nights / 4 Days

 Maximum Altitude – 3700 mtrs / 12030 ft.

  Grade – Easy to Moderate

  Best Season – May  to November

  Accommodation – Hotel/Guesthouse in Manali /Organized Campsite

  Food – On trek – All meals included

  Distance – 48 Km

Chandrakhani Pass Base trek

The Chanderkhani Pass located in the middle of lush green Kullu valley is the most famous trek of Himachal Pradesh. The Chanderkhani Pass trek is done all year in any season. But the trek done in winter has a different charm and experience. In winter the trek offers great views of snow laden forests, mountains, meadows, peaks like Inderasan, Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba and some prominent ranges such as Bara Banghal Range, Pir Panjal Range, Priyadarshini range. This trek can be done by anyone, even those who have less or never been to the mountains.

The trek starts from Naggar, located on the left bank of the river Beas, at 1700m., an ancient town and former capital of Kullu (till 1460 AD) . The valley holds rich culture, traditional houses, great temples and beautiful locations all across the region. One can enjoy visiting Art gallery, Naggar Castle and many other places in the surrounding. Situated in the middle of the Kullu Manali valley Naggar is approachable even in the heavy snowfalls too. In winter the snowfall turns this valley into heaven.

The trail for Chanderkhani Pass actually starts from the Rumsu village. Rumsu is an ancient village just few km’s above Naggar. The trail to the pass passes through in the middle of the village. The temples in the village have beautiful intricate carvings. Houses made with wood and stone are interesting to see the rural architecture. The huge Deodar trees can be seen in the middle of Rumsu village. These trees are sited in the surrounding of the temple, are meant to be sacred and holy trees as believed in the whole valley. These trees are so huge that it takes a bunch of people to circle or hold it around.  Going further from Rumsu the trail brings us to the initial uphill through the forest. The trail till the campsite is full with dense forests of Deodar, Pine, Fir and Oak trees.  One can encounter huge trees of horse chestnut en route too. While climbing up we reach at the place called Stelling, a pastoral meadow which normally is covered with snow in winter.  Have lunch and spend some time at Stelling cause further on the snowy trail will start.  The conditions and the ratio of snowfall will decide the beginning of snow trail. It could start from the woods above Rumsu village or further up from Stelling or below. So snow will appear somehow on the trail sooner or later. Treading on the snow is not easy as beautiful it looks in a picture. Though walk slowly and steadily that you won’t slip or fall. Few ups and downs then we reach at Ghon Kradi. Our first day s camp at Ghon Kradi, is mainly a little meadow with huge trees all around and abandoned shepherds shelter.  ‘Ghon-Kradi’ in the local dialect means ‘Hammer and the Axe’. It is one of the places from where locals used to collect wood for winter. A bonn fire is appropriate on such chilly temperature in the evening. So spend a beautiful night with lighting up the camp fire at Ghon Kradi. After Ghon Kradi an enchanting trail to Naya Tapru will continue. The route to Naya Tapru consists of great snow, as great that trees and its branches are almost immersed and wrapped inside snow. Some smaller trees and a lot more vegetation is seen lost under the great snow. Walking on the deep snow could be a challenge, but with strong will and endurance one can easily pass these obstacles. As you go up the trail, the whole of the Beas valley opens up to you. You begin to see the Dhauladar Range beyond the Beas valley in all its snowcapped glory. The terrain leading uphill is slightly steep on just below the Naya Tapru (9,970ft). However the scenic beauty around would make one to forget fatigue and discomfort. At naya tapru you can have soothing views of most of the Himalayan ranges from a great distance. After spending quality time at Naya Tapru we head back towards the campsite at Ghon Kradi.  One should reach the camp by the late afternoon. Stay another wonderful night at Ghon Kradi making Bonn fire on the snow. Next day climb down to roadhead following the same route till Rumsu.  From Rumsu ride back to Naggar by any local conveyance.