Tag Archive Spiti

BySoul Mountain Expeditions

Hampta Pass to Chandra Taal Trek

TREK INTRODUCTION: Hampta Pass to Chandrataal lake trek

This is one of the most picturesque treks in India which covers a wide variety of terrains, sights and altitude ranges in a very short time and hence is very popular with trekkers.  In this trek, we pass through grass and flower covered meadows, majestic snow covered mountains, dense pine forests, wild untamed rivers and cystal clear lakes. The starting point is Manali which is easily accessible by road and a short flight plus a hours drive from nearest airport.
Best For: Trekkers with moderate or no experience. Good fitness is must.

TREK SUMMARY:

Day 1:  Arrival – Manali
Day 2:  Manali – Jobra – Jwara
Day 3: Jwara – Balu Ka Gera (3350 m)
Day 4: Balu Ka Gera – Hampta pass – Shea Goru (4300 m)
Day 5: Shea Goru  – Chatru (3500 m)
Day 6: Chatru – Chandra Taal (4300 m)
Day 7: Chandra Taal – Manali
Duration: 7 Days, 6 Nights
Best Season: Mid June till October.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Maximum Elevation: Kunzum La at 4650 m
Weather: Cold.
Getting From/To: Manali is approachable by bus from Delhi and nearby towns. Closest airport Kullu.
Cost: INR 16000 per person.

TREK ITINERARY :

Day 1: Arrival – Manali
On this first day, we will stay in Manali for rest, gathering of supplies and getting to know each other better. No strenous activity or walking. Guests are free to explore Manali town and it’s attractions like Hidimba Temple,  Vashisth Kund by themselves. Night in a local hotel.
Day 2: Manali – Jobra – Jwara
Morning start by drive towards Jobra where the trek trek actually starts along a mountain stream Rani Nala flowing through dense forest. There will be slight incline but nothing too strenous. Night camp at a small temporary settlement Jwara.
Day 3: Jwara – Balu Ka Gera
This day’s trek route stays along side Rani Nala, again on a light incline. The path will lead us to a valley covered by wild flowers and shrubs, a popular stop for shepherds. The  forest of pine and maple trees is now far behind but there is still lot of greenery for some time. The night camp will be ar Balu ka Gera, a sand bank made by the river deposits. It’s common to see massive glaciers making their way down the mountains.
Day 4: Balu Ka Gera – Hampta pass – Shea Goru
This day, the trail starts getting steep and air a lot thinner as we cross the tree line. Most of this area remains under the snow even in summers and a strong wind keeps on blowing almost all the time. We will reach Hampta Pass eventually after a hike of 3-4 hours which offers some amazing view of the Lahaul Valley. Our stop for the night will be Shea Goru on the foothills.
Day 5: Shea Goru  – Chatru
Chatru is a small semi-permanent settlement along Chandra river and it’s a downhill trek from Shea Goru. It’s a lovely camping ground with majestic views and numerous little mountain streams. After walking on a jungle trail for 3 days, you will have the first glimpse of a road and vehicles there.
Day 6: Chatru – Chandra Taal
A vehicle will pick you up and take you to Chandra Taal lake. You can either go there directly by car via Batal route or hike the last 9 kms via Kunzum La pass (4650 m). Our campsite will be at an distance of 3 km from the lake as camping is not allowed within that distance. Spend some time at lake before dark.
Day 7: Chandra Taal – Manali 
Hop in to the car and drive back to Manali via Rohtang Pass. Drop at bus stand in evening to end the journey.

PACKING LIST :

  • Small backpack to hold the day walk supplies.
  • Luggage in rucksack (60-70 ltr) suitable to be carried by self or porters.
  • Warm clothes, wind-cheater, scarf, hat, sun-glasses, sunscreen, comfortable hiking shoes, thick socks, rain coat or poncho.
  • Personal medical kit, water bottle (with filter), snacks.
  • Toilet paper, wet wipes, soap.
  • Torch, multi-tool, trekking pole, basic cutlery, plastic bag
  • A bag to collect own trash.

GENERAL INFORMATION :

  • Travel itineraries in the mountains  may not necessarily run exactly as scheduled. Keep a buffer for delays due to weather, road conditions etc.
  • Any additional expenses caused by delays, medical condition, road blocks and other causes will be borne by the guests.
  • We recommend a comprehensive  travel insurance and a medical checkup before the visit.
  • This tour covers some remote destinations in Himachal Pradesh which have very limited phone coverage, unpredictable weather and high altitude.

INCLUSIONS

  • Pickup drop from Manali.
  • Accommodation in campsites and hotels wherever mentioned.
  • Meals, tea and non-bottled water in campsite. Bottled water not available during trek and not recommended for ecological reasons.
  • Camping equipment.
  • You can ask to rent or buy some personal trekking equipment like trekking pole, water filter etc.
  • Services of guides, mules, porters, cooks.
  • Trekking and camping permits.

EXCLUSIONS

  • Meals in Manali on first and last day.
  • Personal expenses, refreshments during road journey, alcohol.
  • Anything not mentioned explicitly in the above program.
  • Porters or mules to carry your personal luggage.
BySoul Mountain Expeditions

5 Days Shimla To Manali Road Trip With Camping at Chandra Taal

INTRODUCTION Chandrataal lake hike

Chandra Taal Lake is a popular destination in Spiti region for tourists interested in trekking, camping, hiking and other adventure activities. It’s situated at an altitude of 4300 meters and is among the highest wetlands anywhere in the world. The lake is within a day or 2 days trek River Chandra which later on becomes Chenab has it’s origin in Samudri Tapu just a day or two days hike from the lake depending upon the route taken. Chandra Taal is a holy place for people of Lahaul Spiti region and is believed to be a place where many myths and folktales of the region were born. A variety of rare birds and animals live in vicinity or stay nearby at different seasons.
There are also some large grasslands near the lake which are are an important feeding grounds for herds of local Gaddi shepherds as well as some wild animals like yaks, ibex and a few other rare animals. Camping or any other human activity like construction is not allowed within 3 kms of the lake to protect the sensitive ecology. For the last stretch, our guests can either trek to the campsite via a trekking route starting from Kunzum La or stay in car.
BEST FOR: This trip is best for enjoying the beauty of major attractions of Spiti region in 5-7 days.

TRIP SUMMARY:

Day 1: Shimla to Sarhan (6 hours)
Day 2: Sarhan To Kalpa ( 3 hours)
Day 3: Kalpa to Kaza (4+ hours)
Day 4: Kaza to Chandra Taal lake via Kunzum La (5 hours)
Day 5: Chandra Taal to Manali via Rohtang Pass. ( 8 hours)
DURATION: 5 days, 4 nights.
BEST SEASON: May to October
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Low
MAXIMUM ELEVATION: 4590 m at Kunzum La.
WEATHER: Afternoons can be a bit warm during summer. Cold otherwise with strong winds.
EQUIPMENT: Hiking shoes and stick if hiking option chosen

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Early morning pickup from Shimla with final stop at Sarahan. It’s a drive of about 6 hours with on some of the most difficult roads on the planet. Visit to historic Bhim Kali temple and bird sanctuary in the evening if time permits.
Day 2: From Sarahan, we will drive towards Kalpa which is famous for it’s fruit orchards. Enjoy some time in the village, orchards and with local farmers.
Day 3: Drive from Kalpa to Kaza takes about 4 to 5 hours, so we start early in the morning. We will have rest stops for refreshments, rest and sightseeing at Dhankar, Tabo and a couple of other places depending upon route taken. Kaza is the biggest town in region and has the only petrol pump in the region. See the new Buddhist monastery and take a walk in the bazaar.
Day 4: Drive towards Chandra Taal lake via Kunzum La. You can either take the 9 kms hiking route or stay in the car. Visit lake in late afternoon or evening. Night in campsite.
Day 5: Early morning visit to Chandra Taal lake and then drive to Manali via Rohtang Pass with stops at Chatru, Chota Darra and Rohtang Pass. Drop at bus stand or nearby hotel.

 PACKING LIST

  • Small backpack to hold the day walk necessities.
  • Luggage in rucksack/soft bags suitable to be carried by self or porters.
  • Warm clothes, wind-cheater, scarf, hat, sun-glasses, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes.
  • Personal medical kit, water bottle, snacks.
  • Toilet paper, wet wipes.
  • A bag to collect own trash.
  •  GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Travel itineraries in the mountains  don not necessarily run exactly as scheduled. Keep a buffer for delays due to weather, road conditions etc.
  • Any additional expenses caused by delays, medical condition, road blocks and other causes will be borne by the guests.
  • We recommend a comprehensive  travel insurance and a medical checkup before the visit.
  • This tour covers some remote destinations in Spiti which have very limited phone coverage, unpredictable weather and high altitude.

INCLUSIONS

  • Pickup from Shimla and drop at Manali in a private or shared taxi.
    Accommodation in Chandrataal campsite and hotels in all stops mentioned.
    Meals, tea and non-bottled water in campsite, Bottled water available for purchase. Breakfast and dinner in hotels.

EXCLUSIONS

  • Transport till Shimla or after Manali.
  • Hotel stay and meals at Shimla and Manali before and after the trip.
  • Personal expenses, refreshments during road journey, alcohol.
  • Anything not mentioned explicitly in the above program.
BySoul Mountain Expeditions

Manali to Chandrataal Lake Road Trip With Camping

INTRODUCTION  Chandrataal lake hiking camping trip

Chandrataal Lake is a popular hiking and camping destination in Spiti region It’s altitude is 4300 meters and is one of the highest wetlands anywhere in the world. The lake is within a day or 2 days trek (depending upon the route) from Samudri Tapu, source of Chandra river which flows through Spiti Valley and is a major tributary of Chenab river.The lake itself is an important site for locals and is source of many myths and folktales of the region. The crystal clear waters of the lake attract people as well as some rare birds and animals at different seasons. The expansive grasslands near Chandrataal lake are home to numerous types of wild flowers as well as source of food for many wild animals as well as flocks of local Gaddi shepherds.

To protect the sensitive ecology of the place, xamping or any other human activity like construction is not allowed within 3 kms of the lake. Our guests have the option of either driving all the way through or hike the last 9 km via hiking route starting from Kunzum La ( 4659 meters) towards campsite. This is a good option for an extended weekend trip from Delhi NCR and full of fun and adventure.

BEST FOR:  An extended weekend getaway from Delhi NCR with exciting scenery on a small budget.

Trip Summary:

Day 1: Manali to Chandrataal Lake. 128 km
Day 2: Night stay at camp. Visit lake.
Day 3: Back to Manali
DURATION: 3 days, 2 nights.
BEST SEASON: May to October
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Low to Medium
MAXIMUM ELEVATION: 4300 m. 4590 if going via Kunzum La.
WEATHER: Afternoons can be a bit warm during summer. Cold otherwise with strong winds.
EQUIPMENT: Hiking shoes and stick if hiking.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Pickup from Manali early morning. Drive of about 8 hours towards Chandrataal. Rest stops for refreshments and sightseeing in places like Rohtang Pass, Chatru, Chota Darra and Batal. Option of hiking towards camp for last 9 km.
Day 2: Morning walk(3 km) or drive towards lake. Take a walk around the lake, spend some time roaming there and exploring nearby mountains and grassland. Night stay at camp.
Day 3: Packup and drive towards Manali before noon. Drop back at evening. Option of an extra day at camp site or trek to Samudri Tapu.

PACKING LIST

  • Small backpack to hold the day walk necessities.
  • Luggage in rucksack/soft bags suitable to be carried by self or porters.
  • Warm clothes, wind-cheater, scarf, hat, sun-glasses, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes.
  • Personal medical kit, water bottle, snacks.
  • Toilet paper, wet wipes.
  • A bag to collect own trash.

GENERAL NOTIFICATIONS:

  • Travel itineraries in the mountains  don not necessarily run exactly as scheduled. Keep a buffer for delays due to weather, road conditions etc.
  • Any additional expenses caused by delays, medical condition, road blocks and other causes will be borne by the guests.
  • We recommend a comprehensive  travel insurance and a medical checkup before the visit.
  • This tour covers some remote destinations in Spiti which have very limited phone coverage, unpredictable weather and high altitude.

INCLUSIONS

  • Pickup and drop from Manali in a private or shared taxi.
  • Accommodation in Chandrataal campsite.
  • Meals, tea and non-bottled water in campsite, Bottled water available for purchase.

EXCLUSIONS

  • Delhi-Manali-Delhi bus fare.
  • Hotel stay at Manali before and after the trip.
  • Personal expenses, refreshments during road journey, alcohol.
  • Anything not mentioned explicitly in the above program.