Stairway to Heaven

The guides and team leads will share the Dos and Don’ts of the trek. After breakfast, once all the group members have come-in, we’ll drive to the trek starting point Jobri.

The trekking trail alternates from thick forests and open grounds till Chikka. We will be crossing a few glacial streams over improvised wood bridges. After 3-4 hrs into the trek, we’ll be greeted by beautiful forested peaks, visible from Chikka. From here we also get an excellent view of Deo Tibba and the Indrasan group of peaks. We’ll be in Chikka by lunchtime. Overnight camping in Chikka.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Stay: Camping

Travel: Hiking

Start the day early by climbing up for about 2 km up to the Hampta pass, while walking on the snowfields. It is now time to get shutter happy with your camera. The final ridge is a little steep to climb and when snowbound you will have to cut steps in the ice up the pass. The view from here is jaw dropping. The peaks in Lahaul, particularly in the Kulti valley and of the Chandrabhaga group, are seen as a huge cluster, with the peak of Mulkila IV raising its head above them. From the 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 Sheagoru. We will camp in a beautiful meadow by the stream.

Stay: Camping

Meals: breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and refreshments (freshly cooked veg)

Travel: Hiking

Today’s trek begins with crossing a small stream and a walk following the valley stream down to the mighty River Chandra. The descent to River Chandra is a bit steep and follows a long ridge. Once in the valley you will rejoin the road which crosses the bridge across the river to Chatru. However gentle the river appears, do not try to ford the River Chandra – always use a bridge. This deceptive river has swept away many trekkers trying to take a shortcut. Arriving by the side of Manali-Spiti road at Chatru, we will stop here for tea and lunch break before driving to Chandratal via Chhota Dhara (3517 m) and Batal.

There are lovely views of the “Chhota Shigri” (small glacier) and “Bara Shigri” (big glacier) along with several high peaks of Lahaul. From Batal onwards it can be very windy as the valley opens up here. The road climbs steeply around many bends to Kunzum La in the east. This road leads to Spiti valley. There is a new footpath leading from Kunzum La that descends to Chandratal, however the more direct approach is the road from Batal, going into the Chandra valley in the north. We will be driving along the left bank river Chandra after crossing a bridge near Batal. The trail continues for about 14 km to the scenic campsite at the bank of Chandratal, from here you can see the panoramic view of the Chandrabhaga Range.

Stay: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and refreshments (freshly cooked veg)

Travel: Hiking and Driving (Chattru to Chandratal)

The emerald colored expanse is breathtaking. Spend the morning at leisure by the mesmerizing Chandratal Lake. Situated in a bowl and in a beautiful crescent shape, it offers a view of many peaks. The massive Samundri Tapu glacier joins the valley from the west. It is linked with some major peaks and the Mulkila group at its head. Witness the grandeur of the mighty Himalaya as we drive to the Kunzum La (4590 m) pass. You will witness majestic landscapes of the high-altitude desert adorned with glaciers.  Drive back to Manali via the Atal Tunnel.

Brilliant photography opportunities to get those national geographic-like pictures.

Meals: Breakfast

Travel: Driving (Chandratal – Kunzum La-Manali)

Extension: Upon reaching Manali we’ll have lunch at a nice restaurant then head to the cottage. Unwind in comfort. Share your experience of the trek over bonfire and dinner.

After a leisurely breakfast, Zipline (the highest in the country) and paragliding (highest and longest in Manali) or rafting can be arranged for those interested. Transport will be arranged to drop participants at the bus stop. Explore Old Manali before getting on the Volvo to continue your journey back to your destination.

Meals: Breakfast