Chandrakhani Pass
The epic crossover
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
4 days
Max Altitude
12000 ft
Starting Point
Rumsu
End Point
Jari/Malana
Distance
45 KM
Best Time to Visit
April to May
Camping sites
The dramatic himalayan mountain ranges
Chandrakhani Pass is a 3600 meter mountain pass which acts as a crossover point from Kullu Valley to the Parvati Valley. From the pass you get mesmerizing views of the Pir Panjal range. Tall lofty snow covered mountains at a distance all while you walk through lust green meadows. The Chandrakhani pass trek is unique from the other treks in the area because of it’s proximity to human settlements.
The mystical snow and myst covered scenes. Picture credits:
Spectacular vistas after a hard climb
On both sides you will witness the simplicity of local Himachali mountain lifestyle and unique mystical villages. The entire trail is dotted with Alpine forests through which sunshine passes and creates a magical setting for you to trek through. The lush green meadows are another highlight of the trek apart from the fact that this trek remains accessible for the most part of the year barring monsoons.
The Chandrakhani Pass. Picture credits:
Short Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Day 1 : Manali to Naggar to Rumsu ; 3 hours drive
Day 1 : Rumsu to Naya Thapru ; 4Km ; 2 to 3 hours
Day 2 : Naya Thapru to Camp2 ; 3Km ; 3 hours
Day 3 : Camp 2 to Chandrakhani Pass to Dadru ; 3Km ; 3 to 4 hours
Day 4 : Dadru to Malana to Jari ; 4Km ; 4 to 5 hours
Day 1 : Manali to Naggar to Rumsu ; 3 hours drive
Day 1 : Rumsu to Naya Thapru ; 4Km ; 2 to 3 hours
Day 2 : Naya Thapru to Camp2 ; 3Km ; 3 hours
Day 3 : Camp 2 to Chandrakhani Pass to Dadru ; 3Km ; 3 to 4 hours
Day 4 : Dadru to Malana to Jari ; 4Km ; 4 to 5 hours
Hikesdaddy Itinerary
Trek from:
Rumsu to Naya Thapru
Trek gradient:
Easy.Gradual ascent through the forest area.Stream crosings.
Water Sources:
Streams on the trail
Today you leave Manali and catch the bus for Naggar which is few minutes away from Manali near the highway. From Naggar you can start the trek towards Rumsu or you can hire a cab till Rumsu and save a few kilometers. The choice is upto you. From Rumsu you will march towards the Naya Thapru Campsite which is situated at an elevation of 3000 meters and is bang in the middle of an Alpine forest. The route to Naya Thapru campsite is is rather simple and easily accessible and well because YHAI is very active on this trail. The route to Naya Thapru starts from the Rumsu Village and moves into the forests in a few minutes of starting out. You will be walking on the slopes of a mountain ridge all the way up to Naya Thapru Campsite. The climb is rather gradual and within the first hour you will adjust to the terrain and then walk at a pace you feel comfortable.
A sheperd grazing his sheep in the beginning of trek.Picture credits: Capture through my lens
Trek from:
Naya Thapru- Campsite 2
Trek gradient:
Easy.The gradient is higher than the first day.
Water Sources:
Streams on the trail
Today you start from the Naya Thapru Campsite and camp at camp 2. The walk is shorter than the first day and today the trail has a few ups and downs before it turns left from the slope of the ridge you have been walking on. This turn will connect you to the mountain range from which the ridge generates and you will be right opposite to the PirPanjal ranges on the other side of Manali. With Manali to your left you will have the Parvati Valley to your right. Today we set camp and retire for the night.
The mystical cloud covered mountain ranges.Picture credits: Capture through my lens
Trek from:
Campsite 2- Chandrakhani Pass- Dadru
Trek gradient:
Moderate.Steep ascent through the rock sections. followed by descent through rock sections.
Water Sources:
Streams on the trail
Today you will start from the Camp2 and follow the trail to the Chandrakhani Pass. The trail ascends gradually till it passes just below the ridgeline above till the Chandrakhani Pass. From the pass you will be able to see the Pir Panjal Ranges which had kept you company till now for the last time. From here the descent towards Malana starts. The descent is moderately steep and while coming down you will have to keep in mind to not go too fast because it is difficult to stop if going too fast and an accident can easily happen. This is not to scare you , these are among few thing you should keep in mind. Always respect the mountain. While coming down on this trail you will realize that the trek wouldn’t have been as fun if you had started from Malana because of the steep gradient till the Pass. Ideally you can break the trail and camp at Dadru campsite before Malana and have a good time or you can walk some more distance and rest at Malana too. Since it’s downhill distance is never a problem.
The views near the Chandrakahni Pass.Picture credits: Capture through my lens
Trek from:
Dadru to Malana
Trek gradient:
Easy.Downhill gradient through the forests.Few stream crossings.
Water Sources:
Streams on the trail
The kids in Malana having a good time.Picture credits: Capture through my lens
Trek Operators
Thrillophilia
4500
/-Availability :
15
max3
daysApril, May
Bikatadventures
7800
/-Availability :
15
max4
daysApril, May
Himalayadestination
69999
/-Availability :
15
max4
daysApril, May
Mywanderlust
6649
/-Availability :
15
max4
daysApril, May
Holidify
110000
/-Availability :
15
max6
daysApril, May
Kailashrath
10700
/-Availability :
15
max8
daysApril, May
Hikes. Fun. Friends