The Lahaul Traverse – “Hamta Valley & Chandertal Lake”
Trip Highlights
- The Chinese fishing nets Trek through breath-taking landscape, through the meadow.
- Stream Crossing
- Enchanting lake of the moon (Chandrataal)
- Verdant Meadows occupied by Gujar’s and Gaddi’s shepherds during summer months
- Rewarding Walks
- Hidden Monasteries
- Cycling
- Himalayan glaciers
The Route
| Title | The Lahaul Traverse - “Hamta Valley & Chandertal Lake” |
| Details | Delhi – Kullu – Manali – Sythen – Chhika - Balu Ka Gera - Hamta Pass – Siliguri - Chotta Dhara – Batal - Chandertal Lake - Topko Yongma - Topko Gongma-Baralacha La-Pang-Leh-Delhi |
| Duration | 21 Nights / 22 Days |
The trek commences from Prini village which is 4 Km down the Kullu valley from Manali. The initial stage of the trek is through the pine forest to the village of Sythen. From here the trail enters the Hamta Valley with its verdant meadows that are occupied by gujar and gaddi shepherds throughout the summer months. There are many ideal campsites to choose from and a leisurely place is recommended to assist with acclimatization before reaching the Hamta Pass (4,270m) from the pass the peaks of Deo Tibba (6,001m) and Indrasan (6,221m) can be appreciated. The descent to the Chandra valley is steep and after crossing the river reach Chattru. From Chattru which is an ideal camping spot with some shops in summers head up the chandra valley walking along the Chandra river till Batal which is on the base of the Kunzum Pass (4551m) from Batal trek to the idyllic Chandertal Lake (4,270m) the moon lake. Chandertal appears as a welcome relief from what is quite a strenuous day trek. From the lake the trek runs along a high bank above the Chandra river, with patches of wild flowers along the bank of the side streams. The camp beside the Topko Yongma is the most suitable for night. The next destination is Topko Gongma for that we have to make early start to cross the river as early as early as possible. After river the trail is well defined up till next streams where care is needed to select the best crossing place. Next camp will be set after crossing the stream. The last days trek is a short climb to Baralachala (4950m) again with few river crossing.
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Some of them which could cherish your mind with the beauty of places are Red fort, India Gate, Jama Masjid. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi – a truly memorable experience. A visit to Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India
Some of them which could cherish your mind with the beauty of places are Red fort, India Gate, Jama Masjid. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi – a truly memorable experience. A visit to Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India
Day 02 : To Chandigarh - by shatabdi express To Manali – by surface / 285 kms / approx. 5 hrs
Morning transfer to Delhi Railway station to board the train for Chandigarh. On arrival you will be met and drive to Manali.
Morning transfer to Delhi Railway station to board the train for Chandigarh. On arrival you will be met and drive to Manali.
Day 03 : To Marsu (Sethan) - 2300mts - trek / approx. 03-04 hrs
Our first day trek starts from Manali. The trail gradually ascends to a Small temple above the village and further steep climb up the ridge to the sparse pine forest bellow Sethan Village, leads on to Marsu or Sethan
Our first day trek starts from Manali. The trail gradually ascends to a Small temple above the village and further steep climb up the ridge to the sparse pine forest bellow Sethan Village, leads on to Marsu or Sethan
Day 04 : To Chhika (3270mts) - trek / approx. 04 hrs
Trek through breath-taking landscape, through the meadow. Where shepherds herd their buffalo and graze their sheep during summer and monsoon season
Trek through breath-taking landscape, through the meadow. Where shepherds herd their buffalo and graze their sheep during summer and monsoon season
Day 05 : To Balu ka Gera - (3700mts) - trek / approx. 3-4hrs
This short walk is included in order to allow you to acclimatize before crossing the Hamta pass. Grassybanks, slopping down from the high cliffs all around, pave the trial.
This short walk is included in order to allow you to acclimatize before crossing the Hamta pass. Grassybanks, slopping down from the high cliffs all around, pave the trial.
Day 06 : Via Hamta Pass To Silagaru (3750mts) - trek / approx. 06-07 hrs
From camp there is a short, steep climb over scree slopes before reaching a plateau where you can gain views back down the Hamta valley and across to the peaks on the Far side of the Kullu valley, including Hanuman Tibba (5928m). The last 200m the last 200m to 300m to the pass are steep.
From camp there is a short, steep climb over scree slopes before reaching a plateau where you can gain views back down the Hamta valley and across to the peaks on the Far side of the Kullu valley, including Hanuman Tibba (5928m). The last 200m the last 200m to 300m to the pass are steep.
Day 07 : To Chhota Dhara (3740 mts) - trek / approx. 07 hrs
An early morning steam crossing, through the stream is very less in the month of the order of the day before following the valley down on the true right through the boulder field to your first views of the Chandra valley.
An early morning steam crossing, through the stream is very less in the month of the order of the day before following the valley down on the true right through the boulder field to your first views of the Chandra valley.
Day 08 : To Batal (3960mts) - trek / approx. / 06 hrs
From here there is a bifurcation. One road leads over the Kunzum-la in to the Spiti valley, while the other one goes on towards enchanting lake of the moon (Chandrataal). On the way glimpses of the Bara Shigri.
From here there is a bifurcation. One road leads over the Kunzum-la in to the Spiti valley, while the other one goes on towards enchanting lake of the moon (Chandrataal). On the way glimpses of the Bara Shigri.
Day 09 : To Chandratal (4270mts) - trek / approx. / 5-6 hrs
The trail to Chandratal cuts away from the river valley and gradually ascends. Through boulder fields at first, before meeting the stream coming from the lake.
The trail to Chandratal cuts away from the river valley and gradually ascends. Through boulder fields at first, before meeting the stream coming from the lake.
Day 10 : To Tokpo Yongma (4320 mts) - trek / approx. 6-7 hrs
Hard trekking from Chandra Tal to the bank of the Tokpo Yongma (4320 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.
Hard trekking from Chandra Tal to the bank of the Tokpo Yongma (4320 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.
Day 11 : To Tokpo Gongma (1524 m)(4640 mts) - trek / approx. 06 hrs
Trek along a lesser used trail to Tokpo Gongma (4640 mts). These trails are maintained by the shepherds who bring their flocks to graze in this area during the summer months.
Trek along a lesser used trail to Tokpo Gongma (4640 mts). These trails are maintained by the shepherds who bring their flocks to graze in this area during the summer months.
Day 12 : To Baralacha la (4892 mts) - trek / approx. 4-5 hrs
Follow a clear trail to the top of the Pass through lush green high altitude pastures to Baralacha La which means‘the pass with the crossroads on the summit’ and here meets the path from Zanskar, Ladakh, Spiti and Lahoul.
Follow a clear trail to the top of the Pass through lush green high altitude pastures to Baralacha La which means‘the pass with the crossroads on the summit’ and here meets the path from Zanskar, Ladakh, Spiti and Lahoul.
Day 13 : To Pang - by surface / 109 kms / approx. 4 hrs
After Sarchu you negotiate 21 hairpin bends known as the “Gatta Loops” which takes you from an altitude of 4210 M/ 13,780 Ft to a height of 4667 M / 15,302 Ft.
After Sarchu you negotiate 21 hairpin bends known as the “Gatta Loops” which takes you from an altitude of 4210 M/ 13,780 Ft to a height of 4667 M / 15,302 Ft.
Day 14 : To Leh - by surface 170 kms / approx. 7 hrs
After a 15 minutes ascent from Pang, you find yourself in the vast expanse of the Morri Plains, which appears immediately on getting to the top of the climb. Further on your journey takes you over the second highest motorable pass in the world - Taklang La (5,336 m / 17,582 ft)
After a 15 minutes ascent from Pang, you find yourself in the vast expanse of the Morri Plains, which appears immediately on getting to the top of the climb. Further on your journey takes you over the second highest motorable pass in the world - Taklang La (5,336 m / 17,582 ft)
Day 15 : In Leh
Rest & relax after the trek. Take a walk downtown to explore the local market - observing thevaried crowds. Also walk to the Leh Palace & Sankar Gompa.
Rest & relax after the trek. Take a walk downtown to explore the local market - observing thevaried crowds. Also walk to the Leh Palace & Sankar Gompa.
Day 16 : In Leh
You begin the day by visiting Thikse Monastery, which is one of the most vibrant and active monasteries in the region. Later drive to Stok Palace, which is the present residence of the former royal family of Ladakh.
You begin the day by visiting Thikse Monastery, which is one of the most vibrant and active monasteries in the region. Later drive to Stok Palace, which is the present residence of the former royal family of Ladakh.
Day 17 : In Leh
After breakfast drive to visit Hemis Gompa, which was built around early 17th century. After the visit cycling along the west bank of the Indus River you first reach Stakna. Located on the left bank of the Indus. Visit Shey Palace, which was one of the former capitals of Ladakh. In the 10th century the first ruler of Western Tibet, Nyima-Gon.
After breakfast drive to visit Hemis Gompa, which was built around early 17th century. After the visit cycling along the west bank of the Indus River you first reach Stakna. Located on the left bank of the Indus. Visit Shey Palace, which was one of the former capitals of Ladakh. In the 10th century the first ruler of Western Tibet, Nyima-Gon.
Day 18: To Tingsmogang (3,200 m / 10,560 ft)
Homestay After breakfast we spend the day running some of the most After breakfast you drive out of Leh till just short of Saspool from where you mount your cycles and proceed to Likir Monastery, Get you to Hemis Shukpachen. The trek from here to the picturesque village of Ang is an easy half-hour descent.
Day 19: To Lamayuru – (3,460 m / 11,418 ft) – by surface / 30 kms / approx. 1 hr
Your drive from Tingmosgang descends to Nurla from where you turn right for Lamayuru along the main highway. After checking in to your accommodation you proceed to visit the 11th century Lamayuru Monastery, which is spectacularly located along the valley plain and surrounded by mountains on all sides.
Your drive from Tingmosgang descends to Nurla from where you turn right for Lamayuru along the main highway. After checking in to your accommodation you proceed to visit the 11th century Lamayuru Monastery, which is spectacularly located along the valley plain and surrounded by mountains on all sides.
Day 20 : To Leh - – by surface
Today you will drive till the road head and walk for approximately 1 hour to visit The Chulichan Nunnery. After the visit hike for one and a half kilometers to visit Ridzong Gompa, which is one of the less frequented monasteries of Ladakh.
Day 21 : To Delhi – by flight
In time transfer to the Leh airport to board your flight back to Delhi
In time transfer to the Leh airport to board your flight back to Delhi
Day 22 : Departure Delhi
In the morning you will proceed on a tour of Old Delhi to get a feel of the hustle and bustle of a vibrant city. Later in the evening you will be transferred in time to board your flight back home.
In the morning you will proceed on a tour of Old Delhi to get a feel of the hustle and bustle of a vibrant city. Later in the evening you will be transferred in time to board your flight back home.