Chandrakhani Pass

Day 1: Manali- Naggar- Rumsu-Ganachalani
The trek to Chandrakhani Pass starts from Manali, where you have to drive to a tiny village called Naggar, which is famous for housing various castles and beautiful temples. From there, trek for a kilometre. Along the way, you will across Roerichs Village, where you can rest for some time and head straight to the village of Rumsu, which is not very far from there. The village of Rumsu houses a temple which is dedicated to Jamlu in Malana. The highlight of the temple is that it is made of ancient wood which is not observed in any other temple in that area, making it very unique. As soon as the trekker moves forward, a forest of Deodar, Pine and Horse Chestnut is visible. This indicates that Ganachalani has been reached. The total journey takes 5-6 hours and is 15 km long.

Day 2: Ganachalani- Celanti
The second day of the trek day starts with an uphill trek from Ganachalani to reach a meadow. The meadow is 4 km away from Ganachalani and is located at an elevation of 3000 m above the sea level. Once you reach the meadow, you will have a stunning view of Manali, Kullu Valley, Pir Panjal Range and Bara Bhangal mountain from a very close range. Along the journey, a person is allured with a scintillating view of the lush rhododendron forest and the rich alpine trees which make the journey even more special. In around an hour, Celanti is reached and the total journey takes about 4-5 hours.

Day 3: Celanti- Chandrakhani Pass- Dadru
The next trek starts from Celanti, where one has to trek uphill for an hour to reach Chandrakhani Pass. After reaching the pass, you will witness an impressive view of Ghalpo Peaks of Lahaul-Dharamsura and Papsura and other high peaks in the upper Tosh Valley, which is truly mesmerizing. After a relaxing break at Chandrakhani Pass, start trekking downhill to reach Dadru via the meadows at Nagarvani. Overall, the journey is completed in 6 hours and the length of the journey is 15 km.

Day 4: Dadru-Malana
In order to reach Malana. For that, one has to pass through Rashol Pass and Parvati Valley through Kasol Village, which is down the road. From Rashol Pass, start trekking till Malana. You can stay overnight and have dinner at Malana village. The length of the journey is 8 km and the trek is completed in 2-3 hours.

Day 5: Malana- Jari
This is the last day of trekking. From Malana, trek downhill for 5-6 hours to a dam. From the dam, the trekker needs to further travel 12 km to reach Jari, which is a magical green rimmed village located just above the confluence of Malana and Parvati rivers.

Day 6: Jari- Manali
After an overnight stay in Jari, board a bus to Manali.

Naggar is one of the places that is equidistant from Manali as well as Kullu. It is always preferred to take a car or a taxi. The road that is usually taken is from Delhi, by National Highway 1 up to Ambala. From there, take NH 22 to Chandigarh and from there, by National Highway NH 21, that passes through Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi and Kullu. The total distance from Chandigarh to Manali is 316 km and from Delhi to Manali is 556 km

1. Make sure you carry warm clothes irrespective of the fact that what season you are travelling in.
2. Carry your own trekking gear and equipment and be always prepared.
3. Carry a medical aid kit and your usual medicines for the way.
4. A good pair of trekking shoes is a must.
5. Carry raingear no matter if you are travelling during monsoon season.
6. Make sure you obtain all the permits well in advance required for trekking in the region.
7. A well informed and trained guide is very important and do make sure to sort out all trivial things well in advance to avoid misunderstanding.

• Rail: Shimla Railway station serves as the nearest rail head to Manali. Chandigarh rail junction is another option, which is well connected to several major cities of the country.

• Road: Manali being the base camp for the trek, you can easily commute to the city through Delhi via several bus services. You can also reach Manali from cities like Shimla (247 km), Chandigarh (285 km), Ambala (331 km) and New Delhi (521km) through state owned transport services or private cabs. From Manali take a cab or bus till Naggar, which is 21 km away.

Approx trekking distance (Both sides): 35 km

Base Camp: Manali

Difficulty: Easy - Moderate Gradient

Highest point of trek: 3,660 m

Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport, Kullu

Nearest Railhead: 285 km

Region: Kullu Region

Starting point of trek: Manali

Day 1: Manali → Naggar → Rumsu → Ganachalani

Distance: 15 kms,

Arrive at Manali early in the morning and take your time to be relaxed at the hotel. You can visit Hadimba Devi Temple, the old Manali town and the Mall Road. Get back to hotel for a hearty meal and an overnight stay. Depart for Naggar early in the morning which is about 21 km away. During your short drive you will pass through the Roerichs Cottage and then the main bridle path about 1 km before forking uphill towards the Rumsu Village. Visit the ancient wooden temple there which is believed to have close ties to the temple dedicated to Jamlu in Malana. From here begins you trek on foot. You will head up from Rumsu through a ridge towards the east of the village and then follow a well laden path. Te trail goes through a dense cover of forest of Deodar, horse chestnut and pine. Keep along the trail until your reach Ganachalani. Pitch your tents here for the night and take good rest.

Day 2: Ganachalani → Celanti

Distance: 12 kms,

Proceed from Ganachalani towards Celanti. The trail ascends through the forest for first 4 km leading towards a series of open meadows. You may spot some animals grazing the lowest meadows perched at 3000 m accompanied by their shepherds from the Kullu valley. You will also get a chance to admire the fine scenic beauty extending from Kullu Valley and Manali to the Pir Panjal range and right across the Bara Bhangal Range from these alpine meadows. The trail has not ended yet and will take you through a small forest adorned with rhododendrons and then to a series of alpine meadows ultimately leading to Celanti. This is your campsite for the day.

Day 3: Celanti → Chandrakhani Pass → Dadru

Distance: 15 kms,

Begin your third day of the trek early in the morning in order to cherish the stunning views at the pass. It takes around one hour trek to reach the Chandrakhani Pass from here. Walk along the ridge line and cairns that ultimately defines the pass. You will be spell bound by the views on to your north, the Ghalpo Peaks of Lahaul- Dharamsure (6446 m) and Papsura (6451 m) and the other peaks of Upper Tosh valley standing mightily. You will also get the glimpse of the snow clad Himalayas extending up to the head of the Parvati Valley. As you keep along the trail, you will notice the track from the pass to Dadru remains below the ridge line, about 100 m, for another 2-3 kms. Descend the down to the meadows at Nagarvani perched at a height of 3350 m. After crossing a couple of rivers and passage through the silver fir and oak forest, you will arrive at the village of Dadru. Pitch your tents here for night and rest for the upcoming day.

Day 4: Dadru → Malana

Distance: 8 kms,

It's time to depart from Dadru towards Malana. For that continue along the Malana Riveruntil you arrive at a bridge across the river and a trail going towards the Kasol River. The trail will ultimately lead you to the Rashol Pass (3260 m) and the Parvati Valley. Keep trudging along the same path to finally arrive at Malana Village, an isolated place serving as home to about 50 families. The village has its own language, customs, laws, all made and governed by the village elders. It is also your campsite for the day, so prepare your tents and rest for the night.

Day 5: Malana → Jari

Distance: 20 kms,

Today you will be heading towards Jari, which is about 20 kms from Malana. Begin the trek along the trail descending to the valley floor, from where it is a fairly level walk through a dense forest for 5-6 kms. The trail will lead you to new dam built across the Malana River. Another 12 km into the trek from the dam wall will take you to Jari. This final section of trekking will take about 2-3 hours of trek. Jari is a beautiful place situated just above the confluence of the Rivers Malana and Parvati. Stay here for the night and enjoy the scenic beauty around.

Day 6: Jari → Manali

It is finally the time to get back to Manali. Have early breakfast and drive back to the base camp, which will take about 6 hours of drive. This marks the end of this amazing trip.