Travelling northward from Manali, past the sulphur springs, of Vashishta and
the Brighu Lake is the breathtaking region of Lahaul across the Rohtang Pass
at a height of 4,111 metres (13,400 ft.) reached by the worlds highest
jeepable road right up to and even beyond, Keylong. It is 117 kms from
Manali the capital, to Lahaul. The threshold of the Lahaul plateau is
nourished by the Chandra and Bhaga rivers. Dry and very cold, it is
surrounded by high mountains on all sides, the Great Himalayas to the north,
the Pir Panjal to the South and the Spiti-Chandra watershed to the east.
Higher and colder than Pangi valley there are many glaciers and high peaks
in Lahaul. The biggest glacier is Bara Shigri. The road, that passes through
Lahaul, starts from Rahalla falls, enters Lahaul by the Rohtang Pass, goes
through Lahaul through Khoksar and Keylong and crosses out by the
Baralacha-La. From Lahaul the Himalayas can be seen in all their mighty
splendour. The barren landscape and sparse vegetation lends a magnificent
charm to this otherwise bleak country. With their slant Mongol eyes,
prominent cheek bones and cheerful smiles, the people give visitors an
enthusiastic welcome.
Day 1 : Delhi - Manali
Transfer to Palam Domestic airport for flight IC-475 to Kullu at 0900 hrs
to arrive Kullu (Bhuntar airport) at 1030 hrs. Transfer from Bhuntar airport
to Manali and check into Hotel Holiday Inn or similar. After lunch, we drive
down to Manali town for self exploration of town. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 : Manali - Rohtang Pass - Manali
After early breakfast, we drive to Rohtang Pass for sight seeing. This day
is must for acclimatization. Return back by lunch time and day free at
leisure. Overnight in hotel.
( About Manali ) - Manali, according to legend, was born when the
waters of The Great Deluge receded and the seventh Manu’s ark came to
rest on a hillside in this valley. As the earth dried up there came up a
place of breathtaking beauty which was named after the great sage. Over the
last decade Manali has grown from a back of the beyond Himachali town to a
busy tourist destination bustling with as many as 400 hotels. It is the
centre of a flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination
and trailhead for numerous treks.
Day 3 : Manali - Rohtang Pass - Batal
After early breakfast, drive over Rohtang Pass for Batal. Reach Batal by
lunch time. Evening free at leisure & overnight in tents.
( About Rohtang Pass ) - Situated about 51 km from Manali town at an
altitude of 4,111 meters (13,400 ft.) on the highway to Keylong, is Rohtang
Pass. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and
splendour. At the top of the Pass the air seems to glitter against the snow
as you look down over herringboned ridges into the Lahaul Valley. There is a
beautiful Doshohar Lake left to the pass, where pilgrims go every year on
the auspicious day of 20th Bhadon. This is the only access to Lahaul valley.
The pass is open from June to September each year although trekkers can
across the pass a little earlier. Rohtang pass is the gateway to Lahaul
valley just as Zojila pass in between Kashmir valley and Ladakh.
( About Batal ) - Batal is situated at the foot of Kunzum pass,
which provides the main approach to Spiti from Lahaul. The panorama as
viewed from the top of the pass is enthralling and inspiring. On the way is
Bara Shigri glaciers. Bara meaning big and Shigri meaning glacier in Lahauli
dialect. The view of the Shigri Stream emerging from beneath a huge
iridescent archway of solid ice is a never-to be forgotten sight. Behind the
archway lies the Shigri glacier climbing up to dizzy height. The glacier is
mountainous mass of solid ice, more than a kilometer wide and extending over
a distance of ten kilometers.
Day 4 : Batal - Kunzum Pass - Chander Tal
After breakfast, we drive 10 kms to Kunzum Pass and start trekking 12 kms
to Chander tal. A pleasant 4 hrs walk and the Chandra tal appears. Overnight
in tents.
About
Kunzum Pass (4551 m) - 110 from Manali,Kunzum provides chief access to
Lahaul valley by the great Kunzum range. The lofty Shigri Glacier is seen in
front in all its grandeur. The crest of the pass has been marked by a
chorten of stones erected ages ago. The Panorama as viewed from the top of
the Pass is enthralling and inspiring. There is a temple dedicated to Kali,
known as Kunzum Devi. Rahul was the son of Buddha and the name Lahaul is
drived from Rahul.
( Chander Tal ) - Chandertal means the Lake of Moon. This lake of
exquisite beauty is set on a large meadow of edelweiss between a lower ridge
and the main Kunzum range with an outlet into the Chandra river. A beautiful
view of the Samudra Tapoo glacier and of Mulkila range is obtainable. A
majestic serene lake surrounded by mighty Himalayan peaks. A vast meadow, is
the camping site on the banks of this enchanting lake. During spring time,
it is carpeted with hundreds of kinds of wild alpine flowers.
Day 5 : Rest Day
Day 6 : Rest Day
Day 7 : Chander Tal - Kunzum Pass - Manali
After early breakfast, trek back to Kunzum Pass and drive back to Manali to
arrive late in the evening. Check into Hotel Holiday Inn. Overnight.
Day 8 : Manali - Delhi
Transfer to Bhuntar airport for flight no. IC 475 to Delhi 1110 hrs to
arrive Delhi at 1240 hrs. Transfer to hotel.
