For years, we’ve wanted trekkers to experience the stark, raw beauty of India’s high-altitude cold deserts. Lahaul, tucked in the rain shadow of the Pir Panjal Range, held the key with vast open landscapes and towering glaciers.
But most treks here climbed too fast to 18–19,000 ft, making them inaccessible to many. That changed when we found the Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek. It’s a rare trail that starts high, near 16,000 ft, and still stays within a safe altitude window. The trek never climbs beyond 17,200 ft and within this narrow band, it packs a magical variety of landscapes— sprawling meadows, glacial valleys, moraine belts, and twin alpine lakes.
The Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek starts at the high mountain pass of Baralacha La plunging you straight into the raw, high-altitude wilderness of Lahaul. You trek through vast alpine landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. These rugged, high-altitude plateaus shift colours through the day, glowing in surreal hues of orange, purple, and gold under the changing mountain light.
As the trail unfolds, you walk under the gaze of towering peaks from the KR and Chandrabhaga ranges. You witness their glaciers spilling down steep slopes and converging into the dramatic snout from where the Chandra River gushes out. It then goes on to drain Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab, before flowing into the fabled Indus River in Pakistan. To stand at the origin of this great river, where it bursts out of ancient glaciers, is a feeling hard to put into words.
If that is not all, the trail further leads you to two spectacular glacial lakes — Kya Tso and Ga Tso — nestled in the icy cradle of Mt. Yunam, surrounded by other towering peaks and moraine walls.
But what really stands out for us is the spectacular glaciers you see along the way. This trek is a rare, up-close showcase of glacier country — from crevasses and sinkholes to snouts and icefalls. It’s perhaps the closest you can get to these powerful ice formations without getting into the technical difficulties of actually walking on them.
If you’re seeking a raw, high-altitude adventure in one of the most remote corners of the Himalayas, this is the trek for you. Baralacha La is where most adventures end. But on the Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek, it’s only the beginning. From here, you journey into an otherworldly glaciated landscape that few have ever stepped into.
1. The Cold Desert Landscape The expansive cold desert landscape you see on this trek is unlike anything you're likely to experience anywhere else. Vast open stretches of undulating land stretch as far as you can see. Gradual humps rise and fall like waves. Icy glacial streams cut through their heart and jagged peaks rise at their edges. The sheer stark vastness catches you by surprise and reminds you of our insignificance at the face of such rugged wilderness. On a sunny day, when these landscapes exude magical shades of orange, green and even purple, it feels like a place far removed from the world we live in.
2. The Lunar Campsite The lunar campsite is one of the biggest highlights of this trek. Our exploration team returned raving about this campsite, set amidst the vast open landscapes beside a clear glacial stream. Behind the brown hills lining the meadow’s edge you'll see the perfect conical shape of the KR-5 peak. In the far horizon, you'll see Kullu Makalu and peaks from the Chandrabhaga Range and behind you is the beautiful Mt. Yunam. We perhaps couldn't dream up a more perfect campsite.
3. The Exhibition of Glacial Features The entire trek feels like an open-air exhibition of glacial features. From numerous glacial streams and two stunning glacial lakes to actual, sprawling glaciers– complete with crevasses, sinkholes, icefalls and the great snout from where Chandra river takes birth. Yet, you see them from a safe distance without having to get into the technicalities of actually traversing a glacier. This is a rare combination. The trek perhaps takes you the closest you can get to these giant rivers of ice without having to step on them.
4. Witnessing the birth of Chenab On the second day of your trek, you actually witness the Chenab River taking birth from the icy glaciers. A muddy headstream gushes out of a huge snout. This is the Chandra River taking birth, which eventually joins Bhaga at Tandi to form the legendary Chandrabhaga river, also known as Chenab. It eventually goes on to drain the states of Jammu-Kashmir and Punjab before flowing into the Indus in Pakistan. It is awe-inspiring to stand at the origin of this stream which has shaped history and served as lifeline for the iconic Indus Valley Civilization.
5. The High Altitude Lakes For all that it offers, the Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek also takes you to two stunning high-altitude glacial lakes– Kya Tso and Ga Tso. At 17000 ft above sea-level, they are cradled dramatically at the base of glaciated slopes. At Kya Tso, you see Mt. Yunam rising right off the lake’s edge. At Ga Tso, you witness the Yunam river take birth. But what makes these lakes special is the climb over moraine ridges. You don't see the lakes until you take the final step on top of the ridge and then they are revealed in full. Without a hint. The moment you see the lakes in all their glory after the hard climb over boulders stays with you for long.
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience. Use this section to learn about the Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek. But there's a little more we want to tell you about this trek.
At Himachal Tripper, this trek already has a soft corner in our hearts. This is not only the highest we go on any Himachal Tripper Trek in India, it is also the first official Himachal Tripper Trek which was explored by a team of InTrek Club Members. Seven members of our Bangalore chapter Kaidzohar, Kartik, Nagavishnu, Shreya, Shivam, Sumedha and Sushanth, were instrumental in documenting this trek along with Himachal Tripper Team Members, Pritish and Upayan.
Reach the Himachal Tripper Jungle Line Campus, a lively community campus, exclusively for Himachal Tripper trekkers. Stay in comfortable Swiss tents set in this quiet corner amidst the mountains. At the centre of this campus is the Urjino Café, a warm, welcoming space where trekkers gather, chat, play games, or just enjoy a quiet cup of tea. The whole setup is designed to help you connect with people, with nature and even with your own self.
Settle in and have a hot lunch. After that, go through the safety check-in. This is especially important here. The Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek climbs higher than any other Himachal Tripper trek. So vitals and fitness are checked carefully to make sure you’re ready.
Pick up rental gear, if needed. Drop any extra luggage in the cloakroom. And then attend a detailed trek briefing. Your Trek Leader will take you through the route, what to expect on the trail, and how to acclimatise well over the next two days. This is one of the most crucial parts of your trek. How well you acclimatise now will decide how strong you feel later.
In the second half of the day, head out for a short acclimatisation hike around the campus. Or take a drive to explore the historic town of Naggar nearby. The goal is to get your body moving gently, while enjoying the new setting.
Keep things light today. Hydrate well, stay warm, and soak in the mountain air. Spend the evening at Urjino Café. Chat with your trek mates, pick up a board game, or just watch the sky change colour. The journey has already begun.
Drive Distance: 120 km | Drive Duration: 4 hrs | Altitude Gain: 6,000 ft to 11,000 ft
The drive from Manali to Darcha is nothing short of dramatic. Start by driving along the Beas River, as the road slowly winds its way uphill. Soon, you approach the Atal Tunnel — the gateway to a completely different world.
The moment you exit the tunnel, the landscape changes sharply. Lush greenery gives way to the stark, barren beauty of Lahaul. This is cold desert terrain — raw, open, and vast.
The Chandrabhaga River now comes into view. This river will be your companion all the way to its origin. The road winds right alongside it, with steep cliffs and deep valleys on either side. Look out for waterfalls cascading straight down from hanging glaciers — it’s magical to witness.
Cross the historic town of Keylong next. Take a short break here. Visit the monastery or have some snacks at the well-known Climbers Café. This is also your last chance to pick up any essentials. Keylong is the last big marketplace before the trek begins.
From Keylong, continue towards Darcha. Just before reaching, cross the Darcha bridge. You’ll see the confluence of three streams — Jangkar, Bhaga, and Yoche — merging together in a wide riverbed, surrounded by towering mountains. Look out for the snow-covered peaks of Chachi Mug and Mullkila in the distance.
Arrive at your homestay in Darcha to a warm welcome from the locals. These traditional stone-and-mud homes give you a peek into the culture of Lahaul. Settle in, rest well, and explore the area slowly. A short walk to the river to catch the sunset is worth it.
Darcha is a beautiful little hamlet situated at the confluence of three glacial streams– the Bhaga, the Jankar and Yoche. Take a short day-hike, experience the traditional stone-and-mud homes of Lahaul and enjoy Sunset from the riverbed.
This day is meant for you to relax, take in the beauty around you, and allow your body to acclimatise to the high altitude. So make sure that you hydrate well and do not exert yourself too much.
Drive Distance: 50 km | Drive Duration: 2 hrs | Altitude Gain: 11,000 ft to 16,000 ft | Trek Distance: 6 km | Trek Duration: 4 hrs | Altitude Gain: 16,000 ft to 16,100 ft via 16,250 ft
Your journey starts with a drive from Darcha, tracing the gurgling Bhaga River. The road climbs steadily, winding through a stark, high-altitude terrain. Soon after the Darcha checkpost, your phone network disappears. But in return, glaciated peaks begin to rise around you. You feel the remoteness set in. Take a moment to notice this — for most travellers, just the drive to Baralacha La is the highlight of their journey. For you, it’s just the beginning.
The landscape turns more rugged as you gain altitude. It starts sinking in. You’ll be trekking in this wild, cold-desert terrain. That’s exciting. You pass Suraj Tal, a turquoise glacial lake. This is where the Bhaga River begins.
A few kilometres ahead, you reach Baralacha La — your trek start point.
You step out into a wide, open world of rock, snow and silence. The scale hits you immediately. It’s an endless cold-desert terrain, sharp ridges, and high jagged peaks. Around the 2 km mark, you cross the Yunam Cho stream. From there, a short climb leads you to a gentle hump in the landscape. This is Paralatse La.
There’s a small blue tarn here, set against the magical backdrop of massive snow peaks. The Kullu Pumori, Parvati range, and the mighty CB (Chandrabhaga) mountains rise in the horizon.
From here, take a left towards a valley carved by two glaciers. This is where one of the early tributaries of the Chandra River is born. Pause here. This moment is special. Over the next few days, your trek will follow this river system, right up to its source.
Now you descend gently, tracing this glacial stream. It leads you to the stunning Lunar Campsite. It sits right in the middle of high-altitude meadows. A glacial stream flows close by. Right in front, the pyramid-like KR5 peak dominates the skyline. Behind you, Yunam stands tall.
Settle in for the day. As evening sets in, watch the light dance on the peaks. And if the skies are clear, prepare for a dazzling show of stars.
Trek Distance: 11 km | Drive Duration: 8 hrs | Altitude Gain: 16,200 ft at Glaciers Viewpoint and 15,500 ft at Chandra River
Start early from the Lunar Campsite. Carry just your daypacks. You’ll return to this very campsite by evening. The trail continues through beautiful alpine meadows. Small glacial streams crisscross the landscape. You'll need to hop across a few.
Around the 2 km mark, you reach a sudden viewpoint. To your right, KR-5 stands taller and closer than ever. To your left and below, a magical sight of a high-altitude river delta.This is the Chandra River joining with its many early tributaries and beginning its journey.
Here, the terrain changes. Meadows give way to scree and loose moraine. You're entering glacier country now. As you trek on, the valley to your left opens up dramatically. You start seeing a series of glaciers feeding into the Chandra River system. From a high ledge, you even spot the snout of the glacier — the very mouth where the Chandra River begins. You’ll visit it on your return, but for now, continue ahead.
One after the other, the KR peaks begin to reveal themselves. Each standing tall from base to summit. With every step, the scale of the mountains grows. Glaciers tumble down their slopes. The massive sheets of ice feeding into the Chandra river system form part of the Koa-Rong Glacial System — among the most significant glacier systems in Lahaul. The KR peaks are named after these very glaciers.
Soon, you’re surrounded by high peaks and active glaciers on all sides. The moraine becomes more rugged, and you’re carefully navigating boulder zones. After about 2.5 km, you reach the Chandrabhaga Glaciers Viewpoint, a massive amphitheatre of snow and ice.
From here, the entire KR range unfolds right in front of you. There are no obstructions, no ridges cutting across. Just peak after peak, glacier after glacier. You see everything — deep crevasses, icefalls, sinkholes — features you usually only read about. But here, you witness them up close from a safe, solid vantage point. This is perhaps as close you can get to a glacier without actually stepping onto it.
Spend some time here. Soak it all in.
On your way back, take a detour down to the snout of the glacier from where the Chandra River originates. You’re now at the very birth point of the river. Huge chunks of ice break off and melt into the stream that becomes the Chandra. It’s a powerful moment to witness the beginning of a river that later meets the Bhaga to form the Chenab. This river system flows through Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and finally drains into the Indus River in Pakistan. It is humbling to stand at the origin of this ancient river, which gave birth to the Indus Valley Civilisation.
From here, trace the riverbed down to the delta you saw earlier. Then take a slight left, keep going until you find a small stream. Cross it and continue uphill along it. This will bring you out of the glacier zone and back into the familiar meadows. An undulating walk through the open landscape leads you back to the Lunar Campsite, with memories of an unforgettable day deep in the heart of the Chandrabhaga glaciers.
Some of the small streams you crossed in the morning may have swelled up by the time you return. Your Trek Leader and guides will help you navigate them safely.
Trek Distance: 10 km | Trek Duration: 8 hrs | Altitude Gain: 16,100 ft to 16,200 ft via 17,200 ft
Today is one of the most adventurous days of the trek. You’ll be visiting two stunning glacial lakes — Kya Tso and Ga Tso — and reaching your highest point on the trek.
You start from the Lunar Campsite. For the first 2 km, the trail is gentle. You walk across soft alpine meadows, with Mt. Yunam towering ahead. Soon, the trail starts climbing. You begin to walk along the bouldery side of a glacial valley. Slowly, you gain height and step into a full-blown moraine zone.
In front of you, a steep moraine ridge blocks the view. You only get a hint of what lies beyond. A stream cuts through the ridge wall. That’s your clue that something incredible lies ahead.
Take this section slow. You’re now climbing to 16,800 ft. The altitude kicks in. You’ll feel it with every step. But when you finally crest the ridge, everything changes. Right in front of you lies Kya Tso — a dramatic, high-altitude glacial lake. If you’re early in the season, the lake is half-frozen — white and blue in patches. Later in the season, it turns a surreal turquoise.Mt. Yunam rises steeply behind the lake. Its glaciers seem to begin right at the water’s edge. It’s a picture-perfect sight.
Spend time soaking in the views. This is a rare lake, barely seen by trekkers.
Next, you begin the journey to Ga Tso.
You exit the Kya Tso bowl by climbing over its moraine walls. Then descend gently into the next valley. This valley is familiar. It holds the first stream you saw on Day One of your trek. That’s Yunam Cho. Now, you follow this stream straight upstream.
The climb is gradual but steady. After about 3 km, you reach the origin of the stream — a beautiful glacial lake called Ga Tso. It sits at a staggering 17,200 ft. This is the highest point of your entire trek. The setting is unbelievable. The glaciers and mountain faces here are even grander than at Kya Tso. Everything around you feels raw and untouched.
Take in the silence, and enjoy your packed lunch.
When you're done, it’s time to descend. Right at the lake, cross to the other side of the Yunam Cho stream — it’s still small and easy to hop across near its origin. From here, you follow the stream back downstream, descending alongside it.
The moraines lead you down, back to the meadowy landscapes. In around 4 kms of descent, you will reach the River Campsite.
This campsite sits in the shadow of Mt. Yunam, close to the banks of the stream. After a high day, this peaceful setting is the perfect place to rest.
You’ve now seen the source of two major glacial lakes, traced a high-altitude stream to its origin, and reached one of the least-known viewpoints in this part of Lahaul. It’s a day you’ll never forget.
Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 3 hrs | Altitude Loss: 16,200 ft to 16,000 ft | Drive Distance: 150 km | Drive Duration: 6 hrs | Drop-off Time: 7 PM | Drop-Off Point: Beas Bridge, Manali
From the Riverside Camp, it’s a long walk through the open meadows to Baralacha La roadheads. There are undulations– small humps that you need to ascend and descend but nothing too strenuous. You should comfortably reach the roadhead within 3-4 hrs of trekking.
From Baralacha La, drive all the way back to Himachal Tripper Jungle Line Campus. Have lunch on the way. At the campus, sort out rentals and cloakroom before heading back to Beas Bridge.
You will cover a total of around 32 km in four trekking days. Although you gain only around 1200 ft (16,000 ft to 17,200 ft), every day will include gradual ascents and descents on uneven trails, boulder sections with scree and moraine.
Please note: If you are trekking with Himachal Tripper, our Trek Leaders and Technical Guides will provide you with all necessary guidance, support, and technical gear such as micro spikes, gaiters, helmets, ropes, etc. wherever required.
Please note: The safety of our trekkers is paramount. Our technical team, in conjunction with the Trek Leader, constantly monitors the weather conditions and makes informed decisions about proceeding with or aborting the trek. If the weather deteriorates, the team may need to turn back from any campsite to ensure the safety of all trekkers.
Please Note: The Himachal Tripper team is equipped with high-altitude medical kits, oxygen cylinders, and stretchers to handle any altitude-related emergencies.
The Army Healthcare Center at Zing-Zing Bar is the closest medical facility in case of an emergency. The first Government Healthcare Set-up is at Keylong, a 3 hr drive from Baralacha La. However, in case of more serious requirements, the only option is to drive back to Manali, which can take anywhere between 5-6 hours from Baralacha La.
The Himachal Tripper team will ensure your safety throughout the journey. However, we believe that safety is a shared responsibility. We need your active participation and attention to safety protocols to ensure a safe and successful trek.
From Rumsu, you have to navigate a very steep climb through forests. This will test your endurance. Photo by Jothiranjan.
In heavy snowfall, the ridge walk to Chandrakhani Pass turns tricky. The trail disappears under the snow, forcing trekkers to carve out a new path. Photo by Jothiranjan.
You trek through meadows and muddy trails on this trek. Heavy rain can make these slushy and difficult to navigate. Photo by Jothiranjan.
On the way to Chandrakhani Pass from Chaklani, you navigate a long ridge with stretches of ledge walks and steep sections. In heavy rain, this traverse can become particularly challenging. Photo by Jothiranjan.
The trek gets trickier if it snows. Even meadow sections can get significantly challenging on slippery snow. Photo by Jothiranjan.
Please inform your Trek Leader about any pre-existing medical conditions or health concerns, no matter how minor they may seem. This will enable us to take the necessary precautions and ensure your safety throughout the trek.
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