Lahaul
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.
ITINERARY
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 & 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.
