Winter Chandrakhani Pass Trek

Trek Highlights:

Region: Manali / Parvati Valley

• Total Duration – 3 Nights / 4 Days
• Maximum Altitude – 3700 mtrs / 12030 ft.
• Grade – Easy to Moderate
• Best Season – December to April
• Accommodation – Hotel/Guesthouse in Naggar ; Organized Campsite
• Food – On trek – All meals included
• Distance – 25 KM.

Day 1. Report at Naggar 1700m.

Reporting – Acclimatization – Orientation & Briefing of the trek – Trek Preparation & window shopping.

(Sufficient time would be given for visiting market and nearby places)

Arrive nagger by any local conveyance. Spend a night in the camps/ hotel at Naggar. Naggar is an ancient village with lots of temples and places to visit. One can spend some quality time at these places.

Day 2. Naggar – Rumsu - Ghon Kradi (6-7 km.) (4-5 hrs.)

The trek will start from Naggar by taking a cab till Rumsu. The actual trail starts from Rumsu which is 5km. far from the town of Naggar. The trail has concrete stairs at initial, but disappears with muddy terrain after few minutes.The route is moderately difficult. There are few very steep patches; otherwise the trail is not bad. The trail goes through the village to the mighty forest of different species. The trail takes one to the fabulous landscapes and huge forests of Naggar. One the way one will find huge trees of chestnut Deodar and oak, showing their prominence in the area. The trail might have the snowy patches on the lower heights but as you go higher the snow will appear all around. Further on, the trail will eventually lead to an open pastoral meadow which will be covered with snow at Stelling. One can have his lunch and rest at this beautiful meadow. After having lunch the trail is moderate but walking on the snow could be a challenge on the few uphills. The distance from Stelling to Ghon Kradi is not that far and one can leisurely approach the campsite. The snow laden trees of deodar, creates a mesmerizing sight of one being in the heaven. As going up brings one to the open meadows all covered with snow at Ghon Kradi. The campsite is surrounded with chestnut, oak and pine trees. It is a grazing pasture normally used by the shepherds in the summer season. People also collect wood from this place for the winters. Evening at Ghon Kradi is as beautiful as it goes till night falls. The twilight painting the sky orange, the stars shining in the dark sky and the snow reflecting the light as one can see without torchlight, chilling nights are some of the moments one can only enjoy at this place in winter. Spend a beautiful night in your camps. 

Day 3. Ghon Kradi – Naya Tapru 2900m/900oft. – Ghon Kradi (3-4 km.) (3-4 hrs.)

On the next day we climb towards Naya Tapru. The trail is steep covered with deep snow. Walking on deep snow could be a difficulty but the experience is out of this world. The trail passes through birch, oak, wild chestnut and rhododendron trees. The trees and huge rocks are the only visible objects yet the other vegetation is covered with snow till the next summer. Since it is a hiking day one has sufficient time to reach Naya Tapru. Climbing higher the mountain better the vista gets. The way up is all surrounded by the dense forest till Shedu Pather. Suddenly after passing some huge rocks on the way the forest opens up to a vast meadow. The place with white rocks is called Shedu Pathar beyond it is open slope.  It is the place where one would find himself lucky that his effort wasn’t in vain. Naya tapru is a bit higher from Shedu pather, but on the same meadow. Therefore all the mighty ranges of dhauladhar, Hanuman tibba, priyadarshini range are clearly visible at Naya Tapru. One can’t stop himself by taking pics, doing slides and playing with snow. Naya Tapru is also a pastoral field, which is packed with sheeps and shepherds in the summers. After having an enjoyable day at Naya Tapru we climb down the same route to Ghon Kradi. On the way back one can do the sliding to avoid slipping or sinking on the snowy slopes. One can use a stick to support while walking downwards. Although walking on the snow even if you fall or slip it won’t hurt you, coz snow is soft and is all around. Descending down to the campsite is as amazing as one would have thought of real natural adventure. The encounter to the nature is so close and realistic that one would never forget this trek. We reach back at campsite by the evening. Have a hot cup of tea and relax in your camps.

Day 4. Ghon Kradi – Rumsu – Naggar (6-7 km.) (4-5 hrs.)

Following day we climb down to the road head at Rumsu. After having breakfast we start back to the village via same route. Walking on the snow isn’t that tough than on the slippery mud. Because as we climb down the snow it will slowly disappear and these wet patches will appear. Because the lower part of the mountain trail is on the clay, which once gets wet it becomes so slippery.  And it’s obvious that snow melting upwards brings water down to these mud slopes. Walking uphill creates no disturbance on these patches but one should be careful treading down on the slopes.  We take some rest at Stelling and proceed downwards. Then passing through the forest we reach at the final part of the trek that consists of clay surface. It is just above the Rumsu village but the slipperiness it causes it takes some time to overcome this patch. After it the trail is fine as one would remember the previous trekking days. Finally we reach at roadhead where our vehicle would be waiting for us after a great trekking experience.  Hop in and reach Naggar. From here you are set to go to your own destinations.

Things to Pack: Rucksack, cotton clothes, good trekking shoes, a warm jacket, Feather Jacket, fleece jacket,warmer, woollen or monkey cap covering head and ears, UV rays protected sunglasses, raincoat, extra socks, water bottle, torch, cold cream, sunscreen, toilet soap, towel, walking Stick medicines that you usually use.

Others Details

The Chanderkhani Pass located in the middle of lush green Kullu valley is the most famous trek of Himachal Pradesh. The Chanderkhani Pass trek is done in any season.