Trekking in Himachal is all about the big mountain passes. From Pin Bhaba, Rupin, Buran, Borasu to Kugti and Hampta, the list is endless. But most of them are arduous treks, demanding prior experience. Hampta is easier but comes with tricky sections and multiple river crossings.

This is where the Chandrakhani Pass Trek stands out. It is a classic high-altitude pass in Himachal. In fact, it is the only navigable pass linking the Beas and Parvati Valleys—a historic route traveled by shepherds and traders for ages. Chandrakhani even finds mention in travelogues dating back to the 1800s. It was, then, called the Malana Pass. Yet, it is the easiest of the lot we just talked about.

Chandrakhani Pass Trek Itinerary

Day:1 Manali to Rumsu Village

• Altitude:
  • Manali: 1,950 m / 6,400 ft
  • Rumsu Village: 2,100 m / 6,800 ft
• Drive Distance: 29 km | 2 hrs

Your journey to Chandrakhani Pass begins in the bustling town of Manali, from where you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Rumsu Village. This 29-kilometer drive takes you through verdant valleys, winding roads, and breathtaking vistas that set the tone for the adventure ahead.

Rumsu, the starting point of the trek, is a charming ancient village located at an altitude of 2,100 meters. Known for its Kathkuni architecture, Rumsu offers a glimpse into the traditional Himachali lifestyle. The houses here are built with alternate layers of wood and stone, a style reminiscent of the architecture seen in Bawta and Jakha on the Rupin Pass trek. The village shares cultural and religious ties with Malana, with the locals worshipping the same deity and following similar customs. In the evening you can take short acclimatization walks around the village, then have dinner and rest for the following day.

Day:2 Rumsu Village and Trek to Naya Tapru

• Altitude:
  • Rumsu Village: 2,100 m / 6,800 ft
  • Naya Tapru: 3,200 m / 10,600 ft
• Trek Distance: 4-5 km | 3-4 hrs

The trekking begins today on day 2 of your journey. Today you will trek from Rumsu, with a gradual ascent towards Naya Tapru, located at an altitude of 3,200 meters. The trail is surrounded by dense forests of oak, deodar, and pine, and as you progress, you’ll notice the trees giving way to open clearings. These clearings provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains, with the Dhauladhar range standing majestically in the backdrop.

The 4 to 5-kilometer trek typically takes 3 to 4 hours, offering plenty of opportunities to soak in the tranquility of the environment. The path is well-marked and gently climbs, and gradual ascents, making it ideal for first-day acclimatization.

Upon reaching Naya Tapru, the effort of the trek will be more than worth it. Naya Tapru is a tranquil meadow, surrounded by towering peaks, making it an ideal campsite. The sweeping views of snow-capped mountains and the vast sky above provide a breathtaking backdrop. As you settle into your campsite, you’ll have time to relax and reflect on the journey thus far. The evening sky, painted in shades of orange and pink, is the perfect way to end the day. As the stars begin to twinkle overhead, you'll experience the quiet serenity of the mountains, a peaceful silence that is truly unmatched.

This first day of trekking offers the perfect introduction to the beauty and grandeur of the Himalayas, setting the stage for the exciting days ahead.

Day:3 Naya Tapru to Chaklani Camp

• Altitude:
  • Naya Tapru: 3,200 m / 10,600 ft
  • Chaklani Camp: 3,400 m / 11,400 ft
• Trek Distance: 2 km | 3 hrs

On Day 3, your adventure continues as you trek from Naya Tapru to Chaklani Camp. The trail is short but quite rewarding, covering only 2 km, yet it offers a gentle gradual ascent that brings you to an elevation of 3,400 meters. The trek takes approximately 3 hours, allowing ample time to appreciate the surrounding beauty and adjust to the altitude.

The morning begins with a warm breakfast at Naya Tapru before you start your ascent. The first leg of the trek takes you through meadows and alpine pastures where you may encounter herders with their flocks of sheep or goats. The trail gradually climbs through a mix of rocky terrain and sparse forest, with occasional glimpses of the expansive windy open areas. As you make your way up, the panoramic views of the mountains open up further, providing stunning vistas of the nearby peaks that become more defined with every step.

Reaching Chaklani Camp feels like a rewarding achievement. Chaklani is a small clearing, at an altitude of 3,400 meters, the camp offers an elevated perspective of the surroundings, with the majestic mountains towering above. The camp provides a serene setting for reflection and rest before the challenges of the following days.

The evening is also perfect for stargazing, as the clear skies of the Himalayas give you an unobstructed view of the stars above. The tranquility of Chaklani Camp, combined with the awe-inspiring mountain views, will make for a truly unforgettable experience. After a delicious dinner and a restful night under the stars, you'll be ready for the trek ahead.

Day:4 Chaklani Camp to Chandrakhani Pass and Back to Naya Tapru

• Altitude:
  • Chaklani Camp: 3,400 m / 11,400 ft
  • Chandrakhani Pass: 3,700 m / 12,100 ft
• Trek Distance:
  • Chaklani to Chandrakhani Pass: 3 km | 3-4 hrs
  • Chandrakhani Pass to Naya Tapru: 5 km (Downhill) | 3-4 hrs

Day 4 of your Chandrakhani Pass trek is a thrilling day that takes you to the highest point of your journey, the Chandrakhani Pass, and then back to Naya Tapru.

The day begins with an early breakfast at Chaklani Camp, where you’ll set off on a steep climb towards the Chandrakhani Pass. The trek from Chaklani to the pass spans 3 kilometers, but the altitude gain will make the journey feel a bit more demanding. The first stretch takes you through alpine meadows, with wildflowers and grasses swaying in the breeze, before gradually shifting to a more rugged, rocky landscape as you approach the pass. As you near the top, a stunning ridge walk awaits, offering panoramic views of the towering peaks and sprawling valleys below. This ridge, with its sweeping vistas and sheer drops on either side, is a highlight of the journey, making every step feel exhilarating and rewarding.

Day:5 Naya Tapru to Rumsu and Drive Back to Manali

• Altitude:
  • Naya Tapru: 3,200 m / 10,600 ft
  • Rumsu: 2,100 m / 6,800 ft
• Trek Distance: 4-5 km | 3-4 hrs
• Drive Distance: 29 km | 2 hrs

On the final day of your Chandrakhani Pass trek, you’ll begin with a peaceful morning at Naya Tapru. After a wholesome breakfast, you’ll prepare for your last trek as you make your way back to Rumsu. The route to Rumsu is a gentle descent, offering a pleasant change after the previous days of uphill climbs. Over the course of 4 to 5 kilometers, you will retrace the trail through the beautiful forests and meadows you passed earlier, gradually making your way back to Rumsu Village.

As you descend, you’ll be able to absorb the lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere that the lower altitudes provide. The walk is relaxing and offers ample opportunities to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed. The path winds through alpine forests, with tall pine and deodar trees lining the way, creating a serene environment that contrasts with the rugged landscapes you encountered higher up.

The trek to Rumsu typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the pace. Once you reach the village, you’ll be greeted with a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction, having completed the Chandrakhani Pass trek in its entirety. Here, you’ll board a vehicle that will take you back to Manali, marking the end of your adventure. The scenic 2-hour drive back to Manali offers one last chance to enjoy the beautiful landscapes, with valleys and mountains framing the road as you descend into the town.

Arriving in Manali, you’ll have time to unwind, freshen up, and perhaps share stories with fellow trekkers about the challenges and rewards of the journey. Be it a leisurely evening in the vibrant town or heading straight to your next destination, you’ll carry with you the memories of a beautiful trek through the stunning landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.

What's Included

• Food as per menu on the trek
• Forest Permits/Camping Charges , if any
• Tents, Sleeping bags, mats
• Safety Equipment
• Trek guide, cook, helpers.
• Porters or mules for carrying common luggage
• Services of a Trek Leader
  
  

What's Not Included

• Meals during road journeys
• Any kind of Insurance
• Any expense of personal nature
• Any expense not specified in the inclusion list.
  
  

Packing List

This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Swapnabhoomi Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.

Trekking Gear

• Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
• Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
• Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
• U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best Sunglasses
• Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each

Footwear

• Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
• Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1