India Trips Travel Guidelines
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. Yet, it is perfect for fit beginners. 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.
Itinerary
- Drive Distance: 9 km | Drive Duration: 25 minutes | Trek Distance: 3 km | Trek Duration: 3 hours | Altitude Gain: 6,745 ft to 8,930 ft
- You will be taking a shared cab from Indiahikes campus to Rumsu. The fare of this ride is included in the trek fee.
- Valley Vegabonds will arrange pick-up from Beas Bridge, Manali to Valley Vegabonds Campus at 2:00 pm sharp. The cost is ₹300 per trekker one way from Manali (Beas Bridge) to Valley Vegabonds Campus. These are non-AC vehicles. Please pre-book your transport through the dashboard before your trek.
- If you are reaching on your own, make sure to reach Campus latest by 7:00 am.
- Trek Distance: 4 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours | Altitude Gain: 8,930 ft to 11,368 ft
- Trek Distance: 9.5 km | Trek Duration: 10 hours | Altitude Gain/Loss: 11,368 ft to 10,430 ft via 12,185 ft
- Drive Distance: 9 km | Drive Duration: 25 minutes | Trek Distance: 4.8 km | Trek Duration: 5 hours | Altitude Loss: 10,430 ft to 6,745 ft
NOTE: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.
NOTE: On the trek, you will be staying 2 in a tent on all days.
NOTE: We have a cloakroom facility at the base camp for extra luggage. Anything beyond that is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.
Inclusions
- Connection to Yourself: In a world that rarely slows down, the trek’s remote setting offers a chance to disconnect. Valley Vegabonds Trek Leaders, backed by their facilitation training, help you look inward and build a deeper connection with yourself.
- Connection to Nature: All Valley Vegabonds Trek Leaders are trained naturalists, skilled in delivering insightful storytelling sessions on the natural elements you see on the trek.
- Connection to Others: The trek is designed to foster teamwork, turning strangers into a close-knit group through shared challenges and meaningful experiences.
- Stay in Swiss tents at the exclusive Valley Vegabonds Community Campus. The campus features the vibrant Café, as well as dedicated breakout areas for relaxation and mingling.
- Stay in our sturdy four-season tents (two trekkers per tent) built to withstand harsh weather and provide comfort in all conditions.
- A dedicated kitchen team prepares fresh, wholesome meals that are designed, keeping the requirements of a Himalayan Trek in mind. All meals from lunch at Manali on Day 1 to Breakfast at Chhatru on Day 6 are covered in your trek fee.
- All Essential Camping Gear: We provide custom-made sleeping bags which are made to withstand -10 degrees outside temperature, hygiene liners, sleeping tents and foam mats. Other safety equipment like helmets, gaiters and micro-spikes is also provided when required.
- Medical Safety Gear: Our team is equipped with an elaborate medical kit, which our Trek Leaders and guides are trained to use. Oxygen cylinders, thoroughly inspected, also accompany you throughout the trek. Our campsites are further equipped with large oxygen cylinders.
- A Trained Trek Leader: The Trek Leader ensures seamless operation on the trek and serves as your lead facilitator, nature guide and storyteller, ensuring that the trek is safe as well as enriching. All Valley Vegabonds Trek Leaders are trained naturalists and highly skilled in managing medical emergencies, ensuring your safety in the challenging conditions of high-altitude remote wilderness.
- Local Guides: Local guides are deeply familiar with the region and enhance your experience with their knowledge of the region, local flora and fauna, and customs.
- Dedicated Kitchen Team: The kitchen team takes charge of your food experience on the trek, whipping up sumptuous food throughout the trek.
Exclusions
- To and from the Valley Vegabonds Pick-Up Point: Travel expenses from your hometown to the Valley Vegabonds Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
- To and From Valley Vegabonds Base: You can choose to travel on your own. However, around 95% of our trekkers opt for the transport services organised by Valley Vegabonds, since our drivers are trained, and the journey is safe and hygienic.
On Day 1, pick-up from Manali Beas Bridge to the Campus costs Rs 300 per trekker one-way. Please pre-book your transport through the dashboard before your trek. All vehicles are non-AC.
On Day 6, the drop-off directly to Beas Bridge, Manali from Chhatru via Chandratal costs Rs 1800 per trekker one-way. Please pre-book your transport through the dashboard before your trek. All vehicles are non-AC. - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery (tiffin box / mug), backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Crosstrek Rental Store for an affordable fee.
- We have a cloakroom facility available at the base camp for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave behind one piece of luggage at no charge.
- Anything beyond one piece of luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage.
- At Valley Vegabonds, we encourage carrying your backpack to embrace the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your backpack for a fee of Rs.2000 for the entire trek duration
- Anything apart from inclusions
Other Info
Must Carry
- Authentic Government ID Card
- Comfortable warm clothing
- Sunscreen & lip balm
- Personal Medicines (if any)
Travel Essentials
gears
- A rucksack bag and a day pack
- 3-litre water bladder or water bottle
clothes
- One cotton long sleeves and 2 short sleeve t-shirt
- 1 pair of gloves
- At least 2 long pants (trek pants and cargo pants are favourable)
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 2 pair of socks
- A small towel
- A rain jacket or a poncho
footwear
- Above-the-ankle waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good grip
- Flip flops/sandals
medication
- Glucose powder
- Medicines for headaches, diarrhoea, motion sickness
- Dettol
- Bandages
- Cotton
personal accessories
- Toothpaste, toothbrush
- Paper soap, or sanitizer
- Sunscreen minimum of spf40 , lip balm, cold creams
- Body spray
- LED torch light
