Chandrakhani Pass Trek

The Chandrakhani Pass Trek is a 4-day moderate difficulty level trek located in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the popular and more scenic summer treks in Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh has many big mountain passes like Rupin, Pin Bhaba, Kunti, Hampta and many more but these passes are quite challenging requiring previous experience but Chandrakhani Pass though located at a high altitude is relatively easy and is the only navigable pass between Beas and Parvati Valleys.

Chandrakhani Trek Pass is a 4 day trek covering a good 26 kms with a gradual ascend helping in the acclimatization. As soon as you start trekking one will encounter forests full off pine, oak and deodar trees after which the landscape will transform into vast greenlands and the surrounding majestic peaks of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. Finally, a ridge walk of about 2kms at Chaklani will take you to Chandrakhani Pass.

The Chandrakhani Pass Trek begins at Naggar village an hour away from Manali. In this trek an altitude of 12180 feet or 3660 meters is reached. This pass was used even historically by traders and shepherds.

History Of Chandrakhani Pass Trek

The history of Chandrakhani Pass dates way back in the 1800s this was a way to go from villages of Rumsu and Naggar to Malana village extensively used by traders and shepherds. This is the same route used now by trekkers to reach the Chandrakhani Pass.

Apart from it being an ancient trade route, this pass also has a strong mythological significance according to the local legends. It is belived that a local God named Jamlu was once carrying other local gods in a basket and while crossing this pass a strong wind came and blew away all these gods in various surrounding peaks of Indrasan, Deo Tibba, Pir Panjal and Parbati mountain ranges. Hence all these peaks are considered holy and can be seen from the Chandrakhani Pass. It is due to this reason that Kullu is also known as Valley of Gods.

The route also offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the village and its people which is still preserved even today in the form of the architecture of their homes, the use of the wood giving it a unique old school charm and the temples of the region which have beautiful and intricate carvings.

Highlights Of Chandrakhani Pass Trek

• Easy Accessibilty – Himachal Pradesh has many big mountain passes like Rupin, Pin Bhaba, Kunti, Hampta and many more but these passes are quite challenging requiring previous experience but Chandrakhani Pass though located at a high altitude is relatively easy and is the only navigable pass between Beas and Parvati Valleys.
  The trek begins at Rumsu in Naggar and its is only an hour drive from either Kullu or Manali. Due to this close proximity, it is easily accessible by trekkers as compared to other treks which can take even upto a full day to reach the base camp.
• Flora And Fauna Of The Region -  As soon as you start trekking one will encounter thick and dense forests full off pine, oak and deodar trees after which the landscape will transform into vast greenlands and calming meadows and clearings especially at Naya Tapru which is quite vast thus becoming a perfect site for camping. As one treks one can see   the surrounding majestic snowpeaks of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges giving it a wholesome and thrilling experience.
• Along with this in the summers post June till September the lush meadows will have beautiful flowering plants giving a pop of colour. Sometimes, along the trek route one can also spot some local animals ingenious to the region.
• Final Summit - The final 2kms walk is a narrow trail along a ridge which when undertaken with the necessary precaution will give you its reward in the form of a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and make you feel as if you are amongst them.

Difficulty Level Of Chandrakhani Pass Trek

Chandrakhani Pass trek is categorised as a moderate to difficult trek. The maximum altitude reached during the trek is approximately 3660 m (12180 ft). It's not extremely high for experienced trekkers but beginners can find it challenging. Thus the trek is best suitable for the trekkers with some prior experience or beginners with good fitness levels. Though its not a very technically challenging trek but one has to traverse varied landforms and at that altitude it can be a bother for some inexperienced trekkers or those with not-so-great fitness.

The trek typically takes 4 to complete and covers about 22 kms in total. Trekkers have to walk 5 to 7 hrs daily. The route passes through forest trails, alpine meadows, rocky paths, moraines and glacial streams which can be a bit challenging during weather uncertainties.

The trek is not suitable for families with young kids due to its uneven terrain and long walking hours. Acclimatization is also crucial as nights at high-altitude can be colder than expectations. During summer time, temperatures are normal but unpredictable weather can add difficulties.

For climbing technicalities, there are no technical sections, so no particular mountaineering skills are required. However, the guidance of a professional mountaineer or experienced guide is important. Solo trekking is not advisable. Trekkers should make the preparations after seeing all perspectives.

Best Time To Visit Chandrakhani Trek

The best time to trek to Chandrakhani Pass is from May /June to September-October. These windows offer relatively stable weather, clear sky and picturesque views.

May to Mid-June (Spring–Early Summer):

During this time, snow starts melting and trails become accessible esp in the beginning of the trek and Meadows are full of flowers and the sky remains clear. Daytime temperature is normal but night can be chilly. But do note that in May the snow esp from Chaklani onwards right till the pass hasn’t melted and traversing can be a little tricky.

• Day Temperature: 12°C to 18°C
• Night Temperature: 0°C to 5°C

August/September to October (Post-Monsoon–Autumn):

This window offers clear mountain views after the monsoon. Landscapes look fresher and greener. Meadows get a golden hue due to the arrival of autumn. Temperatures are almost similar to spring but there might be fewer chances of rain.

• Day Temperature: 10°C to 16°C
• Night Temperature: -2°C to 4°C

Mid-June to August (Monsoon): Not suitable in case of heavy rainfall, risk of landslides and slippery trails. 

But with light rains the meadows are lush green and the surrounding mountain peaks give it a mesmerizing view while trekking.

November to April: Too cold, heavy snowfall and campsites remain inaccessible.

How To Reach Chandrakhani Pass Trek 

To reach Chandrakhani Pass Trek, the journey starts from either Kullu or Manali. Both are well connected by road from Delhi and Chandigarh; you can take an overnight bus. The nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu) Airport, about 50 km from Manali.

From Manali trekkers drive to Rumsu approximately 23 kms away and takes about 45 mins to 1 hr. This acts as a starting point for the Chandrakhani Pass Trek.

After arriving at Rumsu one has to trek a distance of 3 kms which takes about 6hr to reach Ghan Kuradi.

The route then continues from Ghan Kuradi to Chaklani via Naya Tapru and then to Chandrakhani Pass and back. The trek starts off slow in order for the body to get acclimatized to the weather.

Route: Manali/Kullu → Rumsu→ Ghan Kuradi → Chaklani→ Chandrakhani Pass → Chaklani and back via Rumsu to Manali/kullu.

Things To Carry For Chandrakhani Pass Trek 

As with all treks one should pack all the trek essentials like a study backpack, good quality trekking shoes, comfortable yet warm clothing including waterproof jacket, thermals which can be easily layered according to your needs. Apart from this one should also carry a headlamp, torch, sunglasses and sunscreen. Some provisions of food and water must also be taken care of before beginning the trek.  A first aid kit should definitely be included in your backpack which should include all your basic medicines and even specific medicines if you take it on regular basis. A government Id proof like Aadhar Card must also be carried whilst trekking.