Chandrabhaga Glacier Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate - Difficult
TREK DURATION
5 N/ 6 D Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
17,200 ft
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
32Km
BASECAMP
Himachal
BEST TIME
June to Mid Sept
PICKUP POINT
Himachal
Overview of Chandrabhaga Glacier Trek
The Chandrabhaga Glacier trek is an offbeat trek in Himachal Pradesh, set in the remote Spiti Lahaul region. It runs through the Chandrabhaga Range of the Himalayas It is often counted among the best high altitude treks in Himachal for those looking for a raw and demanding mountain experience.
The trek starts near Baralacha La Pass, which stands at an altitude of 16,040 ft. From here, the route moves into harsh alpine terrain and gradually climbs to around 17,200 ft near the Chandrabhaga Glacier, depending on route conditions and weather.
This is a true glacier trek. The trail involves crossing multiple glacial streams, loose moraine sections, and snow-covered zones. As you gain altitude, vegetation disappears completely. You also come across high-altitude glacial lakes, including Kya Tso and Gya Tso, formed by glacial melt and surrounded by stark mountain landscapes.
The Chandrabhaga Glacier is high altitude trek terrain which is tough and it is isolated very least trekkers go who have experience and passion of exploring trek so it is considered one of the most offbeat glacier treks in the Indian Himalayas.
Geographical Importance of Chandrabhaga Glacier trek
The Chandrabhaga Glacier trek is geographically significant because it lies close to the origin region of the Chandrabhaga River, which later becomes the Chenab River, one of the major tributaries of the Indus river system.
The Chandrabhaga River is formed by the meeting of two glacial rivers, Chandra and Bhaga. The Chandra River originates near the Baralacha La region, while the Bhaga River flows from glaciers around Suraj Tal. These two rivers merge near Tandi village in Lahaul, after which the river is known as the Chandrabhaga or Chenab.
From Lahaul, the Chenab flows through Jammu and Kashmir, then enters Punjab, and finally crosses into Pakistan, where it merges with the Indus River system. Because of this long course, the Chandrabhaga basin plays a crucial role in sustaining water flow across the western Himalayan region.
The trek itself lies in a cold desert landscape, typical of the Spiti–Lahaul region. Rainfall is extremely low due to the rain shadow effect of the Himalayas. The terrain is dominated by barren mountains, glaciers, moraine fields, and wide open valleys with almost no vegetation at higher altitudes.
This region is heavily influenced by glaciers. Glacial streams, ice fields, and high-altitude glacial lakes like Tso Gya Tso are common along the route. These glaciers act as natural freshwater reservoirs, feeding the river system throughout the year, especially during summer melt.
Because of its location in the cold desert zone and its role in the Indus river system, the Chandrabhaga Glacier area holds strong geographical importance, not just for trekkers but also for understanding Himalayan glacial dynamics and water sources.
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Glacial Lakes
The trek takes you close to high altitude glacial lakes like Kya Tso and Gya Tso. These lakes are formed from glacial melt. They stay frozen for most of the year. When they open up, the water turns deep blue and reflects the surrounding mountains in a raw, quiet way.
Campsites
Campsites are set in wide open areas near glacial streams and moraines. The space feels vast and exposed. From camp, you get clear views of peaks like Yunam and Kullu Makalu. Sunrises and sunsets here feel slow and sharp, without anything blocking the view.
Landscapes
The route moves through cold desert terrain typical of the Spiti Lahaul region. You walk across barren valleys and rocky plains. Moraine fields stretch for long distances. As altitude increases, vegetation almost disappears and the land feels stark and empty.
Mountain Views
Mountain views stay constant throughout the trek. Peaks like Yunam Peak, Kullu Makalu, KR 5 Peak, and the Chandrabhaga ranges dominate the skyline. The scenery keeps changing as you move, which keeps the trail visually engaging without feeling repetitive.
Birth of the Chandrabhaga River
A major highlight is walking near the origin area of the Chandrabhaga River. This is where meltwater from the Chandra and Bhaga glaciers flows together. You can see small streams slowly forming a larger river system.
Glacier Features
The Chandrabhaga Glacier is one of the most striking sections of the trek. You see sinkholes, icefalls, deep crevasses, and broken ice formations up close. It gives a real sense of how active and unstable a glacier can be.
The Chandrabhaga Glacier trek is rated moderate to difficult. The total distance is around 32 km, spread over 4 days. This comes to roughly 8 km of walking each day. While that sounds reasonable, the terrain makes the trek physically demanding.
A large part of the route goes through scree zones and loose moraines. These sections need slow and careful movement. Good balance matters more than speed here, and progress can feel tiring even on shorter stretches.
Altitude adds another layer of difficulty. The trek reaches a height of about 17,200 ft. At this level, the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness increases if acclimatization is not done properly. Breathing feels heavier, recovery takes longer, and even gentle climbs can drain energy.
There are glacial streams and icy sections along the trail. A trek leader stays with the group throughout the trek, especially in technical areas. Support is provided on how to move safely, maintain balance, and handle glacier terrain.
All required technical gear such as microspikes, gaiters, helmets, ropes, and other safety equipment is provided during the trek. This helps reduce risk while crossing snowfields and glacier sections.
Because of the high altitude and rough terrain, the Chandrabhaga Glacier trek is best suited for trekkers who already have experience at high altitude.
The Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek climbs above 17000 ft and starts from Baralacha La, which is around 16000 ft. The region opens for trekking for only a short period each year. Even after the road to Baralacha La is cleared, trekkers must wait for enough snow to melt before the trail becomes safe.
The monsoon and post monsoon months from late July to mid October are the best time to do the Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek. Lahaul lies in the rain shadow of the Pir Panjal range, so rainfall is lighter than in other parts of Himachal during this period.
After mid October, temperatures fall quickly and water sources start drying up. Once fresh snow settles, the region becomes inaccessible until the next summer. Trekking too late in the season is not recommended.
Even within the short window from July to October, the trek changes noticeably. Each phase gives a different experience.
The Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek in July August
Day time
Between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius.
Night time
May drop close to zero at campsites.
Presence of snow
Most seasonal snow has melted, exposing the cold desert terrain.
Streams
Meltwater streams remain active but slowly reduce as the season progresses.
Late July to August feels raw and rugged. The landscape is mostly brown, with green patches near streams and snowmelt areas. Snow appears in scattered sections along the trail. Some sections rest on ice, so careful foot placement is needed. Streams are full and fast, fed by melting snow from higher slopes.
Mountains around Kya Tso and Ga Tso stay snow covered. Parts of the lakes remain frozen, while distant ranges like Sasher Kangri and Chandrabhaga appear bright white against the dry terrain. Wildflowers bloom quietly along the trail, adding small bursts of colour to an otherwise barren landscape.
The Chandrabhaga Glaciers Trek in September October
Day time
Between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius
Night time
Drops well below zero at campsites
Presence of snow
Snow is mostly gone, except on the glaciers
Warm layers required
Three warm layers are necessary
September and October bring a sharper, cleaner look to the landscape. With most snow gone, the cold desert opens up in wide stretches of brown and rust, changing colour as the light shifts. Walking becomes tougher because of loose stones and boulders, so fitness matters. Stream crossings are easier, and skies remain clear with excellent visibility.
From high points, dark ridgelines stand out clearly. The glaciers still hold ice, creating strong contrast with the dry terrain. Kya Tso and Ga Tso turn a deep turquoise blue. Toward the end of the season, a thin layer of ice may start forming again on the lakes.
This is the best time for wide mountain views. It is also the coldest. Wind chill makes conditions harsher, so proper preparation is important.
Day 1: Drive From Manali to Darcha
- Drive distance: 120 km; 4 hrs | Altitude gain: 6,000 ft to 11,000 ft
Day 2: Acclimatisation Day at Darcha
- Acclimatise
Day 3: Drive to Baralacha La trek to Lunar Campsite
- Drive Distance: 50 km; 2 hrs | Altitude Gain: 11,000 ft to 16,000 ft
- Trek Distance: 6 km | Trek Duration: 4 hrs | Altitude Gain: 16,000 ft to 16,250 ft
Day 4: Trek to Chandrabhaga Glacier and river origin point, return to Lunar Campsite
- Trek Distance: 11 km | Trek Duration: 8 hrs | Altitude Loss: 16,200 ft
Day 5: Trek from Lunar Campsite to river campsite via Kya Tso and Ga Tso
- Trek Distance: 10 km | Trek Duration: 8 hrs | Altitude gain: 16,200 ft to 17,200 ft
Day 6: Trek to Baralacha La Roadhead. And drive to Manali
- Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 3 hrs | Altitude Loss: 16,200 ft to 16,000 ft
- Drive Distance: 150 km | Drive Duration: 6 hrs
Day 1: Drive From Manali to Darcha
- Drive distance: 120 km; 4 hrs | Altitude gain: 6,000 ft to 11,000 ft
Early in the morning, you’ll leave Manali and drive toward Darcha, a high mountain village at around 11,000 ft. The drive itself is beautiful, taking you through winding roads, valleys, and high passes. Once in Darcha, rest and acclimatize — this helps your body adjust to lower oxygen levels before the walk begins
Day 2: Acclimatisation Day at Darcha
- Acclimatise
From Darcha, you get a short drive to Baralacha La Pass (about 16,040 ft), where the actual trek begins. The landscape here is stark and open — high cold desert, wide valleys, and rocky terrain. You start walking through moraine fields and glacial approaches, gaining a feel for the high‑altitude environment.
Day 3: Drive to Baralacha La trek to Lunar Campsite
- Drive Distance: 50 km; 2 hrs | Altitude Gain: 11,000 ft to 16,000 ft
- Trek Distance: 6 km | Trek Duration: 4 hrs | Altitude Gain: 16,000 ft to 16,250 ft
Today you cover more ground on foot, crossing scree slopes, glacial streams, and uneven terrain. Your campsite is set in open ground near the river and below giant peaks of the Chandrabhaga Range. Expect minimal vegetation and huge, open horizons — this is classic high‑altitude cold desert scenery.
Day 4: Trek to Chandrabhaga Glacier and river origin point, return to Lunar Campsite
- Trek Distance: 11 km | Trek Duration: 8 hrs | Altitude Loss: 16,200 ft
This is one of the most scenic sections. You trek toward high‑altitude glacial lakes like Kya Tso and Gya Tso, surrounded by ice walls and mountain ridges. The altitude stays high, and the terrain can be rocky with small ice patches near meltwater streams. This day gives you your first real close look at the glacier system.
Day 5: Trek from Lunar Campsite to river campsite via Kya Tso and Ga Tso
- Trek Distance: 10 km | Trek Duration: 8 hrs | Altitude gain: 16,200 ft to 17,200 ft
Today’s walk brings you closer to the Chandrabhaga Glacier itself. You’ll see features like icefalls, crevasses, and sinkholes up close, plus sweeping views of snowfields and peaks like Yunam and KR 5. Your trek leader will guide safe movement in technical patches and make sure everyone navigates glacier zones carefully.
Day 6: Trek to Baralacha La Roadhead. And drive to Manali
- Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 3 hrs | Altitude Loss: 16,200 ft to 16,000 ft
- Drive Distance: 150 km | Drive Duration: 6 hrs
After soaking in glacier views and enjoying quiet mornings by the icefields, you start your descent back toward lower camps. The walk back is quicker but still requires focus because of loose rocks and uneven ground.
Once you reach Baralacha La and then Darcha, you’ll get transport back to Manali. This marks the end of the trek, with lots of memories of remote high‑altitude terrain and raw Himalayan wilderness.
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