Itinerary-
Day 01: Delhi - Chandigarh - Chail
Early morning drive through Chandigarh to reach Chail. After reaching check into the hotel. Have the pleasure to visit the world's highest cricket ground built at Chail, India. The place is surrounded with thick and sprawling vegetation of silver fur and deodar forests. This magnificent place was the Patiala Maharaja's private estate in the early 19th century. Night stay arranged in the hotel at Chail.
Day 02: Chail - Kalpa
On the day two, we will drive via Narkanda, Kufri, and Rampur mainly by roads, passing through dense forests to arrive at Kalpa. Throughout this time, the delicate fragrance of the Apples is luring and tempting when going through this route. At this place you can get the best Chilgoza and apple plantations across the world. You can also see the best and an astounding view of the (6000 meters) soaring range of Kinnar Kailash. An arrangement made for the bonfire after the sun sets and overnight stay in the camp at Kalpa.
Day 03: Kalpa - Lambar (2890 mts)
On this day of The Kinner Kailash Parikrama /Charang Valley Trek, we will drive away to Thangi located at an altitude of 2966 meters that is situated about 65 kilometres/3 hours. From this spot the journey to the trek begins. Trek to Lambar, which is almost 2896 meters altitude in the North- East direction ascending the height following the stream. We will stay overnight in the camp.
Day 04: Lambar - Charang (3500 mts)
Charang will be our subsequent destination of the trek, and after fours of trekking we will reach the destination. On this pathway we will walk by the side of the brook and dense forests. We will stay in the camp that will be set up close to the stream for the overnight stay.
Day 05: Charang - Lalanti (4420 mts)
This day will begin with the trek ascending in the Charang Valley and encompasses eight kilometres in about 6 hours. Beautiful meadows of Lalanti with loads of blossoming high altitude flowers are sure to mesmerise us. The widespread carpet of blossoming red and yellow flowers under the bright blue sky along with the sound of the garrulous mountain rivers adds more charm to the picturesque beauty of the valley and the overall trekking experience. The camp site is located adjacent to the Lalanti stream.
Day 06: Lalanti - Chitkul
On day Six, we will steeply move down to reach River Chenab and then we will continue the trail ascending to reach at Bindrabani. On the entire route of the trail, there are serene and astonishing views of numerous virgin crests, soaring Rocky Mountains and hanging glaciers. Night stay arrangement will be in Bindrabani.
Day 07: Chitkul - Tabo
On this day, we will drive through the striking cross country landscapes the initial phase of the drive chase the streamline of the Sutlej River, but while proceeding further the un-metalled road, it ends up in amidst the rock. Reaching at the destination from the top you can see some incredible and pristine views of the snow capped mountain peaks. Arrangement for the overnight stay in the camp at Tabo.
Day 08: Tabo
We will visit to explore the Tabo Monasteries, situated at an altitude of 3050 meters and Dhankar (3870 meters) on the day eight. Dhankar Gompa is about 40 kilometres from where the camp is set up. It is located on high altitude overlooking the valley and is a fantastic exemplar of the local architecture with marvellous backdrop. Dhankar a charismatic place and is a storehouse of the 'Buddhist scriptures' written in the Bhoti manuscript. This monastery is a historical thousand year old holiest place and second in significance only to the Tibet based, Tholing Gompa Monastery. This is the biggest monastic complex situated in the Spiti area with some caves garlanded with remarkable fine frescoes work.
Day 09: Tabo - Losar
On this day, we will drive for about five long hours and visit to explore the Ki monastery, located at an altitude of 4116 meters and the Kibber village - one of the most striking and highest motorable villages across the world. You can experience here a pleasant of amalgamation of the both Buddhist and Hindu cultures. Ki Gompa is a maze of corridors and rooms and at one time acted as a fort. It houses numerous valuable Thangkas.
Day 10: Losar - Manali
Today, we will drive back from the Rohtang Pass (3978 meters) and Kunzum Pass (4551 meters) to reach Manali. After the arrival at Manali check into the hotel for stay.
Day 11: Manali - Delhi
The day is for relaxed. By late afternoon drive back to Delhi by the AC Volvo coach. The journey will take the entire night.
Day 12: Delhi
Arrival at Delhi by morning.
Trip Ends With Sweet Memories !!!
Area : Himachal Pradesh
Duration : 12 Days (4 days trek/8 days traveling)
Best Season : Mid May - September
Grade :Tough
Altitude : 5260mts/17250ft
Total Trekking : 60 K.M
About Charang Valley Trek
One of the most alluring treks in Himachal Pradesh, the Charang Valley trek attracts lots of trekkers and adventure enthusiasts from different parts of the country. Offering spectacular views of majestic mountains covered in snow, lush meadows, and striking vineyards; as you make your towards the Charang valley crossing verdant forests, high-mountain passes, picturesque alpine villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries, enticing apple orchards and milky white rivulets, the Charang Valley trek gives you the most exciting and rewarding experiences of your lifetime.
Considered to be one of the most challenging treks in the region, be prepared to embrace a steep and strenuous climb walking on tricky glaciated tracks, narrow gravel and loose soil pathways, slippery slopes and dangerous moraines. As you proceed towards your destination, enjoy the breath-taking panoramas of the Kinner Kailash range, take in the beauty of roaring rivers, observe the sight of some rare Himalayan birds, revel in the experience of overnight camping under an open star-lit sky accompanied with dance and music against the bonfire, witness the gradual transformation of cultures from Hinduism to Buddhism and visit old yet beautiful and peaceful monasteries.
The actual Charang Valley trek commences from a tiny hamlet of Thangi near Chail and ends at Manali. With its stunning vistas and scenic landscapes, this trek takes one of the top most positions on the maps of ardent trekkers.
Charang Valley Trekking Tour Highlights
• Get the opportunity to visit world's highest cricket pitch at Chail
• Witness spectacular natural beauty and astounding panoramas
• Get the lifetime opportunity of crossing some of the high mountain passes in India, namely Charang La and Kunzum La
• Witness the Buddhist culture and visit some famous and beautiful Buddhist monasteries like Ki monastery, Tabo monastery and Dhankar Gompa
• Get the opportunity to camp next to flowing streams accompanied with bonfires.
• Kinner Kailash Mountain
• Lower valley of Spiti area
• Vivacious Sutlej River
• Beautiful Landscape sights
Best Time to Visit Charang Valley Trek
The trek can be commenced between the periods of mid June to October but, the ideal time is between September and October as before that, the region faces heavy monsoon showers resulting in landslides, avalanches and cloud bursts. The more early you visit, better are the chances of seeing lots of snow. Amount of snow cover reduces significantly by August. As the season progresses, we will witness rain towards the Kullu-Manali Valley, and conversely, find sunny weather conditions in the Spiti. Generally, the days will be warmer and sunny (12-20°C) and the night temperature, especially at the high campsites, would range between -2 and 6°C.
As the season is about to come to a close (Sept to mid-Oct) the amount of snow in the trail decreases to a great extent. Weather is normally good throughout, but there is some possibility of snowfall. The days are mainly sunny and the temperature varies from 12 to 18°C. Evenings become cold and night temperature starts to fall further (-6 to 4 °C) with the arrival of October.
Where is the Charang Valley Trek
The Charang Valley sits amidst the captivating Kinnaur Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Considered to be the land of dreams and fantasies, a trek to this fairyland is an unforgettable experience. The valley is also home to the Mt. Kinner Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. A circumblation or the Kinner Kailash Parikrama around the base of the peak is considered to be religiously significant for many Hindus. Owing to the same reason, many pilgrims and devotees venture on this trek every year.
Charang Valley Trek will take you to a trekking expedition to the revered Kinnaur Kailash Mountain. A few years back, Kinnaur was a forbidden territory for trekkers, thus the trails over here are less used and hence more adventurous. The Kinnaur Kailash Range of mountains fences the district of Kinnaur at the south side. Kinnaur Kailash (6,349 m) and Jonkarden (6,473 m) are the most prominent peaks in the range. In this trek, there is only one pass – Charang La – which is situated at an altitude of 5,300 m. Charang Valley Trek is one of the most difficult treks in Himachal Pradesh. The trek is 60 km long. It commences from Thangi, goes from Charang, Lalan Ti, crosses Charang La Pass and concludes at Chitkul Village. The Chitkul Village is the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border, in the Baspa Valley of Kinnaur, Himachal.
How to Reach Charang Valley Trek?
Chail, near Shimla in Himachal Pradesh is the main starting point for the Charang Valley trek. Following modes of transport can be used to reach the location.
By Air: Nearest airport is located in Shimla, the 'Jubbarhati Airport' to which flights regularly ply from the Chandigarh airport. Buses and private/shared taxis can be easily availed from the Shimla airport to reach Chail.
By Rail: Kalka is the nearest railway station connected through Delhi and Chandigarh railway stations. To reach Chail, Himachal state run buses or taxis can be hired from outside the Kalka station. A toy train also runs between Kalka and Chail. If time permits, do take this option to have a memorable experience of a train journey that passes through winding hilly trails and tunnels.
By Road: Volvo, Himachal state run buses, Delhi tourism buses and taxis can be directly hired from Delhi and Chandigarh up till Shimla or even directly to Chail.
At a Glance
• Group size: Min 02 and Max 12
• 12 Days (4 days trek/8 days traveling)
• Max altitude - 5260mts/17250ft
• Trek start point : Delhi
• Fixed Depatures : Not Avaliable
Accommodation & Meals
• 07 Nights Hotel
• 03 Night Camping