Charang Valley Trekking Tour

Moderate Trek

Season:May to Sept
Altitude:5242 mts/17194 ft
Duration:13 days

One of the least explored destinations in the Indian Himalayan region, Charang Valley is dominated by different spectacles of nature. The landscape is patched with lush green meadows, orchards and vineyards and is surrounded by the looming mountains capped in snow. One of the most beautiful treks in Himachal Pardesh, the Charang Valley trek is an escape to a fairy world that bubbles with fantasies and allows you to breathe in the pleasing mountain air. The major attractions on the Charang Valley trek are the lofty peaks of Kinner Kailash at an elevation of 6,349 meters and Jonkarden at 6,473 meters. The journey traverses through one of the high altitude mountain passes in the Indian Himalayan region, the Charang La at an elevation of 5,300 meters, which requires a steep and strenuous climb from an altitude of 4,420 meters at Lalanti. Although the trail is of 4 to 5 days, but the journey requires one to get acclimatized to the varying altitudes and fitness as well. The Charang Valley trekking tour stretches from an elevation of about 1,900 meters to 5,300 meters and continues for 12 to 13 days. It passes through a thick bed of alpine forest and meadows and also embarks upon the tricky glaciated tracks and deadly moraines.

The Charang Valley trekking tour from Chail to Manali through several alpine and remote villages is one of the most beautiful treks in Himachal Pradesh. En route to Kalpa followed by Lambar and Thangi at 2,966 meters, which is the starting point of the actual trek, the journey leads to the harmony of the Charang village at about 3,500 meters. The journey cuts across several rivulets and thick forest. From Charang the route turns to Lalanti, which is the base of Charang La. Thereafter, the trail follows a steep climb to Charang La and descends to Chitkul, which is another village secluded within the mountains. From Chitkul the journey wheels to Tabo and thence to Losar. On this road trip to Tabo and Losar one can even visit the Tabo Monastery, which is the largest monastic complex in the Spiti region, and Ki Monastery, which is close to Losar. One can even drive up to Kibber village at an elevation of 4,116 meters. From Losar the tour continues to Manali over Kunzum Pass at 4,551 meters.

The best time to hit the trailing tracks to Charang Valley is from the month of May to September. One has to be equipped with the necessary trekking equipments as the Charang Valley Trek is one of the moderate to challenging treks in Himachal Pradesh.

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi met our representative and then transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02: Delhi - Chandigarh - Chail

In the morning drive to Chail via Chandigarh. On arrival check into hotel. At leisure visit the world's highest cricket Pitch at Chail. Here the vegetation is extremely dense of Deodar & Silver fur forest. In the early 19th century, this place was the Private estate of Maharaja of Patiala. Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 03: Chail - Kalpa

On second day, we drive through Kufri, Narkanda and Rampura mainly on metalled roads, through dense forest to reach Kalpa. During this season the fragrance of Apples is enticing and luring enroute. is home to some of the best apple and chilgoza orchards in the world. It also offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the 6000 m high Kinner Kailash range. Overnight in Kalpa. Bon-fire in the evening. Overnight in camp.

Day 04: Kalpa - Lambar

On fourth day of The Charang Trek/Kinner Kailash Parikrama, we drive to Thangi 2966 m (65kms/3hr). This is the starting point of the trek. Trek to Lambar 2896 m in the Northeast direction ascending the height following the rivulet. Overnight in camp.

Day 05: Lambar - Charang

Next destination of trek is Charang, where we reach after 4 hours of trekking. On this route we walk along the rivulet and natural forests. We camp near the stream. Overnight in camp.

Day 06: Charang - Lalanti

We trek uphill in the Charang valley and cover 8 kms in around 6 hours. Lalanti has beautiful meadows with thousands of high altitude flowers. It is a yellow and red vast spread carpet of flowers under an open blue sky with roaring sound of gushing Mountain Rivers adds to the scenic beauty and overall experience. Camp next to stream in Lalanti.

Day 07: Lalanti - Chitkul

We steeply descend to reach Chena river and then we ascend to reach Bindrabani. On route, we have serene and beautiful views of many virgin peaks, hanging glaciers and towering rocky mountains. Overnight in Bindrabani.

Day 08: Chitkul - Tabo

On the 7th day, we drive through cross country landscape initial part of the drive follows the river bed of the Sutlej river, but as we proceed ahead the unmetalled stretch of road starts winding up amidst the boulders. From the top there are visible some interesting views of the satellite of snow covered peaks. Overnight at camp in Tabo.

Day 09: Tabo

We visit the Dhankar (3870 m) & Tabo Monasteries (3050 m).
Dhankar Gompa is app. 40 Kms from the camp location. It rests high over the valley and is a stupendous example of local architecture. Dhankar is a repository of Buddhist scriptures in the Bhoti script.
The Tabo monastery is a thousand years old and second in importance only to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet. This is the largest monastic complex in the Spiti region with several caves adorned with fine frescoes.

Day 10: Tabo - Losar

We drive for 5 hours and visit Ki monastery (4116 m) and Kibber village - one of the highest motorable villages in the world. The locals here offer a nice of blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Ki Gompa is a labyrinth of rooms and corridors and at one time acted as a fort. It houses many valuable Thankas.