Manali to Chandra Taal
Overview
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Durations: 5 Days
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Destination: Chandra Taal Lake (4,270 m) – ethereal high-altitude glacial gem cradled by stark Himalayan ridges.
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Total Distance: ~180 km (outbound ~95 km, return ~85 km).
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Daily Distance: 15–25 km/day.
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Elevation Gain: 400–900 m/day.
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Terrain: Mix of tarmac, gravel, and loose moraine.
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Essentials to Carry: High-altitude gear, layered clothing, repair kit, 3L water/day.
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Support: Support vehicle recommended for luggage and emergencies.
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Permit: Rohtang Pass Permit( online via rohtangpermits.nic.in); Rs 550 per vehicle
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Best Season: Mid-June to mid-September.
Itinerary
Day 1
Manali (2,050 m) to Marhi (3,330 m)
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Start post-breakfast from Mall Road; climb steady switchbacks through pine-deodar forests and apple orchards.
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Distance: 35 km | Ascent: 1,300 m
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Pass Kothi village (2,500 m) for chai and Gulaba meadows (photo stop).
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Final 10 km to Marhi is steep tarmac; watch for tourist traffic.
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Camp at Marhi’s basic dhabas or pitch tents amid rhododendrons.
Day 2
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Evening: Acclimatize with short walks; stargaze over Rohtang’s silhouette.
Marhi to Chhatru (3,360 m)
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Distance: 25 km | Ascent: 650 m (Rohtang top), then 1,200 m descent
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Early push to Rohtang Pass (3,978 m) – 16 km of loose gravel and hairpin bends; carry bike over snow patches if lingering.
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Summit break: panoramic views of Pir Panjal and Bara Shigri glacier.
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Screaming descent on broken tarmac to Gramphu (3,200 m); refuel at lone dhaba.
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Gentle 10 km to Chhatru along Chandra River – camp beside turquoise rapids.
Day 3
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Evening: Rest legs; check brakes for tomorrow’s rough patches.
Chhatru to Chandra Taal (4,270 m)
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Distance: 15 km | Ascent: 910 m
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Morning ride on dusty jeep track past Batal (3,960 m) – last dhaba for Maggi and tea.
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Final 8 km is rocky moraine; push bike sections if needed.
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Arrive Chandra Taal campsite; pitch tents 500 m from lake edge (no closer).
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Afternoon: Circumambulate the lake (2-3 hrs walk) – mirror reflections of 6,000 m peaks.
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Night: Sub-zero temps; use 4-season sleeping bag.
Day 4
Chandra Taal to Chhatru
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Distance: 15 km | Descent: 910 m
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Leisurely morning; photograph sunrise on the lake’s sapphire surface.
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Retrace rocky track to Batal, then smooth descent to Chhatru.
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Afternoon free: River dip (if brave), bike maintenance, or nap by camp.
Day 5
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Stock supplies at Chhatru dhaba for final leg.
Chhatru to Manali via Atal Tunnel
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Distance: 85 km | Descent: 1,300 m
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Early start on smooth NH-505; 40 km to tunnel entry (Sissu side).
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Enter Atal Tunnel (3,100 m) – 9 km of lit, ventilated bliss (bikes allowed with escort vehicle).
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Emerge in South Portal; 35 km glide through lush Kullu valley to Manali.
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Optional stop: Solang Valley ropeway for aerial views.
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Reach Manali by lunch; celebrate with thukpa and trout at Old Manali cafes.
Rs 9000
Starting From
Per person
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Duration: 5 Days
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Distance: 180km
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Location: Himachal
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Grade: Moderate
Stay
Support Vehicle
Mechanic
Inclusions
Accommodation on twin sharing basis
Support Vehicle
All Veg Meals during the expedition + Eggs
Medical Kit & Oxygen Cylinder
Mechanic
All necessary permits
Energy bars, Dry fruits & Jaggery etc
Puncture kit & basic tool kit
Walkie Talkie
Exclusions
Bicycle Rent
Meals during Hotel Stays
Any Kind of Insurance & emergency evacuation
Any expense of personal nature
Any extra costs incurred due to extension/change of the itinerary due to natural calamities roadblocks etc
Packing Essentials
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Warm layers (fleece, down jacket, thermals – nights drop to 0°C)
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Sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm
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Trek shoes, raincoat, waterproof gloves, woolen cap
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Power bank, headlamp, water bottle (3 L/day)
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Diamox (start 24 hrs before 3,500 m), ORS, dry fruits
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Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals
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Helmet and Cycling Shorts
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Pro Tip: Carry cash
: Practice a lot before going to expedition