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Manali to Chandra Taal

Overview
  • Durations: 5 Days

  • Destination: Chandra Taal Lake (4,270 m) – ethereal high-altitude glacial gem cradled by stark Himalayan ridges.

  • Total Distance: ~180 km (outbound ~95 km, return ~85 km).

  • Daily Distance: 15–25 km/day.

  • Elevation Gain: 400–900 m/day.

  • Terrain: Mix of tarmac, gravel, and loose moraine.

  • Essentials to Carry: High-altitude gear, layered clothing, repair kit, 3L water/day.

  • Support: Support vehicle recommended for luggage and emergencies.

  • Permit: Rohtang Pass Permit( online via rohtangpermits.nic.in); Rs 550 per vehicle

  • Best Season: Mid-June to mid-September.

Itinerary

Day 1

Manali (2,050 m) to Marhi (3,330 m)
  • Start post-breakfast from Mall Road; climb steady switchbacks through pine-deodar forests and apple orchards.

  • Distance: 35 km | Ascent: 1,300 m

  • Pass Kothi village (2,500 m) for chai and Gulaba meadows (photo stop).

  • Final 10 km to Marhi is steep tarmac; watch for tourist traffic.

  • Camp at Marhi’s basic dhabas or pitch tents amid rhododendrons.

Day 2

  • Evening: Acclimatize with short walks; stargaze over Rohtang’s silhouette.

Marhi to Chhatru (3,360 m)
  • Distance: 25 km | Ascent: 650 m (Rohtang top), then 1,200 m descent

  • Early push to Rohtang Pass (3,978 m) – 16 km of loose gravel and hairpin bends; carry bike over snow patches if lingering.

  • Summit break: panoramic views of Pir Panjal and Bara Shigri glacier.

  • Screaming descent on broken tarmac to Gramphu (3,200 m); refuel at lone dhaba.

  • Gentle 10 km to Chhatru along Chandra River – camp beside turquoise rapids.

Day 3

  • Evening: Rest legs; check brakes for tomorrow’s rough patches.

Chhatru to Chandra Taal (4,270 m)
  • Distance: 15 km | Ascent: 910 m

  • Morning ride on dusty jeep track past Batal (3,960 m) – last dhaba for Maggi and tea.

  • Final 8 km is rocky moraine; push bike sections if needed.

  • Arrive Chandra Taal campsite; pitch tents 500 m from lake edge (no closer).

  • Afternoon: Circumambulate the lake (2-3 hrs walk) – mirror reflections of 6,000 m peaks.

  • Night: Sub-zero temps; use 4-season sleeping bag.

Day 4

Chandra Taal to Chhatru
  • Distance: 15 km | Descent: 910 m

  • Leisurely morning; photograph sunrise on the lake’s sapphire surface.

  • Retrace rocky track to Batal, then smooth descent to Chhatru.

  • Afternoon free: River dip (if brave), bike maintenance, or nap by camp.

Day 5

  • Stock supplies at Chhatru dhaba for final leg.

Chhatru to Manali via Atal Tunnel
  • Distance: 85 km | Descent: 1,300 m

  • Early start on smooth NH-505; 40 km to tunnel entry (Sissu side).

  • Enter Atal Tunnel (3,100 m) – 9 km of lit, ventilated bliss (bikes allowed with escort vehicle).

  • Emerge in South Portal; 35 km glide through lush Kullu valley to Manali.

  • Optional stop: Solang Valley ropeway for aerial views.

  • 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

  • Distance: 180km

  • Location: Himachal

  • Grade: Moderate

Stay

Includes

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
  • Warm layers (fleece, down jacket, thermals – nights drop to 0°C)

  • Sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm

  • Trek shoes, raincoat, waterproof gloves, woolen cap

  • Power bank, headlamp, water bottle (3 L/day)

  • Diamox (start 24 hrs before 3,500 m), ORS, dry fruits

  • Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals

  • Helmet and Cycling Shorts

  • Pro Tip:  Carry cash 

:  Practice a lot before going to expedition

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