Day 3: Trek from Chhika to Balu Ka Gera

Following breakfast, we make our way to Bhalu-Ka-Gera, also known as “Bear’s Circle,” which is a mountain pass at 3,600 metres and 11,800 feet in elevation. It is here that brown bears are said to spend the winter months hibernating. Shortly after departing from the campground, we make our way over a small brook through a wooden bridge that spans it. We keep to the left side of the valley as we gradually make our way up the slopes of Aleo Nallah. The valley is covered in a profusion of wildflowers, making today’s walk an especially lovely one. The next obstacle is a raging side stream that feeds into the main Aleo Nallah and has to be across. Because the water level will continue to rise throughout the day, it is best to make this crossing as early in the morning as possible. After we have crossed the river, we keep going on the left side of the trail and gradually climb higher until we reach the campsite. The journey is around 8 km long, and it might take anywhere from four to five hours to finish.

Day 4: Trek from Balu Ka Gera to Shiagoru via Hampta pass

We get an early start and stay on the left top of the valley as we go forward. Depending on the time of year, the river may include many snow bridges, one of which we happened to come upon. Keep going left to reach the Lahaul side and go across Hampta Pass, which is at 4270 metres or 14005 feet in elevation. The ice field that lies below the pass maintains practically all of its original integrity throughout the whole year. The climb up to the pass is very easy, but the last crest is a little steeper than the rest. After climbing to the top of the pass, we make a precipitous descent to a flat region that is littered with stones. Now we will continue to keep to our left and follow another stream that is flowing down from the higher reaches of the mountains. After a very level journey, we reach Shiagoru, which is located 3,800 metres / 12,470 feet below our starting point at the river. The journey is about 9 km long, and it may take anything from 8 to 10 hours to finish.

Day 5: Trek from Shiagoru to Chhatru and drive to chandratal

The first thing we do in the morning is go over the river while keeping to the left side of it. During the first part of the hike, we have no trouble following our descent as we walk alongside the river. However, once we reach the boulder and rock zone, things get more difficult. After a descent, we emerge into a large valley formed by the Chandra River and are able to make out the automobile path that connects Spiti and Kaza. We continue our walk by going over the log bridge that spans the side stream and staying to the right of the Chandra River the whole time. On the left bank of the Chandra, at an elevation of 3350 metres (11000 feet), we set up camp. The dismal brown and white beauty of the Trans Himalaya is on full display at this location, which is on the route from Kaza to Manali. A few seasonal Dhabas are located on the other bank of the river, and one may get there by crossing the steel bridge that is located on the Kaza road. It is possible that it will take between three and four hours to finish the journey, which is around seven km in distance. This is where we set up our tents for the night. The path to Chandra Tal is often passable by the end of June, and it remains so until around the middle of October. In the event that the road leading to Chandra Tal is impassable, our next destination will be Kunzum La, a high pass that divides Lahaul and Spiti. We get in the vehicle and go to Batal by way of Chhota Dhara and the road that goes via Kaza. From Batal, we have the option of continuing on to either Chandra Tal (4300 m/14100 ft) or Kunzum La (4300 m/14100 ft), both of which are almost exactly at the same height. Moon-shaped and very transparent, Chandra Tal is surrounded by some of the most magnificent mountains in the world. From Kunzum, one may get a good look of the mountains that make up the Chandra Bhaga (CB) range. This location is home to a monastic community as well as a Chorten that is adorned with vibrant prayer flags.

Day 6: Drive back to Manali

After we eat breakfast this morning, we are going to begin our journey to Manali via the Rohtang Pass. We landed at Manali at about 2:00 in the afternoon. Our adventure comes to an end right here, at this very spot. You may either remain the night in Delhi or take a bus to Delhi in the afternoon or evening.