Chandratal Baralacha Trek

Region:	Ladakh
Duration:	4 Days
Trek grade:	Easy
Maximum altitude:	16240 ft
Best Time to Visit:	June to October

There’s a desire for trekkers to explore the deserted terrain of Ladakh. Its popularity among treks such as Markha Valley and Stok Kangri is proof enough that this.The Chandratal to Baralachala Trek in Spiti includes everything thrilling about a trek in Ladakh without the effort, time and cost involved in getting there. In addition, it offers some surprising surprises. The four-day trek from Chandratal trek from Baralachala is a lovely hike that is simple to undertake and not often frequented.

A Charming Trek in Spiti Valley

• There is a fervor with trekkers who want to walk through the deserted scenery of Ladakh. Popular treks such as Markha Valley and Stok Kangri is a clear proof.
• Its Chandratal up to Baralachala Trek in Spiti packs all the excitement of an adventure in Ladakh with a fraction of the time, effort , and costs that go into getting there. It also throws in some surprising surprises.
• The four day trek from Chandratal up to Baralachala is a lovely trek that is simple to complete and is not widely often done.

Chandratal Baralachala Trek Guide

There is a fervor for trekkers to explore the barren terrain of Ladakh. Popularity of trekking routes such as Markha Valley and Stok Kangri is proof enough of this. Its Chandratal up to Baralachala Trek in Spiti packs all the things that are exciting about the treks in Ladakh with the exception of the effort, time and expense required to get there.

It also has some unexpected surprising surprises that are unique to it. The four-day trek from Chandratal trek from Baralachala is a beautiful hike that is simple to tackle and isn’t very often visited. Chandratal (4270 M) takes your breath away. As the evening sun shines over its turquoise waters You realize that the trek is worth it.

It’s a massive lake, even if you do not look at it in comparison to Pangong Tso or PhewaLake in Pokhara. I was delighted to see there was a European group was still sleeping on the opposite shore of the lake. I walked over to their tents and informed them of my plans. The guides (Mahendra) and the 12 Englishmen were extremely friendly. I set up my tent near theirs and enjoyed the joy that was watching Chandratal. They offered to take their food, as they were stocked up.

I agreed, but made sure that I didn’t make any unintentionally use of their offer during the the next couple of days.

Day 2: Chandratal to Tokpo Gongma

Altitudine: from 4270 metres up to 4420 meters

It started around 7:30 am – 8 morning from Chandratal. We had to cross a few streams on the route. I had to remove my shoes and walk across the cold, freezing water to avoid getting my boots wet. I could talk about the terrain, but the most effective way to grasp an idea of the terrain is to look at the photos. Here is one.

I was walking along that right side of the river. The river is often high above Chandra river. There were boulder areas that were inaccessible to any trails. Therefore, we must keep going straight . There were some gaddi shepherds on the way, and occasional patches of grass in this rocky and brown landscape. There were scree slopes too. It was 5pm at which point I was able to see the campsite.

It was located on the opposite part that of Tokpo Gongma river (which joins the Chandra River). The river was broad and fast moving. I couldn’t determine how the group crossed. Therefore, I waved at them, hoping that they would see me. I was afraid they would not attract my attention, so I took the red tent I had set up and held it up to attract their attention. The guide later informed me that he had seen me waving and directed me towards the right direction, but I was unable to see him waving that far away. I then put my backpack on and walked down the slope towards the river, which was a steep and slippery drop to see if I could get across it.

As I couldn’t find an object, I used my ice-axe and put into the river to measure the depth. Even at the edges of the river, the ice-axe was fully submerged. It’s not a good idea to cross the river in this area. I ruminated on ways to traverse the river. I sprinted back to the top of the scree slope, and then up the hill the point where I was on the path. From my elevated position. I could see from a distance what appeared like a possible snow bridge.

When I got back on the trail, put my backpack in place and moved farther upstream on the snow bridge that crosses the Tokpo Gongma river. There was still a small ankle-high water crossings but I didn’t remove my boots. After crossing the water, in damp boots, I returned downstream until I reached the campsite approximately 7 evening. The captain of the English team (Mark) and an equestrian, who served me dinner later and helped me to pitch my camper.. It was a long but enjoyable day. I was satisfied with myself at the end it.

Day 3: Tokpo Gongma to Tokpo Yongma

Altitudine: From 4420 m to 4650 m

It was time to leave the campsite at 7:00 am, as there were scheduled to be two stream crossings (one of which was a major one). You can admire the stunning snow-capped peaks as you walk across the rough terrain. My boots were taken off to walk across the stream for the first time. The water was knee high , and icy cold as usual. So we crossed the river without too much of any issue.

The terrain following the first stream up to that of the Tokpo Gongma was quite similar. When I got to my destination of the Tokpo Gongma I was left thinking “How on earth am I going to cross it ?”. There were cairns Perhaps marking the spot the place where the river was supposed to cross. It was around 1 pm as the water was raging , and it was wide – around 15m to 20m. The thought of crossing the river, even by myself, would have been suicide. I thought to myself “Maybe I should camp here and see how it is next morning” and thinking about what my English acquaintances (who had a few steps ahead) had made it across the river. I couldn’t see them from the spot I was in.

Perhaps, with the assistance of the guides and horses they’d crossed the river and gone further. So I took off my backpack and moved upstream for a while but I couldn’t find a river to cross the river. I returned to the river and put it on and walked further into the river to make sure. Then I noticed my English group of friends on the opposite bank of the river. The guide or helper waving me to move further ahead. I’m afraid to say I was feeling lower however, as soon as I noticed them waving , I was able to sprint (upstream) and was able to observe the snow bridge. The crossing of the snow bridge is more challenging. I had to cross across the snow bridge on the other side . There was a small crack in the bridge. Also, that side bridge was entirely frozen. It was impossible to climb down it. I fell down the solid ice and stopped my slide by placing my hands in the wall of ice on the opposite side. There was an unidentified horseman on the opposite side who carried my backpack for a short distance. There is a slender ledge next to the river. It was necessary to walk or run over it, since it was a rock-fall zone that lasted for 20-30 meters.

After 20-30m , the ledge expanded out into a wider rock formation, which I decided to take a well-deserved relaxation. Being tired, Mark as one of the leaders of the English group, offered me three times the opportunity to transport my pack, which I declined politely. After that, I needed to climb almost 70M or 100M on a steep slope. After that, it’s straight forward to a lovely grassy and flat campsite with breathtaking views. One can view the mountains with snowcapped peaks across the river (across the stream) and is enveloped in by mountains around. There is an Gaddi shepherd camp at this camp site. It was 2 pm when we got to the campsite.

My left shoulder’s skin was separating due to the abrasion (from my rucksack).It was bleeding for a few days, but this morning it got a bit more severe. I was of the opinion that it needed some attention. After a cup of tea I asked the tour guides of the English team to assist me in patching over (put on a bandage) in my right shoulder. The remainder of the evening was spent enjoying the stunning landscapes of the views Mother Nature offered – an inspirational tonic for your soul.

Day 4: Tokpo Yongma to Baralacha La South/North

Altitudine: From 4650 metres up to 4900/4950 meters

It was a pleasant stroll. From the campsite , it was a gradual hike before descending to an extensive stretch of plains leading to Baralacha La South. Baralacha La South, which is distinguished by numerous cairns as well as prayer flags. There are stunning mountain views from and the Himalayan Range. While walking across the plains it is possible to be seduced into thinkingthat, to be honest, this time there will not be any more crossings of streams.

There was no way to be incorrect, since after the plains, there was a slight drop and another stream that had to be crossed. The boots were then dragged off in the cold water (with the most powerful flow) and then onto the opposite side. After a brief rest, take off your boots and start moving ahead.

After crossing the stream, what is witnessed is an ethereal beauty in the mountains, which one is at a loss for the words that can describe. If there ever was peace and calm in the mountain landscape this is it. If you’re a shutterbug your fingers would be tired when clicking the shutter button, but you’ll be longing for more.

It is possible to hop, skip and leap (as it is still small streams to traverse ) and jolly along, singing songs throughout the roadhead at Leh-Manali that is visible from a distance. When you reach the roadhead, one can look back at the magnificent views and feel a sense of contentment, but also of dismay (at the fact that you have to leave the place) and in my experience the feeling of anticipation for the next adventure that lies ahead. was like the first course of a meal that is full of course.

One can spot Sarchu from a distance and although it’s visible, it’s only a five-kilometer walk to get to it. If you’ve walked before, you’re aware of the anticipation of a delicious food hot water, shaving, and then a relaxing night in an ensconced bed. After a series of unsuccessful attempts to stop trucks or vehicles to catch the ride to SarchuI was able to greet one of the military convoys . The driver of the first vehicle wanted me to join the driver of the second vehicle. The convoy consisted of more than 20 vehicles. So I arrived at Sarchu which marked the conclusion of the initial portion of my journey.

How To Reach Base Camp

You can Reach Manali via the bus that departs from Delhi. The journey from Manali to Chandratal via bus, privately-owned jeep or shared taxi.

Route Plan: Chandratal – Tokpo Yongma – Tokpo Gongma – Baralacha La South/North.