Chandrakhani Pass Trek

The journey begins with a short drive from Manali toward Naggar and further up to Rumsu village, a quiet and traditional Himalayan settlement perched above the Kullu Valley. As you leave behind the busier stretches of Manali, the road narrows and winds through apple orchards and scattered homes, gradually transitioning into a more rural landscape. Rumsu itself offers a glimpse into local Himachali life, with traditional wooden houses, small temples, and a slower pace that feels far removed from the tourist-heavy areas below. The day is intentionally kept light, allowing time to settle in, organize gear, and ease into the rhythm of the mountains. The surrounding views begin to open slightly, hinting at the higher ridgelines you’ll soon be walking on. It’s a gentle start—less about distance and more about preparing both physically and mentally for the trek ahead.

The trek begins with a steady ascent out of Rumsu, quickly entering dense forests of pine, oak, and occasional deodar. The trail is well-defined, gradually gaining altitude through shaded sections where the forest canopy filters the sunlight, creating a cool and comfortable climb. As you move higher, the forest begins to thin in patches, offering brief openings that reveal views of the Kullu Valley below. The gradient remains consistent—neither too steep nor too gradual—making it a steady and rhythmic climb. After a few hours, the landscape starts to shift. The dense forest gives way to wider clearings and eventually opens into alpine meadows. This transition is noticeable—not just visually, but in the feel of the trail itself, as the surroundings become more expansive. Chaklani, the campsite for the day, is set in one such open meadow. Surrounded by rolling grasslands and forest edges, it offers a balanced setting with both shelter and views. The evening here is quiet, with the first real sense of being higher up in the mountains settling in.

This is the most defining day of the trek, beginning with a gradual climb out of Chaklani toward the upper ridgelines. The forest cover reduces significantly, and the trail opens into wide meadows that lead toward the pass. As you approach the ridge, the character of the trek changes. The path now runs along exposed ridgelines, with valleys dropping away on both sides. The sense of space becomes constant, and the views begin to dominate the experience. The final stretch to Chandrakhani Pass is steady but not technical. Reaching the pass, you’re greeted with panoramic views that stretch across the Pir Panjal range on one side and the Parvati Valley on the other. Peaks appear layered across the horizon, creating a wide, uninterrupted mountain panorama. After spending time at the pass, the trail descends toward Naya Tapru. The descent is gradual at first, moving back into softer terrain with patches of grassland and scattered trees. Naya Tapru campsite sits slightly lower, offering a more sheltered environment after the exposed ridge walk. The contrast between the open pass and this quieter camp adds depth to the day’s experience.

The final day begins with a descent from Naya Tapru back toward Rumsu, retracing sections of the trail through forested terrain. The path gradually re-enters dense tree cover, bringing back the shade and familiar feel of the lower mountain landscape. The descent is steady and easier on the lungs, allowing for a more relaxed pace. Occasional openings in the forest still offer glimpses of the valley, but the focus shifts back to the trail underfoot and the quiet rhythm of walking. Reaching Rumsu marks the end of the trekking section. From here, a short drive brings you back to Manali, transitioning from the calm, elevated environment of the trek to the livelier atmosphere of the town. The journey concludes with a sense of having experienced multiple layers of the Himalayas—from dense forests to open ridges and high mountain views—all within a compact and well-balanced trek.