This is a first-hand, unedited account of the Chandrakhani Pass Trek, written by a young woman who came to us as a first-time trekker. That in itself is a story of courage.

At Indiahikes, we’ve seen how the mountains transform first-time trekkers. Which is why we put thought into every detail of the experience — the care of the Trek Leaders, the safety systems, and the small touches that make a campsite feel like home. These are things that allow trekkers to immerse themselves in the Himalayas without worry.

What you’ll read below carries the rawness of her journey — her fears, her joys, and the quiet triumphs that only the mountains can gift.

What It’s Like to Trek with Indiahikes: My First Himalayan Trek That'll Make You Pack Your Bags for the Chandrakhani Pass!

If you've ever stared at stunning Himalayan photos on Instagram and thought, "That looks amazing, but could I actually do it?" - spoiler alert: YES, you can! I'm a total trekking newbie from Nagpur, and just last week (August 16-21, 2025), I tackled the Chandrakhani Pass trek with Indiahikes during the monsoon season. What started as a nerve-wracking leap into the unknown turned into one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. Buckle up as I spill all the details, complete with misty meadows, starry nights, and a few muddy slips; that'll have you excited to sign up for your own Indiahikes adventure.

From Couch to Clouds: How Indiahikes Turned a Novice into a Trekker

Picture this: Me, scrolling through trek options, heart pounding with equal parts excitement and terror. As a first-timer, I had zero gear, decent fitness, and a head full of "what ifs." I booked my first ever trek, which too in the Himalayas. Enter Indiahikes; their emails, WhatsApp group, and Experience Coordinator (EC) were like personal cheerleaders. The trek booklet? A goldmine of info on the route, weather, and daily breakdowns. Fitness tips? They got me from huffing up stairs, burning calories on a treadmill and running 5Kms circuits to feeling trek-ready. And the rental gear? Genius! I snagged a backpack, trek poles, a headlamp, and shoes for 1/10th of the cost.

Travel booking was a breeze with the EC's real-time advice on Manali's monsoon weather and road conditions. I flew from Nagpur to Delhi, then took a car to Manali. But a massive landslide in Mandi turned our drive into a 12-hour traffic nightmare. Our group shrank from 25 to 16 as some couldn't make it, but hey, a smaller crew meant instant bonds. I was travelling with my husband and 2 cousins. We reached Manali on a cold evening of August 14, crashed at a cosy Zostel, wandered Mall Road for some vibes, siddu, momo and thukpa and called it an early night!

Jungle Line Campus: Where it All Gets Real

We’d opted for a pickup by Indiahikes at the Beas Bridge. Raju bhaiya, our driver, whisked us to Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus in Sarsai, a verdant paradise at 5,600 feet that screams "eco-heaven." No dustbins here; it's all about zero waste to keep those mountains clean. We packed our own steel tiffins, mugs, spoons, and water bottles; no tissues, wet wipes, or junk food allowed. It felt empowering, like we were already part of something bigger.

Photo credit: Pranai Raju

Tents were snug, warm, and spotless (water-only washrooms kept things simple and green). Our trek leader, Bharat, a bundle of energy and wisdom, welcomed us with SpO2 and heart rate checks, ID collections, and a campus tour. Popcorn and steaming tea in hand, we grabbed our rentals and dove into an icebreaker that had us laughing and sharing stories. Instant community vibes! Bharat's briefing on meds (hello, Diamox for AMS), avoiding self-medication, and trek basics was spot-on.

Photo credit: Pranai Raju

The campus was alive: Trainees buzzing around, trekkers cuddling fluffy Himalayan dogs, apple trees heavy with fruit, and persimmon groves. As the sun set, we feasted on dinner and hit the hay, waiting for an adventure of a lifetime.

Hitting the Trail: Monsoon Muddy Mayhem

Bright and early at 7 AM, post-nutritious breakfast, we drove 30 minutes to Rumsu for liftoff to Ghan Kuradi campsite. Joined by local guides Gaurav and Debanshu (Himachali heroes!), Bharat schooled us on pole usage, lace-tying tricks, breathing hacks, and pacing. Warm-up done, bananas devoured; we were off!

The Chandrakhani Pass trail is pure poetry in motion, amplified by monsoon rains. Imagine stepping into a Narnia wonderland: Towering deodars draped in moss, colourful maples whispering secrets from the caterpillar-eaten leaves, pines standing proud like ancient guardians. Wildflowers exploded in whites, pinks, purples, and yellows, painting meadows that stretched forever. As forests thinned, alpine grasslands took over, unveiling jaw-dropping, very distant views of snow-capped Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar peaks, Mt. Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, Shikar Beh, and Indrasan Peak gleaming like distant dreams along the route.

But it wasn't all fairy-tale smooth. Monsoon meant slippery, muddy trails that had us sliding and slipping. Altitude kicked in around 11,000 feet at Chaklani, leaving me breathless and fatigued. Rain poured relentlessly, turning paths into streams. Yet, Indiahikes' guidance flipped these into triumphs: Bharat's tips on grip and pace, Gaurav and Debanshu's steady hands, and sipping from glacial streams for natural acclimatisation. Daily SpO2 checks, stretches, and warm-ups kept us safe and strong.

And the Green Trails initiative turned me and fellow trekkeers into eco-warriors, picking up trash en route and sorting it (landfill, recyclables, biodegradables, you name it). Leaving the mountains better than we found them feels incredible!

Lessons from the Wild

Bharat wasn't just a leader; he was our trail-side professor. We dubbed it "Botany with Bharat" - hilarious and enlightening! He geeked out on mycelium networks (trees chatting underground?), lichen's algae-fungi bromance, fern history, bird calls, and moss as a natural compass. We learned about competitive eucalyptus and castor, the symphony of forest sounds. His passion made every step a discovery, easing us newbies into nature's embrace.

Indiahikes promotes the spirit of trekking in peace, no shouting or blasting tunes. In that silence, we tuned into birdsong, gurgling streams, and wind whispers. It invited reflection, like pondering life's big questions amid rhododendrons.

The support crew members are superheroes in disguise. Mule men hauling gear, kitchen staff whipping up hot tea, lemon water, hearty meals, and desserts in the wilderness. Tents stayed dry, snacks nutritious, making it as comfortable as it can get in the outdoors for us!

Sunrises, Stars, and Summit

Where do I start?! At Chaklani on night three, the clouds parted for a stargazing extravaganza and meteor shower. Bharat spun tales of Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Draco, and dropped Carl Sagan's "Pale Blue Dot" wisdom, mind blown under that twinkling blanket.

After four rainy days, summit sun's rays pierced through, gifting postcard views of valleys below. Fog lifted at Chaklani to reveal majestic peaks; ancient conifers stood sentinel like wise elders. Group shares on "why we trek" sparked deep connections - tears, laughs, hugs. 

In a moment of reverence, like Sherpa Tenzing Norgay humbled by Everest, we stood in awe of Chandrakhani Pass, grateful for her allowing us to conquer her heights. And the cherry on top? Spinning and laughing with Pahadi locals in a joyful summit dance.

Descent was a beast; slippery slopes and gusts, but team support shone. We high-fived at the end, bonded forever.

Photo credit: Pranai Raju

Why Indiahikes is Your Ultimate Trek Buddy

What elevates Indiahikes? Their blend of structure and soul. The eco-conscious Green Trails initiative turns trekkers into stewards of nature. Bharat’s knowledge and warmth made us feel like family, while the support crew’s efficiency (mule men, kitchen staff, tent managers) ensured comfort in the wild. Their structured yet welcoming approach makes first-timers feel at ease and seasoned trekkers inspired.

Extra Perks That Make Indiahikes Unbeatable

Indiahikes goes the extra mile with thoughtful facilities. Their offloading service lets mules carry your load, so you can focus on the views (although it isn't encouraged). The cloakroom at base camp keeps your extra luggage safe. Bio-toilets at campsites are a game-changer, deep pits with a shovel and sawdust (no water) for hygiene, complete with toilet paper for convenience in the wild. And the kicker? Once you trek with Indiahikes, that trek is free for life, return anytime at no cost! These perks make the experience seamless, sustainable, and oh-so-accessible.

Ready to Trek? Chandrakhani Calls!

This trek wasn't just a hike; it was a rebirth for me. From novice nerves to summit euphoria, Indiahikes made it authentic, supportive, and unforgettable. If you're dreaming of Himalayan highs, book Chandrakhani Pass with Indiahikes NOW. Trust me, you'll return changed, craving more.

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