How Difficult is the Chandrakhani Pass Trek?

It’s not every day that you find a high mountain pass that’s gentle enough for beginners and yet carries the charm of a classic Himalayan experience. That’s what makes the Chandrakhani Pass trek in Himachal so special.

It’s quietly tucked into the Kullu Valley, rich with history and forest trails, but most importantly, it’s one of those few pass climbs that first-time trekkers can truly enjoy.

Still, it’s a Himalayan trek. And it climbs to over 12,000 feet. So preparation matters.

Watch this quick video to get a good overview of the difficulty of the trek. But don’t stop there — the article dives much deeper. I’d definitely recommend giving it a read. Towards the end, you’ll also find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the trek.

A Great First Pass for Beginners — But Know What to Expect

Chandrakhani Pass is one of the oldest trails in Himachal. But strangely, not many trekkers know just how beginner-friendly it is. Unlike steeper, more strenuous passes like Hampta, Chandrakhani rises gently. It doesn’t have dramatic altitude jumps or sharp ascents.

This is why it’s an ideal choice for first-time trekkers, families with children, and even older trekkers exploring the Himalayas for the first time.

But make no mistake — just because it’s beginner-friendly doesn’t mean you don’t need preparation.

The Toughest Part is Right at the Start

The most physically demanding day on the Chandrakhani trek is Day 1.

You begin at the village of Rumsu and climb nearly 3,000 feet on that very first day. It sounds intense — and it is — but the trail doesn’t throw steep switchbacks at you. The gradient is spread over 5.5 km, and the climb is gradual.

You start at around 6,500 feet and reach close to 10,500 feet. It’s a significant altitude gain for a single day, especially when your body hasn’t acclimatised yet. But the trail gives you time. Most trekkers reach their first campsite by lunchtime, or just a little after.

It’s a good test of your fitness, but not an overwhelming one.

The Middle Day is Easy on the Legs

The second day on the trail is gentle. There’s barely a 1,000 ft gain in altitude, and your legs get a chance to recover. The trail meanders through forests and open meadows. This is the day you find your rhythm and really start enjoying the trail.

But don’t relax just yet — the pass day is ahead.

Climbing to the Pass: A Beautiful Challenge

At Indiahikes, we don’t cross over to the other side of the Chandrakhani Pass. That’s a conscious decision.

The far side of the pass leads into more touristy zones, and the setting loses the peaceful, immersive feel we want trekkers to experience. So we climb to the pass and return the same way. And that makes the pass day a full-circle adventure.

You begin early. It’s about 9 km of trekking, but you're carrying just a daypack, which makes the ascent more enjoyable. You climb to 12,200 ft, and while there are a few narrow ridges and ledges, none of them are dangerous if you walk carefully.

If you’re trekking in May, you may encounter some snow on this stretch, especially near the pass. That adds a layer of challenge. But by July and August, the trail bursts into a riot of flowers. Either way, it’s a magical section.

Ridge Walks, Ledge Walks, and Wide-Open Views

The walk to the pass is filled with stunning scenery. You spend a fair amount of time walking along ridges and ledges, and while you’ll need to be alert, it’s not technical or risky. The views stretch out across the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, with valleys yawning beneath you.

When you reach the pass, it opens up into a broad flat saddle — large enough to hold 40–50 people. It’s a great place to sit, breathe, and just take in the mountains.

And then, you retrace your steps to the same campsite — ending the day where you began.

In Conclusion: So, How Difficult is This Trek, Really?

When you put it all together — the altitude gain on day one, the occasional snow patch, the narrow sections on the pass climb — the Chandrakhani Pass trek difficulty level is mildly challenging.

But it’s absolutely doable with the right preparation.

We recommend training at least a month in advance. A six-week fitness plan on the Indiahikes website is an excellent guide. It focuses on building cardiovascular endurance, strengthening your legs and core, and preparing your body for the rigours of the trail.

Some Frequently Asked Questions about the trek

1. What is the Chandrakhani Pass trek distance?
The Chandrakhani Pass trek distance is around 26 km Rumsu to Rumsu via Chandrakhani Pass.

2. Where is Chandrakhani Pass located?
Chandrakhani Pass is located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, connecting the villages of Rumsu and Malana.

3. Is the Chandrakhani Pass trek suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Chandrakhani trek is one of the most beginner-friendly Himalayan treks. Its gradual ascent and manageable altitude make it ideal for first-time trekkers, families, and older adventurers.

4. How can I find the Chandrakhani Pass trek map?
You request a detailed gpx map file of the Chandrakhani Pass trek on info@indiahikes.com. You will get the file completely free of charge. You can also call Indiahikes directly on 080 468 01269 and request the file. 

5. When is the best time to do the Chandrakhani Pass trek?
The best time for the Chandrakhani Pass trek is from May to early July for snow patches, and July to August for blooming meadows.

6. What is the altitude of Chandrakhani Pass?
The Chandrakhani Pass sits at an altitude of 12,185 ft (3,713 metres) above sea level.