













Chandrakhani Pass Trek
Himachal's most loved pass climb for beginners
Have questions? Speak to our expert Trek Advisors
We have an expert team of Trek Advisors to help you choose the right trek. So if you have questions like, "Can I do this trek?" or "Who else is trekking?", please get in touch.Talk to our Trek Advisors

TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate

TREK DURATION
5 days

HIGHEST ALTITUDE
12,185 ft

SUITABLE FOR

TOTAL TREK DISTANCE
26 kms

BASECAMP
Manali (Sarsai)

ACCOMMODATION TYPE
Tents

PICKUP POINT
Trek Fee
₹
11,200
+5% GST
+ ₹180 Trek Insurance
Optional Additions
₹750 Indiahikes Shield
₹1,600 Backpack Offloading
SELECT DATE TO REGISTER - 2025
Himachal's most loved pass climb for beginners
There is an interesting story about the Chandrakhani Pass. In ancient times, the presiding God of Malana, God Jamlu was carrying all the gods in a pot on this route. He opened the basket full of Gods on top of the Chandrakhani pass. A strong wind blew the gods away and they settled in various spots in the valley. Which is why even now the Kullu valley is called the valley of gods.
This trek is a cultural treasure for those who want to know more about the Kullu Valley. The villages, the architecture, the people, and the culture are a living history book. The trek is also an ancient shepherd's trail. So don’t be surprised to find hundreds of sheep herded by a shepherd on your trail. The many shepherd huts on the way are good rest points. Some may even offer you tea!
Our in-house photographers, Jothiranjan and Pritish Bhanushali, trekked to Chandrakhani Pass last year during the monsoon season. Check out this photo gallery to see an unedited account of what they saw!
The trek is also known for the beauty of its forests on either side. It lifts trekkers spirit with joy. The forests are cool, dark and throws in a lot of variety. You start the trek staring at the tall pines. Before you know it, you are transitioning into maple and oak forests. Finally walking through a rhododendron forest. The forests have almost been crafted for whistling through them. Their sheer variety peels in front of you layer by layer. The smell of the woods is always with you.
Trek Fee
₹
11,200
+5% GST
+ ₹180 Trek Insurance
Optional Additions
₹750 Indiahikes Shield
₹1,600 Backpack Offloading
SELECT DATE TO REGISTER - 2025
Chandrakhani Pass - Complete Trek Information
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Chandrakhani Pass trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
Day 1
Reach the Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus at Manali
Reporting Time: 3 pm | Location: Beas Bridge, Manali
Pick-up will be arranged from Beas Bridge, Manali to Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus at 3 pm. It will cost Rs 1,000 per vehicle (5-6 seaters) and has to be shared by trekkers. You will be staying at our campus on this day. The vehicle will be non-A/C.
Day 2
Drive from Indiahikes Campus to Rumsu. Trek from Rumsu to Naya Tapru
Drive Distance: 9 km | Drive Duration: 25 minutes | Trek Distance: 4.8 km | Trek Duration: 5 hours | Altitude Gain: 6,745 ft to 10,430 ft
You will be taking a shared cab from Indiahikes campus to Rumsu. The fare of this ride is included in the trek fee.
Day 3
Trek from Naya Tapru to Chaklani
Trek Distance: 2.5 km | Trek Duration: 2.5 hours | Altitude Gain: 10,430 ft to 11,368 ft
Day 4
Trek from Chaklani to Chandrakhani Pass Top and back to Naya Tapru
Trek Distance: 9.5 km | Trek Duration: 10 hours | Altitude Gain/Loss: 11,368 ft to 10,430 ft via 12,185 ft
Day 5
Trek from Naya Tapru to Rumsu. Drive back to Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus at Manali.
Drive Distance: 9 km | Drive Duration: 25 minutes | Trek Distance: 4.8 km | Trek Duration: 5 hours | Altitude Loss: 10,430 ft to 6,745 ft
IMPORTANT POINTS
- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.
- On the trek, you will be staying 2 in a tent on all days.
- We have a cloakroom facility at the base camp for one extra piece of luggage. Anything beyond that is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.


Day 1: Reach Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus at Manali
You will have to reach the campus on your own on this day and meet the Indiahikes team at 4 pm. Go to how to reach section to know more.
The process of your registration, health screening, and document verification will take place with your rental gear collection.
You will be staying at our Manali Campus for the night. The next day, the team will leave at 7 am in the morning and drive to Rumsu. The drive will take around an hour.

You will have to reach the campus on your own on this day and meet the Indiahikes team at 4 pm. Go to how to reach section to know more.
The process of your registration, health screening, and document verification will take place with your rental gear collection.
You will be staying at our Manali Campus for the night. The next day, the team will leave at 7 am in the morning and drive to Rumsu. The drive will take around an hour.











Day 2: Trek from Rumsu to Naya Tapru

Drive Duration: 25 minutes | Trek Duration: 5 hours Drive Distance: 9 km | Trek Distance: 4.8 km

Altitude Gain: 6,745 ft to 10,430 ft
The trek starts from Rumsu village. Rumsu is a quaint ancient village situated 28 km away from Manali. The architecture of the houses here remind you of the Kathkuni architecture that you come across in Jiskun on the Rupin Pass trek. Rumsu is well connected with Nagar and Malana. People at Rumsu worship the same deity as Malana. The culture and practices are also very similar.
Cross the Rumsu village to enter the forest trail. It's a mixed forest with Deodar, pine and walnut trees. The forest here is dense. The trail is steep. After about an hour and a half of a climb in the dense jungle, you reach a small clearing called Stiling. This is your first resting point. There is a small stream flowing nearby. Refill your water bottles here.
A steep ascent in the forest trail for about 20 minutes takes you to another clearing called Ghan Kuradi. This beautiful clearing surrounded by pine, deodar, Rai, maple, chestnut, green and yellow oaks offers stunning views of the Kullu valley. Rest here for a bit and soak in the views of the surroundings.




The trek starts from Rumsu village. Rumsu is a quaint ancient village situated 28 km away from Manali. The architecture of the houses here remind you of the Kathkuni architecture that you come across in Jiskun on the Rupin Pass trek. Rumsu is well connected with Nagar and Malana. People at Rumsu worship the same deity as Malana. The culture and practices are also very similar.
Cross the Rumsu village to enter the forest trail. It's a mixed forest with Deodar, pine and walnut trees. The forest here is dense. The trail is steep. After about an hour and a half of a climb in the dense jungle, you reach a small clearing called Stiling. This is your first resting point. There is a small stream flowing nearby. Refill your water bottles here.
A steep ascent in the forest trail for about 20 minutes takes you to another clearing called Ghan Kuradi. This beautiful clearing surrounded by pine, deodar, Rai, maple, chestnut, green and yellow oaks offers stunning views of the Kullu valley. Rest here for a bit and soak in the views of the surroundings.
From Ghan Kuradi, a series of three short but steep climbs leads you to Naya Tapru, your first campsite. As you gradually ascend in the mixed forest trail, the views of the valley start unfolding behind you. It takes about an hour to reach Naya Tapru. This is a huge clearing and offers far reaching views of the villages around Manali. You get grand views of snow clad peaks too.











Day 3: Trek from Naya Tapru to Chaklani

Trek Distance: 2.5 km |Trek Duration: 2.5 hours

Altitude Gain: 10,430 ft to 11,368 ft

This will tell you just how fit you must be
Today is a short day. The trail goes in the South-East direction from Naya Tapru.
From Naya Tapru to Chaklani, ascend in the zig zag trail. The trail is not very steep. As the treeline gets sparse, you start getting a wider view of the surroundings. This trail is dominated by rhododendron trees.
You see a mountain ridge in the South-East direction behind which is the Chandrakhani Pass. In about 2.5 hours from Naya Tapru, you reach the second campsite, Chaklani.




Today is a short day. The trail goes in the South-East direction from Naya Tapru.
From Naya Tapru to Chaklani, ascend in the zig zag trail. The trail is not very steep. As the treeline gets sparse, you start getting a wider view of the surroundings. This trail is dominated by rhododendron trees.
You see a mountain ridge in the South-East direction behind which is the Chandrakhani Pass. In about 2.5 hours from Naya Tapru, you reach the second campsite, Chaklani.
Chaklani is a small clearing located at an altitude of 11,368 ft. Next to the campsite, there is a small water stream. Explore around a bit. Rest well as tomorrow will be a long day.











Day 4: Trek from Chaklani to Chandrakhani Pass Top and back to Naya Tapru

Trek Distance: 9.5 km | Trek Duration: 10 hours

Altitude Gain/Loss: 11,368 ft to 10,430 ft via 12,185 ft
Today is the most adventurous day of the entire trek. It's a trek to the highest point of the Pass!
Note: Replenish your water supplies before starting your trek. There are no water sources until you come back to the campsite.
From Chaklani, the trail goes diagonally in the South-East direction. You gradually gain altitude as you ascend to the highest point of the trek, the Chandrakhani Pass. It’s about an hour and a half of an ascent from Chaklani. Once you reach the Chandrakhani pass, it’s almost a kilometre walk till the highest point at the pass. This ridge walk is what makes this trek different compared to the other pass treks in the Himalayas.




Today is the most adventurous day of the entire trek. It's a trek to the highest point of the Pass!
Note: Replenish your water supplies before starting your trek. There are no water sources until you come back to the campsite.
From Chaklani, the trail goes diagonally in the South-East direction. You gradually gain altitude as you ascend to the highest point of the trek, the Chandrakhani Pass. It’s about an hour and a half of an ascent from Chaklani. Once you reach the Chandrakhani pass, it’s almost a kilometre walk till the highest point at the pass. This ridge walk is what makes this trek different compared to the other pass treks in the Himalayas.
From the ridge, on your left, you see Dhauladhar range. On your right, lies the Pir Panjal range that further stretches into the Parvathi range. You see Mt Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, Shikar Beh, Indrasan Peak and many more. Along with these snow capped ranges, panoramic views of the numerous forested rolling hills of Kullu valley elevates the beauty of this whole place. You also get the far reaching views of the villages of Kullu and Manali.
After spending some time at the highest point, you start making your way back to Naya Tapru.
From here, it’s a long descent for about 6 km to reach Naya Tapru Campsite. You pass through Chaklani where you can fill in your water bottles. You get the chance to revisit the perfect grasslands and spend some more time through the rhododendron forests. Rest well at Naya Tapru for the night.











Day 5: Trek from Naya Tapru to Rumsu

Trek Distance: 4.8 km | Trek Duration: 5 hours

Altitude Loss: 10,430 ft to 6,745 ft
Take the same route that you took on day 2. After filling up your water bottles, start by descending the three steep sections near the Naya Tapru campsite. Soon you will come across the forest section of Ghan Kuradi. After which you will reach Stiling clearing to take a rest. Traverse through the dense forest sections of deodar, pine and walnut trees to finally reach Rumsu.
Drive back to our campus, have lunch, return your rentals and collect your cloakroom luggage.
Drive back to Manali on the same day.




Take the same route that you took on day 2. After filling up your water bottles, start by descending the three steep sections near the Naya Tapru campsite. Soon you will come across the forest section of Ghan Kuradi. After which you will reach Stiling clearing to take a rest. Traverse through the dense forest sections of deodar, pine and walnut trees to finally reach Rumsu.
Drive back to our campus, have lunch, return your rentals and collect your cloakroom luggage.
Drive back to Manali on the same day.

Moderate
Suitable for Fit Beginners
You will cover a total of around 26 km in four trekking days during which you will gain approximately 5,440 ft (6,745 ft to 12,185 ft). Every day will include ascents and descents on uneven trails.
Terrain:
- The climb from Chaklani to Chandrakhani pass is steep. And chances of snow in early June can make it even tricky.
- There is a long ledge walk leading to the pass, which needs to be navigated carefully.
- The forest trail from Rumsu climbs relentlessly until you reach the meadows. You gain more than 3500 ft over this 9 km stretch. This can test your endurance.
Please note: If you are trekking with Indiahikes, our Trek Leaders and Technical Guides will provide you with all necessary guidance, support, and technical gear such as micro spikes, gaiters, helmets, ropes, etc. wherever required.
Weather:
- Rainfall or snowfall, lasting for hours, can change the entire trek dynamic.
- Rain can flood the trails or make them too slushy to walk safely on. The forest trail ahead of Rumsu gets especially mushy and difficult to climb.
- Snowfall can obstruct previously made paths, requiring fresh tracks to be cut on the snow. It can also make the ledge leading to Chandrakhani Pass inaccessible.
- In the Autumn season, the temperatures plummet below zero. Even without snowfall, strong winds can take a toll on you if you're not well-layered.
Please note: The safety of our trekkers is paramount. Our technical team, in conjunction with the Trek Leader, constantly monitors the weather conditions and makes informed decisions about proceeding with or aborting the trek. If the weather deteriorates, the team may need to turn back from any campsite to ensure the safety of all trekkers.
Altitude:
- You climb more than 3500 ft from Rumsu to Naya Tapru on the very first day of the trek. This rapid elevation gain, coupled with exertion, makes you very susceptible to Acute Mountain Sickness.
- The Chandrakhani Pass trek is situated 12,250 ft above sea level. At altitudes above 10,000 ft, the chances of being hit by Acute Mountain Sickness are real. Altitude sickness can happen to anybody - first-time trekkers as well as experienced trekkers. Fitness helps in making your trek easier. But do not forget that even a fit person climbing too high too soon runs an equal risk of developing AMS. Here’s a Complete guide to Acute Mountains Sickness, HAPE and HACE
Please Note: The Indiahikes team is equipped with high-altitude medical kits, oxygen cylinders, and stretchers to handle any altitude-related emergencies.
Emergency Exits:
- Chandrakhani Pass has limited exit points. You need to head down Rumsu before moving on to Manali.
Closest Hospital to the Chandrakhani Pass Trek:
The medical facilities at Manali, just 27 km from Rumsu, are your best bet in case of sudden medical emergencies on the Chandrakhani Pass Trek. In case of a more serious medical issue, the best option is to access medical facilities at Chandigarh, a 6-hr drive from Manali.
The Indiahikes team will ensure your safety throughout the journey. However, we believe that safety is a shared responsibility. We need your active participation and attention to safety protocols to ensure a safe and successful trek.
From Rumsu, you have to navigate a very steep climb through forests. This will test your endurance. Photo by Jothiranjan. In heavy snowfall, the ridge walk to Chandrakhani Pass turns tricky. The trail disappears under the snow, forcing trekkers to carve out a new path. Photo by Jothiranjan. You trek through meadows and muddy trails on this trek. Heavy rain can make these slushy and difficult to navigate. Photo by Jothiranjan. On the way to Chandrakhani Pass from Chaklani, you navigate a long ridge with stretches of ledge walks and steep sections. In heavy rain, this traverse can become particularly challenging. Photo by Jothiranjan. The trek gets trickier if it snows. Even meadow sections can get significantly challenging on slippery snow. Photo by Jothiranjan.
Please inform your Trek Leader about any pre-existing medical conditions or health concerns, no matter how minor they may seem. This will enable us to take the necessary precautions and ensure your safety throughout the trek.
The Chandrakhani Pass Trek can be done for almost five months in the year. The very best time to do this trek is between June and September. You may extend it till October.
During other months of the year, the snow is too high for comfortable pass-crossing.
Chandrakhani Pass in June
Day time: Between 15 °C and 20 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 1 °C and 5 °C.
Presence of snow: Despite it being summers, expect snow patches on the ground. Especially close to Chaklani and above it is still snow bound.
No. of warm layers required: 3 warm layers
In June expect a lot of snow from Chaklani onward. You will find good snow slightly after Chaklani camp right until the pass. You’ll get snow even until you get down on the other side of the pass. The depth of snow on both sides is quite high.
Chandrakhani Pass in July and August
Day time: Between 15 °C and 20 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 1 °C and 5 °C.
Presence of snow: Snow starts to melt as we enter July. By August most of the snow is gone, except for some patches near Chandrakhani Pass.
No. of warm layers required: 3 warm layers
In July the snow starts to melt rapidly but stays in good patches on the higher reaches of the pass. But different magic starts to unfold from mid-July onward.
The valley starts to get its first monsoon showers. Wildflowers begin to sprout in the entire green belt on the Kullu side. Sometimes trekkers have to wade through a bed of wildflowers on either side of the trail.
If there is a favourite time to do the trek, then mid-July to the end of August is the best time to do the Chandrakhani Pass trek. The grasslands are a vibrant green. The slopes are alive with swaying wildflowers. On the other hand, the skies are generally cloudy though. Be game for good showers on the trek. The rains last until the mid of September.
Chandrakhani Pass in September
Day time: Between 12 °C and 15 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 0 °C and 3 °C.
Presence of snow: You will not find snow in the month of September on the trail.
No. of warm layers required: 4 warm layers
Post-mid-September, the skies start to clear up and the early autumn colours strike the slopes. The Chandrakhani Pass is at its most colourful. The sunrises and sunsets are gorgeous, the snow-clad mountains stand tall against the deep blue skies. The trek is at its most perfect.
At Indiahikes we wind up the Chandrakhani Pass season at the end of September.
By the end of the first week of October, the air is nippier. The early winter chill is felt. Night temperatures will fall below zero in most camps. At the higher camps, it could be icy cold. The streams dry up and water sources become increasingly difficult. The earth is browner. The boulders were starker.
While it is possible to do the trek in October it is not as much fun.
Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus, Manali, is the base camp of the Chandrakhani Pass trek. It is situated in Sarsai, a quaint hamlet, about 15 km from the main bustling center of Manali.
You must reach the Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus, Manali, by 4 PM on Day-1 of your trek.
- You can choose to arrive at the campus by yourself.
- Alternatively, Indiahikes arranges for transport to the Jungle Line Campus from Manali. Indahikes vehicles will pick you up from Beas Bridge in Manali at 3 PM on Day 1 of your trek.
In either case, we recommend that you reach Manali by Day Zero, which is one day before Day 1 on the itinerary. For example, if the Day 1 of your trek is 25th August, book your tickets to reach Manali by 24th August. This gives you a buffer to account for unexpected delays and also allows you to rest well before starting your trek.
Here is a detailed guide to help you plan your travel to Manali:
Manali is easily accessible by road from Delhi and Chandigarh. However, the stretch beyond Mandi on NH-3 is prone to frequent landslides, often leading to delays. Keep this in mind while planning your journey.
The easiest way to reach the Manali is to:
- Fly to Delhi, take a direct bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate to Manali
- Fly to Chandigarh, take a direct bus from Chandigarh to Manali.
Flight options to reach Manali:
Pro Tip: If the flights to Chandigarh are too costly, fly to Delhi and take the overnight bus to Manali. Flying to Delhi may be a lot cheaper than getting to Chandigarh. However, If you notice the difference in air ticket prices between Delhi and Chandigarh is less than Rs 1000, then book for Chandigarh. The rest and shorter travel time are worth the difference.
How to reach the Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus in Sarsai
From Manali-
Sarsai is 15 km from the main center of Manali on the Kullu-Naggar-Manali Road. From the Sarsai Bus Stand, it is just a 10-15 minute walk to the Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus.
- By Auto or Private Cab: Fare ranges between Rs.500 to Rs.1000
- By Public Bus: Buses leave for Naggar from Manali Bus Stand every 30 minutes. They pass via Sarsai.
Public Bus Timings: First bus from Manali at 7:00 AM.
Please Note: Buses from Delhi or Chandigarh drop you at the Manali Private/Volvo Bus Stand. The local bus to Sarsai leaves from the Manali Local Bus Stand, 1.5 km away. You can walk or take an auto to reach the local bus stand.
From Delhi/Chandigarh-
Option 1: Get down at Kullu and take the Local Kullu-Manali Bus to Sarsai
- Take any bus to Manali from Delhi / Chandigarh
- Get down at Kullu Bus Stand instead of going all the way to Manali
- Local Buses run regularly from Kullu to Manali via Sarsai. Take this bus and get down at Sarsai
- From the Sarsai Bus Stand, it is just a 10-15 minute walk to the Indiahikes Campus
Option 2: Get down at 15-Mile and take a Cab to Sarsai
- Take any bus to Manali from Delhi / Chandigarh
- Get down at the 15 Mile Bus Stop instead of going all the way to Manali
- Hire a cab for the 12 km journey to Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus
Secret Travel Tip: From the 15-Mile Bus Stand, a wooden bridge over the Beas River leads into the Batahar Bihal Forest. The Indiahikes Campus is just a 3-km scenic walk through these deodar forests and apple orchards. If you are traveling in September or October, you’ll see apple trees laden with fruit.
Before you take this hike, stop by The Cafe House for carrot cakes and trout fish grills.
Given below is a list of all the gear you need for the Chandrakhani Pass trek:
If you don’t have certain items, you can rent high-quality gear like trekking shoes, backpacks, and jackets from the Crosstrek Rental Store by Indiahikes. It costs less than Rs 2000 for the entire trek. We highly recommend renting gear since it is both more affordable and environmentally friendly.
Additionally, you’ll notice a small medical kit in the list. While our trek leaders carry medical kits with 17 medicines including life-saving drugs, you must bring your personal medical kit as well. We are already equipped with BP machines, oximeters and canned oxygen, but your medical kit is for quick access to you, especially while travelling.
Most importantly, you must digitally upload and carry mandatory documents to get government permits for the trek - your ID card, and medical certificate. Keep them in a plastic bag to keep them safe in your backpack. There are no printing or photocopy facilities at the basecamp.
1. Trekking Shoes
Chandrakhani Pass requires sturdy trekking shoes, has good grip, has ankle support and can handle snow. Here is a quick video on how to choose your trekking shoes.
| Buying Tip: The Trek series and MH series are good options by Decathlon. They are tried and tested. There isn’t any necessity to buy the higher-priced models.
| Rental: We have the Trek series and the MH series by Decathlon available for rent from the Indiahikes store. They are already broken into and in good condition. Rental shoes are not dirty or unhygienic. This is how they are kept clean.
2. Backpack
For a trek like Chandrakhani Pass, you need a 50-60 litre backpack. Make sure your backpack has good hip support, shoulder support and quick-access pockets. Here is a guide on how to choose a backpack.
| Buying Tip: Wildcraft, Decathlon and Adventure Worx usually make good backpacks. While Wildcraft has more expensive ones, the other two brands have budget-friendly backpacks to choose from.
| Rental: The 48-litre backpack by Adventure Worx is available for rent from the Indiahikes store. They are custom-made for our Himalayan treks. Rent them if you don’t have a backpack.
3. Clothes
Wearing layers is the mantra in the mountains. Layers give you maximum protection from all elements. And when the weather changes in the mountains (as it happens every few hours), you take off or put on layers as required.
Base Layer: 3 T-Shirts
Wear one T-shirt and carry two. Carry full sleeve dry-fit T-shirts (preferably collared). These prevent your arms and neck from getting sunburnt. In the rarified air on the trek, especially at high altitudes, UV rays can burn you in no time.
Dry-fit T-shirts quickly dry your sweat, they are easy to wash and in case of a rainy day, they dry quicker. Round neck T-shirts are ok, but collared ones are better.
| Cotton or Synthetic? As Indians, we love cotton. Down in the plains when the heat is blistering 40°C it makes sense to wear cotton. But it takes a long time to dry when it gets wet. In the mountains, where it is cooler, synthetic is what you wear. They wick sweat rapidly and keep you dry. (But they do tend to smell quickly, so carry a roll-on deodorant with you.)
| Buying Tip: You can get dry-fit T-shirts from Decathlon. Also, stores like Reliance Trends and Max have dry-fit T-shirts. They don’t usually cost much.
| Pro Tip: If you are extra susceptible to cold, you could get a set of thermal inners. In our experience, wearing two T-shirts over another works as a better thermal. And they save you weight and space since you’re already carrying them.
3 Insulation Layers
The highest altitude you reach on this trek is 14,065 ft. At these altitudes, it can get cold even in the middle of summer. You will need at least 2 insulation layers for this trek.
You will need 1 pair of inner thermals, 2 light fleece layers or 1 thick fleece layer. Do not get your grandma stitched sweaters, which can be very heavy. You need sweaters and fleece jackets that can fold into compact rolls.
1 Outer Layer: For your outer layer, a padded jacket serves the purpose here. You don’t need a water-resistant material. But you need an outer padded jacket that keeps the wind and cold out. Ensure your padded jacket has a hood as well.
| Do you need a down/feather jacket? Not really. A regular padded/shell jacket will do. This video here will help you to learn more about the difference.
| Note: Down/feather jackets are not available these days. Many jackets masquerade as down/feather jackets. They are essentially fine polyester-filled jackets. They mimic the function of a down jacket but are usually expensive.
| Rental: Padded jackets made by Fort Collins are available for rent at the Indiahikes store. They are custom made for Indiahikes and trekkers find them terrific, even in winter.
Trek Pants
A minimum of one pair and a maximum of two pairs of trek pants should suffice for this trek. Wear one pair and carry one just in case it rains/snows. Trek pants with zippered cut-offs at the thighs are very suitable for treks. Also, choose quick-dry pants over cotton. They dry up soon even in the cold climate.
| Buying Tip: Go for pants with zippered pockets. They come in handy to keep your phone, handkerchief or pocket snacks.
| Track pants or Trek pants? Stretchable track pants make a good backup and can double up as your thermal bottoms. But track pants do not trek pants -- so don’t use them as your main outerwear. Keep them only as a backup.
Mandatory Accessories, without these too you won’t be able to do the trek.
These accessories are mandatory. Don’t go to Chandrakhani Pass without them. Trekkers generally put off purchasing / borrowing the accessories for the last minute. We suggest the opposite. Start gathering these accessories first.
1. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness. A small overexposure to direct sunlight on snow can lead to snow blindness (about a half hour’s exposure). That’s because fallen snow is like thousands of mirrors that reflect direct UV rays. So you need sunglasses with UV protection.
| Wearing Tip: Wear sunglasses if the trekking day is bright and sunny (on open sections, meadows). On a snowy section, you must never take off your sunglasses until the section has been fully crossed.
| Buying Tip: Try getting sunglasses that wrap around instead of those that have openings on the side. Even peripheral UV ray exposure is not a good idea.
| If you wear spectacles: If you wear spectacles, you can get oversized sunglasses that you wear over your regular glasses (available at Decathlon). If that is cumbersome, photochromic lenses work equally well. Here’s a quick guide on managing sunglasses with spectacles.
| Contact lens users: If you use contact lenses, you can use them on the trek too. The lens solution will not freeze. You will also not face any problems in changing your lens in your tent. Just carry enough cleaning solution with you to clean your fingers well. Wear your sunglasses over your contact lens. Read this article for more guidance on managing contact lenses on treks.
2. Suncap
A sun cap is mandatory. Trekking without a sun cap can lead to headaches, sunstrokes, quick dehydration and a sharp drop in trekking performance.
| Tip: In the mountains, the general rule is to keep your head covered at all times. During the day a sun cap protects you from the harsh rays of the sun (it is doubly stronger with naked UV rays). A sun cap keeps your body temperature in balance. In the evening/early morning, the reverse is true. Your head loses your body heat quickly. A woollen cap prevents heat from dissipating from your head.
| Pro Tip: Sun caps with flaps are a blessing for trekkers. They cut out almost all UV leaks. They prevent sunburns in every possible way. They are a lot more effective than sunscreen lotion. A wide-brimmed sports hat also helps to prevent sunburn in a big way.
3. Synthetic Hand Gloves
On a trek like Chandrakhani Pass, you’ll need gloves to grip something or to steady yourself. You also want the gloves to keep you warm. Get synthetic hand gloves that have waterproofing on the outside and a padded lining on the inside. If you find the combination difficult to get (not likely), wear a tight-fitting fleece hand glove inside a synthetic hand glove. Hand gloves are mandatory on this trek.
4. Woollen Cap or Balaclava
Ensure these cover your head. In the cold mountains, you lose maximum heat from your head, not from your hands, feet or the rest of your body. This is why you need to keep your head protected, especially when the sun is down. Early mornings, late evenings, and a cold trekking day are when you must use your woollen cap.
Your ears are sensitive too, so a woollen head cap that covers your ears is essential. A balaclava is a modern version of the woollen cap. It covers your ears, neck and parts of your face as well. If you get a woollen cap that only covers your head, you will need a neck warmer or a woollen scarf.
5. Socks (4 Pairs)
Apart from three to four pairs of sports socks, take a pair of woollen socks. Sports socks give you cushioning plus warmth. Again the mantra is to wear synthetic socks or at least a synthetic blend. Cotton socks soak in water and sweat. They are very hard to dry.
As for woollen socks, they help you to keep warm and snug at the night. If you cannot get woollen socks, wearing two sports socks serves the purpose as well.
6. Headlamp
Trekkers are often confused about whether they need to get a headlamp or a handheld torch. You need to get a headlamp because it leaves your hands free to do other activities. On the Chandrakhani Pass trek, you’ll need your hands free to wash dishes, pitch tents and hold your trek poles.
| Buying tip: Ensure your headlamp covers a wider area and is not too focused as a single beam. On a trek, your headlamp must help you see around you as much as ahead of you.
| Rental: Headlamps are available for rent at the Indiahikes store.
7. Trekking Pole (A Pair)
Trekking poles give you stability and balance. They reduce your energy consumption by almost 40%. On the Chandrakhani Pass trek, there are steep ascents and descents. A pair of trekking poles will make the difference between a comfortable and a strenuous trek. In India, we tend to use a single trekking pole. However, two trekking poles give you greater stability and balance. They also increase your walking pace.
| Rental: Imported side-locking trekking poles are available for rent at the Indiahikes store.
8. Rainwear
On a trek, the weather can change quickly. A bright sunny day can turn into a downpour in a matter of minutes. Carry a poncho or a rain jacket to tackle this. A poncho is a big rain cover with openings for your arms and your head. It is extremely effective because it covers both you and (partially) your backpack. It is extremely light and weighs next to nothing.
| Pro Tip: Rain jackets are more streamlined and less cumbersome but weigh more. Rain pants are not required. Dry fit trek pants dry quickly even if soaking wet.
| Rental: High-grade ponchos are available for rent at the Indiahikes store.
9. Rain Cover for your Backpack
Backpacks are your life. You carry all your dry clothes and your warm gear in your backpack. Your backpack must stay dry at all times. Modern backpacks usually come with built-in rain-covers. If your backpack does not have a rain cover, ensure you get a rain cover by either (a) buying a rain cover or (b) or cutting a large plastic sheet to the size of your backpack. You can roll the plastic sheet around your backpack and keep it in place with a string or elastic.
| Pro tip: It's good practice to compartmentalise your clothes, accessories and other things in plastic covers inside your backpack. That way, even if it rains and your backpack gets wet, your things are water-proof inside the backpack.
10. Daypack (20-30 litre, optional)
In your daypack, you carry essentials like water bottles, rainwear, emergency medicines, a headlamp, some snacks and a warm layer. Your main backpack that carries most of your equipment is accessible only at the campsites.
A daypack is a smaller backpack that is usually of 20-30 ltr capacity. Laptop bags are not daypacks. Do not get them.
Other Mandatory Requirements
1. A Toilet Kit
Keep your toilet kit light. Carry just the basics -- toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap, toilet tissue roll, a small moisturiser, lip balm, and a roll-on deodorant. You will not be able to have a bath on the trek, so don’t overload on soaps and shampoos.
| Pro Tip: Carry miniature-sized items. You will not need more than that. If you’re travelling in a group, share one toothpaste for all.
| Pro Tip: Avoid getting large toilet rolls. The smallest size roll is more than enough for a trek like Chandrakhani Pass.
| For Women: If you are likely to have your periods on your trek date, don’t worry about it. You can use your pads, tampons or menstrual cups on the trek. There will be toilet tents where you can get changed. Make sure you carry ziplock bags to bring back your menstrual waste. Don’t leave behind any waste in the mountains. Watch this video to learn how to dispose of your sanitary waste.
2. Cutlery
Carry a lunch box, a mug and a spoon. Your lunch box must be leakproof. You are expected to wash your cutlery. Trekkers often expect Indiahikes to wash their cutlery. When you allow Indiahikes to wash your cutlery, your cutlery becomes part of a mass washing system. You immediately invite germs, and bacteria to settle on your cutlery. The incidence of stomach disorders rises exponentially.
| Pro Tip: Carry stainless steel cutlery. Avoid fancy high-grade plastic cutlery. Stainless steel cutlery is infinitely easier to wash in cold water. Grease is easier to remove and hygiene is at its highest.
| Two 1 litre bottles or a 2-litre hydration pack: Chandrakhani Pass has many hours of trekking every day (approximately 6 hours). You need to carry two one-litre water bottles to keep yourself hydrated over the distance. If you are used to a hydration pack, then that is ok too. If one among the two bottles is a lightweight thermos, then that helps you to store warm water on a really cold day or for late evenings and early mornings.
| Rental: You could rent lightweight thermos flasks from the Indiahikes store.
3. Plastic Covers
Carry 3-4 old plastic covers to keep your used clothes. You could use them even for wet clothes. Re-use old plastic bags for this and do not buy new ones.
PRO TIPS
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack to prevent them from getting wet.
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- Disclaimer certificate: You don't need to print or carry the disclaimer form. Your Trek Leader will give it to you at the base. Just sign and hand it over then and there. However, if you are a minor unaccompanied by your parents, please download this disclaimer, print it, get it signed by your parents/guardian and carry it to the basecamp. – Download disclaimer certificate
- Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate
Note: Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to trekmedicalcertificates@gmail.com. They will respond to you within 24 hours.
Consultation fee: Rs 300
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.
- Diamox (1 Strip): Be on a course of a half tablet of Diamox starting from Delhi every 12 hours (125 mg). Carry on the medication until you descend to Chhatru. Being on a preventive course of Diamox greatly reduces the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the Chandrakhani Pass trek.
- Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain
- Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.
- Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol.
- Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS.
- ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking. Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.
- Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.
Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.
We recommend walking/jogging/running as the best routine to get fit for any trek. It works on the same muscles you use while trekking—your calves, glutes, quads and hamstrings. It also mimics your foot movement so you are better prepared for sudden twists and turns they may go through on uneven terrain.
It helps increase your stamina gradually if done consistently. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.
Fitness Target
To do the Chandrakhani Pass Trek comfortably, you must be able to walk, jog or run 5 km in under 35 minutes. This is the minimum recommended fitness level that you must aim for.

Trekking is a sport that primarily uses your lungs, core, calves, glutes, quads and hamstrings. Being fit will help you enjoy the trek and will keep you safe.
To reach any fitness target, there are two things you must work on:
- Cardiovascular endurance
- Muscle strength
If you are not currently active, follow the below schedule to get trek fit in 6 weeks!
A 6-Week Plan to Help You Get Trek-Fit for the Chandrakhani Pass Trek

Pro Tip: Warming up and cooling down before and after your workout is important. Do not miss that.
| Note: If you are not a regular runner, do not start running all of a sudden.
Strength Training Schedule:

Note:
- Alternatives to 30 Standard Pushups = (3 x 20 = 60 knee pushups) = (3 x 45 = 135 wall pushups)
- Alternative to 48 full squats = (4 x 24 = 96 half squats)
- Alternative to jumping lunges = forward lunges (same count)
- If you are not able to complete 1 full set of any plank, divide it into 2 halves and complete it with a rest break in between. For example: If you are not able to complete 1 minute of a standard plank, divide it into 2 sets of 30 seconds each.
- After completing a few weeks of training, if you can progress, you may increase the number of sets or reps for desired results.
Important note: We accept only running, jogging, or walking workout screenshots as fitness proof. Screenshots of cross-training workouts will not be considered valid. We've suggested cross-training options to help keep your fitness journey engaging and fun, allowing you to explore activities you enjoy and avoid inconsistency.
Note: Use apps like Nike and Strava to record your runs.
What happens if you are not fit:
- You do not enjoy the trek
- You struggle to be a part of the team because you’re slow.
- You miss out on a deep, transformative experience that Indiahikes specially designs for you.
The good part is it is not difficult. All you need to do is start following the fitness routine 6 to 8 weeks before your trek begins.
We are here to help you in this fitness journey. Just start slow and as long as you are committed and consistent with your routine, you are in for an unforgettable trek experience.
How to Get Fitness Approval from the Indiahikes Team:
Every trekker needs fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before the trek date. Without this, you will not be allowed on the trek.
Note: Use apps like Nike and Strava to record your runs.
What to upload?
- A minimum of 3 screenshots of your runs/jogs/walks/cycling
- Monthly summary of your routine
Yes. On the Chandrakhani Pass trek, the major network providers such as jio and airtel work almost throughout the trek.
The nearest town to Rumsu, is Nagar which is 4 km away. This is the nearest place where you can find ATMs. But, if you need cash, we recommend withdrawing from Manali.
There is no electricity throughout the trek. The only place you’ll find a plug to charge your phone or camera batteries will be Manali before and after the trek.
Therefore use your electronic equipment wisely. Fully charge your batteries before leaving your hotel and use your electronic equipment minimally.
Another thing to note is that cold temperatures drain the batteries faster. Having extra batteries or a power bank helps.
Having too many mules on a trail isn’t good for the ecosystem. This is why, at Indiahikes, we do not encourage offloading. A trekker carries his/her own backpack in the true spirit of trekking.
But if — due to a medical condition — you are unable to carry your own backpack, you may offload your backpack.
The total cost of offloading on the Chandrakhani Pass trek is Rs 1,600.
Yes, Manali is a safe hill station to be in because it is a popular tourist destination, buzzing with people from various nationalities almost throughout the year. You will find a range of hotels (for all budgets), cafes, and eateries popping up at every turn.
Yes you can!
If you are above the age of 58 years, you’ll need to submit a Treadmill Test (not older than 12 months) within a week of completing your trek registration. Apart from this, you should also be able to jog 5 km in 45 minutes.
Photo Gallery
Visible Peaks from Chandrakhani Pass
Chandrakhani Pass Videos












Highlights
What We Like About the Chandrakhani Pass Trek
1. The mixed forest trail
The forests on this trek are out of the world. They are dense. The variety surprises you.
You enter the forest trail as soon as you are out of the Rumsu village. You trek in the deep dense forest filled with pine, deodar and maple trees. Chirping of birds, scent of wood and rustling of leaves makes you feel like you are in a different world altogether.
Then as you go higher, the rhododendron trees welcome you. An entire section from Naya Tapru to Chaklani dominated by rhododendron trees is a beautiful trail to trek on.
As this was not enough, the forests on the other side of the pass are equally beautiful. And a pleasant descent under the tall dense tree cover is exactly what you need after a long summit day!

A delightful forest section on the very first day of your trek. Picture by Jothiranjan
2. The stunning mountain views
The Chandrakhani Pass trek is known for its mountain views.
Not just on the summit day, you start witnessing stunning snow-capped mountains from the very first campsite. You see Mt Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, Indrasan Peak and many more. They play hide and seek as you navigate further through the forest section and various clearings.
On Summit day, when you are walking on the ridge, on your left lies the Dhauladhar range and to the right is the Pir Panjal range that further extends to the Parvathi range. The grandeur of these views is mind-boggling. You may have a hard time deciding which side to look at!

If there is a trek in Himachal for mountain views, it's the Chandrakhani Pass trek. Picture by Jothiranjan
3. The massive clearings
Chandrakhani Pass is famous for its clearings. With camping banned in the meadows of Uttarakhand, these clearings are the closest experience to camping on wide meadows.
On this trek, you come across four such vast clearings. The biggest one, the upper Naya Tapru clearing is almost 1.5 km wide.
From these clearings, you also get to see a wide expanse of snow peak mountains and villages of Himachal down below.
You might even meet some shepherds quitely going about their day with hundreds of sheep. Do not miss the chance to interact with them and learn about how they live. They are usually very kind and always eager to share local stories. If you are lucky, he might even treat you to a glass of goat's milk.

4. The huge variety of flowers
There is a reason why this trek is unofficially called Himachal's valley of flowers trek.
Our in house photographer Pritish Bhanushali went on this trek in August on this trek. He was absolutely enthralled by the sheer volume and variety of flowers that he found on the trek.
His team of trekkers experienced cloudy weather due to which they could not experience fantastic mountain views. However, this is what he had to say "I went to Chandrakhani to capture its famous mountain views. Sadly, nature had other plans for us. But I did not have the time to be sad as the absolute greenery and wildflowers that I experienced were unbelievable. I don't know why we are not opening this as some sort of flower bouquet trek!"
To experience such amount of wildflowers, you have to time your trek right. Go during the rainy season, which is July and August.
If by chance you are worried about getting wet, don't be. It has been a common pattern that this region receives rain only in the afternoon and evening. By that time, you will have completed your trek for the day and would be resting at your cozy campsites.

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