DAY 1: Manali – Jobra (1.5hr drive) Chika (3-4hrs Trek)
Altitude : 9,379 ft (2,859 m) to 11,194 ft (3,412 m)
Duration : 3- hours, 3 km
Difficulty : Easy-moderate, Easy walk to Chika for about an hour followed by 2 hours of ascent through a boulder section. Descent for 1-1.5 hours easing off into a level walk.
About: The meadow near Jobra has the Rani Nallah or Rani river flowing in between and on either side, you will see hills with rock faces. Some cows and sheep graze in the meadow which is lined with Maple and Pine trees. Early in the season one may find some snow by the side of the river. You can traverse on the meado or climb up the left hill. The climb makes the path slightly shorter. The river flows right in the middle and water is no issue. You can take a break here – Chika. Look back and you will see the Dhauladhar range with its snow-clad peaks. It makes a pretty picture. You will find a waterfall on to your left. Relax and replenish your water supplies at this spot.
Meal Inclusions : Breakfast, Lunch Snacks and Dinner
DAY 2: Chika to Balu ka Ghera
Altitude: 11,194 ft (3,412 m) to 12,411 ft (3,783 m)
Duration: 6-8 hours, 7 km
Difficulty: Moderate. Short meadow walk followed by boulder section for a couple of hours, leading to a trail on loose rocks all the way. Very gradual incline throughthe day.
About: Walk along the Rani river heading into a rectangular valley. On your way, you will find a variety of tiny flowers – purple, yellow, pink etc. The trees are now left behind. You won’t find them anymore for quite some time. It takes about half an hour to cross the hampta valley. The terrain flattens as you reach Chota Balu ka Ghera where you can rest for a bit and have a quick snack. Then continue further along the river, crossing small snow flows and jumping across rocks.Towards the end, the rocks are quite far apart and jumping across gets tricky. It is level ground and behind you are the mountains you will traverse the next day to cross the Hampta Pass. Pitch your tent and enjoy a beautiful sunset behind the Hanuman Tibba peak. You are now close to 12,500 ft above sea level.
Meal Inclusions : Breakfast, Lunch Snacks and Dinner
DAY 3 : Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass
Altitude: 12,411 ft (3,921 m) to 12,864 ft (3,735 m) via 14,065 ft (4,287 m)
Duration : 7-9 hours, 10 km
Difficulty: Moderate. An hour of gradual ascent after which the trail becomes steep uphill till the pass, interspersed with short descents. 2 hours of steep descent from the pass, easing off into a flat walk.
About: Today’s trek can be broken into two stages – the climb to Hampta Pass which is moderately steep followed by a steep descent to Shea Goru. You will want to take a small break at the top of the pass to make it your target to reach the pass by lunchtime, have lunch there and then start the descent. The descent is slightly trickier than the ascent. It can vary slightly depending on the snow condition too Sliding down may be an option if there is snow. From the pass, take a turn towards the right. You can see the Lahaul side of the pass below. Go down in a zig- zag route and then stick to the right flank of the mountain. You will have to walk over slippery soil and stones too. In half an hour the first downhill run is done.
Meal Inclusions : Breakfast, Lunch Snacks and Dinner
DAY 4: Shea Goru to Chhatru – Chandertal Excursion
Altitude: 12,864 ft (3,735 m) to 10,898 ft (3,322 m) to 14,100 ft (4,298 m)
Duration : 3-4 hours; 6 km
Difficulty : Moderate. 2-2.5 hours of walking on moraine and loose rocks on gentle inclines, followed by a descent to Chhatru across a couple of glacial flows.
About: As you move closer to the road, the descent gets a little tricky. You will need to traverse by the edges of rocks and sometimes it might just be easier to ge down into the river/glacier bed below to skip the rocky section and get back up. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Chandertal Lake, also known as the “Moon Lake,” is a hidden gem in the Spiti Valley of India, located at an altitude of 4,300 meters (14,100 feet). Its name is derived from its crescent shape, and the serene beauty it holds is nothing short of magical.
Meal Inclusions : Breakfast, Lunch Snacks and Dinner
DAY 5: Chhatru to Manali
About: : 4-5 hours drive. You are expected to reach Manali around 12.00 pm. After an early morning debriefing, bid the Spiti valley goodbye and head back to Manali. The journey from Chhatru to Manali passes through Atal tunnel. The scenery all through the route is a treat in itself.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast Only