Manali to Chandratal lake is one of the most enriching journeys for an avid traveller whose life’s most coveted dream is to be on the road, go places and experience all there is. If you are someone whose heart jumps at the mention of the words “thrill” and “adventure”, and welcomes challenges on the road with a grin on the face, then, this cycling expedition is absolutely for you. Manali to Chandratal cycling expedition is one of those adventures that will reward you with all shades of nature, from verdant gree valleys of Manali to the overwhelming arid landscapes of Spiti valley. Yhe ultimate reward, however, is the shimmering destination, aka, the chandratal lake, famous as the moon lake. The magical reflection of the blue skies on this mystical lake surrounded by snow capped imposing mountains, is a view and experience to simply die for.
This is a short and sweet manual for first timers who are excited to go on this cycling/bike tour from Manali to Chandratal lake. We want to ensure that you have a shock proof experience during your Manali to Chandratal cycling tour and avoid those “classic first time mistakes” during your trip. Also, we have listed a few tips, travel essentials and giveaways so that you are well prepared enroute this magnificent journey.
Hi all! Welcome to Manali to Chandratal lake cycle tour. We will all meet in Manali and check into a hotel. In the post lunch session, we will get our cycles out and go for an acclimatization ride around Manali. Not only do we get our muscles ready for the ride ahead but we also feast our eyes on the natural delights for which Manali is famous. Overnight in the hotel.
Today, after breakfast we will set out on the road leading to the famous Rohtang pass. This is just the beginning of your Manali to Chandratal biking trip.
This road is the one which goes to Ladakh and Lahaul & Spiti regions. It’s an uphill ride all the way and we will do it in short stages. We will have lunch enroute and reach our destination, Marhi towards late afternoon. Marhi is 16 kms short of Rohtang Pass. We will camp here for the night. Overnight in tents.
Your Manali to Chandratal trip will let you enjoy the first view of the Trans Himalayan ranges today. After breakfast, a climb of 16 kms will bring us to the top of Rohtang Pass (3900m) which offers rewarding views of the Pir Panjals and the Trans Himalayan ranges. Rohtang pass at 3950m separates Kullu, from the exotic charm of the Lahaul valley. In Tibetan Rohtang means “a heap of dead bodies” and the pass stands true to its notorious name. Every year it must take toll of life and property. This is so because after 11:00 a.m. sudden blizzards and snow storms called Biannas are only to be expected. The pass becomes all the more hazardous to negotiate due to frequent avalanches.
The summit of the pass turns into lush green meadow in summers studded with violets and varieties of wild Himalayan and Alpine flowers. Butterflies of numerous and rare kind and variegated hues also draw the attention of’ the visitor.
At the highest point on top to the right as one faces Lahaul, is a small stone enclosure and a water spring which is the principal source of the River Beas; .the other, Beas kund is at the head of the Solang nullah. The place gained religious significance because of sojourn of Beas Rishi (the famous Vyasa Rishi, author of the epic Mahabharata). To the left of this pass is the little lake Sarkund. On the 20th Bhadon (early September) every year a large number of people visit this lake with the belief and hope that an early morning bath in it will cure all their ailments. From Rohtang Pass we will descend 11 kms to Gramphoo from where a left diversion will get us into the Spiti valley. The offroad starts from here and riding another 21 kms will get us to Chotta Dharra. Overnight in tents.
This is Glacier country. We trace the course of the Chandra river till Batal (19 kms) through undulating road, trying uphills and rocky flats. The gruesome climb begins from Batal diversion up to Chandratal. From the base of Kunzum Pass the pristine lake is 20 kms. Though the ride is going to be demanding today but rest assured you will be treated to sights never seen before. For people not wanting to ride a certain section the support vehicle is going to be there to hitch a ride. Upon reaching the lake we set up camp. Spend rest of the day soaking in the natural beauty of this jewel in the mountains, Chandratal. Overnight in tents.
Today after breakfast, we drive down to Batal and from there drive further 12 kms towards Kaza and reach the Kunzum La at 4650m. We will spend some time at the pass taking pictures and enjoying the views all around. From Kunzum La we will again get on our cycles and enjoy a downhill ride till Batal and further on to Chotta Dharra, if so desired. We will have lunch here and drive back to Manali via the famous Rohtang pass. One is free to stay back or proceed with the onward journey by taking the evening bus for Delhi/Chandigarh. Your Manali to Chandratal lake adventure ends here finally. Hope you enjoyed as much as we did.
This Manali to Chandratal lake cycling trip is a seasonal package with limited validity. Kindly confirm before booking the same.
There may be certain surcharges applicable at the time of booking. All above rates are subject to availability at the time of confirmation and can be changed without prior notice.
All our fixed departures trips are guaranteed to run if there are a minimum 8 participants.
Full payment to be made in advance at the time of booking the trip.
Under unavoidable circumstances, itinerary may be changed or reversed, however, inclusions will remain the same.
Things to Carry: Do not carry Trolley bags, Carry Rucksack/ Backpack, charger, powerbank, Personal hygeine ( face wash, cold cream, etc). ID proof, adequate amount of cash, Warm clothes, sun glasses, good sneakers.
All tours are subject to weather conditions and will operate only if weather permits, no refund will be given if services are not operated due to weather or natural problems.
Please make sure you follow the timings given by the driver and guide for all the services and transfers. In case you fail to follow the timings, the Driver will leave for which no refund will be given.
Hotel cancellations to be applied.
Hotels suggested in the itinerary can be changed and will be equivalent or more to the one given to you in terms of price as per the official rate sheet of the hotel.
The above tour cost is calculated as per the current taxes, visa charges and other charges as per the current date. Any change till the time of departure and any additional cost of such nature will have to be taken care by the client.
Service tax extra as per new GST rules
Any kind of delays in flight/train/bus such as fog or technical problem is not the responsibility of Trip Tap Toe and any kind of hotel cancellations and no shows will be the responsibility of the client.
