Day 1: Drive from Manali to Jobra & Trek to Chika

Report at Manali bus stand at 9 AM. After freshening up & breakfast in Manali, board Taxi for Jobra. The trek initiates from Allain Guhugal Hydel Project site. Get down from the vehicle at the project site & across the main road. Take the narrow trail that leads to the forest of pine trees. A variety of trees like maple, deodar, toss and oak can also be spotted on this trail. The sight is very refreshing. The gradient of today’s trail is easy and ideal for a first day hike. Twenty minutes into the trek, you will reach a clearing from where the view opens up. This spot overlooks the lush green meadow strewed with small rocks with Rani Nallah flowing in centre of valley closed from two sides. Cross the Rani Nallah by the wooden bridge & from here trail is on the true right of Rani nallah. You can spot the horses grazing in this meadow which make a perfect setting for some beautiful photographs. Chika camp site is a huge, flat & spacious green patch. With Rani Nallah flowing by the side makes it a perfect spot for setting up the tents.

Day 2: Trek from Chika to Balu-Ka-Gera

Today’s trek is pretty thrilling with a couple of water crossings on the way. The trail stays on the true right of the river for most part of the day. The initial climb is through boulders .Walk along the Rani river into a valley dotted with tiny multi-coloured flowers which can give a tough competition to Valley of flowers in the post monsoon months. The green trail turn brown & rock strewed as we near Balu Ka Gera. Balu ka gera is the point from where the steep climb to Hampta pass begins. It is a level ground made up of the sand and dust brought down by the river. In the vicinity is a huge pool of water made from the glacial melts. The site is windy which make the temperature feel even lower than actual. Pitch your tents and camp at Balu Ka Gera, 11,000 feet above sea level.

Day 3: Trek from Balu-Ka-Gera to Sheagoru via Hampta Pass

Start very early to have the advantage of time. This pass is one of the nasty one & weather can be very unpredictable. The trek begins by encircling the pool of water to enter the partially dried up glacial river bed. The climb is strenuous all the way upto Hampta pass. Walk at steady pace with few breaks. The pass is not easily identifiable so ask your guide about it. As you cross the pass you enter the Lahaul region & change in the scenery is very contrasting. The trail is completely downhill from the Pass. This trail is steep & not clearly identifiable. Be extra careful while descending. After some walking you will be able to spot the campsite of Shea Goru far in the distance in the direction of river flow. The last km to the site is mostly flat. Shea Goru in local means “Cold Street”. It is indeed very cold here owing to the winds. Camp & overnight stay in Shea Goru.

Day 4: Trek from Sheagoru to Chatru, Drive to Chandratal ( If weather permits ) & Return to Chattru, Camp in Chhatru.

Break camps early in the morning. Trek begins with the crossing of river which is flowing by the campsite. Now crossing this river is one hell of an experience in itself. Lets keep it as a surprize for the trek. Almost half of the trek is easy & full of descent. After descending you will see the large valley of river Chandra. Reach Chhatru which is the road head. From Chatru ,board taxi for a road journey to Chandratal. Reach Chandratal by late afternoon. After spending some time at Chandratal return to Chhatru by the evening. Camp in Chhatru .Please note that the road to chandratal is closed at times due to landslides or snow. In case the road is found closed the Chandrataal drive will not be done.

Day 5: Drive from Chattru to Manali . Drop in Manali by 4 PM Approx

We break camps early to avoid traffic jam at Rohtang Pass. After breakfast start road journey for Manali over rohtang Pass. Reach Manali by 5 PM Approx.