The short version
- 15 days, about 20 km on foot, topping out at 3,648m. Rated Hard on Trail to Tides.
- 2Best in May–Sep.
- 3Starts from Manali, reached via Manali.
- 4One night gains more than 500 m above 3,000 m. That's common on Himalayan treks, but it's where altitude sickness tends to show up: go slowly the day before and drink well.
- 5Operators charge ₹11,200 per person; 1 listed, 1 verified.
The trek
Overview
Chandrakhani Pass climbs steeply through deodar forest and alpine pasture from the Kullu Valley, with panoramic views of Deo Tibba, Indrasan and the Parvati Valley peaks and across the whole Kullu Valley from the top. It then descends into Malana, a village with its own distinct language, customs and self-governance — one of India's most isolated and culturally unique settlements, unlike anywhere else in the Himalaya.
Right for you if
- First Himalayan trek with one steep climb to 3,648m
- You can walk 5–6 hours a day with a daypack
- You're curious about Malana, a village with its own laws and customs
- You want Deo Tibba and the Pir Panjal from the pass
Think twice if
- You can't follow strict local rules: in Malana you must not touch walls, temples or people, and fines apply
- You're going in Jul–Aug: monsoon fog often hides the views
- You want high altitude or snow
Season
When to go
Spring: longer days and rhododendrons lower down. Snow can linger on high ground into May, and afternoons often bring cloud or a shower.
June: warm days and snowmelt streams running high in the afternoons. The monsoon can arrive in the second half of the month.
Monsoon (July and August): rain, cloud, leeches lower down and landslides on the drive in. Wildflowers are at their best. Pack serious rain gear and add a buffer day.
Autumn: the clearest skies and steadiest weather of the year. Nights get cold quickly from October, and early snow is possible in November.
More on the Himalayan seasons: When to go.
Travel
Getting there
Meet in
Manali
Nearest airport
Kullu (Bhuntar)
Nearest railway
Chandigarh, then a 9 to 10 hour bus
By road
Manali to Rumsu near Naggar, about 1 hour
Most operators run a shared pickup from Manali early on day one. Arrive the evening before so a late train or flight doesn't cost you the trek, and keep a buffer day at the end: mountain roads close for landslides and snow. Travel times are approximate.
Itinerary
Day by day
A typical plan, measured along the mapped trail: 14 km with about 2,340 m of climbing. The biggest day is day 1, climbing 1,180 m. Operators vary it a little.
- Day1
Rumsu → Stalling
Up from Rumsu, above Naggar, through deodar forest to open grass
≈4.9 km1,180 m0 msleep at 3,237 m
- Day2
Stalling → Malana
via Chandrakhani Pass
Over the grassy pass facing the Pir Panjal and Parvati ranges, then down to Malana, a village with its own rules: don't touch its walls or people
≈9 km1,170 m1,760 msleep at 2,647 m
Altitude
Altitude and acclimatisation
Start
2,058 m
Highest night
3,237 m
Highest point
3,660 m
Know the warning signs before you go: Altitude sickness.
Fitness
How fit you need to be
Rated Hard. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack.
What this trek asks of you, on the ACE scale from 0 to 5:
Take the Matchmaker to compare yourself against these scores, and use the 8-week plan to close any gaps. How ACE works.
Paperwork
Permits and paperwork
- Forest or camping fees on some routes, arranged by operators. Carry original photo ID.
- Carry original government photo ID and a few photocopies.
- Rules and fees change. Ask your operator what's included and what you need to bring, two weeks before you go.
More detail: Permits and documents.
Kit
What to pack
For Chandrakhani Pass Trek in particular, on top of the standard layers:
- A proper rain jacket and trousers or a poncho, a pack cover and liner, and quick-dry layers
- A warm down or synthetic jacket for nights near or below freezing
- Broken-in trekking shoes with ankle support, trekking poles, and a 25 to 35 litre daypack with a rain cover
The full list and how to layer: What to pack. The trek page has a tick-off checklist for this trek.
Safety
Safety on this trek
- Altitude is the main risk. Don't go higher with symptoms; descend if they get worse.
- Streams rise in the afternoon and after rain. Cross early, and turn back if it looks too fast.
- Stay between the leader and the sweep, and respect the turnaround time on summit or pass days.
- Signal is scarce beyond the roadhead. Share your itinerary and your operator's emergency number with someone at home.
See also Trail craft and Insurance and emergencies.
Booking
Booking and cost
1 operators run this trek on Trail to Tides, from ₹11,200 per person. Prices usually cover the trek from the roadhead; check transport, permits and offloading.
- Trek The Himalayas4.7₹11,200
What to ask before you pay: Choosing an operator.
Navigation
Offline map and GPX
Download the trail, with every overnight stop and its height, and load it on your phone before you lose signal.
Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors, via BRouter.
FAQ
Questions people ask
How difficult is the Chandrakhani Pass Trek?
It's rated Hard on Trail to Tides. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack. The highest point is 3,648m, so pace and acclimatisation matter as much as fitness.
When is the best time for the Chandrakhani Pass Trek?
May–Sep. Spring: longer days and rhododendrons lower down. Snow can linger on high ground into May, and afternoons often bring cloud or a shower.
How many days does the Chandrakhani Pass Trek take?
5 days including travel to and from the trailhead, with 2 walking days. Add a buffer day for weather or road delays.
How do I reach the Chandrakhani Pass Trek?
Most groups meet in Manali. Nearest airport: Kullu (Bhuntar). Nearest railway: Chandigarh, then a 9 to 10 hour bus. Manali to Rumsu near Naggar, about 1 hour.
How much does the Chandrakhani Pass Trek cost?
Listed operators charge from ₹11,200 per person. Check what's included: transport, permits, meals, tents and offloading vary.
Do I need a permit for the Chandrakhani Pass Trek?
Forest or camping fees on some routes, arranged by operators. Carry original photo ID.
This guide is built from Trail to Tides' trek data, mapped trails and operator listings, and checked by our team. Conditions change with weather and seasons: your trek leader's call on the day always comes first.