Head this morning to Chotadara via Rohtang Pass and Gramphoo to reach Chotadara where we shall camp for the night. Far away from the hustle of the city, this is a quiet place next to the river and surrounded by the mountains.

Get up at your ease in the morning and head to Chandra taal lake via Batal. Enjoy the scenic view of lake and take rest.

This is a gradual walk as the trail rises and falls several times, but mostly continues beside the river. Approaching Tokpoyongma, the trail ascends from the mountainside and crosses a stream. A little before the campsite, a river has to be negotiated.

The next day starts early to facilitate crossing a two mountain streams before the water level rises during the day. Mules don’t take this route, as they will find it difficult to negotiate the steep ascent that starts immediately after the streams. The track then ascends steeply across the rock face and up a hill to the campsite.

The day starts off with a half-hour steep ascent to the top of the ridge. After that, the trail proceeds through a boulder field with great views of the Koa Range peaks to the Southwest. Before reaching Baralacha-La one has to cross a stream. In ancient times, Baralacha-La was an important part of the trade route as roads from Spiti, Ladakh, Zanskar and Lahaul meet here. On the Northwest lies the Bhaga River while the Chandra flows to the Southeast. Near Baralacha-La is the beautiful emerald lake, Suraj Tal, the source of the Bhaga River. From Baralacha-La, a jeep will take the team to Manali.