Overview

Region:- Manali & Spiti
 

 Total Duration – 4 Nights / 5 Days

 Style Of Trip – Cycling

 Maximum Altitude – 4200m/13750ft.

 Grade – Moderate to strenuous

 Best Season – June  to November

 Accommodation – Hotel/Guesthouse; Organized Campsite

 Food – On ride – All meals included

 Distance – 250 Km


Manali to Chandratal Cycling Expedition

A cycling expedition from Manali to Chandratal is great experience through lush green valleys to the arid Spiti valley. The beautiful Chandratal lake is the destination for this ultimate route. The chandertal is named after two words chandra, meaning Moon and the tal is the lake. So it is called moon lake as its crescent shape. The lake is about 4km. long in distance and half a km. wide, creating a mesmerizing landscape located below the bald brown mountains at the height of 4,300m.The blue water of chandratal lake will take your breath away and reaching here on bycycles gives you another level of feel. It is one of india's best cycling route in terms of natural beauty. So one must do cycling trip on this route, anyone who is not into cycling.

The route starts from manali. As on the first day we cycle about 40 km. on the manali leh highway. The route passes by the wild forests of oak, coniferous, birch trees till gulaba. The incline on this days trip is gradual but with numerous curves on the way. One has to cycle his side because turns are blind at some point and have to be alert as vehicles arrive. The forest range is left behind as we reach near to the first camp at Marhi. Marhi (3.300m.) is located few km. below the Rohtang pass. On can see the  road and the pass clearly from marhi. Next day we will ride about 45 km., pass the Rohtang top (13000ft.) and further downhill till Gramphoo. After Gramphoo the trail is moderate but unmetalled road along the river Chandra. Our destination is Chhatru (3,200m.), a desolate stop yet beautiful as its broad valley location. Chhatru is popular camping site among trekkers coming from Hampta pass or going forward to the lake or to Spiti valley. . It is a colder spot as the chilling winds come by the river. The place has both sides the mountains with the scree. There are some shops who prepare local food and rent shelters to the travelers passing by. As the sun rises next morning and the light on the bald mountains on one side and the other with darker shade creates a spectacular contrast. The route from Chhatru to Chandratal is moderate to steep at some points about 45km.  After hours of riding we reach at the road end, from where we walk a little to the lake and the emerald lake starts to emerge in front of us. The surroundings of the lake offers a great landscape that is unforgettable. If the weather is sunny one can see the reflections of the blue sky, mountains which is picturesque. Spending some time and exploration we ride back to Chhatru. Following day we wind up the camp and leave by the taxi to Manali.

 


 

4 Nights 5 Days Available on request Himachal Pradesh
Strength Level
Strenuous
Highlights

Fix Departure tariff 14,000/- excluding GST of 5%

Tariff For Customized Group Per Person

14,000/- (above 10 Participant)

17500/- (6 – 10 Participant)

25,000/- (3 – 5 Participant)
 

 

Rates are excluding GST of 5%

Note that the cost would vary for customized group according to their requirements.

 

Things to Pack

Day pack, good sports shoes, sweat proof t-shirt, cap , UV rays protected sunglasses, raincoat, extra socks, water bottle, Spoon, Plate, Mug, Lunch box(for pack lunch) torch, cold cream, sunscreen, toilet soap, towel, medicines that you usually use.

Itinerary

Day 1. Reporting in Manali  (2050m/6720ft.)

Arrive Manali, fulfill your remaining documentation and shop trip related items. 

Day 2. Manali – Marhi (3,300m/10820ft) (35km.)

Start cycling from Manali on the tarmac through villages, apple orchards, lush green forests, all the way up to Marhi. The road is pretty good but with heavy traffic in the summers. One has to be careful while riding and keeping his side. The road goes along some of the beautiful forests of conifers, birch and oak. The route offers great scenic beauties as one climbs up the hill. The route is uphill with decent gradient. The distance for today’s ride isn’t that long but with a good acclimatize ride. After hours of ride we reach at Marhi. Night halt will be in the temporary hotels/camps at Marhi. 

Day 3. Marhi – Rohtang Pass (3,980m/13050ft) – Chhatru  (3200m/10500ft)– Chota Dara (65km.)

Today the ride is slight uphill till the Rohtang Pass for about 10km. after the pass the route is pure downhill until we reach at Gramphoo. Gramphoo is the point from where we turn right and enter into the Spiti valley. Beyond Gramphoo the terrain is total off road but with moderate ride. The landscape is so arid and deserted that one will feel the change after coming from the green valleys of Manali. We will cross some streams on the way before reaching at Chhatru and beyond. Chhatru is a popular site for the travelers and trekkers to halt or rest. Beyond it one will follow rough track till the Chhota Dara, where the camps will be set. Chhota Dara is a decent site surrounded by rock and Sandstone Mountains capped with snow.

Day 4. Chhota Dara – Baatal (4090m/13,435ft.)– Chadratal Lake (4,200m/13750ft) – Baatal (45km.)

Next morning going forward one will pass by some similar stopovers till Baatal. Beyond it there are no inhabitants till Kaza. There must be some camping set by several private adventure companies en route to Chandratal. We will take left few km’s after Baatal because the route separates at this point. One leads to the lake and the other to the Kaza. Chandratal is also called ‘Moonlake’.  Because when full moon rises on the mountains it creates magical reflections on the lake with bright milky light enfolding the valley. We will spend some quality time at Chandratal and return by the afternoon back to the Baatal.  Spend a night in the camps watching bright stars experiencing the real nature.  

Day 5. Baatal – Rohtang Pass – Manali (120km)

Drive back in vehicle through Rohtang Pass to Manali. It will take about 4-5 hours to reach Manali, here on one can leave to his/her preferred destination.

Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • Mountain Bikes
  • Highly advanced & Skilled Mountain biking guide from Himalaya Destination, who has ample knowledge of the route.
  • Logistics vehicle to carry all our equipment.
  • Mechanic for any basic problems.
  • Puncture kit and other Basic tools for Mountain bike.
  • Vegetarian meals on the trek (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
  • Cooks/Helper and other requisite staff.
  • Equipment’s – Tents on sharing basis / Sleeping bags / Sleeping Mats
  • Basic First aid Kit.
  • Forest Permits, wild life fees and camping charges.

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Any expenses of personal nature, tips, phone etc.
  • Personal insurance or cost of emergency evacuation
  • Purchases of personal natures (like mineral water bottles/bottled or canned beverages/chocolates/dry fruits etc)
  • Food to/from the trail head.
  • Damage & changes of part
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