19 days in India, 10 days trekking; level: strenuous

Highest Point: 4,950m

Dates: June, September, October

Route Highlights: Delhi - Manali - Prini - Sythen - Chikha - Bhalukakera - Hampta Pass (4,268m) - Siliguri - Chatru - Chota Dara - Batal - Chandra Tal - Tokpo Yongma - Baralacha La (4,950m) - Keylong - Manali - Delhi

The trek to Chandra Tal or the Lake of the Moon starts from the Kullu Valley near Manali. The path climbs steeply up to Hampta Pass (4,268m), Indrasan (6,200m) and Deo Tibba (6,001m) providing fine backdrop along the trail. From the pass it is a steep descent to Chandra Valley at Chatru, four days from Manali. From there we continue along the heavily glaciated valley among giant boulders, following the rough road to Batal for two days. The next stage brings us to Chandra Tal (4,270m) with its mirror images of the surrounding snow peaks. The path then traverses high above the Chandra Valley with two overnight stops before we approach the final ascent to the top of Baralacha La at 4,950m. From here we return back to Manali with a stop at Keylong to see the Shashur and Khardong Gompas.