Chandrakhani Pass Trek: Kullu's Gentle Crossing from Naggar

Description

Himachal 11 August 2026 · 6 min read

Chandrakhani Pass Trek: Kullu's Gentle Crossing from Naggar

The Chandrakhani Pass trek begins at a 500-year-old castle and ends in legend. From Naggar, Kullu's medieval capital, you climb through heritage villages to a 12,140 ft ridge where Jamlu deva is said to have opened his basket and let the winds scatter Kullu's gods across the valley. Deo Tibba, the Pir Panjal and the Parvati ranges fill one horizon; the storied village of Malana sits in its lonely bowl far below.

What is the Chandrakhani Pass trek route?

Day 1: a 21 km drive from Manali to Naggar — castle visit included — then a 4 km climb through the carved wooden homes of Rumsu village to camp at Stelling's forest edge. Day 2 ascends through deodar and birch to open grazing meadows scattered with shepherd shelters, with Deo Tibba's dome floating above the treeline at sunset.

Day 3 is pass day: a ridge walk to Chandrakhani at 12,140 ft, time on the crest with the whole Kullu pantheon of peaks, a look down on Malana, and a descent to a lower meadow camp. Day 4 drops back through Rumsu — with a detour to the Roerich art gallery if you like — and drives you to Manali.

When is the best season for Chandrakhani?

April to June and September to October. Spring carries snow patches on the pass and rhododendron in the forest; autumn brings crisp air and the clearest mountain panorama. The monsoon slicks the trails and hides the views, so we rest the route then.

How difficult is the Chandrakhani Pass trek?

Easy-Moderate — a genuine first crossing. Days run 4–8 km on friendly gradients, and 12,140 ft is high enough to feel like an achievement without demanding acclimatisation days. Four weeks of regular brisk walking is preparation enough.

What is the Chandrakhani Pass trek cost?

₹6,999 + 5% GST per person. The package includes all meals on the trek, alpine tents on twin sharing with sleeping bags and mats, a trek leader plus local guide, forest permits and camping charges, and transport between Manali and Naggar both ways. Offloading and tips are extra.

How do you reach Naggar?

Reach Manali by overnight Volvo from Delhi or Chandigarh; Naggar is 21 km away and our included transport covers it on Day 1. If you come a day early, Naggar's castle and the Roerich gallery are worth the afternoon.

Can you visit Malana on this trek?

No — and that is deliberate. Entry into Malana village is restricted, so we view it from the pass, respecting local custom. Kullu forest division (Naggar range) permits for the route are arranged by us and included.

Dates for spring and autumn are live on the Chandrakhani Pass trek page — come walk where the gods were scattered.

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