MANTALAI LAKE THE AREA OF KULLU AND MANALI The hauntingly beautiful Kullu district lies in Himachal Pradesh, a tiny hill state in the North of India between north longitude 32-26 and, and east longitude 76-59.To its west lies the Bara Bhangal range of mountains, and to the south west are the peaks are Dhauladhar, separating it from Kangra district. Kullu Manali is the source of river Beas and its tributaries, the Parvati and the Sainj. On the north east and east lay the Central Himalayan Range and beyond them are the border of Lahaul and Spiti. The magical region comprises a total area of 1924sq miles, an eighty-mile strech of varying width, running north to south along the western side of the great snow range known as the Mid Himalaya.

BEAS CIRCUIT The Beas Circuit derives its name from the ancient river Beas. It passes through the highly picturesque Kullu - Mandi Regions. Flower covered meadows, terraced fields of apple, paddy, maize and the sparkling Beas river.

TRIBAL CIRCUIT Passing through a spectacular terrain of river valleys, desert mountains, high passes, snow capped peakes, Chandratal lake, an exotic tribal country dotted by monasteries, yaks and lamas.The trip is designed for travelers who wish to be in the Himalayan region, to see the best of Himalayas, you will experience variety of culture, Landscape, Mountains, Great Himalayan Lakes, Variety of accommodation is included through out the trip simple Hotel in Dehi and all other places Resort and Camping at the Most beautiful Lakes .We recommend this trip for people who like to experience the Himalayan wonderland with all best available facilities provided on a rough Adventure tour,Do not expect modern day luxuries .The trip traverses through the popular regions encompassing through the exotic wonderland, we are sure every minute of your trip would be an exhilarating experience. The sights,sounds,people,nature,food.music and the quality of life on the mind boggling mountain range, in the Mighty Himalayas, you are sure to get the real world experience. Our Leader will escort with you through out the trip with experienced staff.

SEASON: Last Week of April to End of May. For Lake Chandratal only possible after Mid May

MANTALAI TREK GRADIENT: The trek in the beginning is a moderate walk up to a little hamlet called Khirganga. The moderate climb in the trek increases gradually. On the 3rd day of trek, a little portion is tricky to negotiate the suspension bridge (Jhula Pul), which is know as Tyrolean traverse and provides for a very challenging experience crossings over Parvati River at many places. However, in general, it’s an easy trek.

Grading: A reasonable degree of physical fitness is needed for this trek.

Special interest: Excellent view for photographers, ideal place for nature lovers and an amazing place for adventure lovers

PARVATI VALLEY
The main Kullu valley has numerous side valleys opening into it. The most notable of these is the Parvati valley, Parvati River, which meets the river Beas at Bhuntar, is the biggest tributary of the river Beas. There are more than fifty peaks from 5650m.to 6630m. Enclosed between them together with the Retrain glacier, Dibibokri Glacier, Tosh Glacier, Malana Glacier and Parvati Glacier.

Day 1: Depart Delhi Early morning by 04 am by SUV Arrival at Kullu Bhuntar
Over Night at the Hotel in Kullu Bhuntar/B/L/D

Day 2 meet the Tour guide and drive to MANIKARAN (1700m.) by Jeep/SUV 2 hrs. and check in the hotel. Depart Kullu Bhuntar we drive across the River Beas and take the Manikaran road besides the murmuring Parvati River. Reaching there in two hours you check into your hotel near the sparkling river. Manikaran is also famous for its therapeutic hot springs that touch near boiling point. After exploring this temple town you return to your hotel for the night. You can leave your extra luggage at the hotel which we pick up on our way back after completing our trek.B/L/D

Trek Itinerary:

Day 3: Manikaran - Khirganga (3020m.), Barsheni (2090m.) road head by Jeep (12 Kms.) 5hrs. Leaving early after breakfast we drive due east towards the small village of Barsheni on a forest road. The vegetation is rich with towering Pine and Fir sustaining an amazing variety of bird life. After having been dropped off at the village we get on to the trail leading to the milky white waters of the Khirganga springs after crossing over to left bank of the Parvati over a small sturdy wooden bridge. The trail winds steadily crossing the Tosh River uphill through Pine and Oak forests and fields to take us to the small village of Ludra Nag. The trail now descends through the village till we come to the sacred place of Takshaknag amazingly like a snake’s hood spouting water. We then continue on the trail and cross the River Parvati on a log bridge. Now the trail ascends through thick forests, narrows down till we reach a bridge high above the river which we cross to the right bank. The trek now affords views of splendid scenery all around. The thick forests continue till we reach our campsite. We then begin a steady ascent through Birch forests towards our camp site about 15 minutes away from Khirganga. Khirganga means a hot spring water where Lord Shiva meditated and done penance. One thing to be potted is that its waterish not like Manikaran and once you have bath your body become greasy whereas in Manikaran as you feel the dryness. This water also contains medical property and treats heart ailments and blood pressure. Overnight in the tented camp after taking a dip in the holy springs. B/L/D

Day 4: Khirganga - Tunda Bhuj (3285m.) 5hrs. On today's trek we cross four bridges and walk through beautiful forests of Fir, Birch and Rhododendron. Gentle streams are encountered on the way all rushing to join the Parvati. After crossing some inviting green pastures we reach our campsite at Tunda Bhuj - a meadow at 10,840ft. / 3285m. Across you get unforgettable views of seven waterfalls gushing down a rocky mountain side. At the far end of the valley you also get a good view of the Eiger peak. The progress is gradual and slow as it is a steep climb unto Tunda Bhuj. Overnight in the Tented campsite at Tunda Bhuj.B/L/D

Day 5: Tunda Bhuj - Thakur Kuan (3650m.) 5hrs.
The trail now heads steadily downhill over a narrow path to the valley floor from where after ascending a cliff we reach an open meadow adorned with an abundant covering of wild flowers. This is one of the most charming moments of the day's trek as we leisurely stroll across this enchanting meadow for almost an hour while getting striking views of the towering thickly forested mountains all around us. By early evening after crossing numerous mountain streams and a suspension bridge we arrive at our campsite at Thakur Kuan an open green meadow at 11,045ft / 3650m. Stay in the camp overnight near the now tranquil Parvati slowly making its way to its distant confluence with the River Beas in the Kullu valley. It is delighted camping spot. Over night in Tented Camps B,L,D

Day 6: Thakur Kuan - Odi Thach (3815m.) 5hrs. With our next destination of Udi Thatch we head through forests and glades to reach a massive boulder bridge spanning the Parvati River. It is a world of exhilarating experience. In the middle is the Pandu Bridge, which is made of a single Rock Piece on River Parvati by the Pandav’s during their exile in the Himalayas during the Mahabharata Epic. Crossing the Pandav Pul (Pandav’s Bridge) we head on to our next campsite at the meadows of Udi thatch. On the way we stop for a while below the soaring Eiger mountain peak popular with mountaineers and then head on ascending the mountainside. Walking along the trail you get extensive views of snow clad peaks and verdant forests to the east and north while passing herds of grazing sheep with their Gaddi shepherds. By afternoon we reach our campsite where we pitch our tents for the night. Stay overnight in the Tented campsite at Tunda Bhuj.B/L/D.

Day 7:Odi Thach – Mantalai Camp (3900m.) 3hrs. and in the afternoon visit Mantalai Lake (4070m.) and back to Campsite 2 hrs. From here one can see Mantalai Glacier, which, is the source of the River Parvati. Here water is gushing out of a massive glacier and then zigzagging its way down the whole valley. Our destination today is the Mantalai campsite about 2 Kms before the Mantalai Lake and moraine field. The trail goes through thinning forests as we reach a stark landscape quite different from our previous days of lush green countryside. One has excellent views of the towering mountains to the east and north. After having lunch we proceed to have a dip in this holy lake lying at 13,431ft / 4070m. This trek takes about one and a half hours through lateral moraine to reach. One can also spend some time praying for peace and a comfortable life and paying our homage and spend some time savouring the spectacular views of the Spiti and Kullu peaks. A number of small shrines with iron tridents representative of Lord Shiva fixed among rocks dot the lakeshore as we walk around this high lake with the surrounding landscape presenting a stark view of snow, ice, rock and scree strewn terrain. We return to the warmth of our camp by early evening as it tends to become quite chilly as night approaches. Overnight Tented Camp B/L/D

Day 8:Mantalai Camp - Thakur Kuan (3650m.) by pass Udi Thach 6hrs.
Having experienced the grandeur of the Parvati Valley and traversing its entire length we now make our way back to the campsite of Thakur Kuan covering two campsites in one day – we by pass Udi Thatch - as the trail leads mostly downhill before we arrive at our meadow camp. Stay overnight in the Tented camp at Thakur Kuan.B/L/D

Day 9: Thakur Kuan - Khirganga (3020m.) by pass Tunda Bhuj 6hrs.
Another long day till we reach Khirganga by passing the campsite of Tunda Bhuj. The trail then descends to the Khirganga Springs where we set up camp for the night after taking a rejuvenating dip and getting rid of all the tiredness of the trip at the soothing Khirganga springs. Stay overnight near the small shrine at Khirganga.B/L/D

Day 10: Khirganga - Manali by pass Barsheni 2hrs. trek and Manikaran / Manali 5 hrs drive. Walk down to the village of Barshaini where a Jeep awaits to take us back to Manikaran and finally to the bustling hill resort of Manali. On the way we stop over at Manikaran to pick up our left luggage and have our lunch then continue on to Bhuntar where we join National Highway 21 and head north to Manali with its grand views of the mighty Pir Panjal mountain range. On reaching Manali we check into a comfortable hotel to ponder over the last 8 days exhilarating days of trekking the captivating lush green valley of Parvati and walking around the blissful shores of the Mantalai glacial lake high up in the mountains. Overnight in the Resort/ hotel Manali B/L/D

Day 11 - Full Day tour of Manali and Naggar castle Manali at a glance : Manali with its unspoilt scenic grandeur is extremely popular with the tourists, for a lavish display of natural scenery. It is one of the principal show places of the Kullu region. Manali is situated at an altitude of 1,926 metres and spreads in 12.5 square km. It is the real starting point of an ancient trade rout.

Naggar - 1760 M
Highway to Manali is on the right bank. Road on the left bank especially from NAGGAR village onward is very charming and gives one insight to the history of the valley. Naggar has a castle, number to temple s and Roerich’s Art Gallery. Drive through paddy fields and Orchards takes one via Syivian Hamlets, Haripur& Sarsaito village JAGAT SUKH. JAGAT SUKH has a beautiful GAYATRY Temple and short distance away are ARJUN CAVES. Over night in Resort BF,L,D ( Afternoon Tea Coffee Biscuits)

Day 12 – Journey to The Trans Himalaya
Early morning we depart to reach Chhatru base camp Solang A beautiful valley between Manali and Kothi Slopes have their own rugged charm Rohla Falls on way to Rohtang pass. Marhi our Halt for Breakfast A barren landscape offering extensive views of the valley and the mountains Rohtang Pass 3790 M is most popular with visitors, being one of the highest road point and gateway to LAHAUL and SPITI valleys. Pass remains closed during winter due to heavy snow from November end to May end. Visitors can drive upto MARHI below ROHTANG with similar high altitude topography, forest of Birch, Fir and Spurce.

Once we cross the Rohtang Pass border we are in the Barren Himalayas with the landscape completely changing our first point is KHOKSAR Khoksar is the first village and gate way to Lahaul. We enter the The valley of Lahoul is situated to the south of Ladakh. For this very reason this place derived its name “Lho-Yul” meaning "Southern Country". Koksar village is situated at an altitude of 3140 m. on the right bank of the river Chandra.This village is surrounded by high mountains . During summers rich growth of alpine flowers, beautiful potato fields and numerous water channels spell bound the visitor. Herds of goats and sheep can be seen grazing around. This may be of interest to the reader that Khoksar was on the old trade route from Indian plains to the West Asia.To its south is situated the beautiful valley of Kullu across the Rohtang Pass (3195Mtrs) which we have already crossed and the Bara Bangahal (Kangra) across the “Asakh” pass (5051Mtrs) .To its north situated the valleys of Zanskar and Ladakh across Shingola (5090 Mtrs) and Baralacha la (5450 Mtrs) respectively. Its eastern and south eastern boundaries coincide with those of Spiti and Western Tibet across the Kunzom Pass (4500 Mtrs) we are exploring most of the mentioned sites. Evening we arrive CHHATRU the ideal site for camping on the other side of the Hampta Pass and strategically located overlooking the Chandra river.We will camp across the river.for 2 days. Over night in Tented Camps BF,L,D ( Afternoon Tea Coffee Biscuits )

JUST FOR INFORMATION spiti Valley recently witnessed the Kalachakra or the 'Wheel of Time' ceremony of the 1,000-year-old Monastery. The Dalai Lama led the religious celebrations attended by over 15,000 devotees from India, Japan, America and the European countries who travelled deep into the Himalayas to witness the first kalachakra of the new millennium…

Day 13 Full Day excursion to Chandratal Lake and Kunzum pass at a Glance
Batal is situated at the foot of Kunzum pass, which provides the main approach to Spiti from Lahaul. The panorama as viewed from the top of the pass is enthralling and inspiring. On the way is Bara Shigri glaciers. Bara meaning big and Shigri meaning glacier in Lahauli dialect. The view of the Shigri Stream emerging from beneath a huge iridescent archway of solid ice is a never-to be forgotten sight. Behind the archway lies the Shigri glacier climbing up to dizzy height. The glacier is mountainous mass of solid ice, more than a kilometer wide and extending over a distance of ten kilometers.Nice view and experience of speeding wind

CHANDRA TAAL at a glance The natural lake of Chandrataal is situated at about 14,000 ft above msl between a low ridge and about nine kms from the Kunzom pass. The lake lies in a broad grassy plain which in ancient times was a glacier. The lake is about a kilometre in length and half of it in breadth. Its circumambulation is five kms long. There is a brownish patch "Samundari Tapu" in the middle of the lake which a number of people have tried to reach but in vain. There is a story of a mermaid living in the glacial lake. This is also said that a shepherd from Hansa village in the Spiti valley fell in love with the fairy and spent some time with her under the water. Cranes and ducks abound in the lake.To reach Chandratal lake we drive through the Road upto the Jeepable point from where we walk for a couple of hrs maybe if lucky we can drive upto the road this will depend on the road barriers to keep the lake beautiful and unharmed barrier has been put for vehicles to avoid unnecessary rush to the spectacular lake.The site of the Mountains and the peaks are just a stone throw away you will witness the worlds mightiest peaks from the lake region.

KUNZUM PASS provides chief access to Lahaul valley by the great Kunzum range. The lofty Shigri Glacier is seen in front in all its grandeur. The crest of the pass has been marked by a chorten of stones erected ages ago. The Panorama as viewed from the top of the Pass is enthralling and inspiring. There is a temple dedicated to Kali, known as Kunzum Devi. Rahul was the son of Buddha and the name Lahaul is drived from Buddhas son Rahul.After an excursion to all the above places we return back to the base camp Over night in Tented Camps BF,L,D ( Afternoon Tea Coffee Biscuits ) Our camp approx on 3350 M

Day 14 Chattru to Solang Valley night stay and Free time choice of Hotel and Tent

Day 15 Drive back to Delhi and Transfer to onward destination