For a trek that starts almost from your doorstep in Naggar and climbs into wide alpine meadows, few routes beat the Chandrakhani Pass. It is a classic of the Kullu Valley — moderate enough for fit first-timers, yet high and wild enough to feel like a real Himalayan crossing.
Where the trail goes
The pass sits at roughly 3,660 m (about 12,000 ft) on the ridge that separates the Kullu Valley from the Parvati Valley. The traditional route begins above Naggar at the village of Rumsu, climbs through oak and deodar forest into rolling grazing meadows, tops out at the windswept pass, and then descends the far side towards the ancient village of Malana. For centuries this was the main path into Malana, long before any road existed.
From the pass, on a clear day, the reward is a sweep of peaks — Deo Tibba and the Pir Panjal on one side, the Parvati ranges on the other, with meadows of wildflowers and, in early summer, rhododendron in bloom.
Itinerary and difficulty
Most groups do the trek over two to four days. A typical plan looks like this:
- Day 1: Drive from Naggar to the Rumsu roadhead, then trek up through forest to a meadow camp around Chaklani.
- Day 2: Climb to Chandrakhani Pass (3,660 m) and descend to a camp on the Malana side.
- Day 3: Walk down to Malana village, then drive out via Jari.
The grade is easy-to-moderate: long but gradual ascents through meadow and forest, with a steeper final push to the pass. Basic fitness and a day or two acclimatising in Naggar go a long way.
Best time to go
The sweet spots are late May to June, when the meadows green up and rhododendrons flower, and the clear post-monsoon window of September to October. Avoid the heavy monsoon (July to August), when the trail is slippery and views close in, and deep winter, when snow blocks the pass.
Good to know
- Go with a registered local guide — the trail forks in the meadows and mountain weather turns fast.
- Carry warm layers and rain protection even in summer; nights at camp are cold.
- If you descend to Malana, respect its customs: villagers may ask you not to touch people, homes or the temple, and photography is restricted in places. A little courtesy goes a long way.
Naggar is the ideal launchpad — you can acclimatise, arrange a guide and start walking without a long transfer. Set up in the village at Ghar in the Hills the night before, and you will be on the trail early with the whole day ahead of you.
Ready to walk?
Whether you cross all the way to Malana or turn it into a there-and-back meadow hike, Chandrakhani is one of Naggar's great days out. Book your stay at Ghar in the Hills and use the village as your trailhead in the hills.