Trekking in Himachal

Across Charang Ghati

There are several places in the Himalayas where pilgrims complete PARIKRAMA around Kinaur Kailash 'Home of Shiva'. Pilgrims cross Charangi Ghati to complete the circuit whose heighest peak os Jorkanden (20408ft). Ther emay be a lot of snow on the pass untill mid july, August and september are tghe bezst months for crossing.


Length: 14 Days, 44 Km
Highest Point: Charang Ghati '17600ft (5200m)
Grade: Difficult.
Restrictions for foreign tourists, Permits from district magistrate at Reckong Peo.

Thangi to Lambar (9Km)
Lambhar to Shurtingting (9Km)
Shurtingting to Charang(3Km)
Charang to Rangrik Monastery to Charang (4Km)
Charang to lalanti Camp via Lalanti La (8Km)
Lalanti Camp to Foot of Charang ghati pass (6Km)
Foot of Charang ghati pass to Chitkul over Charang Pass (9Km)

Places:

Thangi:

Located at 8700ft (2650m) is a place in haven. Now linked by Highway no. 22. There is now a direct bus from Shimla to Thangi.  Village is located at Tirung Gad river which flows into Satluj river from east direction. Distance of rekong peo from Thangi is 41 Km.
The main village has a small Monestry and many houses, but no good place for camping as the whole land is used for farming. On the opposite side Tirung nala leads to Jorkanden base camp in Kinnaur Kailash range.

Thangi is a perfect place to start the trek and gives you the complete feel of being in beautiful Kinnaur district of Himachal.

Thangi to Charang:

Trek moves along with Tirung Nala, After about 2 Km the trail descends towards the river bed and continues from there. Vast walls rising on both sides. View is Grand, it is plentifully rewarded for by the dense forest. The First cessation near Lambar (6Km) there are colossal granite walls on the right bank that rise almost 19500ft. Lambar (9430ft) there is a beautiful small village. Village people are very meek and they are far away from the world of technology and politics. They are Humans in right sense.

Second day trek moves along with the river and the way you move ahead you start realizing that this is the world we belong to, yes this is some place rather hidden place on earth where everything is controlled by Nature. There are no up’s and down’s to speak of. It’s just Nature that expresses here. About 9 Km 5-6 hours we reach the Tirung Nala. Second day halt is at the open ground known as Shurtingting (11190ft/3410M).

It’s now time to get the permits checked, about 20 min of walk we reach Indo-tibet border police(ITBP), from here you can see excellent view of Racho peaks.

Another 3-4 hours of walk you will reach Charang Village (6Km)

Charang is a large village it has a Monastery, village also have a small rest house. Rangrik Monastery (12075ft/3680M) is 2 km beyond the village is one of the most sacred places of Kinnaur district. Camping near to this monastery is a good option as it gives you excellent view and peace. It’s suggestive to stay here for an extra day to get acclimatize to the conditions before you go high for Charang Pass.  Here you also need to register again at nearby police check post and get the permissions.

Charang to Foot od Charang Ghati pass:

There are several trails that takes you towards the ridgeline, climb is hard, steady and after walking for around 4-5 hours you reach Lalanti pass, from here the trail gets zigzag after every slope. You are now in the valley of Shurtingting and reach it’s Nala that’s flows below. From Here you will follow this nala upwards along the trail to the Lalanti camping ground (13780ft/4200M)

A wide Red plants valley will make you cry, nature at its ruling form. Wide open gorgeous valley covered with Red plants, Lalanti means ‘The place of red plants’, now here pick your favorite spot to camp.

Next day trail climbs along with the valley, small peaks of Sasar range are visible. The trail becomes rough and crosses sprinkled fields. After 6-7 hours of walk you reach foot of the pass (15750ft/4800M) .. ahh finally you reach here,  it was a tough 6 hours walk. Pitch the tents if strong winds allow you J

Time to cross the Pass – Charang Ghati pass to Chitkul:

Tough day ahead, try to start the climb as soon as possible in the morning, from camp you can see the pass and it looks like high flying in the ridge towards left, Route is tricky. Climb toward the pass for 4 hours till the final section for which you need steel balls, straight up about 250Ft and here we go Charang Ghati Pass standing tall at (17060ft/5200m)

View is Majestic, no words to write it’s just as supreme as it can be. You can see Baspa valley Garhwal region. Seversl snow-capped peaks.

Remember half the job is done and half is still left, The descent toward Chitkul side is steep, after descent around 600ft you you take a breath of relief. First plateau. Trail continues for 3-4 hours down with Steep desent, zigzag route second palateau (1969ft) descent. Final descent is much more gentle. Signs of civilization can now be seen and finally Chitkul (11320ft/3450m)

Chitkul is beautiful village now connected to the road, there is an ancient temple of Devi(goddess), view from village is lovely there are few hotels in the village for pleasant stay and to celebrate the trek with the Local Wine.