Naggar, Kullu · Himachal
Chandrakhani Pass
A crossover trek from Naggar over a 3,660 m pass into the Malana side of Parvati Valley.
Chandrakhani Pass is a moderate trek in Naggar, Kullu, Himachal, reaching 3,660 m. The best time to go is May and June and September and October. Plan 4 to 5 days on the ground from Bhuntar (Kullu) and about ₹2,800 per person per day.
What to do in Chandrakhani Pass
The one thing not to miss
The pass
A long ridge with Deo Tibba and the Parvati peaks in view.
- 2NaggarThe old castle and the Roerich gallery, where the walk begins.
- 3RumsuA traditional village above Naggar.
- 4MalanaThe village at the far end keeps its own customs; ask before touching walls, temples or people.
A sample plan: 3 days
Day 1
Manali to Naggar and Rumsu by road, then walk up to the forest camp
A steady climb through deodar and oak.
Day 2
Camp to Chandrakhani Pass and back
A long ridge with views of Deo Tibba and the Parvati side. Some groups go down to Malana instead.
Day 3
Down to Rumsu and Naggar
Walk out and drive to Manali.
The usual stages; operators and seasons vary, so treat it as a guide.
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- ❄︎Apr
- ❄︎May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Why go
Quiet, green, and a proper pass crossing — far less traffic than Hampta.
Why not
The descent into Malana is steep and the village has strict local rules.
Before you go
- Permits
- Forest permit via operator.
- Guide
- Recommended.
- Safety
- Respect Malana's local rules — do not touch village property without permission.
- Phone & internet
- None on the pass.
Altitude
Chandrakhani Pass reaches 3,660 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness.
- Gain height gradually. Above 3,000 m, try not to sleep more than about 500 m higher than the night before, and take a rest day for every 1,000 m gained.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills.
- Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down.
- Breathlessness while resting, a wet cough, confusion or trouble walking straight is an emergency: go down at once, by night if necessary, and get medical help.
- Medicines such as acetazolamide (Diamox) are for a doctor to prescribe; they are not a substitute for going up slowly.
General guidance, not medical advice.
Permits, food and festivals in Himachal →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Nearest help: District emergency operation centre, Kullu, Kullu.
All emergency contacts for Himachal →What to pack for Chandrakhani Pass
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
12 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) Nights drop below freezing in the snow months.
- Down or padded jacket Your main warm layer for mornings, evenings and high points.
- Woollen cap that covers the ears Most body heat is lost from the head.
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs Dry woollen socks for the night matter more than you expect.
- Waterproof gloves You will be touching snow; ordinary woollen gloves get wet.
- Neck gaiter or balaclava Covers nose and neck in wind and on cold mornings.
- Hand warmers A small, cheap comfort at camp and on early starts.
- Quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs Jeans stay wet and heavy; these dry overnight.
- Quick-dry T-shirts, 2–3 Cotton holds sweat and chills you when you stop.
- Sun cap or hat Hours in open sun, with little shade above the tree line.
- Rain jacket or poncho The season here overlaps the rains.
Footwear
4 items
- Trekking shoes with ankle support About 30 km of uneven trail; break them in before you go.
- Microspikes For grip on hard snow and ice. Trek operators often provide these — ask before buying.
- Gaiters Keep snow out of your shoes.
- Camp sandals or floaters Let your feet rest at camp, and useful for stream crossings.
Trek gear
10 items
- Rucksack, 40–60 litres Carries everything for a multi-day trek.
- Rain cover for your bag Keeps your bag and dry clothes dry.
- Headlamp with spare batteries Camps and villages have little or no lighting; summit starts are before dawn.
- Insulated flask Water freezes in ordinary bottles overnight.
- Dry bags or zip pouches Separate wet from dry, and protect your phone and documents.
- Trekking poles Take load off your knees on the descent.
- Energy bars and dry fruit There are few or no shops on the trail.
- Tissue roll, hand sanitiser and wet wipes Camp and trail toilets are basic.
- Quick-dry towel Dries overnight in a tent.
- Sleeping bag liner Adds warmth and keeps an operator's sleeping bag hygienic.
Health and sun
9 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 UV is much stronger at altitude and on snow.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- UV-protection sunglasses Protects against snow glare and strong high-altitude light.
- Lip balm with SPF Cold, dry air cracks lips within a day.
- ORS sachets For dehydration and tired legs.
- Water-purifying bottle or tablets Stream and tap water should be treated.
- Blister plasters and a crepe bandage New or wet shoes rub; treat a hot spot before it becomes a blister.
- Insect repellent Mosquitoes and midges at lower altitudes and in the wet months.
- A word with your doctor about altitudeYou will go above 3,500 m (to 3,660 m). Ask a doctor about altitude sickness before you travel, and plan a slow ascent.
Documents and money
3 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesAsked for at hotels, check posts and permit counters.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsForest permit via operator.
Phone and power
2 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works thereNone on the pass.
For what you're going for
2 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
Read before you go
2 items
- A guidebook for Himachal Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
- A paper trekking map A paper map still works when the phone doesn't.
Links to shops are affiliate links: if you buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The shop handles payment, delivery and returns.
Share this place
Homestays in Himachal
No homestays listed here yet. Run one? List it.
Getting there
The nearest gateway is Bhuntar (Kullu).
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- Yes, any car can make it.
By road
From
Manali
- Distance
- about 21 km
- Drive time
- about 45 minutes
- Manali
- Patlikuhal
- Naggar
The walk starts at Rumsu, above Naggar, and usually ends at Malana.
Live directions from ManaliFrom
Bhuntar airport
- Distance
- about 35 km
- Drive time
- about 1 hour
- Bhuntar
- Kullu
- Patlikuhal
- Naggar
Buses and shared taxis. Overnight Volvo and state buses run from Delhi (Kashmere Gate) and Chandigarh. Bhuntar (Kullu) has a small airport with limited flights. Local buses run between Kullu, Naggar and Manali.
Pickups & drivers
From Bhuntar (Kullu). Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Chandrakhani Pass yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Chandrakhani Pass: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Chandrakhani Pass?
The best months for Chandrakhani Pass are May and June and September and October. April and July and August are possible but not ideal. Snow is likely in April and May.
How difficult is Chandrakhani Pass?
Chandrakhani Pass is rated moderate. The trek is about 30 km in total, starting at 2,050 m and reaching 3,660 m.
How many days do you need for Chandrakhani Pass?
Plan 4 to 5 days on the ground, counted from Bhuntar (Kullu). Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Chandrakhani Pass cost?
Expect about ₹2,800 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹14,000 for 5 days, before the cost of getting to Bhuntar (Kullu).
How do you reach Chandrakhani Pass?
By road: from Manali it is about 21 km, about 45 minutes (Manali → Patlikuhal → Naggar); from Bhuntar airport it is about 35 km, about 1 hour (Bhuntar → Kullu → Patlikuhal → Naggar). Overnight Volvo and state buses run from Delhi (Kashmere Gate) and Chandigarh. Bhuntar (Kullu) has a small airport with limited flights. Local buses run between Kullu, Naggar and Manali. The nearest gateway is Bhuntar (Kullu).
Do you need a permit or a guide for Chandrakhani Pass?
Permits: Forest permit via operator. Guide: Recommended.
Is Chandrakhani Pass suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is not advised; with seniors it is not advised. It is moderately busy in season. Respect Malana's local rules — do not touch village property without permission.
What should you pack for Chandrakhani Pass?
Pack fleece or light sweater, thermal inner wear (top and bottom), down or padded jacket, woollen cap that covers the ears, woollen socks, 2–3 pairs, waterproof gloves, neck gaiter or balaclava, hand warmers, quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Chandrakhani Pass?
None on the pass.
Will I get altitude sickness at Chandrakhani Pass?
Chandrakhani Pass reaches 3,660 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness. Gain height gradually. Above 3,000 m, try not to sleep more than about 500 m higher than the night before, and take a rest day for every 1,000 m gained. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills. Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down. This is general guidance, not medical advice.
Who should not go to Chandrakhani Pass?
Chandrakhani Pass is not a good choice for first-time trekkers who are not reasonably fit, families with children, senior citizens and anyone with a heart, lung or blood-pressure condition unless a doctor has cleared them for 3,660 m. Also keep in mind: The descent into Malana is steep and the village has strict local rules.
Close to Chandrakhani Pass
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.
- Manali & Solangabout 9 km
- Beas Kundabout 21 km
- Kasol & Kheergangaabout 22 km
- Hampta Passabout 22 km
- Deo Tibba Base Campabout 25 km
- Bhrigu Lakeabout 25 km
More in Kullu, Manali & Lahaul
- Beas Kund3,690 mcompare
- Bhrigu Lake4,235 mcompare
- Deo Tibba Base Camp4,480 mcompare
- Hampta Pass4,270 mcompare
- Manali & Solang3,978 mcompare
- Sissu & Lahaul3,200 mcompare