Introduction

Tucked away in the remote corners of Himachal Pradesh’s Pabbar Valley lies one of the most untouched and enchanting alpine experiences — the Chandranahan Trek. A perfect blend of mythology, raw natural beauty, and high-altitude adventure, the Chandranahan trek is ideal for those looking to explore offbeat Himalayan trails without the overwhelming crowds.

This trek leads you to the mystical Chandranahan Lake, believed by locals to be the origin of the Pabbar River and considered sacred by many. Surrounded by rugged snow-capped mountains and glacial terrain, Chandranahan is a destination that feels ancient, spiritual, and awe-inspiring. If you're seeking solitude, serenity, and soul-stirring landscapes, this trek is the perfect choice.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the detailed route, best time to visit, highlights, fitness requirements, and practical tips to make your Chandranahan Lake Trek a truly memorable experience.

Overview of Chandranahan Trek

• Location: Rohru, Pabbar Valley, Himachal Pradesh
• Altitude: ~13,900 ft (4,237 m)
• Trek Duration: 5–6 days
• Trek Distance: Approx. 25–28 km round trip
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Base Camp: Janglik Village
• Trail Type: Round trip (start and end at Janglik)

Route & Day-wise Itinerary

Day 1: Shimla to Janglik (9,200 ft)

• Distance: ~150 km | Time: 8–9 hours by road
• The drive from Shimla to Janglik takes you through Rohru and Tangnu village. Janglik is a charming Himalayan village, rich in wooden architecture and traditional culture.
• Overnight stay in a homestay or camp.

Day 2: Janglik to Dayara Thach (11,150 ft)

• Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–5 hours
• Trail: Gentle ascent through pine forests, alpine clearings, and traditional shepherd shelters.
• Dayara is a lush meadow with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
• Camp overnight in the meadow.

Day 3: Dayara Thach to Litham (11,800 ft)

• Distance: 4–5 km | Time: 4–5 hours
• The trail opens into wide valleys, streams, and river crossings.
• Litham is a beautiful open campsite with views of the Chandranahan waterfalls and snow-covered ridges.

Day 4: Excursion to Chandranahan Lake (13,900 ft) and back to Litham

• Distance: 7–8 km round trip | Time: 6–7 hours
• This is the most challenging and rewarding day. The path to Chandranahan Lake is steep, often snow-covered until late June.
• The lake lies in a glacial amphitheater and is surrounded by snow for most of the year. Locals consider it sacred, so swimming or bathing is prohibited.
• Return to Litham for overnight stay.

Day 5: Litham to Janglik; Drive to Shimla

• Retrace your route back to Janglik through Dayara Thach.
• Optional: stay one more night at Janglik or drive straight to Shimla.

Highlights of the Chandranahan Trek

1. Alpine Meadows and Meadows of Dayara

The expansive Dayara Thach meadow is the kind of place you’ll want to pause and breathe it all in — with 360-degree views of distant snow-capped peaks, it's one of the finest meadows in Himachal.

2. Chandranahan Waterfalls

A series of cascading waterfalls flow from the glacial basin, visible from Litham, creating an ethereal setting and a prelude to the lake.

3. Sacred Chandranahan Lake

The glacial lake is considered the birthplace of the Pabbar River. According to local legends, it is tied to ancient deities and rituals, making it both a scenic and spiritual experience.

4. Serene Solitude

Unlike more commercial treks, Chandranahan is largely untouched, offering peace, silence, and a close connection to nature — perfect for introspection and rejuvenation.

Best Time to Do the Chandranahan Trek

• Summer Season (May to June): Ideal for snow lovers. Most of the trail remains snow-covered till early June, giving you a pristine white Himalayan experience.
• Autumn Season (September to mid-October): Clear skies, colorful terrain, and no snow. Great for photography and safe crossings.

Avoid monsoon (July–August) due to heavy rainfall and risk of landslides.

What to Pack for Chandranahan Trek

Clothing:

• Thermal inner layers
• Fleece jacket and down jacket
• Waterproof outer shell
• Quick-dry trekking pants and full-sleeve T-shirts
• Gloves, woolen socks, cap, and sunglasses

Gear:

• High-ankle trekking shoes
• Backpack (40–60L) with rain cover
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Trekking pole (very useful in snow and steep slopes)
• Sleeping bag (if not provided by the operator)

Essentials:

• First-aid kit, including altitude sickness medicine
• Rehydration salts, protein bars, dry fruits
• Sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm
• Water bottle or hydration pack
• Power bank and ID cards

Fitness and Preparation

Chandranahan is a moderate-level trek, but the final climb to the lake can be steep and covered in snow. To prepare:

• Start brisk walking or jogging 4 weeks before the trek
• Practice stair climbing or uphill walking with a backpack
• Stretch daily and include light cardio
• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol/smoking before the trek

Safety Tips

• Always trek with a certified guide or experienced trek operator
• Do proper acclimatization – don’t rush the altitude gain
• Stay warm and dry – hypothermia can strike even in mild snow
• Drink at least 3 liters of water daily
• Watch for signs of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness): headache, nausea, dizziness

Responsible Trekking

The Chandranahan region is ecologically fragile. Here’s how to preserve its beauty:

• Carry all your plastic waste back
• Avoid using soaps or detergents near water sources
• Respect local beliefs — don’t litter near the sacred lake
• Stay on the trail and do not trample alpine vegetation
• Support local guides, porters, and homestays

Conclusion

The Chandranahan Trek is one of those rare journeys where adventure meets serenity, and nature’s grandeur is matched by cultural and spiritual depth. Far from the over-trekked routes of Himachal, this trail invites you to experience the Himalayas as they were meant to be — raw, remote, and real.

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker seeking new terrain or a nature lover craving silence and beauty, Chandranahan will leave a lasting imprint on your soul. Pack your gear, lace up your boots, and head out to uncover this glacial wonder tucked in the folds of Himachal’s forgotten valleys.

Looking to plan your Chandranahan adventure or need a custom itinerary? Drop your queries — I’d love to help you map your way to this Himalayan treasure.