Treks by
May to July: Pleasant weather, lush greenery, clear skies September to October: Crisp air, colorful post-monsoon landscape, good visibility Avoid: Monsoon (July–August) due to slippery trails, and winter (Nov–March) due to heavy snowfall and trail closures
Nearest Town: Naggar (Kullu District) By Air: Nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), approx. 40 km from Naggar By Train: Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the nearest railhead (approx. 145 km) By Road: From Delhi: Take a bus or drive to Kullu or Manali (approx. 520 km) From Kullu/Manali: Drive or take a local taxi to Naggar Trek starts from Naggar or Rumsu village
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3,660 meters
Chandrakhani Pass Trek is a mesmerizing Himalayan trail located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Sitting at an altitude of around 3,660 meters, this moderate-level trek connects Naggar to Malana and offers panoramic views of the Pir Panjal, Deo Tibba, and Parvati ranges. The trail is surrounded by dense pine forests, alpine meadows, and vibrant wildflowers, making it perfect for nature lovers and photographers. Ideal for beginners and experienced trekkers alike, it is best done between May to October, offering pleasant weather and stunning vistas. The pass also holds spiritual significance among locals and is often referred to as the “Valley of Gods.”
The Chandrakhani Pass Trek is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most beautiful and culturally rich trekking routes, nestled in the Kullu Valley. This moderate-level trek, reaching an altitude of approximately 3,660 meters (12,000 feet), is known for its sweeping views, dense pine forests, alpine meadows, and age-old legends.
The trek usually begins from the charming village of Naggar, a historical town known for its ancient temples and the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery. From here, the trail ascends through dense deodar and oak forests, lush green meadows, and quaint Himachali hamlets like Rumsu and Naya Tapru, eventually reaching the Chandrakhani Pass.
The panoramic views from the pass are breathtaking. On clear days, trekkers are rewarded with views of Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba, Pir Panjal, and Parvati ranges. The trail continues down toward Malana, a mysterious and ancient village known for its distinct culture and restricted outsider interaction.
Chandrakhani Pass is steeped in local mythology. It is believed that the gods once opened a divine basket of blessings at the pass, letting the winds scatter the essence of the gods across the Kullu Valley. This earned the region its nickname – ‘Valley of Gods’.
Trek Duration: 3–5 days (depending on start and end points)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Season: May to July and September to October (avoid monsoon and deep winter)
Altitude: ~3,660 m (12,000 ft)
Start Point: Naggar or Rumsu
End Point: Malana or back to Naggar
Chandrakhani Pass is ideal for:
Beginners seeking their first Himalayan high-pass experience
Nature lovers looking for solitude and scenic beauty
Cultural explorers interested in unique mountain villages
Chandrakhani Pass holds deep mythological and cultural significance in Himachal Pradesh. According to legend, this pass is where Lord Jamlu, the presiding deity of Malana village, accidentally scattered the divine deities of the Kullu Valley into the surrounding peaks while carrying a basket of gods. These peaks are now considered sacred by locals, and the pass remains a spiritually significant route in the region. It has also served historically as a trade and connection route between the villages of Kullu and Lahaul.