Baralacha pass, Himachal pradesh

Bara-lacha la also known as Bara-lacha Pass, or Bārā Lācha La,(el. 4,850 m or 15,910 ft) is a high mountain pass in Zanskar range,connecting Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh to Leh district in Ladakh. The Leh–Manali Highway traverses the pass.

View of Bara-lacha La Top during Monsoon with melting snow.

The two headwaters of the Chenab River, Chandra and Bhaga, originate near the Baralacha Pass. The Bhaga river originates from Surya taal lake, which is situated a few of kilometers from the pass towards Manali. The Chandra originates from glacier in this region.The native name of Chenab, "Chandrabhaga", represents the union of Chandra and Bhaga rivers downstream.

Way to reach Baralacha pass

In Rudyard Kipling's novel Kim, there is a reference to Bara-lacha la pass the source of the Suraj Tal having been used by Kim's Lama to enter India from Tibet.[8]

A trekking route leads from Bara-lacha la to Chandra Taal, situated by the bank of Chandra River in the Spiti Valley. In about a week's time, trekking in this region involves camping and walking at reasonably high altitude, and crossing a few glacial rivers. The basic day wise itinerary that trekkers can follow is:[9]

Manali (2000 m) - Batal (3907 m) drive

Batal (3907 m) - Chandrataal (4300 m) hike

Chandrataal (4300 m) - Tokpo Gongma (4320 m) hike

Tokpo Gongma (4320 m) - Tokpo Yongma (4640 m) hike

Tokpo Yongma (4640 m) - Baralacha La (4900 m) - Manali