Manali to Zanskar via Baralacha Pass – Overview
A wilderness route from Lahaul to Zanskar – past Suraj Tal and over the Baralacha La, across the Lingti plains and over the Phirtse La (5,435 m · trekking pass to Zanskar).
| 🗓️ Duration | 9 days |
|---|---|
| ⛰️ Max altitude | 5,435 m (Phirtse La) |
| 💪 Grade | Strenuous |
| 🌤️ Best time | July – September |
| 📍 Start – end | Manali – Kuru (Zanskar) |
| 🥾 Trek distance | — |
| 🪪 Permits | None for Indians |
| 💰 Price | On request – depends on group size and dates. Ask on WhatsApp → |
Manali to Zanskar via Baralacha Pass Itinerary – Day by Day
- Day 1Manali – Atal Tunnel – Keylong – DarchaDrive.
- Day 2Darcha – Patseo (3,820 m)
- Day 3Patseo – Suraj Tal (4,800 m)
- Day 4Suraj Tal – Baralacha La (4,890 m) – Keuling (4,200 m)The pass is the source of the Chandra, Bhaga and Yunam rivers.
- Day 5Keuling – Lingti (4,300 m)Entering Ladakh.
- Day 6Lingti – Khamerup (4,500 m)
- Day 7Khamerup – Phirtse La (5,435 m) – Chhumik Marpo (4,800 m)
- Day 8Chhumik Marpo – Zingchen (4,650 m)Entering Zanskar.
- Day 9Zingchen – KuruJoins the Shingo La (5,091 m) – Padum trail.
Altitudes and distances are approximate. Stages can change with weather, snow and the group’s pace – your guide decides on the day.
⛰️ Phirtse La (5,435 m) – Good to Know
- A quiet alternative to Shingo La: since a road now crosses Shingo La, Phirtse La is the peaceful trekking route from Lahaul into Zanskar – bare brown mountains, cold desert and Buddhist villages.
- Best time: July to September – clear weather and the least snow on the pass. Acclimatise well: most camps are above 4,200 m.
- Sarchu (Kilang Sarai) → Chumik Marpo – along the Tsarap Chu, flat then a gentle climb, 5–6 hours.
- Chumik Marpo → Phirtse La base camp – up the Lingti Chu through the cold desert, about 5 hours.
- Base camp → Phirtse La (5,435 m) → Zingchen – steep climb over moraine and scree, the whole Zanskar range from the top, then a long descent.
- Zingchen → Table / Tanze village – easier trail into Zanskar’s remote villages of fields and mud houses.
- Tanze → Purne & Phugtal Monastery – the cave monastery hanging on the cliff is the highlight of the trek.
- Permits: Indian citizens no longer need an inner-line permit for Ladakh; the environment / wildlife fee is paid online or at the check-post and we arrange it with you. Foreign nationals need a protected-area permit for some parts of Ladakh – please confirm with us before booking. The drive from Manali over the Atal Tunnel to Darcha / Sarchu needs no Rohtang permit.
- No mobile network on the trail – keep 4–5 printed copies of your photo ID and any permit / fee slips, as check-posts keep a paper copy.
Manali to Zanskar via Baralacha Pass Route Map – Altitude & Distance
🚗 By vehicle (road) 🚶 On foot (trek)
← Swipe on mobile to see the whole route → Distances and altitudes are approximate. 🚗 = by vehicle · 🚶 = on foot. ◂ km ▸ = distance for two stages together.
Manali to Zanskar via Baralacha Pass on the Map
The full Ladakh road map from our Leh taxi rates page. Bold black line = by vehicle on the road · brown dotted trail = on foot. Trek camps are not on the road map, so they are placed approximately along the trail.
🚗 By vehicle🚶 On footStartEnd○ camp · △ pass · ⛰ altitude
🖱️ Click the map, then scroll to zoom · drag to move · on mobile pinch with two fingers · 🔍 = zoom to the trek · ⟲ = whole map
What is Included
✅ Included
- Experienced trek guide (and cook on camping treks)
- Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, dining & toilet tents
- All meals on the trek (veg)
- Porters / mules for common luggage
- Transport to the trek start and from the end point as per itinerary
- First-aid kit
❌ Not included
- Personal porter / extra mule
- Insurance, rescue and evacuation costs
- Hotel stay before / after the trek unless mentioned
- Personal expenses, tips and anything not mentioned in inclusions
Book the Manali to Zanskar via Baralacha Pass
Send your dates and group size – we confirm the itinerary and the all-inclusive price, then you pay the advance online or on WhatsApp.
What to Carry
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- Rucksack (40 – 50 L) and day pack
- Down / fleece jacket, thermals and rain jacket
- Cap, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
- Water bottle, torch and personal medicines
- Original photo ID
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time for the Manali to Zanskar via Baralacha Pass (4,890 m)?
July – September. The highest point is 5,435 m (Phirtse La).
How many days does the Manali to Zanskar via Baralacha Pass (4,890 m) take?
9 days from Manali to Kuru (Zanskar).
Do you provide trekking equipment?
Yes – tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, dining and toilet tents, cooking gear and first aid are provided on all camping treks. Bring your own rucksack, shoes and warm clothes.
How do I book a trek?
Send your dates and group size on WhatsApp (+91-98162-56954). We confirm the itinerary and the all-inclusive price in writing; an advance confirms the booking.
Is the itinerary fixed?
No – every trek can be shortened, extended or combined with a Manali stay or tour package. Weather and snow can change the daily stages.