Chandrakhani Pass

Chandrakhani Pass — Gateway to Malana

The Chandrakhani Pass trek crosses a 12,200 ft pass in the Kullu district, connecting the open Beas Valley to the secretive Malana nala — home to one of the most isolated and culturally distinct villages in the Himalayas. The approach from Naggar (the old capital of the Kullu kingdom, 20 km from Manali) climbs through deodar and oak forest, past the Rumsu shepherd community, and onto wide rhododendron meadows before crossing the pass and descending into the Malana drainage. The contrast between the open Kullu side and the closed, dramatic Malana gorge below is the defining character of this trek.

Malana village

Malana is one of the most written-about villages in the Indian Himalayas — an isolated community of 2,000 people who practice their own democratic system of governance (said to be one of the world's oldest surviving direct democracies), speak a unique language (Kanashi, unintelligible to any neighboring group), and follow strict rules of social segregation from outsiders. Trekkers are not permitted to touch village walls, houses, or residents — designated walking paths lead through the lower village only. Despite the restrictions, the experience of descending into the gorge and walking through the village is extraordinary.

Naggar castle and cultural context

The trek begins at Naggar, which was the capital of the Kullu kingdom for over 1,400 years before it moved to Kullu town in the 17th century. The Naggar Castle (15th century, converted to a heritage hotel by HPTDC) is worth visiting before the trek. The Russian painter and philosopher Nicholas Roerich lived in Naggar from 1929 until his death in 1947 — the Roerich Art Gallery and estate are 10 minutes from the trek start.

Drive from Manali to Naggar (20 km, 45 minutes) on the left bank of the Beas River. The trek ends at Jari on the Kullu-Kasol road — we pick up from Jari and drive back to Manali (60 km, 2 hours). The circuit can also be done in reverse (Jari → Malana → Chandrakhani → Naggar) — we prefer the described direction for the better descent light into Malana.

Cancellations must be requested in writing.

- More than 30 days before the trek start date: 90% refund. - 21–30 days before: 50% refund. - 11–20 days before: 25% refund. - 10 days or fewer: no refund, but you may transfer your slot to another trekker or to any future batch within 12 months at no extra charge.

Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 7-10 working days. Trip cancellations triggered by us (weather, force majeure, government restrictions) are refunded in full or moved to an alternate batch at your option.