Baralacha La, better known as Baralacha pass is situated in the Zanskar range. It is a high mountain pass located along the Leh-Manali highway that connects Leh district in Ladakh and Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh. The barren sceneries without any obstructions of shops or hotels here look truly beautiful to the onlookers.
Just a few kilometres away, you can also see the Bhaga river that amplifies the breathtaking sceneries around the pass. Baralacha loosely translates to a summit that has several crossroads. Some of them are Lahaul, Zanskar, Ladakh, and Spiti. It is a vital location that mountain bikers never seem to miss out on their adventures.
This 8 Km long pass is also loved by trekkers who are on their way to further climb up to Chandratal lake. It acts as a great pit stop for them.
Including Baralacha La in your Manali package ensures an exhilarating experience amidst pristine landscapes and rugged terrain. Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping mountain biking trails or serene trekking routes to Chandratal Lake, Baralacha La promises an unforgettable journey for adventurers exploring the Himalayas.
How To Reach
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit and enjoy the ride through the Baralacha La is from the months of April to October. In these months, the snow melts and the Baralacha La is considered safe for tourists who can travel and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.
Other Essential Information
History
There is a famous folklore about the Baralacha La that speaks about the love of Chandra and Bhaga. Legends say that Chandra was the daughter of the Moon while Bhaga was the son of the Sun god. They both decided to climb the Baralacha pass to carry out the rituals of their eternal marriage and then ran in the opposite direction.
Chandra, who was very smart and active, found her way quite easily and arrived at Tandi after travelling a distance of 115 km. However, Bhaga struggled to reach Tandi but finally reached the destination after a rather difficult 60 km journey.
Tandi became the place where the two lovers eventually met and this is where the ceremonies of the celestial marriage were performed and the pair was celebrated.
When Baralacha La is open for tourists?
Tourists are advised to visit the pass during the months of April to October. This is actually a brief period when the snow melts and the roads are accessible to travellers. These months bring out the best in this place.
Baralacha La road conditions
The Baralacha La is situated on the Leh-Manali National highway, at an altitude of 16,040 feet. The road is in good condition and it is safe to travel during the summer months.
During the winters, there is also heavy rain and snowfall at the pass during the winter months. Also because of its steep altitude, the pass is closed for the tourists during these months as it could be highly dangerous to travel.
Distance between
1. Manali and Baralacha La
The distance between Manali and the Baralacha La is 190.4 km. Due to the high altitude, it takes approximately 6 hours to travel the distance.
2. Leh and Baralacha La
The distance between Leh and Baralacha La is 281.8 km. To travel this distance in the high altitude, it takes approximately 7 hours and 30 mins.
Permits required
To visit the Baralacha La, there are certain requirements for the Indian citizens which include valid photo identity cards and attested photocopies of documents that prove the Nationality of the citizen. You can carry documents like passports, voter ID cards or Aadhar cards.
Any one of the above-mentioned documents would prove your nationality and allow you to visit the pass. If a foreign citizen wants to visit the pass, they need to carry their passports and visas.
Travel tips
- One should always check the weather before visiting the pass.
- The pass might remain closed for Tuesdays, so make sure you get all the required information and plan the trip accordingly.
- The journey should be scheduled early in the day so that there is ample time for you to enjoy the pass and get back before the sunset.
- There are no eateries at the pass. So carry enough snacks like chocolates, dry fruits, energy bars, etc. Also carry enough water with you.
- One should not forget to carry the required permits mentioned above or they won't be allowed to enter the pass.
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