“Where the trail weaves through temples, glaciers, and the silence of the gods.”
📖 Overview
The Charang–La Trek is a 5–6 day high-altitude pilgrimage circuit that begins in the Tirung Valley of Kinnaur and ends in Chitkul, the last village before the Indo-Tibetan border. It’s a journey through ancient monasteries, Kinnauri villages, and alpine meadows, culminating in a dramatic crossing of the Charang La Pass (5,300 m). The trek is part of the Kinner Kailash Parikrama, a sacred circumambulation of the mythical abode of Lord Shiva, and offers a rare glimpse into the fusion of Hindu and Buddhist cultures in one of Himachal’s most remote corners.
🧭 Trek Profile
Attribute
Details
Trailhead
Charang village (via Kalpa & Thangi)
Endpoint
Chitkul (Baspa Valley)
Pass Altitude
5,300 m (17,388 ft)
Trek Distance
~40–45 km
Trek Duration
5–6 days
Grade
Difficult (requires acclimatization)
Best Season
July to mid-September
Permit Required
Yes (from DC Office, Reckong Peo)
🥾 Day-wise Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1: Kalpa ➝ Thangi ➝ Lambar ➝ Shurting
Drive to Thangi, then trek to Shurting via Lambar village
Camp near Tirung Nala, with views of Rangrik Rang peak
Day 2: Shurting ➝ Charang Village
Visit Rangrik Monastery, one of Kinnaur’s oldest Buddhist sites
Stay in Charang, a traditional Kinnauri village with slate-roofed homes
Day 3: Charang ➝ Lalanti Meadows
Trek through alpine pastures and wildflower fields
Camp at Lalanti, surrounded by snow-capped peaks
Day 4: Lalanti ➝ Charang La Pass ➝ Chitkul
Early start to cross Charang La (5,300 m)—steep ascent and glacial terrain
Descend into Baspa Valley, ending at Chitkul village
Day 5–6: Chitkul ➝ Sangla ➝ Shimla (return)
🌄 Trail Highlights
Charang Village & Monastery: A spiritual and cultural hub with 11th-century murals, prayer wheels, and Kinnauri woodwork
Lalanti Meadows: Carpeted with blue poppies, wild thyme, and edelweiss—ideal for stargazing and solitude
Charang La Pass: A dramatic saddle with views of Kinner Kailash, Raldang, and the Zanskar range
Chitkul Village: The last inhabited village before Tibet, with wooden temples, barley fields, and Baspa River charm
🛕 Cultural & Mythological Significance
Kinner Kailash Parikrama: The trek is part of the sacred circumambulation of Kinner Kailash, believed to be Lord Shiva’s winter abode
Fusion of Faiths: The route passes through Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, and animist shrines, reflecting Kinnaur’s syncretic culture
Pilgrimage Rituals: Local Gaddis and Kinners perform offerings at Rangrik Monastery and Charang La, seeking divine protection
