An Interesting story of Baralacha La Pass in Zanskar range
Baralacha la
Baralacha La is a high mountain pass located in the Zanskar range in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The pass is situated at an altitude of 4,850 meters above sea level and connects the Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh with the Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir.
Baralacha La pass is one of the most popular mountains passes in the region, and it is frequently used by travelers and trekkers to explore the remote and stunningly beautiful landscapes of the region. The pass is particularly famous among bikers, who enjoy the thrill of riding on its steep and winding roads.
The name Baralacha La means “pass with crossroads on summit” in the local language, and it is so called because it is the meeting point of three different mountain ranges – Pir Panjal, Zanskar, and the Great Himalayas. The pass is only open for a few months during the summer season, as heavy snowfall during the winter months makes it inaccessible.
Geography
Baralacha La Pass is a high plateau where three different mountain ranges – Pir Panjal, Zanskar and the Great Himalayas. One of the highest passes in Ladakh, Baralacha La Pass is around 73 kilometers away from Keylong on Manali-Leh road.
Cross roads from Spiti, Ladakh, Zanskar and Lahaul meet at the Baralacha Pass. On the northwest just a few kilometers away from the Baralacha Pass towards Manali is the Bhaga river originates. It is a tributary of the Chandrabhaga river, which originates from the Suraj Taal Lake.
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The Baralacha La Pass is the point of commencement for several treks which include the famous Suraj Tal trek and Chandra Tal trek. Below the Baralacha-la is an emerald lake, the Suraj tal is the source of the river Bhaga. If you are travelling from Ladakh by road through Leh-Manali highway then you will have to cross the Baralacha La pass. If you are going towards Leh from Manali then it is always advisable to cross this pass before Noon.
Baralacha la weather-The weather at Baralacha La pass can be unpredictable and harsh due to its high altitude and mountainous terrain. The pass experiences sub-zero temperatures throughout the year. The weather conditions at Baralacha La pass vary depending on the season.
During the summer months from June to September, the weather at Baralacha La pass is relatively mild with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C during the day and dropping to around 0°C at night. The weather is generally clear during the day with occasional rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.
During the winter months from October to May, the weather at Baralacha La pass is extremely harsh with temperatures dropping to as low as -30°C. The pass is usually covered in snow and is inaccessible during the winter months.
Legends of Baralacha Pass
There is an interesting legend about the Baralacha La pass. The love stories of Chandra and Bhaga. Chandra was the daughter of the Moon and Bhaga was the son of the Sun who fell in love with each other. Both are decided to perform their eternal marriage in the Baralacha la pass. They ran in the opposite direction to climb the Baralacha La to carry out the rituals there.
Chandra was more efficient and smart. She found her way quite easily and reached Tandi by traveling a distance of 115 km. Bhaga had to struggle more to reach Tandi but finally reached the destination after going through a difficult journey of 60 km. They met at Tandi and their celestial wedding was performed here.
Baralacha la trek
The Baralacha La Trek is a popular high-altitude trek that takes you through some of the most remote and stunningly beautiful landscapes in the Indian Himalayas. The trek starts from the small village of Manali in Himachal Pradesh and takes you over the Baralacha La Pass, which is located at an altitude of 4,850 meters.
The trek covers a distance of approximately 70 kilometers and takes around 7 to 10 days to complete, depending on your fitness level and the pace at which you trek. The trail takes you through a variety of landscapes, including lush green forests, rocky terrain, and snow-capped mountains, and offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks.
The Baralacha La Trek is considered a moderate to difficult trek, as you will be trekking at high altitudes and will need to be physically fit and mentally prepared for the challenges of the trek. The best time to do the Baralacha La Trek is during the summer months of June to September when the weather is favorable and the pass is open. The trek is not recommended during the winter months as heavy snowfall and extreme cold can make the trek dangerous and inaccessible.
Baralacha la to Manali
The route from Baralacha La to Manali is a popular scenic drive that takes you through some of the most stunning landscape. The distance between Baralacha La pass and Manali is approximately 200 kilometers, and the journey takes around 8 to 10 hours to complete, depending on the road conditions.
The road from Baralacha La to Manali passes through the high-altitude desert region of Lahaul and Spiti, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, and rugged terrain. The road passes through several small villages and towns, including Keylong, where you can stop for a meal or to explore the local markets.
The road from Baralacha La to Manali is usually open from June to September, during the summer months when the weather is favorable and the pass is accessible. The road can be treacherous, especially during the monsoon season, and it is recommended to hire an experienced driver who is familiar with the road conditions in the region.
