• Drive Distance: 115 km
• Time Taken: 5–6 hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,200 m

The journey transitions dramatically from the green valleys of Kullu to the stark landscapes beyond the Atal Tunnel. As the road climbs, forests thin, valleys widen, and the air turns noticeably crisper. The drive offers the first visual introduction to the cold-desert terrain that defines Lahaul. Overnight stay at Keylong or Jispa, allowing the body to adjust to the increasing altitude.

• Trek Distance: 4.8 km
• Trek Time: 2–3 hours
• Elevation Gain: 900 m
• Kardang Altitude: 3,900 m

The journey begins with a scenic drive through the Atal Tunnel into the Lahaul region, where green valleys give way to stark, high-altitude terrain. From Keylong, the trek ascends gradually toward Kardang village. The trail winds through dry slopes and open valleys, offering early exposure to thin air and wide Himalayan landscapes. The day is designed to initiate acclimatization while easing the body into sustained movement.

• Trek Distance: 8 km
• Time Taken: 6–7 hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,100 m
• Highest Point (Rangcha Gali): 4,400 m
• Gondhla Altitude: 3,200 m

A demanding and rewarding day. The trail climbs steadily toward Rancha Gali, crossing exposed slopes and high ridge lines that offer expansive views of the Lahaul valley. This section tests pacing and breath control. After the pass, the route descends sharply toward Gondhla village, where the terrain softens slightly and vegetation increases. The altitude drop aids recovery while reinforcing acclimatization through the “climb high, sleep low” approach.

• Drive Distance: ~90 km
• Total Time: 6-7 hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,300 m
• Base Camp Altitude: 4,500 m

After a short walk out of Gondhla, the team drives back through Keylong and onward toward Baralacha La. The landscape becomes increasingly barren as the route enters the cold desert zone. Bharatpur Tent Colony is reached by afternoon, and base camp is established. The rest of the day is spent hydrating, resting, and taking short acclimatization walks. The first night at this altitude marks a clear shift into expedition rhythm.

• Trek Distance: 4.5 km
• Time Taken: 5–6 hours
• Elevation Gain: 800 m
• Summit Camp Altitude: 5,300 m

The ascent begins over loose moraines and rocky terrain, gradually transitioning to snow patches as altitude increases. Movement becomes deliberate and measured. The vastness of the terrain becomes more pronounced, with minimal landmarks and wide open slopes dominating the view. Summit Camp is established in an exposed alpine zone. The remainder of the day is dedicated to rest, hydration, and preparing equipment for summit day.

• Trek Distance: 7 km
• Time Taken: 10–12 hours
• Elevation Gain: 911 m

A pre-dawn start, typically around 2:00 AM. The climb progresses over snow slopes, scree, and glacier sections depending on conditions. The route is non-technical but physically demanding, requiring efficient pacing and disciplined movement. At the summit, expansive views open across the Chandra Bhaga and Mulkilla ranges, with vast Himalayan valleys stretching into the distance. After a brief halt, the team descends carefully back to Summit Camp. This is the most demanding day of the expedition.

• Trek Distance: 4 km
• Trek Time: 3–4 hours
• Drive Time: 6–7 hours

The descent retraces the route back to Bharatpur Tent Colony. After packing up base camp, the team drives back via Baralacha La, Keylong, and the Atal Tunnel to Manali. As altitude drops, the landscape gradually regains colour and density. Arrival in Manali marks the conclusion of the expedition and a return to comfort, reflection, and recovery.

Challenging treks demand sustained physical output over multiple days, often at high altitude and in variable terrain. Participants must arrive with a well-developed aerobic base and the ability to move efficiently for long hours.

We strongly recommend following the training principles from Training for the New Alpinism by Steve House & Scott Johnston — with most training volume in Zone 2 to build deep cardiovascular endurance.

Minimum Fitness Benchmarks

Participants must be able to:

• Sustain 90–120 minutes of continuous Zone 2 effort without excessive fatigue.
• Walk 12–15 km on mixed terrain comfortably.
• Climb 20–25 flights of stairs steadily without long rest pauses.
• Complete 6–8 hours of movement on back-to-back days.

Recommended Training Timeline

• 8–12 weeks of structured preparation before the trek.
• 4–5 aerobic sessions/week, primarily Zone 2 (45–90 min).
• Occasional higher-intensity uphill efforts only after a strong aerobic base is built.

This prepares your body for long summit days, sustained climbs, and cumulative fatigue.

2. Strength, Mobility & Load Tolerance

Challenging terrain requires strength under fatigue and the ability to protect joints during long descents.

Strength (2–3 sessions per week)

Focus on:

• Lower body: squats, step-ups, lunges, split squats
• Posterior chain: glute bridges, hip hinges
• Core stability: planks, side planks, anti-rotation work

Participants should be comfortable performing these movements while carrying load (8–12 kg).

Mobility & Joint Resilience

Daily mobility (10–15 minutes):

• Ankles (range + stiffness tolerance)
• Hips (flexion, extension, rotation)
• Thoracic spine (rotation and posture)

Good mobility reduces injury risk during long, technical descents.

3. Sports Movement, Balance & Coordination

For challenging treks, balance and reactive movement are non-negotiable.

We recommend 1–2 sessions per week of agility-based or contact sports such as:

• Football
• Basketball
• Squash
• Badminton
• Trail running on uneven terrain

These improve:

• Dynamic balance
• Rapid foot placement

Stability on loose rock, snow, and moraine.

Participants on challenging treks are expected to demonstrate a high level of responsibility and self-awareness.

We expect you to:

• Arrive fully trained, not under-prepared.
• Carry a loaded backpack (8–12 kg) for extended periods when required.
• Follow trek leader instructions on pacing, acclimatisation, and safety without exception.
• Communicate early about discomfort, injuries, or altitude symptoms.
• Maintain mental resilience, patience, and adaptability in difficult conditions.
• Respect teammates, local culture, and the environment.
• Submit all required documents (ID proofs, medical declarations, insurance, waivers, permits, etc.) within the timelines shared by the coordinator.

Challenging treks often involve:

• Altitudes above 4,000–5,000 m
• Long exposure to cold, wind, snow, or glacier terrain

Participants must:

• Have no uncontrolled medical conditions.
• Disclose all medications, prior altitude issues, or injuries in advance.
• Understand basic symptoms of AMS, HAPE, and HACE.
• Be willing to descend immediately if instructed by the trek leader.

High-altitude discipline is critical — the mountain does not negotiate.

While not always mandatory, it is strongly recommended that participants have:

• Prior multi-day trekking experience
• At least one trek above 3,500–4,000 m
• Familiarity with cold weather, basic mountain routines, and long walking days

This significantly improves safety, pacing, and group efficiency.

Participants must come prepared with all gear and accessories listed in the official trek checklist shared by the coordinator prior to departure.

Failure to carry mandatory gear may result in disqualification from the trek in the interest of safety.

Challenging treks test more than fitness:

• Long days
• Weather delays
• Remote terrain
• Limited comforts

Participants must be comfortable with discomfort and uncertainty.