Trekking the Chanderkhani Pass!

Chanderkhani Pass in the Kullu District of India is at 3,660 meters between Rumsu and Pulag to the well-known town of Malana, which indirectly includes a trekking route from Naggar to Malana.

During the pandemic, life got more unpredictable, but it taught me not to let my dreams and goals hang. I’ve been living in the West since 1996, and my bucket list was to trek in the Himalayas. So, I registered with Mount Me, a Mumbai-based organization that arranged this unique trek. Mount Me selects their participants for such adventures after an in-depth conversation that follows an application form to lay the expectations for both parties.

From Delhi, the seven of us took a Volvo bus to the Treetop Cottages in Naggar. The luxurious Treetop Cottages are a pleasant surprise for a trekker, especially when I expected camping in tents. Besides, the cottages owner Chandan Sharma and his staff ensured our three nights stay was comfortable and memorable.

The primary way to reach the summit is by traipsing through the rocky tracks. Therefore, it is essential to know the Chanderkhani Pass trek route. Naggar trek folklores Ganachalani which is at an altitude of twenty-seven hundred meters. The way passes through the thick forest of Rumsu. The beautiful pass offers fabulous views of the Deo Tibba Peak, Pir Panjal, and Parbati range of mountains.

We loved trekking every moment as it truly got us away from real busy urban life. But, instead, it shrunk our world down to the basics of sleeping, eating, walking, and, most importantly, caring for each other. The higher we climbed, the most spectacular hiking and epic long-distance trek it got. 

I agree with Jack Kerouac, an American novelist, when he said, “Because, in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain!”

I need not emphasize that trekking needs special shoes and a bit of a special soul too. You see the path, but you don’t know where it leads, and that thrill is worth the journey. 

My friend, guide, and philosopher Hitesh Rawal, Co-founder of Mount Me, reminded me that “When you feel the uphill struggle, think about the view from the top.” His advice indeed inspired me when I questioned why I was doing this? 

I focused on three things during my travels: adventure, culture, and service, and I had it all in abundance. 

Embracing the wild challenges and sharing stories around the campfire — the non-toxic environment works as a therapeutic experience that cleanses your mind and revitalizes your soul. 

Hiking promotes peace and takes us away from the day-to-day hustle and bustle. Hiking allows you to breathe in the fresh air, and when you look deep into nature, you will understand everything better.

Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. Awaken the sleeping giant inside of you. Stop dreaming about your bucket list and start living it.

• Tushar Unadkat

Follow @TusharUnadkat

Mount Me, as an experiential trekking company is doing some interesting work by leading campaigns like #vocalforlocaltreks (trekking to local forts considered as heritage), clean-up treks initiative (cleaning the trail while being on the mountains in the Western Ghat and in the Himalayas) and also promoting Corporate Treks to inspire trekking and outdoor culture in the corporate world.