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Zanskar

BARALACHA LA

Baralacha La (File photo)

Place Details:

A high mountain pass in Zanskar region of Jammu and Kashmir, Baralacha La means the pass where many roads meet. The pass connects Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Baralacha La is better described as a plateau where three mountain ranges meet (Pir Panjal, Zanskar and the Himalayas). The Baralacha La towers over three valleys that meet at a height of over 16,000 ft.
The Baralacha Pass forms a natural divide between the Bhaga and Yunam River. The Bhaga River is a tributary of Chenab River which is also known as the Chandrabhaga River. The tributary originates from the Suraj Tal, a few kilometers from Baralacha Pass. The Chandra River which meets the Bhaga River at Tondi to form the Chandrabhaga, originates from a glacier in the Baralacha La region.
Baralacha is the starting point for several treks. The trek to Suraj Tal is a popular
When the snow melts and the road is open for travel, the peculiar shaped snow hiding between cliffs is a sight to watch. As you reach the Baralacha La, you come across the cool blue waters of the Suraj Tal that is usually marked by an outline of snow at its banks. There is a sharp contrast to the surrounding gray and off white coloured rocks that are scattered around the road and the lake.
As you cross the Suraj Tal, the snow capped summit comes into view and you reach the summit after you make your way up the last 250 ft up the mountain to reach the Baralacha La.

TIPS

Baralacha La is at a high altitude so brace for high altitude sickness.
Carry adequate water and medicine to combat altitude sickness.

FUN FACTS

Baralacha La is the starting point for the trek to Chandra Tal on the banks of the Chandra River in Spiti.
Baralacha La finds mention in Rudyard Kipling’s novel Kim. Baralacha La, which is also the source of the Suraj Tal, was used by Kim’s Lama to enter India from Tibet.

WHERE TO STAY

You can stay in a tent at the few camp sites at Baralacha La. The camp sites provide decent amenities. Staying with locals at their house is also an option. However, the amenities offered would be basic.

WHERE TO EAT

There are no options to eat except for the restaurants at the camp sites. Tibetan cuisine like soups, momos and noodles are mostly served at the restaurants.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Baralacha La is during the months of April to October when the snow melts and road is open for travellers.

BEST TIME TO VISIT ZANSKAR

The average minimum and maximum temperature of Zanskar is as given below. The best time to visit Zanskar is also specified.

MONTH	BEST TIME	MIN. TEMP (°C)	MAX. TEMP (°C)
January		27	26
February		3 0	21
March		35	26
April	Best time	40	29
May	Best time	38	30
June	Best time	35	30
July	Best time	34	28
August	Best time	31	23
September		34	28
October		31	23
November		24	16
December		17	10