Baralacha Pass

Baralacha Pass is a high mountain pass in Zanskar range, at altitude of 4,890 mt (16,040 ft) connecting Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh in Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, situated along the Leh–Manali Highway. Situated just a few kilometers from Baralacha Pass towards Manali is the Bhaga river, a tributary of the Chandrabhaga river, which originates from the Surya Taal Lake. This pass is the point of commencement for several treks which include the famous Suraj Tal trek and Chandratal trek. During the winter Baralacha pass is closed due to heavy snowfall.

Baralacha, means summit with cross roads from Spiti, Ladakh, Zanskar and Lahaul meet here and in ancient times, it was part of a trade route. On the North West lies the Bhaga while the Chandra flows south-east. Near below the Baralacha pass is having a beautiful emerald lake the Suraj tal (Sun lake), the source of the Bhaga river .

If you are planning to undertake road trip to Leh Ladakh through Leh-Manali highway then you will have to cross this pass. If you are going towards Leh from Manali then it is always advisable to cross this pass as much as early before Noon. The melting of snow and formation of water stream on the high altitudes of this pass makes it difficult to cross in the evening because of high water level on the road, then one should return to Jispa as crossing water stream could get really dangerous.