For many decades this route was used by local traders as well as the gaddi shepherds.

The trail ascends along the left bank of the Wangar River after crossing a footbridge. The path climbs up the single-crop fields of Mastrang and passes through a mixed forest of conifers and temperate broad-leafed species of trees. The trail goes through little clearings of potato and buckwheat till it reaches the picturesque meadows of Mulling (3350 meters), fringed by birch and bird cherry, leaving the Wangar River far below. From here the trail continues to Phustirang, a sheltered glade with a spring at one end and over a steep ascent to the pass. The descent is more gradual to the Pin valley, over boulder-strewn glaciers, making it a striking contrast to lush green Kinnaur.

After concluding the trek, we proceed to what is one of the most fulfilling drives across the Upper Himalayas. We make our way through the desert mountains of Spiti Valley and reach Kaza. Here we spend a day exploring some of the highest villages in Asia – Langza, Kibber and Kaumic. We also visit the ancient Buddhist monasteries of Kiiand Dhankar – these are architecture marvels in themselves and should be on every traveler’s bucket list. From Kaza, we drive to the Chandrataallake through the renowned Kunzum Pass which houses the shrine of the powerful deity Kunzum Mata. Travelers from all over the world visit this small shrine among the ragged mountains to pay their homage.

After a short halt at Kunzum, we go ahead to the Chandrataal Lake or the “Lake of the Moon” which is a freshwater lake at the altitude of 4500 metres above the sea level. The scenery alone is sublime. The place has a charm of its own, in the day as well as at night! It has never failed to move its visitors and make them feel at peace.