Manali to Baralacha Pass Road Trip

If you are planning a Manali to Baralacha Pass road trip, this detailed day‑trip guide covers the route, key stops, photo spots, and what to expect at this high‑altitude Himalayan pass.

Baralacha Pass: Where the Real Adventure Begins

Many travellers believe Rohtang Pass is the ultimate Himalayan destination, but the true adventure begins after you emerge from the Atal Tunnel. As you venture into the rugged wilderness of the Lahaul Valley on the Manali–Leh Highway, you’ll encounter Baralacha La Pass (about 130 kilometres from Manali). Sitting at a massive 16,040 feet (4,890 meters), its name literally translates to the “pass with crossroads on the summit”—a fitting title since it acts as the historic meeting point for ancient routes from Zanskar, Ladakh, and Spiti.

This tour has evolved into Manali’s premier high‑altitude challenge, trading the crowds of Rohtang for a stark landscape of towering snow walls and the icy, blue waters of high‑altitude lakes like Suraj Tal.

Manali to Baralacha Pass Day Trip Details

We had booked a taxi (Maruti Alto) day tour from Manali to Baralacha Pass for ₹6,000. The driver picked us up from our accommodation at 6 AM. This early start is ideal for a Manali to Baralacha Pass road trip, as you get calmer traffic, clearer weather, and enough time for multiple scenic stops along the way.

Breakfast Stop Near Lahaul Valley

After driving for a couple of hours, we stopped at a small eatery near Lahaul Valley. We had Chole Puri and tea for breakfast. The hot, simple food tasted especially comforting in the chilly mountain air and gave us the energy needed for the long high‑altitude drive ahead.

Suraj Tal – High‑Altitude Lake Near Baralacha Pass

After breakfast, we resumed our journey to Baralacha Pass, and soon we started to see snow‑peaked mountains on both sides of the road. We stopped at Suraj Tal for a short photo stop.

Suraj Tal (Lake of the Sun God) is a high‑altitude glacial lake and one of the highest lakes (4,890 m above sea level) in India. The lake was partially frozen during our time. Frozen Suraj Tal, framed by barren mountains and snow‑covered peaks, makes it an ideal photo stop and a must‑visit place on any Baralacha Pass itinerary.

Suraj Tal was the second frozen lake we had seen since we started travelling. First was Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim which was more bigger and impressive than Suraj Tal.

Baralacha Pass Experience

Soon, we arrived at Baralacha Pass and were amazed to see snow everywhere around us. The best thing about Baralacha Pass is that, since it is a bit remote, not many people visit it as much as they do Rohtang Pass or Solang Valley. That means fewer people, clean snow, and a better experience.

We spent close to 45 minutes admiring the views and taking numerous photos. At this altitude, it is important not to overexert yourself and to keep an eye on any signs of altitude sickness, so a short, relaxed stop is ideal.

Snack Time – Maggi & Momos in the Mountains

When we are in the mountains, it is not possible that we do not eat momos and Maggi. We stopped at the small eatery somewhere on the way back from Baralacha Pass. We sat outside and ate our food with the stunning background of rugged and snowy mountains. Simple roadside snacks like this are one of the small joys of any Himalayan road trip.

Deepak Tal – A Serene Mirror‑Like Lake

Our next stop was Deepak Tal, which is a small, mirror‑like high‑altitude lake. This emerald or deep‑blue water has snow‑capped peaks in the background, which makes it stunningly beautiful, giving beautiful photos when taken from right next to the road.

The water was very calm, making the atmosphere very serene. It was well worth stopping for 15–20 minutes. Deepak Tal is another highlight on the Manali to Baralacha Pass route and is perfect for a short, peaceful break.

Tandi Sangam – Confluence of Chandra and Bhaga

Our next stop was Tandi Sangam, which is the confluence of two major Himalayan rivers:
1) Chandra River: Originates from glaciers near Chandra Taal and is greenish in colour
2) Bhaga River: Originates from Suraj Tal and is bluish or darker in colour

Watching these two differently coloured rivers merge is a beautiful sight and adds a unique geographical highlight to the overall Baralacha Pass trip.

Sissu Valley – Waterfalls, River Views & Local Food

As we had some time, we stopped at Sissu Valley, about 40 kilometres from Manali. This was a tourist hotspot with a large crowd and many eateries. The Chandra River was flowing beside us. We could see the Sissu waterfall at a distance. Adrenaline seekers can also do a zipline crossing the Chandra River.

We also tried a local dish called Siddu, which is a traditional, steamed wheat-based dish. It had some sort of filling of lentils and walnuts, and it was pretty good. Tasting local food like Siddu adds a cultural flavour to the Baralacha Pass road trip experience.

Crossing the Atal Tunnel

As soon as we left Sissu Valley, the weather changed, and it started raining. We reached the Atal Tunnel, and it was amazing to know that the Atal Tunnel is the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet, stretching about 9 kilometres.

After we came out of the tunnel, we quickly stopped our car for a quick customary photo of us with the Atal Tunnel gate in the background. This tunnel is a key part of the Manali to Baralacha Pass route and makes the journey faster and more accessible throughout the year.

Final Thoughts on the Manali to Baralacha Pass Road Trip

It was a long day but well spent. We enjoyed Baralacha Pass, Deepak Tal, and Suraj Tal because of fewer crowds. Manali is one of the most famous hill stations of India and thus, remains crowded all year round. We had made the conscious decision to skip Solang Valley (because of the huge crowd) and instead go to a slightly remote place which is still comparatively untouched by tourists, for maximum enjoyment. And Baralacha Pass did not disappoint.

Have you been to Baralacha Pass? Do share your experience in the comments below!!