Trek difficulty
Moderate - Difficult
Trek duration
17 days Days
Trek altitude
6,264m / 20,551 ft
Group size
6-12
Trek distance
42 Km
Basecamp
Himachal Pradesh
Best Time
June to September
Pickup Point
Manali
Mt. Chandra Bhaga - 13 (CB 13) is located centrally in the Lahaul valley and is part of the magnificent Chandra Bhaga range in the Batal region of Himachal Pradesh. It stands tall at 6264 mts (20,551 mts). This peak is perfect for a mountaineer aspiring to summit over the 6,000 mts markChandrabhaga range is a group of peaks located in the cold desert region of Himachal Pradesh of which a few have been climbed, a few barely so and some that are still waiting to invite climbers up their mad slopes in this mad terrain. CB13 (6,264M) holds somewhat of a star-status in this range which gets its name from the two main rivers in Lahaul – Chandra and Bhaga. A technical and challenging climb, CB13 is one of those gems which was made more accessible after the inaugural of Atal Tunnel. The beauty of Lahaul is one of its kind which you notice as soon as you come out on the other side of the tunnel - the difference is so stark, it's unmissable! The landscape and its beauty is the very definition of raw which extends to the peaks in the region. For its peculiar terrain, the climb up the peaks in this region is one of a kind, too, since it comes with its own set of unique challenges. CB13 (6,264M) is a perfect way to experience the region as a whole.
As these mountains change face every year for the receding glacier exposing more of their crumbling rock underneath, this is getting harder to climb with each passing year. The long stretches of boulder sections continue all the way to the top of the mountains. For the CB13, the last 150M to the summit literally calls for some serious rock climbing skills on the patch of rocks chest-high which run vertically and tall .
From our experience, we can say that the 6000M peak which lies across the Dhaka glacier and offers magnificent views of Kunzum Range, Chandratal and the gushing Chandra river from their summits, are quite the firecrackers for their height. With their uneven landscape and impossible slopes, they almost seem unwelcoming at first sight but they aren’t actually so - they only call for a little more patience, a fair bit of attention and a lot of mettle - you got these, and they will call for you! For their level of difficulty and the skill required to make an ascent up these mountains, and also because it is a dual climb which calls for some change in strategy for managing energy reserves on an expedition, these peaks are reserved for experienced and trained climbers only. It is essential to have some past experience in the Himalayas and high-altitude in addition to a know-how of basic mountaineering techniques for the experience to be pleasurable.
The CB 13 and CB 14 are one of the most attractive climbing peaks. It is recommended to have some basic technical climbing experience and sound knowledge of mountaineering. Generally, it is recommended to attempt the CB 14 summit before an
attempt at the summit of CB 13, as this offers better acclimatization and technical preparedness. You will be trained on some basic mountaineering techniques and snow craft techniques
An attempt at the summit of CB 13 can safely be categorized as challenging and technical. You are strongly recommended to work on your physical and mental strength.For the summit of Mt. CB 13 and CB 14, you should begin your preparations early on, specifically on your physical and mental strength. These ranges are unadulterated and you will require proper guidance from our professional tour guide to traverse this otherwise uneventful range. Chandra Bhaga 13 and 14 Joint expedition is beneficial for climbers who are willing to take their mountaineering up a notch.
The best season for an expedition to Mount Chandra Bhaga 13 and 14 peaks in India is from the month of June to October. Along with the basic technical climbing experience, and knowledge of non-technical mountaineering, some insight on snow craft techniques will come in handy on this expedition and we will provide you with the training . All the logistics, accommodations and meals are covered in your package so that you can stay completely focused on your goal.
Stay on this page for more information regarding this expedition.
Expedition Overview:
|
Name of the Expedition |
Chandra Bhaga - 13 (Dakshini Pahaar) |
|
Region |
Spiti |
|
Altitude |
CB 13 – 6,264m / 20,551 ft |
|
Coordinates |
77° 33’ N / 32° 21’ E |
|
Grade |
Technical and Challenging |
|
Style |
Traditional Climbing |
|
Location |
South Dhakka Glacier, Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh, India |
Technical Breakdown and Peak Anatomy
1. Technical Anatomy of the Climb
CB 13 is not a walk-up; it needs a range of skills. Here is what you can expect on the mountain:
● The Dhaka Glacier: The approach means dealing with this ice river. Early in the season it's covered in snow. By August or September it becomes dry showing deep crevasses that need careful roping and route-finding on the Dhaka Glacier.
● The Headwall: To get to the high ridge you usually face a 45 to 55 degree snow and ice slope on The Headwall. Depending on the year's snowfall this might need ropes for around 200 to 300 meters on The Headwall.
● The Summit Ridge: Once you reach the col, which's the saddle between CB 13 and CB 14 the ridge is amazing. It is narrow in some sections with drops on either side leading to the final summit pyramid, on CB 13.
2. Why "CB"? (History & Geography)
The name "CB" comes from Chandra-Bhaga, which's the name of the two rivers that are on either side of the Lahaul Valley. These rivers are really important to the valley.
● The "CB" mountains were given numbers by the people who first surveyed the area they are called CB 1 CB 2 and so on all the way up to CB 30 and more.
● Some of the mountains in the range are special like CB 13 and CB 14 which people call the "Twin Sisters". The Twin Sisters are often climbed by teams because they are close together and share a high spot.
● The Lahaul Valley is a place because it does not get a lot of rain even when the rest of India is getting soaked by the monsoon in July and August. This makes the Lahaul Valley a great place to go climbing in the summer. It is usually dry and sunny which is why people like to go to climb the Himalayas.
The region is really good, for summer climbing people like to go to the Lahaul Valley.
DAY 1: MANALI – BATAL (4290 M) DRIVE 120 KMS
DAY 2: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY (A VISIT OF CHANDRATAAL LAKE 4300 M) DAY 3: BATAL – BASE CAMP (4400 M) TREK
DAY 4 – DAY 13: BASE CAMP – SUMMIT Mt. CB - 13 - BASE CAMP CLIMBING DAY 14: BASE CAMP – BATAL TREK
DAY 15: BATAL – MANALI DRIVE 120 KMS
DAY 16: MANALI – CHANDIGARH – DELHI DERIVE 570 KMS
DAY 17: DELHI DEPARTMENT
Stay: homestay and camps
2. Meals (Vegetarian)
Food: All meals on trek and homestay
3. Expedition Support Team
Dedicated Base Camp Manager to coordinate logistics, communication, and emergency response.
Certified Mountaineering & First Aid qualified Expedition Leader.
Experienced High-Altitude Chef.
Skilled local mountain guides (guide strength depends on group size).
Adequate support staff for smooth expedition operations.
4. Camping & Technical Equipment
Sleeping bags and liners (if required)
Mattress
Dining utensils
3-person all-season trekking tents (twin sharing basis)
Separate kitchen, dining, and toilet tents
Camping stools
Walkie-talkie communication devices
Ropes
Helmets
Ice axe
Harness
Gaiters
Crampons
5. Medical & Safety Support
Comprehensive medical kit
Oxygen cylinder
Stretcher
Blood pressure monitor
Pulse oximeter
Stethoscope
6. Transportation
Transport from pickup point to drop point , as per itinerary.
7. Additional Services
Cloakroom facility at Base Camp.
Porters for carrying central expedition equipment.
All necessary permits and entry fees (applicable for Indian nationals up to standard charges).
Complete expedition services from Dehradun to Dehradun.
Expedition Completion Certificate.
What Is Not Included
Personal insurance (mandatory for all participants).
Meals during transit.
Personal expenses of any nature.
Porter or mule services for carrying personal luggage.
Emergency evacuation, hospitalization, or rescue expenses.
Any service not specifically mentioned under the “Inclusions” section.
Optional Add-On Services (Available on Request)
These can be arranged on prior request and subject to availability. Additional charges apply.
A satellite-based communication device that works in remote regions where regular mobile networks are unavailable.
A portable chamber used for the emergency treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and high-altitude complications.
A portable device used to respond to sudden cardiac arrest by delivering a controlled electric shock to restore heart rhythm.
Yes, CB13 is a technical peak, expedition lead guide, assistant guide and helper staff, all are experienced for such expeditions. Your guide team is what makes all the difference in an expedition.
Every little bit counts. Climbers should have aerobic endurance, a strong back and core for hauling large packs, and the endurance to trek long distances
Chandra Bhaga - 13 (CB 13) is located centrally in the Lahaul valley and is part of the magnificent Chandra Bhaga range in the Batal region of Himachal Pradesh.
CB 13 stands at 6,264m / 20,551 ft.
₹On Demand | $On Demand
26 days Days
Himachal Pradesh
47 Km
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18 Days Days
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28 Days
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11-12 Days
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₹38000 | $500
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Testimonials
Rakesh dulams
Nice experience with the thinAir expedition and accommodation and hospitality and safty such as taken personal care and well experienced guide and such a cool guy
Aditi 99
I had an amazing experience with thin air expeditions. The food, the hospitality, and the preparedness of the staff for all sorts of scenarios was commendable. The location of camps was perfect. Even though i was a female solo traveller , i felt very safe and comfortable. Couldn’t have asked for a better team.
Radandi Shashank
“You are not just a mountain trek guides, but a true guardian of the journey. Your unwavering loyalty to our team, the mountains, and safety itself is extraordinary. Every step felt secure because of your dedication, integrity. And stayed committed to every trekker, through every challenge, with patience, care, and honesty. Huge respect to Subodh Jii n Aditi Mam!! Thank youu @thinairexpedition It was wonderful experience!!❤️❤️
67D3_KALYAN
Completing the Kedarkantha trek at an altitude of around 12,500 feet was not just a trek for us, it was a life-long memory, and a major reason for this unforgettable experience is our guide Shubhod Sir. From the very first day till the summit, Shubhod Sir guided us with immense patience, discipline, and genuine care. At every difficult patch, when our legs were tired and breathing became hard, his calm words, constant motivation, and confident leadership gave us the strength to keep moving forward. He never rushed anyone and always made sure that every member of the group was safe, comfortable, and mentally strong. Shubhod Sir’s knowledge of the mountains, weather, and high-altitude conditions was truly impressive. More than a guide, he felt like a protector and mentor who treated everyone like family. His positive attitude and humble nature created a sense of trust and confidence among all of us. We are also thankful to Atidhi Madam for her support and cooperation during the trek, which added to the smooth experience. Because of Shubhod Sir’s guidance and dedication, we successfully reached the summit with confidence and joy. We will always remember this trek with gratitude and respect. Truly blessed to have a guide like him. 🙏⛰️
Arvind Sahu
Wonderful experience totally worth it. At those price they provided services that no one could provides really enjoyed ❤️🎉
Kolanu Anirudh
This is my first trek in Uttarakhand(Kedharkanta) and Thin Air Expedition made it a memorable one Thanks for everything subodh bro you made it so special.
kanica kandpal
Completed the Gaumukh–Tapovan trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was an exceptional experience from beginning to end. Instead of opting for a fixed-departure model, we chose a personally curated itinerary, as this was our first trek—and it turned out to be the perfect decision. The team was extremely thoughtful in planning each day’s distance, ensuring we were comfortably challenged without ever feeling overtired or exhausted upon reaching the campsites. Every campsite was carefully selected, offering not just safety and comfort but also breathtaking views that made each halt truly memorable. What stood out most was the level of personalization. The itinerary was clearly tailored to our pace and comfort, and the trek leader constantly shared insightful facts about the region, its geography, and cultural significance, adding depth and meaning to the journey. Overall, Thin Air Expedition delivers a highly personalized, well-paced, and enriching trekking experience. I would highly recommend them, especially for first-time trekkers looking for a safe, informative, and thoughtfully curated adventure.Sen
Raj Bahadur
I booked my trek with Thin Air Expedition on a friend’s recommendation, and it turned out to be a great decision. They managed travel and accommodation very smoothly, and everything was well organized throughout the journey. The team stayed in regular coordination, ensuring that stays and drivers were properly arranged each day. The entire trip was timely, hassle-free, and also pocket-friendly. I would definitely recommend Thin Air Expedition—you can trust them completely with your travel and trekking plans.
sachin aulakh
I recently completed the Kedarkantha Trek with ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was outstanding. The coordination, communication, and arrangements were excellent. The trek leaders were experienced and friendly, the support staff was humble, the stay was comfortable, and the food quality in such high altitude conditions was truly impressive. Their focus on safety and responsible trekking made the journey even better. I would definitely choose them again for my next Himalayan adventure! 🏔️✨
Aman rai
I recently completed a trek with the help of ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was very comfortable. From stay arrangements to travel from Rishikesh to Rishikesh, everything was well managed. The driver was extremely polite, supportive, and made the journey smooth and stress-free. Overall, a great experience and I would definitely recommend them.
Nitya Jaiswal
Kedarkantha was not just a trek, it was an experience that helped me reconnect with myself. Thanks to Thin air expeditions , I felt safe, cared for and encouraged at every step. The sunrise at the summit, the laughter around the campfire and the kindness of the guides will stay with me forever. If you're looking for a company that treats you like family on the mountains, this is the one.
Biswajit Sahoo
Subodh Sir making the trek so much of fun and intresting .. Awesome Experience with Subodh Sir
Anmol Verma
Overall trekking and accommodation was a very smooth experience. Our trek leader Mr. Ramesh was amazing and very helpful. He managed to make the trek look easy. Overall experience was 10/10. Would highly recommend.
Rishabh Singh Rana
Trek Guide Mr. Ramesh Ji is a very cool & good person. Trek journey became beautiful with the group and overall it became my one of the best experience.
aditi vaidya
I recently went on a trek with Thin Air Expeditions, and I can't get over the experience I had! I did the Phulara Ridge trek with Subodh sir, and it was an incredible experience. What made it even more special was that Subodh sir made sure I could bring my dog, Flake, a toy pom. His team and him took such great care of us, and it was clear that they truly care about their guests, human or canine! The group was amazing too. I met some wonderful people along the way, and we formed lifelong bonds. The whole experience was beautiful – from the breathtaking views to the friendly, supportive environment. I’ll cherish these memories forever! If you're looking for a SAFE, well-organized, fun, and caring trekking company, Thin Air Expeditions and Subodh sir are the ones to go with!
Anuja Vaidya
It was a wonderful experience with TAE on Phulara ridge trek, everything was on point the gears, food, trek guides and Subodh sir himself was an amazing leader who is the founder of TAE, he made sure the experience was amazing even for the first timers keeping safety the first priority. Also I took my Dog, Flake along with me for the trek and it was a great experience for her as well and her food and safety was well taken care of . 🐾 Would love to go back again with Thin air expedition. Thank you so much 🤗
Simran Samal
Phulara Ridge Trek – A Memorable Experience for me !!! Someone once told me, “Trips aren’t just about travel — they become a part of you.” I never really believed it, but this time, Phulara Ridge became exactly that for me. Our first campsite — the forest trail, the tents, the whole setting — gave me the first taste of what was to come. Everything was so thoughtfully arranged, it felt like nature itself had prepared that space for us. All thanks to our trek leader, Subodh bhai 🙌🏻. The next stop was magical in its own way. The campsite was picture-perfect, and we even ended up learning a bit of the local Uttarakhandi dance from Dev bhaiya (well… I tried to! 😄). In the evenings, we played games and spent such a good time that we forgot the weight of city life for a while. And finally, the Ridge: Honestly, we thought the weather would block the views, but Subodh bhai timed it so perfectly that the skies cleared for us. Walking on the ridge — one valley on the right, another on the left, clouds passing beneath us — felt surreal. We sat there for hours, just soaking it all in. It was pure peace. And yes, we even made tea there!!! 🫶🏻 (Of course, we made no mess, cleaned it all up, and left the space exactly the way it should be 😌). For me personally, trekking has always been like meditation — a way to quiet the noise and reconnect with myself. This trek with Subodh bhai and the team gave me exactly that: peace, perspective, memories for a lifetime, and inspiration. #SoGrateful 🙏🏻 Thank you, Subodh bhai and team, for making this such a soulful and unforgettable journey! Lastly Just one note for all: “In the end, we don’t conquer mountains; they help us discover who we truly are.” To anyone even considering it: please go with #ThinAir Expeditions to experience the rawness of trekking, the beauty of nature, and the joy of escaping city life for a while. You’ll come back not just with pictures, but with stories, stillness, and a piece of the mountains in your heart. All the best !!! ✌🏻
Netra Sharma
It was a wonderful experience with ThinAir Expedition. I went on my first trek to Phulara Ridge, and it was truly amazing. Our guide, Subodh ji, managed everything so well and remained patient throughout the trek. I enjoyed every moment and every spot. The place, the cook, and the helpers were all wonderful. The food and camps were awesome. I highly recommend joining ThinAir Expedition to experience the best of “pahadi” life!
Vaibhav Srivastava
Thin Air Expedition gave us the best experience while trekking. Everything was finely arranged and properly taken care of whether it was travel, food. Staff availablity. But the best part was free hand while trekking. Subodh led us beautifully taking in note that everyone reaches the base camp and everyone is doing well. Consulting our next phase keeping in mind the safety and gears. It was collectively very amazing. He gave us full free hand additionally it is our responsibility as well to take care of each other. We did so many activities had games and fun and he even taught us how to camp. How to set up it was fun. If it would've given me option I'll rate it 10. Thanks subodh and team and thin air expedition for such a memorable trip.
Somya Chaturvedi
I recently did the Phulara Ridge Trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was my first trek ever truly an unforgettable experience! Everything was so well managed from safety arrangements and equipment to food and stay, I never had to worry about a thing. Our trek leader, Subodh, was extremely supportive, patient, and motivating, which made a huge difference for a first-timer like me. The food was simple, homely, and very satisfying after long trekking hours. Most importantly, safety was always the top priority. For anyone planning their first or next trek, I’d highly recommend Thin Air Expedition. Professional, caring, and passionate about making the experience memorable!
We're always ready for adventure
Trekking comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness—each challenge makes us stronger and more appreciative of nature's beauty.
We embrace low-noise trekking
We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind—inviting peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.
We protect the environment
We protect the environment by minimising waste, reusing resources, and picking up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails. Sustainable trekking ensures these mountains remain beautiful for future generations.
We are self-sufficient
We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations. Self-sufficiency builds confidence, independence, and respect for fellow trekkers, support staff, and the trail itself.
We support each other
Trekking is not a solo act. We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds and help everyone complete the trek joyfully.
We are fit and prepared
We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team. Fitness ensures we are never a burden and always ready to help when needed.
